can not
All right.
>> Good morning everyone.
We're going to get the council
hearings started.
We've got five council members
here and ready So if you could
take your seats and settle down
or take your conversations
outside of chambers we have All
right.
Let's get this public hearing
underway.
Good morning.
I will now the call the city
council meeting of Tuesday
FEBRUARY 10th, 2026 to order.
Clerk please call the roll.
Thank you.
Councilmember Campbell
Councilmember Whitburn,
COUNCILMAN Foster Council
member Von Wilpert Council
PRESIDENT Pro Tem Lee here
Council Member Campo
Councilmember Moreno Present
Council member Ella Rivera and
Council PRESIDENT LaCava
present Also attending
the meeting our Chief Deputy
City Attorney Laura Easton,
independent budget analyst
Charles Mollica and myself your
city clerk Diana Fuentes.
Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT All right.
Thank you.
City Clerk We will begin this
morning with the land
acknowledgment and the Pledge
of Allegiance led by council
member Moreno.
Please stand.
We respectfully acknowledge
that the culmination are
the original inhabitants of
the Unceded land now known as
San Diego.
Despite enduring the horrors of
genocide and colonization,
the Kumia spirit remains
unbroken.
We honor the resilience of
their ancestors who fought to
protect their culture and land.
Today they carry their legacy
forward ensuring that
the traditions continue to
thrive in gratitude and
strength.
We stand with the coming nation
connected to our past and
committed to a thriving future
.
>> Please face the flag Put
your hand over your heart and
repeat after me.
I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which
it stands One nation under GOD
,indivisible with liberty and
justice for all.
>> All right, Clark, please go
over how the public can offer
their testimony.
Thank you, Council PRESIDENT.
How it was light on the screen
that reviews how the public can
offer their public testimony
during today's meeting.
Please note the time
allocations for proclamations
and consent items for meeting
management purposes are one
minute per item maximum of
three minutes for three items
or more.
The order can be found on
the agenda Summary found online
or at the table in the back of
the room.
If you are in person please
complete a speaker slip located
at the entrance of chambers and
bring it to the front of
the room in the clear box.
Council ambassadors are
available near the entrance of
chambers and can assist with
questions and speakers Lips No
further in-person testimony
will be taken once the Council
begins virtual testimony.
Thank you, Council PRESIDENT.
All right.
Thank you.
We will now dispense with
the approval of
the proclamation items Clerk.
>> The public comment period
for the proclamation items is
now open each speaker will have
one minute per item per person.
If you would like to speak on
three or more items you will
have a maximum of three
minutes.
The proclamation items being
approved are items 30 through
33 and item 503.
We do have quite a number of
speakers so if I can please
call your names you can come up
to the yellow reserved seats in
the front row of chambers in
order to make sure you can make
your way up to the speaker
podium.
Joshua Dunn Please come up to
the microphone.
After that we have Cecil
Shelton, Chevelle, Newell Tate,
Jonathan j.
Shelby, Samuel Merrill, Jason
Shaw, Charlotte Schaller.
My apologies.
Can DiCenzo if you can all
please come up to the front
row?
Joshua you'll have a minute.
>> Please proceed when ready.
This right here is okay.
Thank you for that.
Good morning.
Council PRESIDENT, council
members and community members.
My name is Joshua Dunn and I'm
honored to speak today on
behalf of County Supervisor
Monica Montgomery.
Step in support of this Black
History Month proclamation
taking moments to uplift and
remember black history is vital
in continuing the collective
healing Some might say that
there is no need to reflect and
meditate on black history.
Many of us know that when we
stop remembering we
historically repeat our
offenses.
This is why we must continue
now and forever to speak about
the travesty of slavery that
racist foundations that some
systems still stand on today
and the need to continue to
fight for equitable
distribution and opportunity
and gain.
Let us today recommit ourselves
to the unfinished work of
justice.
Let us do so with the armor of
faith and open hands towards
our many brothers and sisters
black, white, Latino, Chicano,
Asian, lgbtq plus persons with
disabilities and all those who
stand with freedom.
>> Thank you for those remarks.
Next is Cecil or Cecil.
Good morning.
Thank you for allowing me to
speak this morning to all our
council members especially MR.
Foster for including us as we
see constantly currently in
this environment there's a
constant attack on our
communities.
I just want to make sure that
there are opportunities for our
voices to continue to be heard.
This is the inclusion part of
the inclusion that's so
important.
And I've been here over 30
years.
I've first time I've been
invited to come down here to
speak on behalf of not only
myself, my community but also
Phi Beta Sigma fraternity Inc.
As well as my source here as
well too from Zeta.
It's already incorporated.
So as part of that Dino family
I want to say thank you for
the opportunity to come down
here.
Thank you for this proclamation
and including us in this
opportunity in San Diego.
It's not many of us but there's
enough of us.
So I'm very thankful to be here
And for this proclamation.
>> Thank you.
Thank you, Chevelle.
>> Good morning Chevelle new
multi district director of
Senator Akilah Weber Pearson on
the senator's behalf I'd like
to thank you all for bringing
this proclamation forward on
the 100th anniversary of
celebrating Black History
Month.
This month exists because for
far too long the contributions,
achievements and sacrifices of
black Americans were ignored,
erased or deliberately
distorted.
This month is not about
separating history.
It is about telling the full
truth.
Black history is American
history and it is essential to
understanding who we are as a
nation and who we strive to be.
Proclamations like this matter.
It is not just about
remembering the past.
It is about shaping the future
.
They tell black children that
their history is worthy of
honor.
So on behalf of Senator Webber
Pearson, I want to thank
Council member Henry Foster for
reaching out to our office as
well and for bringing this
proclamation forward.
And I encourage all San Diego
kids to take this month to
really reflect on what is
happening.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Jonathan.
Jerry Shelby It's my here.
>> Hi.
Uh.
On behalf San Diego Black Art
Cultural District we like to
think the city of San Diego and
our partners are seeing us for
creating space for black art
artists.
Culture and history are
recognized and valued and
affirmed.
Black History Month is not only
a time to honor where we come
from but to recognize
the living history being
created right now.
The Exhibit One Source
mainstream's Pan-African Unity
through Art reflects the truth
that while African disparity is
vast and diverse, we are
connected by shared roots
resilience and creative
expression.
Events like this matter because
representation affirms
belonging and belonging
strength community strengthens
community.
These works preserve culture
spark dialog and remind us that
black history is not separate
from civic life.
It is foundational to it.
As we reflect this month.
We continue to support black
artists on our collective story
and commit to unity, equity and
cultural preservation beyond
FEBRUARY.
>> Thank you so much for your
time.
Thank you.
Our next speaker is Samuel
Merrill.
Samuel, you have you have time
ceded to you If you can please
raise your hands.
Yolanda Kelley, please raise
your hand.
Thank you, Cheryl Cyprian.
Thank you.
And Sylvia Romero.
Thank you.
You will have four minutes.
Please proceed.
Thank you.
Good morning, council members.
My name is Samuel Merrill.
I'm the vice chair of San Diego
Bay Pack Foundation.
And I'm also a board member of
the city's Go Rebecca Players
Association.
As we recognize Black History
Month, I want to take a moment
to reflect on where is this
hour of this observance matters
especially here in the city of
San Diego.
Black history is deeply woven
into the fabric of American
history.
It is foundational.
It is a history marked by
resilience service and a
continued commitment to making
our communities stronger even
in the face of significant
barriers.
The progress we've made in
civil rights, public service,
education and community
advocacy exist because people
chose perseverance over despair
and action over silence.
Here in San Diego, black
residents, leaders and city
employees have played a vital
role in shaping the city from
serving our neighborhoods and
youth to contributing to public
safety, infrastructure, culture
and civic engagement.
Their impact is quiet but
deeply meaningful.
These contributions remind us
that leadership and change
often come through everyday
service and dedication.
>> Black History Month is also
an opportunity for reflection.
It encourages us to listen, to
learn and to recommit ourselves
to diversity, equity and
inclusion.
When we acknowledge lived
experiences and honored
contributions, we help create a
city where people feel valued
and that's dimensions that
strengthens trust in our
institutions and one another.
As we move forward let us be
more than a commemoration of
the past.
Let it be a reminder of our
city's possibility to continue
building a San Diego where
opportunity is accessible.
Voices are respected and
contributions are recognized
across our communities.
Thank you for taking this time
to honor Black History Month
and for your continued service
to the people of San Diego.
And with a quote from James
Baldwin History is not
the past.
It is the present.
We carry our history with us.
We are our history.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Jason.
>> I don't know if I'm supposed
to be speaking for Charlotte or
whoever you guys called but
it's really that's why I've
been called worse this morning,
so it's fine.
I just wanted to thank City
Council.
I'm Jason Shelley.
I just wanted to say thank
the City council for
acknowledging Black History
Month.
I believe it's super important.
I would be remiss if I didn't
say DR. Carnegy Watson, a
member of the Omega Sci fi
Fraternity Inc. In which I am a
new initiate of that fraternity
is responsible for Black
History Month, started off as
History Week.
I think it's important to
remember the past They talk
about if we don't remember our
past we're doomed to repeat it.
And I think it's also important
to remember that on our fire
department it wasn't until 1951
that African-Americans and
others were allowed to work
outside of Station 19 of 36 in
Ocean View.
And so we're not talking about
2 or 300 years ago.
We're talking about something
very recent.
The Jackie Robinson of our fire
department is still alive today
and he'll be honored multiple
times this month.
We've we've only had three
African-American fire chiefs
since 1889.
It's not a slight on anything
but I think it's important that
we keep these things in
the forefront of our minds so
that we can continue to improve
on the legacy that we're trying
to create.
>> GOD bless you.
Thank you, Ken.
Now if I can have the following
people please come to the front
row.
Wesley Kendra Wesley Quite,
quite.
Kendra When has into one?
Tracy When Laura Garza glasses
and Natasha Salgado If you can
all please come up to the front
row Please proceed when ready.
>> Thank you.
Yes Good morning My name is Ken
Descends.
I'm the treasurer of San Diego
County Engineering Council and
I'm proud to say that we have
been celebrating National
Engineers Week in San Diego for
75 years and every year
the city of San Diego and
the county of San Diego have
given us a proclamation for
national engineers Week This
year it's FEBRUARY 22nd to
the 28th We celebrate with an
awards banquet to recognize his
companies and projects and
people that further
the engineering process in in
San Diego.
But we also have education
programs for the for the youth
in our our community also we
have engineers day at the mall
we have math counts.
We are encouraging all
engineering societies to
participate in our engineers
week and we want to thank you
the City for honoring us this
week FEBRUARY 28th to the 22nd
To the 20 eighth.
>> Thank you.
Thank you, Wesley.
Wesley, you have time ceded to
you by Alexandra Honor
Alexander.
Thank you so much.
You'll have two minutes.
Please proceed.
>> Good morning, Council
members.
I'm Wesley Clark.
I'm the director of Business
Quarter, Hansman said to
the icc in District nine.
With me is my daughter
Winifred.
I want to thank the city
council for recognizing
the Lunar New Year.
My family is of Chinese descent
but we came from Vietnam.
My parents and my parents came
here after the Vietnam War and
my grandparents in the mid 80s
opened a little shop in
the Heights so that there today
that little store helped
provide an income for my family
and help put food on the table
for my aunts and uncles through
college and basically help them
live the American dream.
Fun fact my grandparents
landlord at the time was
the Honorable Tom Hall who was
the first Asian-American
elected to a city council here
in 1963.
Today City Heights is home to
many of our cities aapi
residents and businesses and
who also hosts the Lunar New
Year.
I want to wish all of you and
the city Council a lucky,
healthy and prosperous year.
The horse.
>> Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Kendra when Kendra you have
time ceded to you by Silvia
Ramirez if you can please raise
your hand.
Thank you.
You'll have two minutes.
Please proceed.
Good morning.
Honorable council members My
name is Kendra Angling and I am
the economic development
coordinator at City Heights
Community Development
Corporation and MISS Vietnam
San Diego of 2024.
So my strongest childhood
memories live in City Heights.
Every Saturday my dad would
wake my brother and me up and
say to Carrie Gong load us into
our Toyota van and drive us to
City Heights.
Our first stop was always
eating fresh going our way of
enemies Chinese fried snack and
gesso which is Thai tea from a
local Vietnamese restaurant.
My teeth would turn slightly
orange every time I would drink
the Thai tea.
And my dad would always make
fun of me every time I smiled.
For so many families city
Heights and that or Lunar New
Year are where our roots and
traditions come together.
Thank you.
Honorable council members for
supporting our community.
Happy Lunar New Year, Hopper.
Happy Lunar New Year And I
thank you.
Cutting to I seem to want Good
morning members of the City
council.
My name is Jacinta Wong and I'm
honored to be here as a board
member for the Chinese
Consolidated Benevolent
Association of San Diego and
the House of China as well as a
proud member of the San Diego
aapi Coalition.
Thank you for recognizing
the Lunar New Year a
celebration observed by many
communities here throughout our
city.
This year we welcomed the year
of the fireworks which
symbolizes strength, resilience
and forward momentum qualities
that I believe resonate deeply
with many of our communities in
this moment in time.
The Lunar New Year is a time of
renewal and reflection.
Rooted in honoring family
tradition and the promise of
new beginnings, this
recognition affirms the value
of the cultural inclusion and
the many communities that
contribute to San Diego's
strength and vitality.
On behalf of the organizations
I represent, we wish you and
all San Diego and a year filled
with health, prosperity and
unity.
We hope everyone will join us
for the upcoming Balboa Park
and downtown Chinese New Year
fairs this month.
>> Thank you for that
concluding comment Tracy.
>> Good morning City Council
members.
My name is Tracy Wang Honored
to be here today on behalf of
the office of Assemblymember
DR. Darshana Patel.
Thank you for this proclamation
Recognizing the Lunar New Year.
This year being the year of
the horse the year I was born,
the year of the horse
symbolizes perseverance, high
energy and good fortune values
We hope that will guide and
uplift our communities.
Senior County Senior The city
is incredibly diverse and that
diversity is one of our
greatest strengths.
It is so important that we
honor and celebrate the many
cultures that make up our
communities and continue to
create welcoming spaces where
families can spend meaningful
time together.
These moments of connection our
traditions are passed down,
relationships are strengthened
and a sense of belonging is
built.
This proclamation allows our
community to honor heritage and
rich history history in a
meaningful way.
Happy New Year.
>> Happy Black History Month
and Jack McNamee.
Thank you.
>> Laurin Curtis.
>> Good morning.
Honorable council members, city
attorney and staff.
My name is Lauren Bell, Sita
Garces and I'm here with
the San Diego Asian Pacific
Islander Coalition representing
over 50 plus Asian and Pacific
Islander serving organizations
across San Diego County to say
happy Lunar New Year and Happy
Black History Month.
What a beautiful thing it is
for our communities to come
together to be able to share
our histories, our cultures and
traditions with each other.
One of the best ways to do that
is to come to our community
events and celebrations.
Let's support our
organizations, our artists, our
small businesses.
I'm telling you we're
celebrating for over a month
and beyond So we welcome you to
come to so many places across
San Diego County.
We had our very first convoy
rising over the weekend a
historic moment in the convoy
district.
That shows how powerful it is
in these moments and times when
we come together and celebrate
each other.
So with that and to share in
that spirit I just want to
share with our own Filipino
language to add to that
celebration.
Mobile High Ang Lahat.
>> Long live all of us and
happy Lunar New Year.
>> Natasha Salgado And you're
speaking on items 32 and 30 so
you'll have two minutes one
minute per item.
Please proceed.
Perfect.
Thank you.
Good morning Council members.
My name is Natasha Salgado and
I serve as the Vice PRESIDENT
Of Programs and Strategic
Initiatives with City Heights
Development Corporation.
It is an honor to stand before
you today representing a
community that is both deeply
diverse and profoundly
connected.
Our organization is proud to
recognize both Black History
Month and Lunar New Year two
meaningful observances that
reflect the cultural richness
that defines our neighborhoods
and strengthens strengthens
the spirit of city heights.
This Black History Month we
honor the vibrant black culture
that continues to shape our
community through connection,
cultural pride and lasting
contributions of our black
entrepreneurs, artists,
advocates and leaders.
Our black communities across
the across the country not only
enriches the cultural diversity
in communities like City
Heights but also drives
innovation, expands economic
opportunity and reinforces
community and belonging that
makes our neighborhoods so
strong.
As we welcome the Lunar New
Year, we celebrate a time of
renewal, resilience and hope
while recognizing
the Asian-American and Pacific
Islander communities whose
traditions small businesses and
multigenerational leadership
continue to shape the social
and economic fabric of
the community of city heights.
Their legacy is reflected in
the thriving corridors family
owned enterprises and cultural
traditions that bring vibrancy
to our community.
While these celebrations hold
distinct histories, they share
a common thread The power of
culture preserves perseverance
and collective belonging.
Both serve as important
reminders that the strength of
city heights lies in the people
who uplift one another and
continue to contribute to a
shared vision for the future.
Thank you for your continued
partnership in recognizing and
celebrating the communities we
are honored to serve and for
your commitment to fostering
neighborhoods where every
culture is valued and every
resident has the opportunity to
thrive.
Thank you.
>> Tree limb And then if I can
also have Greg Woods, Cassandra
Wong and Ling Xu all come up to
the front row.
Please proceed already.
>> Good morning.
My name is Tre Lu.
I'm a board director for
the Vietnamese American Youth
Alliance or Via.
It's a mouthful.
I know.
Today I stand here with
the support of the Vietnam San
Diego Court and staff
representing something very
simple but yet very powerful.
For 21 years
the Vietnamese-American Youth
Alliance has brought our
community together through San
Diego's largest that festival
not just to celebrate culture
but to pass it on, to share it
and maybe to have some fun in
our beer garden Doing so Vida
has become a bridge a bridge
between generations, between
cultures, between where we come
from and who we are beginning
becoming.
This proclamation recognizes
the city's commitment to that
culture and on behalf of via
accept this proclamation with
deep gratitude but also with
responsible.
And so with that in mind we
invite you all to join our
festival on FEBRUARY 20th 21st
and 22nd at Liberty Station
because your support gives us
the bricks with which we use to
build this bridge and build we
shall.
>> Thank you Greg Woods Hello.
I'd like to thank the city
Council and especially
Councilmember Foster in
the fourth District office for
continued support of the Black
History Month celebration.
I remember when those a time
when we did not do this but
they've consistently over years
have invited public employees
and citizens to participate in
this And this is something that
we can't take for granted
anymore When we look at like in
Florida where public
institution ins are prohibited
from using words like black
woman or dui in their public
announcement at the risk of
losing public funds, this is
just important that to me and
I'm sure all of us that you
guys are still standing up
strong and and toeing the line
and recognizing Black History
Month and the value of it.
Thank you.
Cassandra I'd like to thank
the members of City Council for
recognizing the Lunar New Year.
My name is Cassandra Wong and
I'm the principal of Chinese
School of San Diego.
Today we gather as a community
to honor one of the most one of
the world's most cherished
traditions the Lunar New Year.
This year we welcome the year
of the horse.
In Chinese culture the horse is
more than a symbol speed and
strength.
It represents perseverance,
vitality and the courage to
move forward no matter
the obstacles.
It is a time to celebrate our
diversity, honor our cultural
heritage and strengthen
the bonds that make our
communities vibrant and
resilient.
As we celebrate this special
day, let us carry the spirit of
the horse into our daily lives
Moving forward with confidence
lifting each other up and
building a community where
every person can thrive.
As we celebrate our 100th
anniversary this year,
the Chinese School of San Diego
wishes you and your loved ones
a year filled with happiness,
health and excluding Chai ling
zoom Good morning Your Honor to
be here.
I'm a board chair with the San
Diego Chinese School.
We are a nonprofit organization
founded in 1997 is now about
over 100 700 students.
So our mission is to provide
nurturing and stimulating
learning environment for
students to acquire skills of
comprehension, communication
and reading and writing in
Mandarin Chinese to instill
the awareness of their Chinese
heritage creating a programs to
introduce Chinese characters to
community and to promote mutual
understanding between different
ethnic groups.
I would like to appreciate
the office of the Council
PRESIDENT Pro Tem Kelly to
invite me here to ring the Year
of the Horse was a proclamation
of the City Hall.
>> Thank you.
Thank you.
That does conclude public
comment here in council
chambers going to those
participating remotely I have
started the five minute timer
starting with Blair Beckman If
you can please unmute and let
me know which item or items you
wish to speak to All of
the items You'll have three
minutes.
Please proceed.
Thank you.
i won't need three minutes.
I'll just need one minute.
Thank you or really good public
comment today.
It was just nice to listen and
learn and everybody public
comment was really interesting
for myself today.
Thank you for your proclamation
items today and everybody who's
attended the meeting this
morning and it was nice to be
around.
I need it right now in my life
and I think we all do and a
good affirmation of what we can
be doing in San Diego.
>> Thank you.
Thank you.
That concludes public comment
on the proclamations.
All right.
Thank you, city Clerk And thank
you to everyone that took
the time to come down and
speak.
We'll turn it over to my
council colleagues for
questions, comments and
entertain a motion and we'll
start out with council member
Henry Foster.
The third Thank you Council
PRESIDENT.
I'd like to provide comments
briefly on items 3031 and 32
First starting with item 30
Black History Month, I want to
first sincerely thank my
colleagues Council PRESIDENT
Pro Tem Lee Councilmember Isla
Rivera Councilmember Moreno and
Mayor Todd Gloria for bringing
this proclamation forward with
me today I speak with deep
pride and a full heart to
present this Black History
Month proclamation And this
year is especially meaningful
because we are making marking
100 years of Black History
Month 100 years of
intentionally telling
the stories that were too often
left out, overlooked or erased
Black history Month began in
1926 as History Week created
by DR. Carter g.
Woodson to ensure that black
contributions to this country
were recognized and remembered.
And today that mission and
purpose is still relevant
because black history is
American history.
>> It is a history of not only
resilience but also one where
we celebrate the brilliance
leadership, creativity and
innovation In San Diego Black
history lives in our
neighborhoods, our families,
our churches, our small
businesses and our culture.
Black history lives strongly in
District four and across
Southeast of San Diego in
the various neighborhoods I
celebrate this month proudly
and unapologetically, I had
the pleasure of visiting
Bayview Baptist Church and they
have a very what I call
significant Black History Month
agenda And First Sunday I just
have to say and I'll paraphrase
my good friend Pastor Brooks he
said This month we get to
celebrate, celebrate blackness
and everything is black, black,
black and more black.
And so there you go right.
>> So with that I would like to
see a couple of my minutes so
we can share a short video from
DR. Lee Shay Sharp Collins
Assembly member for California
79th District and member of
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
Incorporated and that will be
followed by Diamond Brandon for
his spoken word presentation As
we continue to honor Black
history and excellence, I hi I
am Assembly member DR. Laiss\
Sharpe Collins and I am here to
support the resolution that's
coming before the City Council
in honor of Black History Month
2026 marks 100 years of a
acknowledging the rich history
and culture and also
the resilience of black people
within this country the history
of black people across
the United States is something
that folks are trying to erase
and don't want to teach
The true story about
the overall struggle and how
blacks have gotten to this
country.
I want you to know that being a
person of color, being a black
African-American is something
that so many of us are
extremely proud of.
>> Everything that we've done
in this country should continue
to be celebrated, to continue
to be elevated and also
acknowledged.
The work that we have done has
continued to provide
the overall support for
diversity, equity, inclusion
and access.
Black history is everybody's
history and as I've always told
people for as long as I am
black I am historic.
I am a part of history.
So as long as you are black you
were also historic.
So I'll remember who you are,
where you've come from, how you
have contributed to today's
society When no one understand
that you stand on the shoulders
of so many so many people who
have come before you and there
will be others that will stand
on your shoulders right after
you.
So this resolution that is
coming forth today is something
that is truly needed especially
in the trying time when you
have the administration that's
doing everything it can to
continue to acknowledge black
history, the history that is
true just and right the history
of blacks in this country And
it's a wonderful one.
>> And I can also project I'm
very loud I know My apologies.
>> No, it was it was muted over
here.
Try it again.
>> Okay.
Hello?
That was my mistake.
I have no worries.
Happy Black History Month.
Wonderful.
So I am going to share a little
spoken word If you like what
you hear you can snap.
I know they like quiet chambers
to wave your hands but I hope
that whoever this message is
for that it reaches you and it
carries you to whatever journey
you are on and empowers you to
live in your purpose.
We began what a week seven
small days to hold a
civilization's worth of
brilliance seven polite boxes
to check off before returning
to business as usual.
But our history has never fit
inside of margins, never felt
the clocks or waited to be
approved.
>> Black history was not born
small.
It was forged hammered out in
survival carry forward by
people fighting to breathe
despite the world's hands
around their throats holding
hostage their air.
I come from a lineage that
turned chains into language
that built Saro into song and
stitched prayers into
blueprints and called it
freedom across from Harriet who
trusted the sky more than
the law and turned the North
Star into a roadmap for escape
from Sojourner who stood in
the face of denial and made
truth their worst nightmare
from Ida who sharpened her pin
into shake piercing through
America's lies With everywhere
written she restored our faith
.
I come from the brilliance of
W.E.B. The Fire of Malcolm
the moral thunder of Martin,
the worn hands of Ella who
taught me that movement survive
when power is realized and
individuals not idolized in one
eye a scene from Fannie Lou's
where your body and unbreakable
will from Septimus classrooms
where reading became rebellion
and balance became our
breakthrough.
I come from ancestors who built
universities from dust families
fracture and futures from faith
alone And even now I am still
building.
>> I am the artist who will use
their words to give home to
truth whose voice will bellow
in activism when silence is
the safer thing to do and when
I am in doubt Mina piano
thunders in my chest Baldwin
dares me to see myself clearly
and Toni reminds me our story
is not decoration it is
doctrine.
I am the air to stolen genius
the architect behind traffic
lights blood banks, surgical
tools and modern medicine
The brilliance that built this
world while being told we did
not belong in it.
I am the athlete who refused to
perform quietly who turned
fields into battlegrounds of
coaches who bit me, eased race
fist and reminded the world
that black bodies are not
props.
We are prophecy.
I am Lee's defiance and
Serena's dominance.
I turn arenas into alters
performance into resistance
that bars into mountains and I
will take another black body.
Excellent.
And that's the climate I am
the student who sat down so
others could stand tall
The child who marched before
knowing the cost The young one
who refuses inheritance steeped
in injustice and chooses
instead to rewrite the rules.
I am the organizer
the caregiver, the mutual aid
When systems collapse under
their own neglect the one
knocking on doors long after
hope fails Then because
the work my people begin still
has work to do.
Black history is not behind me
It is the breath in my lungs,
the drums in my steps,
the prayers in my elders mouths
dreams and my children's hands
100 years after it was named
and I am still naming myself
still defining freedom still
daring to believe that some day
this country will become
everything it pretends to be.
And I'm not asking for
permission.
I'm reclaiming what was always
mine.
I am excellence without apology
resistance shaped by love I am
imagination sharpened by
purpose.
I am the descendant of people
who survived the unimaginable
and still chose to build, to
love, to lead.
So let this be more than
remembrance Let it be reckoning
Let it be return Let it be
responsibility Because black
history is not a chapter It is
a living force And inevitable
truth And I and we are all
the reclamation.
>> Thank you.
Yes I'm Thank you for that
diamond Um, just quickly before
I move on, I just want to do
some quick acknowledgments.
I'd like to acknowledge our
very own queen mother, Kathleen
Harmon for being here with us
today to talk about her journey
and her fight.
>> It is truly endless.
I also like to thank all of
the divine nine that came to to
speak and to represent.
We'd like to thank our assembly
member, our Senator, our
supervisor and I know Secretary
of State is here with us today.
I'd also like to thank Chief
Logan for being here.
I see we have the executive
director from the San Diego
Urban League.
And lastly I just want to
acknowledge someone that I see
in the room my good brother
Herman Collins.
If you would please stand so we
could acknowledge your presence
.
For those that don't know
Herman Collins had
the privilege to serve in
the District four office as
the chief of staff to
the legendary George Stevens.
Thank you for coming out and
thank you for everything that
you continue to do for our
community.
So again, just thank you so
much and I'll leave you with
this.
As it was said, we've had three
black fire chiefs in the city
of San Diego since its
inception.
We have not had not one black
chief of police and I'm not
going to rest until we make
sure that that happens.
>> So with that I will move on
to National Engineers Week.
Thank you for sharing.
Uh, I also want to comment on
National Engineers Week Council
PRESIDENT Thank you for
bringing forward this
proclamation Recognizing
National Engineers Week
engineers play a foundational
role in advancing innovation,
solving complex challenges and
applying science and technology
in ways that improve daily
life.
Their work often happens behind
the scenes but the impact is
lasting and shapes systems and
opportunities across
generations.
And I would be remiss if I did
not take a moment to especially
especially during Black History
Month to bring recognition to
acknowledge the National
Society of Black Engineers.
Nesbit has been instrumental in
supporting black engineers and
scientists, helping create
pathways, mentorship and
community in fields where
representation has been has not
been equitable during Black
History Month it's important we
recognize and uplift
organizations like Nesby that
both honor the legacy of black
engineers in stem but also
actively invest in the next
generation.
Lastly, I'd like to speak on
item 32 as we recognize
the year of the Horse.
I would like to thank Council
PRESIDENT Joe Carver, Council
PRESIDENT Pro Tem Ken Lee and
Council member Shawn Ella
Rivera for recognizing
the importance of this
celebration.
The lunar year is a is a deeply
meaningful tradition for
millions of people across many
cultures and communities
reflecting the traditions,
histories and values that so
many families carry with them
across district four in
communities throughout San
Diego.
Many families welcome the Lunar
New Year as a time of
reflection, tradition and
connection.
I appreciate the opportunity to
recognize and honor cultures
and histories that continue to
shape our shared community.
>> And with that I will move
the proclamations.
All right.
Thank you, Council member
foster So we have a motion by
the council member to move
the proclamation item so we'll
go next to Council PRESIDENT
Pro Tem Lee then Council
PRESIDENT And I'll go ahead and
second the proclamations agenda
and I'm going to focus on
speaking to items 30 and 32.
First off I'm honored to join
my colleagues council members
foster Moreno and Isla Rivera
as well as Mayor Gloria in
proclaiming this FEBRUARY as
Black History Month in our
city.
Thank you to Councilmember
Foster for sharing
the background of black History
Month which has now been
commemorated for over 100 years
and through the founding of
the Association for the Study
of African-American Life and
History.
DR. Woodson and fellow scholars
worked to correct the exclusion
and misrepresentation of
African-American contributions
and the broader American
narrative.
And as Councilmember Foster
declared, Black history is
American history.
Each FEBRUARY Black History
Month gives us the opportunity
to uplift and reflect on
the history, culture,
sacrifices and immeasurable
contributions of black
Americans through art
throughout our nation's history
and here in our own communities
.
Well, it's been 100 years.
I think we find ourselves in a
moment when the foundations of
our country's history are being
intentionally erased or hidden,
vulnerable and marginalized
communities continue to face
injustice and the values of
diversity, equity and inclusion
are constantly being
challenged.
We must acknowledge that
the work continues and
therefore our commitment to
equity, justice and
the preservation of historical
truth requires ongoing effort.
I think as many have shared in
the audience and we'll share up
here on this dais Black History
Month is both a celebration of
achievement but also a reminder
of the continuing struggles for
freedom, dignity and equality.
And as the city it allows us to
reaffirm our shared
responsibility when it comes to
protecting truth, democracy and
inclusive storytelling.
So to all those celebrating
happy black history Month on
item 32, I want to thank
Council PRESIDENT LaCava and
council members Isla Rivera and
Councilmember Foster for
joining me in proclaiming
FEBRUARY 17th 26 through
FEBRUARY 5th, 2027 as the year
of the horse in the city of San
Diego.
Next Tuesday the moon will be
going through its new moon
phase and bringing with it a
new year for more than 2
billion people around the world
including Chinese, Vietnamese,
Korean, Japanese and other
Asian and Asian-American
communities.
As someone of Chinese American
descent but whose parents were
born in Vietnam and in Burma
this is certainly a holiday
that has been celebrated by my
family and many others
throughout our region.
And for many of those families
it's one of the most important
holidays.
It's a time to gather, to
reunite, to celebrate and
welcome what is hopefully a
prosperous new year in San
Diego.
Lunar New Year has been
celebrated for over a century
dating back to the 19th century
and the formation of
the region's first Asian
Asian-American communities.
If you follow the Chinese
zodiac, this new year is
represented by a fire horse
bringing bold action, growth
and forward momentum.
People born in horse years are
believed to be hardworking,
warm hearted and independent.
A shout out to our chief of
policy in the district office
Anjali Hoyos, who certainly
shares these characteristics.
While 2025 was the year of
the Wood Snake which
represented a time to reflect
to shed what didn't serve us
and to strategize the year
the fire horse is associated
with passion, ambition and
social shifts encouraging
decisive action while also
reminding us to remain grounded
as impulsiveness can be a
challenge.
Although this year is beginning
with continued unrest and
instability within our
communities and abroad,
the year of the horse reminds
us that even in turbulent times
opportunities for evolution,
progress and positive change
remain.
I want to thank all
the organizations who work year
round to recognize and uplift
the Asian-American native
Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
community.
This past Sunday the convoy
area which I have the honor to
represent hosted its first ever
convoy rising Lunar New Year
celebration And my family and I
had the opportunity to attend.
I want to take a moment to
thank our Arts and Culture
Commissioner Dennis Dizzy Dawn
and the Joan Foundation, Lauren
Garcia of Social artistry She's
here today and the entire Up to
you cafe team for their
collective effort to present a
beautiful community moment with
some of the best line dancing
presentations that we've ever
seen in the San Diego region.
We also have a number of
organizations that are here in
attendance today.
You heard from some of them
during public comment so I
won't name all of them but many
of them are hosting Lunar New
Year celebrations throughout
this month and throughout
the city and they range from
downtown to City Heights from
Liberty Station to Pebble Park
and many more.
And so to those who MAY not
have had an opportunity to
celebrate this holiday, I would
encourage you to support these
local events.
Bring red envelopes or they'll
provide you some at them.
Just bring some cash and you
get to feed some lucky lions in
the hopes that it will bring
you and your family a happy,
healthy and prosperous year
ahead.
With that I will wish everyone
a happy lunar New Year.
Took Monomoy Senior in quite a
stunning pile up.
Thank you.
>> All right.
Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT Pro Tem.
>> So we have a motion by
Councilmember Foster and a
second by council PRESIDENT Pro
Tem Lee to move approval of
the proclamation items will go
next to council member Moreno.
Thank you.
I have comments on item number
30 and 33.
Item number 30 is recognizing
Black history month in the city
of San Diego.
I want to thank council members
Foster Lee Yellow Rivera and
Mayor Gloria for joining onto
this proclamation and
presenting the black History
Month Proclamation.
This month we honor
the leadership and cultural
impact of black communities
that are often achieved in
the face of adversity.
The story of our nation cannot
be told without acknowledging
the central role black
Americans have played in
shaping our economy,
strengthening democracy,
governance and most importantly
advancing civil rights for all.
Their legacy continues to
inspire programs and unity in
our communities And I I'm very
happy that we are celebrating
this day today.
Moving on to item 33 is so
local, so locally I I'm honored
to stand before you to
recognize and celebrate a truly
special establishment that has
helped shape the city of San
Diego's creative culture and
environmental future.
And that's so so local.
>> Founded in 2013 in the heart
of Barrio Logan Community So
Loca is a sustainable fashion
studio that embodies innovation
,care and community.
It's a woman minority owned
business proudly led by
co-founder Gloria Rodriguez
both in ski who's here in
the in the audience with us and
Manny Brzezinski whose vision
and leadership have made a
lasting impact here in San
Diego and beyond.
For the past 13 years so Loca
has been a force in San Diego
sustainable fashion movement
through hands on education in
sewing mending upcycled and
conscious consumption.
They have transformed the way
thousands of San Diego think
about their clothing over
the years.
So Loca has educated more than
2500 students diverting
thousands of pounds of textile
from local landfills,
revitalizing traditional
textile art and creating a
replicable replicable model for
sustainable fashion education
that has gained national
recognition.
So local also built meaningful
partnerships with schools,
libraries, non-profits and
community organizations
throughout our state city
fostering economic opportunity
,creative entrepreneurship and
accessible sustainability
education particularly for
historically underserved
communities.
Beyond all of this, so Loca is
an integral part of Barrio
Logan's culture and creative
essence.
They contribute They contribute
to the neighborhood's identity
as a center of art, innovation
and environmental leadership
And they do so with heart
purpose and deep community
roots.
So FEBRUARY 13th marks So
Locker's 30th anniversary 13
years of celebrating love for
our planet, our community and
the value of caring for
the items we already own.
It's my honor to proclaim
FEBRUARY 13th, 2026 as a local
day in the city of San Diego.
And congratulations to
the whole team.
And thank you for your
incredible work here in
the city of San Diego.
Moving right along to the year
of the horse, I want to say
happy Lunar New Year.
I surely will be wearing my red
on Tuesday making sure that
the year of the horse is a good
one and and that and happy
national Engineers Week.
And just congratulations to all
the proclamation recipients
today.
That concludes my comments.
Thank you.
All right.
Thank you council member.
And we'll go next to
Councilmember Eli Rivera.
>> All right.
Thank you, Council PRESIDENT.
Let me start by thanking
everyone who's here today to
recognize and be recognized.
I I'll start with Black History
Month.
Thank you, Councilmember Foster
for including for allowing us
to join you in proclaiming
every 2026 to be Black History
Month.
It was it's already been so
well said Why this is so
important.
So I did want to just add a
couple things.
I always like to look at
the way that the Association
for the Study of
African-American Life and
History talks about this month
and what it means in
the particular moment that
we're in.
And I think there were some
words in on their website that
I'm really spoke to me and it's
the final paragraph which says
to understand the modern world
especially in nations where
black people as form a
significant population, one
must grapple with the impact
that the public observances
have had on the past and
the present.
This year when we are
commemorating the 250th
anniversary of the United
States Independence, it is
important to tell not only an
inclusive history but an
accurate one.
We have never had more need to
examine the role of Black
History Month and when than we
do when forces weary of
democracy seek to legislate and
seek to use legislative means
and book bans to excise black
history from America's schools
and public culture.
Black history value is not its
contribution to mainstream
historical narratives but its
residents in the lives of black
people.
Thank you for bringing up who
you brought up today.
COUNCILMAN Foster, thank you
for the role you are playing in
black history in this city.
Thank you to all the elected
officials who participated in
it.
I think obvious but also worth
noting that our state
legislators, our county
supervisor and secretary of
state black women who are
demonstrating black excellence
on a daily basis in incredibly
important roles of leadership.
And then Diamond, thank you for
the very powerful words that
were shared.
>> I will just say that in
the moment that we are in it is
incredibly important for me at
least to draw inspiration from
people from people who have
overcome great adversity
adversity.
And there was a line in
Diamond's poem I think she said
of people who survived
the unimaginable unimaginable
and chose to build and to love.
And if that lesson that that is
possible in all moments no
matter how terrible it MAY seem
that that lesson is not
important right now that I
don't know when it would be.
So again, thank you for
allowing me to join you in this
proclamation and I hope this
month is as joyous and
impactful as as it is it should
be.
Council PRESIDENT Pro Tem Lee
Thank you for joining allowing
me to join in recognizing year
of the Horse.
It's one of I love I love my
district and I love City
Heights being in my district
And one of the reasons I love
that is the way that we come
together as diverse communities
and recognize different
celebration and folks who maybe
ever been exposed to certain
celebrations and um and growing
up kind of just seeing through
the divides and recognizing
that joy is joy and
appreciating when another
people are finding a moment to
celebrate their history, their
heritage and that will play out
over the next um over the next
several weeks in our community
and across the city And I very
much appreciate that and I
appreciate every time I have an
opportunity to be invited in to
those spaces and be part of
the celebration.
Um and then last but not least
I just can't help but kind of
reflect on um the power of
Black History Month and
the recognition of Year of
the Horse in this moment in
time again when the history of
this nation's diversity is
attempted to be erased when
the idea itself that we cannot
celebrate one another, we
cannot celebrate our
backgrounds, our histories, our
heritage um when that is being
attempted to be imposed upon us
and that and the ideas that
celebrating those things and
recognizing our history is
un-American.
I very much appreciate that we
are using this space and these
chambers to show the exact
opposite that the exact
opposite is true.
So thank you again to my
colleagues for the recognition
of of everything that we are
celebrating today And thank you
to everyone in the community
for being here and being part
of this.
Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT All right.
Thank you.
Council member Ella Rivera
talking about perseverance and
overcoming challenges.
>> Welcome to Chambers
Councilmember Yvonne Wolpert
Thank you very much.
Council PRESIDENT Thank you to
my colleagues.
I apologize for being late.
You MAY have heard there was an
overturned trailer and a police
stand off on the 15 Freeway So
I have been in there for about
two hours.
We are here.
The freeway is still shut down
so please avoid 15 if you can
but everyone is safe.
So thank you everybody for
the wonderful proclamations as
usual with item 30.
Thank you for my colleagues in
bringing forth Black History
Month.
It's an incredible month that
we have to continue to
recognize given that
the federal administration is
trying to take our history
down.
Black history is American
history and the contributions
of African-Americans have
helped shape the social
cultural and civic fabric of
our country and city.
I could not have said it better
than Diamond.
Your poem was absolutely
beautiful And here in San
Diego, black leaders advocate
educators and families continue
to strengthen our communities
and inspire future generations.
I am proud to say all my
colleagues in recognizing
FEBRUARY's Black History Month
and honoring the lasting impact
of African-Americans San Diego
and beyond And many of us who
celebrated this Saturday
morning for the women of Color
War Breakfast I saw MS..
Harman there and many other
leaders.
It was a beautiful occasion And
i look forward to celebrating
every year.
And item 30 happy national
Engineers Week engineers are
our problem solvers Return our
ideas into reality Designing
the bridges we cross the water
systems we rely on the clean
energy we're building and
the technologies that keep our
communities safe and connected.
City Engineers Your work
touches every part of our daily
lives often behind the scenes
And this week we celebrate all
of you who use your creativity
precision and public spirited
innovation to build a stronger,
more resilient future for all
of us.
So I'm wondering if there's
the city engineers with us
today can we please get around
robots?
>> Thank you.
And item 32 year the horse
happy lunar New Year.
Thank you to my colleagues for
bringing this proclamation
forward as well as we welcome
the year of the Horse we
celebrate a symbol of strength,
resilience and forward
momentum.
Wishing everyone a year filled
with good health, prosperity
and new opportunities.
I'm looking forward to
celebrating this year as I have
last year as well and hopefully
I'll get the feed Lucky Dragons
with a council who are looking
again.
It was a great of great event.
Finally an item 31.
Chief McFarland, I'm very, very
honored to be celebrating your
retirement today although very
sad to see you're leaving
the city today.
It is my honor to recognize
Chief Charles Checkbook Farland
for a remarkable career
dedicated to protecting
the people of San Diego.
For more than four decades he
has served as a helicopter
pilot and the other 40 years in
the fire service Chief
McFarland has demonstrated
extraordinary leadership,
professionalism and commitment
to public safety Since joining
the San Diego Fire Rescue
Department, he has helped lead
one of the nation's premier
municipal fire aviation
programs strengthening our
ability to respond quickly and
effectively to wildfires,
emergency and rescue
operations.
His focus on safety, advanced
training, operational
excellence has not only
protected our residents but has
also supported the firefighters
and first responders who rely
on these critical resources.
Chief McFarlane's expertise is
recognized nationwide and his
work has helped shape
the future of public safety.
Aviation far beyond our city.
As you MAY recall in 2003 we
experienced one of the worst
wildfires in California history
and we lost over 500 homes
because we did not have
the aerial apparatus that we
have today.
And so thank you very much.
Achievement haaland As we saw
last year in JANUARY when we
had five fires and we used
aerial apparatus on every
single one it's a huge game
changer for our city and it's
one of Chief McFarlane's last
services to our city.
He did fly all the way to
Virginia and flew back with our
latest helicopter all the way
across the country.
So we appreciate you very much
,sir.
I would love to invite you to
come up and invite Deputy Chief
o'Donnell to come up and say a
few words.
>> Council PRESIDENT Lacob and
City Council members and
council member Vaughn Wolpert
Thank you very much for
the recommendation recognition.
It's been a true honor.
I'm humbled to be here today
and I want to thank the my
colleagues that are in
the audience.
Fire Chief Logan and his
command staff and all the men
and women of our operations and
all the fire department.
It's it's been an honor beyond
belief to serve the city.
And I want to thank all
the other departments I got to
work with to make all this
happen.
And the support I had from
the four fire chiefs they kind
of gave me free rein to do a
lot of things.
So sourcing helicopters and
doing a lot of things to save
the city money.
So it's been a true honor and I
need to say thank you to my
wife Cindy, who I've been
married to since I was 18 years
old.
Without her support I never
could have done this.
So thank you very much.
I'm not going to look at you.
>> So just to add on to the to
the proclamation the great job
that lays out Chuck's career.
I wanted to I'm sorry.
i'm Steve Long, deputy chief of
special operations.
So I'm the chief for Chuck
McFarland.
But I've always said Chuck
doesn't really have chiefs or
bosses.
He has collaborators And so
that's what I've been for
the past couple of years.
Chuck has been the foundation
of our air operations program.
He has innovated this program
and on a selfish point for this
patch and for this city we have
the Premier air operations
firefighting element in
the nation and that's due to
him on a local level.
Chuck has always been the guy
for Cal Fire for us forestry
for local law enforcement.
Chuck is the aviation guy that
everybody calls on a state
level.
He's run committees for fire
scope.
He's part of Cal Chiefs which
has been instrumental
throughout the state on a
national level.
He's worked with the ifc,
the Forest Service to implement
their their air to air
operations programs And on an
international level I've
actually been with Chuck when
he was propositioned by other
companies to come and teach
aerial firefighting in France
and in Greece.
Who gets that?
Who gets that opportunity?
So on that level I just wanted
to say Chuck, thank you for
your service to the city.
Thank you for everything you've
done for us.
We are the premier organization
because of you.
Chuck retires on FEBRUARY.
Friday, FEBRUARY 13th which we
know Chuck was probably bland
but he is amazing.
He will be missed.
But the one thing about Chuck
that we've all seen is when
it's when you need them he's
there.
It's sometimes at some point in
the conversation when something
is trying to be figured out
especially in the fire
department or in special
operations a lot of times it
ends up with as anybody called
Chuck.
>> So thank you, sir.
Thank you.
Thank you very much And thank
you.
And Chief Logan, I know you're
here as well.
Is there anything else you'd
like to add or We haven't
covered?
We haven't covered.
Okay.
All right.
Thank you very much for all of
your work.
I appreciate you so much and
thank you Council PRESIDENT For
the time and I'm glad to be
here.
>> Glad you make it.
All right, everybody.
All my colleagues have spoken
so I had a few words to kind of
begin to wrap this up.
All thank you to my colleagues
for bringing these various
proclamations and the eloquence
of your words as well as those
who spoke today on a variety of
the proclamations.
You know, this is such a unique
opportunity in chambers to
really recognize a number of
organizations events, cultural,
individual who are retiring in
a very, very special way.
And I'm so honored that we
continue that proud tradition
here at council.
I'll speak to a couple of items
No surprise 31 National
Engineers Week It's certainly
one of my favorite
proclamations of the year as we
recognize week of FEBRUARY 22nd
through 28th is National
Engineers Week in the city of
San Diego highlighting those
who have work impacts every
part of our daily lives
The transformative work done by
engineers across the city and
the country continues to shape
safer and more resilient
communities for generations to
come.
Engineers develop systems and
solutions from the roads we
drive on to the invisible
infrastructure that supports
our city Without the dedication
and precision of an engineer
none of it would be possible.
Your hard work and expertise
keeps everyone safe and able to
rely on the systems that serve
us all.
To all the City of San Diego
engineers and those who are
joining us in chambers today
from various city departments
from one engineer to another
thank you for your service And
I also want to welcome Chief
Community Service Services
officer and city engineer
Ronnie Amen.
And engineering and Capital
projects Director Lee Sutton to
make their remarks Rania
Goodman good morning.
Good morning.
Council PRESIDENT And members
of the City Council.
Thank you council Presidents
for bringing forward this
proclamation, recognizing
National Engineers Week.
On behalf of our entire
engineering team as the city
engineer we truly appreciate
the acknowledgment of this
important work being done
across our city.
Engineering is more than
technical expertise in my
humble opinion It's a public
service from designing and
maintaining road infrastructure
hours to delivering major
capital improvement projects.
Our engineers work every day to
ensure public safety resiliency
and long term sustainable Lee.
I'm proud of the dedicated
professionals who serve
the communities with
innovation, integrity and
accountability.
Thank you for your continuous
support of our infrastructure
investments and for recognizing
the engineer who helped keep
our cities strong and moving
forward.
Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT.
>> All right.
Thank you, Lee.
Lee Oh yeah.
Life is good.
>> And I'll close those remarks
speaking to those in high
school or even entering
college.
I'm very proud of engineering
as an incredibly important
career path No matter who you
are, no matter what your
background are.
It is a way to serve the public
and provide community service
and have an excellent job.
So I would hope that people
that are not discouraged by
some of the rhetoric that we
hear.
We need engineers in every
aspect of engineering to
continue the good work that our
predecessors did that our
current engineers are doing
every day.
And come up and sign up for
the city of San Diego.
>> We're a great place to work.
So with that let me move on to
32 year of the horse.
I join my colleagues in
celebrating the year of
the Horse in the city of San
Diego.
Lunar New Year holds deep
significance bringing together
friends and family in
celebration of reflection and
renewal marking the beginning
of a new year 2025 as you
heard, was the year of the Fire
Horse which symbolizes
confidence, amplifying honest
intentions and engagement being
born in the year of the Horse
myself.
I hope to bring forward these
expectations with me into
the Lunar New Year and I wish
you all happy Lunar New Year
filled with happiness,
prosperity and good health.
And I'll close with item 30
Black History Month.
My colleagues were so eloquent
as well as the public so I'll
offer this thought in this time
that we are facing for those
who purport to be national
leaders in these conversations
that are running so scared
about our history that seek to
ignore it, to seek not to learn
from it, that seek to embrace
it does not make us a great
country.
We are a great country when we
acknowledge that the bad in
the case of the bad experiences
of the past that we learn from
them, that we acknowledge them,
that we say them out loud every
day so that we can move
forward.
And we do that also by
celebrating the very good
moments of who we are as a
country.
So to those who want to be a
community leaders, let's
embrace who we are as a country
acknowledge, learn and continue
to move forward.
Every American from the past
who are living today and
the next generations deserve no
less.
>> So with that I will close
our shout out to the Chief
McFarland for your service over
the years.
>> With that we have a motion
by Councilmember Foster and a
second by Council PRESIDENT Pro
Tem Lee to move
the proclamation clerk Please
call the roll I'm sorry
the voting system Please cast
your vote That passes
unanimously 6 to 0 with
Councilmember Campo,
Councilmember Whitburn and
Councilmember Campbell absent.
>> Thank you, Council
PRESIDENT.
Okay, we're not done with
proclamations.
We're going to pause for some
photos and we're going to start
with item 30.
Black History Month
.
Anything for a second
and then
and and and and
and
and and and
and
and and and
and and so there was.
All right, we're going to wait
for that one council member to
return before we get on with
the rest of the morning and
then our two council members
Thank.
Yeah well all right we'll get
on with the rest of the council
agenda for the morning session
before we proceed with
the approval of the consent
agenda we will first return
item 5o1 and item 60.
Back to staff per their request
.
So are there any requests to
pull any other item by council
colleagues not seen any
request?
Clerk Please proceed with
public comment on the consent
agenda.
>> Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT Park Krueger
If you can please come forward.
>> You're speaking on item s
500.
I see him coming up to the door
.
Paul Krueger There we go.
>> And just to note as you
speak up it's one minute per
item per person.
If you would like to speak on
three or more items you'll have
a maximum of three minutes.
The consent agenda includes
items 1050 58 103 110 sw 505
four with as I one and 60
returned to staff Please
proceed on writing with just
one minute.
All I can say is that I'm
extremely disappointed This is
the first time we're learning
about this settlement from
the Council This is an issue of
extremely important public
discussion.
Like a Wilson this is a $10
million settlement for alleged
wrongdoing by a police officer
who provided these perpetrators
with large paddles to beat
these children and a fire
department volunteer who
allegedly didn't report
witnessed child abuse.
These these first of all these
settlements It's been two
months since we made this
settlement and closed session.
The city attorney for some
reason must think I'm I'm an
opponent's counsel refuses to
explain why you didn't report
out this settlement And most
importantly two of you voted
against this settlement.
COUNCILWOMAN Moreno and
COUNCILWOMAN Campbell.
Please all of the explain to
the public why you voted
the way you did.
>> Thank you.
Thank you for that concluding
comment There are no other
public speakers hearing council
chambers going to those
participating remotely starting
with Michael Schmidt.
Michael, did you want to speak
on the consent agenda or on non
agenda public comment?
Michael Schmidt I cannot unmute
for you There should be a pop
up that came up I will have to
move on to the next speaker
Blair Beekman If you can please
unmute and let me know which
item or items you wish to speak
to.
My pleasure.
Beekman I'd like to speak to
items 5254 and 102 items one,
two, three and 124 and one
away.
>> Thank you.
Please proceed.
You'll have three minutes.
Okay.
Thank you.
Where Beekman To first speak to
items 108 and 103 Um 108 is a
new commissioner for uh
the Commissioner for
the Convention Center.
Um, that's exactly right.
>> I'm sorry if I got the title
there.
Uh uh for the director.
Yeah.
We're really trying hard to
work on convention center
issues.
Uh, fix it Repairs.
There's a whole bunch of work
that can be done.
A holistic approach, I hope.
Take accountability is a part
of that process.
I've always been saying if you
are good tech accountability to
visitors and they understand
that I think that's building
the best friend San Diego we're
trying to look for and it's
important work tech
accountability Good luck in
making an open and clear
process of community
participation for all of us
That builds community harmony
and friendships to go on to
items 103 item about uh uh
commission funds uh fund a
commission that works on
funding issues.
Thank you for that commission
and their reporting.
It sounds like an interesting
commission that reports on city
funds and their practices.
Thank you.
That always bring that to
council.
I hope we can bring more
commission reports to council
in the future.
Thank you.
Item one of four is Police
Association Lateral and
Recruitment Incentive programs.
My goodness gracious Have you
guys been learning that with
all the we've been bringing
down violent crime a lot in
local communities least deaths
of of of citizens people of
the cities is actually rising
since George Floyd's incident
Are you guys clear on that So
these lateral recruitment moves
although helpful we have to be
very mindful of it and I hope
we're having good safeguards in
place for the process that we
can't just hire anyone.
We have to really mind and note
what we're hiring and what that
process is about.
Um we have to be mindful of Our
police are working at this
time.
I know that can be separate
from my good luck that we we
are prepared best practices
that we are headed in a time of
war.
We really have to practice
peace.
Good luck in those efforts.
And finally about pure water
issues I as important as it is
that we're working towards, you
know, community participation
on the future of water board
issues, the council has to be
more clear how much pure water
is adding to water rate
increases overall.
And just to be clear and
accountable on that subject, it
isn't a gotcha moment.
It's offering best practices
for ourselves that we're
building the pure water system.
Well so good luck that you're
open and accountable your time
and concluded 8700 if you can
please unmute after that is
7499 and then 1384 and 700 if
you can please let me know
which item or items you wish to
speak to.
>> Yes, thank you.
5256 and 101 in 1 or 2 please.
>> You'll have three minutes.
Please proceed.
Thank you so much.
Heads up.
First of all I MAY There's a
chance I'll get a knock on
the door for maintenance in my
apartment and I MAY have to
just You write out when I'm
speaking.
So it just a chance it might
happen.
Okay, So on 5253 these are all
pure water and I guess to pure
water I'm on board finally I
think about a year and a half
ago and I'm really, really
excited about the historic
project that this is is looking
forward to fruition on it.
It is And I looked at the aoc
report and there is some and
underrepresentation especially
I think on the company on
number 50 and I will see this
again later I have a concern
regarding the San Diego County
Water Authority and their
system quality and
the collaboration and
relationship between all parts
of that Now on 54 the Point
Loma wastewater treatment plant
and permits and so forth.
Wow This is just so crucial And
I'm following it pretty
closely.
The history of it and where
we're headed And it looks like
at the end of 26 here there
will be a deadline that that we
will have to meet on that
the permit issue.
So it's probably more
complicated than that but I'm
just holding my breath on that
and actually saying a prayer.
So yes, I'm 55 for the East
parking but I did want to say
that this is the contract in
the eoc.
There's under-representation
there.
I know somebody that worked at
East Parking for years and he
really felt comfortable there
and spoke well of it on Yes to
56 which is Highland Software,
a city clerk.
I didn't have a chance to
really get into the backup
well.
But the one thing that really
doesn't work for me in our
system is the public comment.
I just cannot work with that at
all on any computer and I think
that's because how you say that
related and the other thing I
have concern with and it
doesn't really I think relate
to you the city tv and getting
into the archives and doing
the replay on yes to 100
the contract on the hydrogen
sulfide odor control every time
I see a cost of ten figures it
just catches my breath
Chemicals chemicals, chemicals
We can't live with them and we
have to be careful because they
can really hurt us.
So using less chemicals can be
cost effective yet never at
the cost.
>> My apologies Your time has
concluded and for public
comments you can also just
email them to City Clerk at San
diego.Gov If you're having
problems with the web form 7499
if you can please unmute Bob
because this guy here like to
speak on items 5556 and 103
minutes please proceed.
Item 56 Highland Software.
Last night a friend and I
watched the 2004 film version
of Manchurian Candidate
starring Denzel Washington and
Meryl Streep.
The atrocities in that version
resulted from a business
referred to as Manchurian
Global which operated in
concert with elements of
the United States government.
I mention this because I
continue to see the city using
relationships with private
businesses to subvert citizens
rights.
We saw that with the red light
cameras run by a private
business back during
the Sanders administration.
Fortunately that particular
practice was stopped by Mayor
Filner.
But similar examples exist to
this day.
For years now citizens had to
go to the website at Highland
cloud.Com in order to access
the agendas for this meeting.
Since my recent comments on
this I do now see that this
current city council agendas on
the city clerk's website so
thank you to City Clerk Fuentes
for fixing that.
But all of the previous agendas
and public comments continue to
be provided only via Highland
cloud.Com.
I'm not opposed to an outside
business being hired to perform
services for the city but those
services should services should
not require citizens to
interact with or do business
with those outside businesses.
Item 55 is parking.
As I mentioned in a previous
comment, the parking business
has had an unfortunate history
of not accepting cash payments
for parking in our city parking
structure.
Fortunately Darnell from ace
Management has made provisions
to accept cash and I do thank
him for that.
But that provision needs to be
specified in this contract to
protect any citizens rights to
operate independently of any
private financial institution
or credit card business.
I want to hear from this
council whether that provision
is in this item or not.
Finally, it's an insult that
you limiting citizens to one
minute per item when you spent
most of this morning on your
own P.R. Photo opportunities.
>> Shame on this council.
Thank you.
Next is phone number ending in
1384.
If you can please unmute 1384.
>> Thank you.
Ernie Castro La Hoya Senior
resident Please review all
the items.
>> Okay.
Please proceed.
You'll have three minutes.
Yeah.
Ernie Casco, a senior resident
pilot concerning all the items
in poor city Council decisions
including Torrey Pines Board
report It is FEBRUARY 10th.
Your lease holder is currently
blocking me out of the airport
completely under threat of
violence forcing residents to
finally legal contract to use
Torrey Pines Motor Park.
It is well documented.
The complaint is on your desk
and it needs to stop today.
Your leaseholder claims to be
doing his job that nobody
complained or stopped them.
What is your job?
Todd Gloria and Joe LaCava to
protect our constitutional
recreational rights and
freedoms.
It's time to stop the war and
control over Torrey Pines
Glider for Cash Cow Purse Your
leaseholders access pass and
waiver conflicts of residents
and free pilots Constitutional
recreational rights and
freedoms.
Fighting over employment,
money, power, profit and
control of the glider port.
This needs to end.
I reported serious allegations
directly to your office and San
Diego police most recently
the city Council real estate
assets department while under
threat of violence.
I have been paying your
leaseholder that refuses to
provide a copy of the Access
Pass and waiver in question.
The truth is also coming out at
University Community Planning
Group.
Where are the police reports
for the victims who have been
damaged?
Why haven't you taken action
when you have a proven legal
solution on your desk?
It's time to stop the crime.
Revise the permanent
reinstatement of the Torrey
Pines Advisory Board and
implement the proposed San
Diego Recreational waiver as a
proven solution to the dispute.
I challenge City Council to
come up with a better legal
solution that's proven and
ready to go.
It's a win for City council
liability.
It restores our recreational
rights and freedoms for years
to come.
It's the best decision that
the City Council could make.
>> Thank you.
Thank you.
That does conclude public
comment but I would like to
note for the record
the potential appointments and
reappointment that are on
the agenda this morning.
I don't want to wait as a
potential appointment of Carlos
Gortat to the San Diego
Convention Center Corporation
Inc Board of Directors.
Item 109 is a potential
reappointment of Joseph Anthony
Bustamante and Nicole Hower to
the Citizen's Equal Opportunity
Commission and item as 504 is a
potential appointment of Lydia
Bartell to the San Diego
Convention Center Corporation
Board of Directors.
Thank you Council PRESIDENT.
All right.
Thank you.
With that we'll turn it over to
my council colleagues Questions
Comments Entertain a motion and
we'll start with council member
Von Wolpert.
>> Thank you very much And I
wanted to say thank you to
everyone who's being appointed
today to serve on our boards
and commissions.
Thank you Carlos for your
continued service on
the Convention Center board.
I do hope that you will join
the call to leverage the new
funding we have with Measure c
to maybe have a long term bond
or something that we can
actually, you know, provide
long term relief for
the infrastructure of
the convention center.
But thank you for your service.
It's very exciting.
And also on item 100, I'm very
excited to be able to point out
something that very rarely
happens up here on this dais is
that we are approving a
contract with substantial cost
savings from the previous
contract.
This is for our water system to
make sure that we can have
drinkable and clean water in
this new contract estimated at
about 27% cost savings to
the city per gallon for
hydrogen peroxide and 17% per
dry ton cost savings for
ferrous chloride.
And so that is just huge news.
I know that the party has been
working on this for a while To
reduce cost is something we
never see and everyone say
thank you very much for this
great work on it and let us
know how we can continue to
leverage it in bulk buying any
whatever you did to do this.
Thank you.
So congratulations on this
great work and I will move
the consent agenda.
>> All right.
Thank you.
Council member Von Wolpert We
have a motion to move
the consent agenda which does
not include item 60 or 5 or
one.
We'll go next to council member
Foster Yes, thank you.
>> Council PRESIDENT I will
second the consent agenda but
just a couple of comments.
I am one of four I know we
talked about this cota in
regards to recruitment
retention.
This does directly speak to
the concerns that continue to
come from this council
regarding overtime But also I
just want to make sure that we
are doing everything we can to
budget appropriately you know
having things come in after
the fact.
As we know processes have
started in place I this year
only as good as the information
that we get at the time as we
are going through
the development process.
So just just want to reiterate
the importance of making sure
we're getting accurate
information and and folks are
projecting accordingly.
I'm also in regards to item
s500 you know this item
authorizes a $10 million
settlement and just following
the recent 30 million
settlement regarding Noah
Wilson together these cases
represent 40 million in
liability in the short time
frame $40 million in a matter
of weeks.
Not only does this represent a
growing financial risk to
the city but also highlights
the need for reform and a
culture change within our San
Diego Police Department today
the City of San Diego since
2017 has spent roughly $100
million in San Diego Police
Department litigation and
settlements.
And that's very concerning as a
liability fund is supported by
the general fund And with that
code if I can have a commitment
from the mayor's office, I
would formally request that
risk And Senegal pd docket an
item at the budget and
government or Budget and
Government Efficiency committee
to bring an item to have a
public conversation about these
settlements going back to 2017
and also would like to know
what steps we are putting in
place to mitigate these types
of litigations and misconducts
.
Can I have that commitment from
the mayor's office?
Yes.
Councilmember will likely also
work with city attorney's
office to make sure what we're
discussing is allowed under to
close session matters.
But yes you have the commitment
to docket something a budget
with risk and Seneca Police
Department Thank you.
I appreciate that And that
concludes my comments and I can
take that as a second.
Yes.
All right.
So we have a motion by
Councilmember Von Wolpert and
second by Councilmember Foster
to move the consent items which
again do not include item 60 or
501.
We'll go next to Councilmember
Eli Rivera.
Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT.
I'll start with item 100
Actually I appreciate
Councilmember Von Wilpert
bringing this up a couple of
years ago I believe we had a
contract come to us for
chemicals used for water and
there was a conversation at
that time about the way in
which it seemed as though
the pandemic and the war in
Ukraine were continuously being
used as excuses by companies
that we depend on to in my
opinion gouge the city for for
essential items.
It is not a choice as to
whether or not we treat our
water or our wastewater And it
seemed very much like the city
was being taken advantage of.
I've actually pointed to these
chemicals as examples of some
of the costs that the city has
seen significant increases in
in conversations with committee
members in explaining why
the budget has grown in some of
the ways that it has.
There's other reasons as well
for sure.
But this was an example of a
thing that we needed to pay for
that had significantly increase
in cost And I share
Councilmember Rommel
appreciation that we've dug in
and worked harder to negotiate
a better price for San Diegans
.
So I just want to express my
appreciation for that.
I want to say congratulations
to MR. Cota for your
reappointment, the convention
Center Corporation Board of
Directors.
Obviously you bring a a wealth
of experience.
That's not my way of calling
you old.
That's just my way of
recognizing that you've seen
some things and you've been at
the convention Center for some
very important changes,
especially as it relates to how
the workers at the convention
center are treated and ensuring
that they're treated with
the dignity that they deserve
and receive the pay that they
deserve as well.
So thank you for that work.
I will now pivot to to item 500
as well.
>> I will start by saying that
I don't think there is a single
thing that I have heard as a
council member that has been
more horrifying and
disappointing to me as a leader
in this as a person who is
charged with a responsibility
of leadership in this city,
then the details of this
lawsuit I believe that our most
sacred duty is to protect our
young ones and the city,
the county, the rock church and
the community as a whole failed
in that duty and we failed.
Arabella McCormick and her
young sisters.
I'm going to read some of
the detailed details of
the reporting because I think
it's extremely important that
we do not run from these
details as horrifying as they
are.
And this is from kpbs aids
reporting Arabella was reported
just 40 pounds when sheriff's
deputies arrived at
the family's Spring Valley home
in AUGUST 2020 to a report of a
child in distress.
McCormick, just 11 years old at
the time, died shortly after
from heart failure.
Her young her sisters both
appeared younger than their
ages due to underdevelopment
they suffered from re re
feeding syndrome a phenomenon
identified following World War
two when prisoners of war were
provided with food after a
prolonged period of starvation
and subsequently died from
cardiac failure they had to be
nourished gradually they were
hospitalized and receive
treatment that saved their
lives.
>> Thank GOD.
>> In addition to her role at
the Rock Church, the girl's
adoptive mother Latisha
McCormick also volunteered as a
crisis intervention specialist
for the San Diego Police
Department.
>> But Couric's parents
the girl's adoptive
grandparents Stanley and Adela
Tom also volunteered with
the Department to add to
the horror.
The legal complaint alleges
that McCormick worked alongside
a San Diego police officer who
visited the family's home and
witnessed the parents
prohibiting the girls from
eating food And when they did
force them to chew their food
very slowly.
That officer was alleged to
have given her friend paddles
to be used on the young girls
and set up apart again.
That officer was alleged to
have given her friend paddles
to be used on the young girls.
>> There are no words or amount
of money that can make amends
for the way Arabella and her
sisters were failed.
I support the settlement
because it is what
the representatives of
the surviving victims believe
because the representatives of
the surviving victims believe
the money paid by the city will
help ensure the girls have
the security they need to heal
from the hardship from
the abuse and loss of their
eldest sister.
My sincere hope is
the settlement and
the settlements of the other
institutions involved will help
provide the surviving victims
the resources necessary to
overcome what has been
inflicted upon them.
And I am so, so sorry that
nobody came to their aid
earlier.
>> It is also important for us
as a city and for all San Diego
to ask what is being done to
prevent anything like this from
ever happening again?
So cota just and this is
rhetorical right now but I do
mean this.
What steps are the mayor and
the chief taking to ensure
the culture and practices of sd
pd prioritize the protection of
children?
Before the unwritten rules of
protecting their own.
And finally in a moment when
the city is roiled in a
conversation of the way
resources are allocated, we
must acknowledge that this $10
million settlement plus
the settlement with the family
of Keno Wilson puts the city at
over $40 million paid out on
settlements in just the last
couple of months triggered by
the acts and failures to act by
the San Diego Police Department
which resulted in the deaths of
two minors babies.
>> Things must change.
They must change because our
sacred duty to our young ones
demand that they change.
They must change because
the values of justice and
safety demand it and things
must change because we
literally cannot afford for
them not to.
So thank you, Councilmember
Foster for your comments and
making the request that you
did.
I think that's an incredibly
important conversation And when
it comes to the financial
stewardship of the city and
cota, I do very much hope that
the council and the public will
have an opportunity to hear
the ways in which again we can
know that action is being taken
to do everything in our power
to ensure that something like
this never happens again.
And I say that with
the humility of knowing that we
cannot control for the acts of
all people and people do
terrible, terrible things.
But what I also know is it is
completely not okay for people
wearing the badges of this
city, the seal of this city to
fail children in the way that
these children were failed.
>> Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT.
>> All right.
Thank you.
Councilmember Eli Rivera.
We'll go back to Councilmember
Yvonne Wolpert And thank you
council PRESIDENT For the time
And I usually don't speak on
pending litigation because as a
former deputy city attorney I
understand the need to let
the city attorney's office
speak for this.
But I do want to in this case
talk about the settlement with
our Abella surviving younger
sisters.
The entire city county, Rock
Creek Church even a charter
school failed these little
girls.
There were charter school
teachers in her home twice a
week every week for five years
who didn't report this abuse.
The county investigators from
cps who were charged with
protecting her didn't report
this abuse.
And one of the San Diego police
officers who's named in this
lawsuit contributed to this.
>> As I told my colleagues in
closed session, I have used all
the political pressure I have
to make sure that this officer
no longer has a badge or a gun.
I understand she has due
process rights and they are
going through her.
But every single week I have
called on the police department
to get her off the force every
week with her due process
rights.
I'm not trying to get ahead of
that.
She's no longer being able to
use her badge or her gun is my
understanding And they're going
through the process now to
complete their investigation.
But I do have a request going
forward in cases such as this
which are completely egregious,
which are not life and death
decisions in the middle of
the night when one emergency
this was a long term case of
abuse.
I think it is incumbent upon
the police department to act
quicker.
They do not need to wait for a
civil case or a criminal case
to come down to do their own
internal investigation into
conduct this egregious.
This officer could have had her
badge and gun removed years ago
.
>> So I'm hoping that
the police department going
forward will take actions
sooner when conduct like this
emerges.
Understanding Poobah
understanding everyone's due
process rights that is fine.
But we do need to protect
the public.
The county will also be
settling this lawsuit.
Rock Creek Church will also be
set in a lawsuit.
The charter school will be
settling this lawsuit and these
poor young girls who survived.
The money they're getting is
never going to fix this.
But a holistic society failed
These little girls and I will
continue to use every part of
the pressure I can to make sure
that we do better going
forward.
So thank you.
All right.
Thank you Council member
Wolpert.
We'll go back to council member
Ella Rivera, the Council
PRESIDENT.
>> I just wanted to say thank
you council rebuttal for those
comments and the request that
you just made and
the commitment that you've made
because that part I think is is
it's really really bothered me
that idea that someone could
could keep the uniform on And I
don't know how to look folks in
the face in the community and
say that they can trust us and
trust officers if it is
the belief and understanding of
the community that this sort of
thing can happen and and you
get to keep your badge.
So I think it's incredibly
important and I appreciate your
comments and your commitment to
stay on this.
That's all.
>> Council PRESIDENT All right.
Thank you.
Council member Ella Rivera Not
see anybody else in the lights?
I will thank Council member
Foster Council member Eli
Rivera and Council member
Wolpert for their comments on
this horrific item and save my
comments that the member of
the public was asking for a
different time and place I will
Some of the items that were
mentioned by the public during
public comment on the consent
items one individual questions
that have been asked They have
been answered.
I know you don't like those
answers but your recreational
waiver that you've introduced
over and over again has been
thoroughly vetted and rejected
by the city.
I know you don't agree with
that but I feel like we have
done our job for the good work
for the good folks at pd.
I think you've done a very good
job of not only bringing these
multiple items on consent
really on the verge of
completion of the biggest
infrastructure project the city
is ever going to do and I never
thought coming into office how
many times I would have to
remind people why we're doing
pure water.
But thank you for that good
work.
We're still under the Council's
authorized action so we're
under budget on that and I
think pd has done its job in
terms of disclosing how pure
water affects our our water
rates.
You need you need to listen in
when we have those unpleasant
conversations and raising water
rates.
But I think there's been a lot
of disclosure.
I'll conclude on an upbeat note
or hopefully upbeat I don't
want all three which is
updating Council policy 000
dash 26 City funds Commission
reports.
I want to thank the Treasurer
Parks and Recreation
the library department for
working with my office to bring
this Council policy up to date
and provide the additional
information to the public on
the use of these funds and
endowments.
And with that we have a motion
by Councilmember Van Wilpert
and a second by COUNCILMAN
Foster to move the consent
items which do not include
again item 16 s501.
Clerk Please call the roll I'm
sorry the voting system Please
cast your vote and get it now
that passes unanimously 620
with Councilmember Campo,
Councilmember Whitburn and
Councilmember Campbell absent.
Thank you.
All right.
We've had a very busy moment.
Morning.
But we still have a few things
to do.
So are there any comments from
the mayor's office City council
members, city attorney,
independent budget analyst or
city clerk?
>> City clerk?
My apologies.
I'll be quick But I did just
want to make an announcement
that our upcoming community
listening session part of
the city clerk's ongoing part
of my efforts, part of my
ongoing efforts to connect with
residents and gather feedback
through our public engagement
survey.
Please join us on Thursday,
FEBRUARY 19th, 2026 at 5:30
P.M. At the Terrace and
Recreation Center.
This session will be held
in-person and on zoom at San
diego.Gov/listening listening
visit San Diego slash city
clerk to take the survey and
stay informed.
Together we can strengthen
communication, expand access
and help shape the future of
our city.
With that being said, any of
our appointees that came in
today please go to the rear of
the chambers and a member of my
staff will be there to complete
your oath of office before you
leave for today.
Thank you and congratulations.
All right.
Thank you, City Clerk.
I'll make a comment as well.
One of one that the public and
my colleagues will hear often.
Last year Sacramento passed
Senate Bill 707 which made a
number of amendments to
the Brown Act.
They fall essentially into two
buckets one bucket It required
compliance by JANUARY 1st of
2026 And I want to thank
the city clerk and the office
of the City Clerk for taking
care of those items.
So we're in compliance with
that.
There is a second bucket that
required compliance by JULY
1st, 2026.
It speaks to not only
the languages in which
the agenda has to be published
but it also talks about how we
compare public comment from
those who are in person versus
those that are participating
remotely.
And while I think the city
clerk has done a remarkable job
of trying to balance how we
take that public comment and
doing what I think is an
excellent job.
Sb 707 says Yeah, we're going
to change that and has set a
much different bar that we have
to now comply with.
We will have the first
conversation about what that
means to us as a city of city
council operations in chambers
at the Rules Committee on
FEBRUARY 18th That will only be
an informational item to
introduce what the sb seven
seven means and some initial
ideas looking for public
feedback and of course feedback
from the committee members.
But ultimately we will have to
adopt changes to the role of
council prior to JULY 1st in
order to be compliant with sb
707 and how it amended
the Brown Act.
See no one else in the lights.
We will now take up the morning
discussion agenda.
Clerk Please introduce item as
five vote to Thank you Council
PRESIDENT Items 502 is
the request for an extension of
the construction contract
number of k 21 1961 db three
with Bartek Pipeline
incorporated for
the construction of the Sewer
and Water Group 812 Replacement
project.
Six votes are required pursuant
to Charter section 99.
If you'd like to speak on this
item please be sure to submit
your speaker slip to the front
of the room in the clear box or
for participating remotely.
Now is the time to raise your
hand by pressing Star nine or
the raise your hand icon.
>> Thank you, Council
PRESIDENT.
All right.
Thank you.
Given the hour I don't want to
make the assumption.
Is Council interested in a
presentation and are you
interested in waiving
the presentation?
>> I'm happy to waive
the presentation.
Okay.
Thank you.
Remain there for any questions
or comments.
Actually, why don't you
introduce yourselves or
the record just so we know what
happened?
I can do the cut.
>> I'm Catherine Dunker,
assistant deputy director with
Engineering Capital Projects
Department.
Here with me is Danny Girardi,
also assistant deputy director
with Engineering and Capital
Department in the Construction
branch.
>> All right.
Well thank you for the good
work to bring this item forward
and being available for any
questions But Clerk please
proceed with public comment.
>> There is no public comment
here in council chambers going
to those participating remotely
.
Michael Schmidt Would you like
to speak on this item?
>> I'm I'm want to speak for
the non agenda so I we'll come
back to you guys.
I'm sorry.
No worries.
Blair Big Ben, if you can
please unmute.
>> Hi.
Blair Brickman, thank you for
this item.
Thank you for the efforts of
sewer infrastructure work It's
always really important
especially at this time in our
lives in San Diego.
>> Thank you.
Thank you for the words of
counsel of Chair LaCava
PRESIDENT LaCava stating that
the broad conversations you
have had on pure water issues
are Comment more on the subject
later.
Thank you for his words on
the subject also thank you.
>> Okay.
Thank you so much.
That does conclude the public
comment on this item.
All right.
Thank you.
City clerk will turn it over to
council members to catch
comments entertain a motion and
I'll move the staff
recommendation to get things
started.
Can I get a second?
Council member Eli Rivera not
seen anyone else on Council
member Foster Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT.
Just a quick question I guess
when we talk about the delays,
can you help me to understand
the reason behind the delays a
little Oh more And we normally
come in way earlier before your
contract expires as part of our
effort to abandon sea remains
in the canyon, private
properties behind the houses We
have to investigate to make
sure there is no active lateral
connected to the main that we
are abandoning behind
the houses.
Recently the contractor
observed water in the manhole
which means that there could be
still active laterals connected
to the main that we are
abandoning.
So we had to request for a
direct docket and I would like
to thank Council member LaCava
for approving this.
This extension is primarily to
give us pd and City staff to
investigate to ensure
additional serve active service
laterals.
If there is then if there is an
active service ladder we need
to investigate prepared
the design for that realignment
of sewer lateral that we call
we plum basically you know
installing a new sewer lateral
connect to the properties as
the sewer system and we
connecting that that lateral to
the new main in the street.
So that requires also
coordinating the work with
the property owner We had to
prepare the design and process
a we agreement to ensure that
we're installing the lateral
power plan and also to make
sure that the owner understands
that the lateral will be turned
over for them for future
maintenance.
Thank you And thank you for
that.
I guess my follow up question
would be how is it that we do
not understand our current
conditions on site And we we do
have a televising report and it
was part of our presentation we
have today the Bison report.
We do have as builds but
unfortunately this active this
laterals are not shown, they're
not documented.
We have asked builds for
the existing water existing
sewer sewer main behind
the properties and each lateral
for each home has been
accounted.
>> However there could be some
We're just assuming that there
could be lateral connections
that we're not submitted for
review and approval and we
wanted to make sure those are
addressed and property to be
connected to the sewer mean so
we can complete the project,
abandon the sewer main and you
know we we have the director
from field can you help me to
understand is it's my
understanding that yes we
always as we as we monitor our
projects that close out we do
have as builds which should be
accurate And also it's my
understanding before we as we
are doing installation of
piping that there is an
inspection process before pipes
are per se covered And in just
as we talk about overall
process because so can you help
me to understand how we do not
have accurate information
regarding our current
conditions?
Thank you COUNCILMAN Foster
This is Myrna Dayton, assistant
director for Engineering
Capital Projects And this is
one of these unusual cases
there have been a lot of
unforeseen laterals that have
we're not talking entered
The laterals unfortunately are
not usually televised and we
actually have laterals attached
to laterals So we're not
allowed to abandon.
So we had to do some extra
testing that required dui's per
homes and we still have one
more lateral that we're not
sure where it's coming from.
So hence we need the extension
to be able to wrap it up.
All right.
Understood.
Sounds like there's just some
more work that needs to be done
as we are.
I'll put this under q aq c
category as we are conducting
or completing our projects and
making sure we have accurate
information right because it
makes me want to think we
shouldn't have released
retention or done certain
things if we are not getting
the appropriate documentation
on the back end.
So All right.
Thank you.
That concludes my question.
All right.
Thank you, sir.
Not see anyone else in light?
We have a motion by myself and
the second by council member
Eli Rivera to move the staff
recommendation.
>> The clerk Please excuse me.
Please call the roll.
I'm sorry The process And
please cast your vote.
>> Council member Yellow River
I'm not sure if your system's
working or not.
Thank you.
>> That does pass unanimously
620 with Councilmember Campo,
Councilmember Wilburn and
Council member Campbell.
>> Absent.
Thank you, Council PRESIDENT.
All right.
Thank you.
So in terms of meeting
management, I want to do a time
check.
There's only six of us here.
Yeah.
So it's six of us here.
We need five for quorum.
As you know, I want to do a
time check.
It's 1215.
There are people in
the audience that are patiently
waiting for non agenda public
comment.
I definitely want to get to
them.
Do we want to kick remote till
at the end of this afternoon
session because you have other
obligations thinking we would
be wrapped up at noon right
okay so we'll take up non
agenda public comment for those
of you that have been patiently
waiting in chambers and for
those who want to offer non
agenda public comment remotely
we will do it at the end of
the afternoon session.
I hope that does not cause any
inconvenience.
So with that the council
members respect and appreciate
the public's input.
Our fully committed to
protecting every participant's
free speech rights at council
and committee meetings.
Clerk Please proceed with
public comment for those that
are in chambers right now.
Thank you.
Pearl 2.7 on general public
comment is an opportunity for
members of the public to
comment on items that are not
on the agenda but within
the subject matter jurisdiction
of the City Council.
Each speaker will have two
minutes.
The following speakers are
Sandy If you can please come up
to the podium after that is
Paul Krueger and then Jason
Moore if you can please come up
to the yellow reserved seats at
the front.
Sandy you'll have two minutes.
>> Please proceed.
>> All right.
Hello again.
This will be my fifth and final
two minute presentation and a
total of ten minutes regarding
unconstitutional allocated
express activity areas for
artist which violate our First
Amendment free speech rights.
I hope I'm not spinning my
wheels here deluding myself
that what I do here can
possibly make a difference but
to not make a choice is still a
choice.
So I choose to commit to at
least try and again I am gladly
to make myself available for
any constructive input identity
We all express ourselves and
identify as someone sometimes
that identity comes from our
job passion or our beliefs but
we are all human as artists We
are entertainers, painters,
jugglers, musicians, magicians,
escape artist human statues and
bubble artists all of which are
covered under the First
Amendment For us to express
public parks, squares and other
public areas are meant to be
enjoyed by everyone.
This includes the right to
express our freedom of speech
and First Amendment following a
common rule of not hurting
ourselves, the equipment or
anyone else.
San Diego should take pride in
and its local talent songs have
been written about buskers
The Rubberband Man by
The Spinners Chicago Saturday
in the Park which I will now
finish with a little ditty I
hope you don't mind my out of
tune goes like this slow motion
ride or flies the colors of
the day He a brown man still
can tell stories his own way
Listen children all is not lost
All is not lost Oh no no Thank
you.
Thank you Paul Kruger.
>> Oh, thank you.
I'd like to thank the three
council members for comments
about the supplement And again
I so respect you COUNCILWOMAN
Moreno, but I wish we could
hear from you on this.
I'm here to talk again about
parking and about my
disappointment with a lack of
action of those of you who
oppose paid parking in assuring
that the public has a forum to
speak out.
It appears to me that based on
the compromise that the mayor
made with the council president
and Councilmember Rivera that
this issue is dead as far as
this council goes unless one of
you is who opposes it is
willing to bring it up again
And now any action rests with
is a political somewhat
political situation with
Richard Bailey and Shane Harris
.
And I want to say that it's
important for us to call out
misstatements when they occur
And I have spoken several times
about the mayor's misstatements
that this money is somehow a
dedicated stream of funding for
improvements in Balboa Park And
I know COUNCILWOMAN Von Wilpert
you referred to that and I
believe you were completely
misled And the mayor did it
again yesterday when he said
this program provides a
dedicated funding stream for
above ballpark operations and
maintenance something that
we've lacked for decades.
Let's all be very clear when we
talk about that this money goes
to the general fund that it's
destination.
This money does pay for
the line items related to
the park but it's fungible.
Somebody taught me that word.
It's fungible money.
It goes to every general fund
payment.
We should not forget that
comment.
Thank you Jason Moore Good
afternoon.
>> Council PRESIDENT LaCava And
Council members.
I just wanted to briefly note
that this morning I submitted a
ballot proposal to City Clerk
pointis under City policy
000-21.
From what I understand it'll be
sent to the rules Committee
consultant and then sent to
the appropriate rules committee
body which based on a
CliffsNotes version of it It's
a 3.75% to four and one quarter
percent surcharge on ride share
rides originating within
the city limits.
So I believe it will go to
the Active Transportation
Infrastructure Committee which
is headed by Councilmember
Whitman and then also joined by
Councilmember Foster the third
with Von Wilpert and Lee.
I just wanted to note that
because I'm sure you get a lot
of submissions in your inbox
and I wanted to make sure that
there was at least myself here
to say that I did send it in.
I also I did submit that in a
slightly alternative nexus cost
based recovery format to
the mayor's office a couple of
Fridays ago which turned out to
be quite the Friday from what I
understand.
I think it will be much easier
to pass on a general NOVEMBER
ballot because it will require
a simple majority as opposed to
a two thirds majority And I
also believe that legal
challenges would be substantial
too arguing that simple ride
share rides are somehow
producing a cost for the city
whereas people then just going
to the grocery store and doing
normal things then would also
supposedly be incurring costs
to the city.
So I just wanted to let you
know that I did submit that and
I appreciate the time to be
able to tell you that.
So have a wonderful day.
Thank you.
That does conclude non agenda
public comment for today's
meeting in person.
>> All right thank you City
clerk As I mentioned a few
moments ago we will defer
remote non agenda public
comment until the end of this
afternoon's session and with
that we are now adjourned for
the noon recess and reconvene
in open session at 2 P.M. Or
shortly thereafter.
Clerk Please call the roll.
>> Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT Council
member Campbell Council Member
Whitburn here.
Councilmember Foster Beer
Council Member Van Wilbur
Council PRESIDENT Pro Tem Lee
Council Member Campo Member
Moreno Council Member Shawn
Ella Rivera and Council
PRESIDENT LaCava present Also
during the meeting our Sin City
Attorney Leslie Fitzgerald
Independent Budget Analyst
Charles Mollica Council Affairs
Advisor in the Mayor's office
Curtis Iser and myself for City
Clerk Diana Fuentes Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT All right.
Thank you City Clerk.
Quorum is now present.
Before we start today's meeting
I want to remind everyone about
the city's practices and
procedures for public comment
at city council meetings
The city welcomes public
participation at our City
Council meeting speakers MAY
address the Council during
public comment and also in
connection with a specific item
of business on the agenda.
However, the city must make
sure that no one person or
group of people disrupt
the meeting in a way that
prohibits other speakers from
expressing their ideas and
opinions.
Excessive yelling and screaming
or speaking beyond once a lot
of times are examples of
behavior that disrupt
the meeting.
So to make sure that everyone
here has an opportunity to
address the council I will look
an individual or individuals if
I think their conduct becomes
disruptive.
If the disruption continues I
will rule the individual out of
order and issue a warning If
disruption continues further I
will declare a recess so we can
restore order.
At that point I will direct
the individual to leave
chambers if the individual
refuses to leave, police will
escort the individual out of
the building.
If we have to repeat this
process of warning and
recessing in meeting all
members of the public will be
excused from the Council
chamber credentialed media will
be allowed to remain.
Once again we have these
practices and procedures to
protect the rights of other
speakers who wish to address
the Council and to allow
the Council to conduct
the public's business to
the city.
It doesn't have a particular
requirement to do so.
>> 331.
Okay.
So first as a reminder we are
trailing virtual or remote non
agenda public comment from this
morning session.
We will be hearing virtual non
agenda public comment at
the end of this afternoon
session.
We're going to make a slight
change in the order of
the items and we are going to
start with item 331 because as
you see we only have five
council members on the dais and
so we're going to defer
the items that require six
votes until a six council
member shows up or at least six
council members show up.
So if staff four item 331
The fiscal 2025 annual
Comprehensive Financial Report
effectually known as Act four
could kick off
the conversation.
And with that I step on your
toes.
City Clerk Please introduce
item 331.
You did a beautiful job
introducing it Council
PRESIDENT.
I know 331 is the fiscal year
2025 Annual Comprehensive
Financial Report the cfr.
If you'd like to speak to this
item please be sure to submit a
speaker slip here in council
chambers to the front of
the room in the clear box.
Or if you're participating
remotely starting nine or
the raise your hand icon please
press it at this time.
>> Yeah I like to be a matter
of right here.
I like my staff will speak with
you over there.
>> Thank you.
Yeah.
All right.
Staff, please introduce
yourselves for the record and
let us know how much time you
need for the presentation And
thank you for taking it out of
order.
Of course.
My name is Jeff Keel and
the chief accountant in
the Department of Finance.
I'm here with William Wiseman,
a financial operations manager.
Also here is Kathy Ly,
the partner with Crowe llp And
we need about 1010 to 12
minutes for the presentation.
All right, Begin when you're
ready.
Okay.
We are here to present
the fiscal year 2025 Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report.
The Act for the faa is prepared
based on accounting standards
established by a Governmental
Accounting Standards Board for
all state and local government
entities are required to follow
these standards for consistency
and comparability to other
governments.
The main users of this document
are investors and rating
agencies.
This document helps the city in
issuing bonds, commercial paper
and other financing mechanisms
.
Rating agencies develop credit
ratings based on information in
the act for and the document
also provides a starting point
for the book.
I'm sorry to interrupt you.
>> Can you keep your voice down
so we can't break the law here?
They prevent me from being up
to come up here.
>> Turn this up and you can
speak on the item.
So I'm sorry to interrupt.
Please continue.
Yeah.
And the document also provides
a starting point for the budget
development process.
The actor is very different
from the budget monitoring
reports.
These are the financial
statements as of JUNE 30th,
2025.
It is a backward looking
document that provides a
snapshot of the city's finances
as well as critical disclosures
that supplement those numbers.
Management is responsible for
the monitoring and internal
controls over financial
reporting.
The city has put into place
many controls to reduce
the risk over financial
reporting such as multiple
reviews based on materiality,
checklists, department
directors certification as well
as certification from
the Disclosure Practices
Working Group dpw.
The actor is made up of three
sections.
The first section is
the introductory section which
includes the letter of
transmittal.
The Yellow Team.
The other team provides details
about the city.
Major accomplishments and
economic trends that have
happened within the fiscal
year.
This section also includes a
certificate of achievement for
excellence in financial
reporting for fy 24.
Making this the 11th
consecutive year for the city
has received this honor.
Our department has submitted
the fy 25 offer to give away
for consideration of this award
.
Next is this financial section
which includes the city's
external auditors opinion.
The management discussion and
analysis or mdna financial
statements and no disclosures.
The and details material
variances within the government
wide statements.
The third section is
the statistical section which
provides data to help users
assess the city's economic
condition.
The data includes financial
trends revenue and debt
capacity, demographic
statistics and economic
information.
>> The city had two new Gadsby
standards that were implemented
for fy 25.
The first one our major
implementation for this year
was Gadsby Statement number 121
for compensated absences.
This was a change in how we
value our compensated absences
balances.
There's no change in
the disclosure just how
the liability balance is
calculated Prior to
implementation our compensated
absences was comprised of
annual leave and compensatory
time off.
Under the new standard we also
pick up annual leave department
discretionary leave, parental
leave and earned sick leave as
well as defined contribution
pensions associated with these
with these amounts.
This helps kind of capture
the total liability to to
the employee and standardize
reporting between entities.
This was a statement that was
implemented retrospectively
which required a restatement at
the beginning of the fiscal
year.
So that restatement was 18.1
million in governmental funds
and 4.5 million for business
type funds respectively.
And that can be seen in note 22
of the act for the second
statement implemented this year
was Gadsby statement number 1
or 2 for certain risk
disclosures a Gadsby number 1
or 2 requires disclosure of
certain risks that could impair
the city's ability to borrow to
provide services or meet
financial obligations.
These are going concern types
of risks typically where you
have concentration of risk in a
primary employee or something
that would materially impact
the city's ability to receive
resources to provide government
services.
So this is did not have an
impact on financial reporting
this year but is something that
we'll need to continue to
evaluate it through throughout
the course of the year as facts
and circumstances become known
as well as during our expert
prep process.
>> So to give some general
major fund highlights
the consolidated general Fund
ended the year with a balance
of 414.6 million That includes
emergency reserves of 107.6
million and stability reserves
of 99.5 million.
The water and sewer funds were
were pretty stable.
The water fund ended with a
total net position of 2.3
billion which represented a
decrease of less than 1%
compared to 2.24.
The sewer fund ended with a net
position of 2.8 billion which
represents an increase of about
1% over f y 24.
Our external external auditor
Crowe completed their audit on
DECEMBER 17th and found no
significant deficiencies and no
material weaknesses in internal
controls.
It was a clean audit opinion.
That concludes our presentation
and we will pass it over to
Cathy Ley, a partner with Crowe
for their part of
the presentation.
>> I Pelley got the money too
but I've got a replay there.
>> All right.
Again, if you could announce
your names for the record.
>> Good afternoon again.
For the record my name is Cathy
Lai and I'm the lead audit
partner from Crowe on the City
of San Diego Audit.
Pleasure to be with you here
today.
I've also had Joseph Ajayi.
He's our lead senior manager on
the audit to accompany me for
today's presentation.
I've got a brief presentation
established here for you to do
today.
>> First I'll cover the audit
objectives to remind
the Council what we were
engaged to perform for
the city.
Second, I'll cover the audit
results and then third I'll
wrap up with the required
communications.
So first up with respect to our
engagement objectives, Crowe
was hired by the city to
express an opinion on whether
or not those financial
statements for the city as a
whole are fairly stated in
accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.
We conducted our audit as
auditors in accordance with
generally accepted auditing
standards as well as government
auditing standards.
Those are our responsibilities
that also report important to
note managements
responsibilities.
Management is responsible for
the fair presentation of
the financial statements in
accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.
They're also responsible for
the internal controls over
financial reporting as well.
Moving on to our audit results
I'm pleased to report that we
have issued an unmodified
opinion.
Essentially our opinion states
that the financial statements
are fairly stated in accordance
with generally accepted
accounting principles And so if
that statement is unmodified
it's actually excellent news.
It's the highest level of
assurance.
I'll go ahead and move on to
our required communications.
Our auditing standards required
to cover certain areas with
those charged with governance
And the first one is in
relation to significant
accounting policies.
We have reviewed those policies
and disclosed in footnote one
of the financial statements and
believe them to be neutral,
clear and consistent with prior
year and have no report on that
matter.
Second is management's judgment
and accounting estimates.
Certainly every set of
financial statements include
estimates.
A great example of that would
be your postretirement health
care benefits or your pension
liabilities Management utilizes
actuaries to come up with
estimates which is very common
in this area.
We have reviewed the estimates
and we have no comment in that
area.
On the next slide here and well
had already alluded to this
the city is required to look at
new accounting standards that
are issued by the Governmental
Accounting Standards Board
every year And this year they
issued two standards Gadsby 1a1
and 1 or 2 related to
compensated absences and
certain risk disclosures.
We've reviewed management's
implementation of those
standards and believed them to
be in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.
On the next slide here except
with with respect to
the implementation of the new
accounting standard, we did not
note any material corrected or
uncorrected misstatements to
bring to your attention today.
And then last but not least, we
did not note any of these items
that are listed here on
the slide.
In fact it was quite
the opposite.
Manager was very cooperative
throughout our audit and we
certainly appreciate their
cooperation during that time.
And then last but not least i
did want to confirm that Crow
is independent of the city of
San Diego which is obviously
very important to our role as
your independent auditors.
Without I'm happy to address
any questions you might have.
All right.
Thank you for both
presentations.
We appreciate the good work
that you do and
the independence and with what
you do it.
So Clark, please proceed with
public comment.
Tangela if you can please come
up to the podium for item 331.
You will have to speak on
the other one too, right?
Yes.
You'll get to speak on each
item.
>> Good morning everybody.
I just want to commend the city
of people under GOD as
the church of the head of
the of the nation.
I just want to say hello,
everybody.
Thank you.
Good to see you.
Hopefully we can get everything
back in order on this
information right here.
Always do Was faithful, always
do was righteous always do what
continues to produce love.
Okay.
Whatever is going on in
the financial situation is
forgiven through GOD They've
they've held GOD's funds
captive so they starving
the people having been able to
give me the opportunity to
assist and assist the people
like I need to I'll be speaking
on about the matter here
shortly but I'm here today to
take my city my seat in this as
the head of GOD's church and to
continue to do good things for
the city of San Diego and to be
honest about all my financial
and all of my ways under GOD I
shall be faithful under
the faithful act of receiving
things through great faith.
I have done what I have done
because GOD led me through that
way not to get over on
the people but to capture
the people who are in high
seats demanding treacherous
ways on my people to make funds
off of them.
I have proof of it.
I've been very honest.
I'm honest in my ways.
I've turned it over and
hopefully by that honesty I can
remain who I am as a trustee of
the city of the of the nation
of of the nation of the United
States of America.
I am your servant not the one
above your And I'm just want to
let you all know that I'm here
to be let that be known today
If your analyze your if you're
analyzing your funds correctly
then GOD knows always be
faithful.
>> Thank you.
That concludes public comment
here in council chambers going
to those participating remotely
We currently have two speakers
in the queue Blair Beckman If
you can please unmute Blair
Beckman.
There you go.
Hi.
Yeah, All right.
Take a minute there.
All right.
Perfect man.
Thanks a lot for this item.
You better the more I am
yesterday talking about it.
You still have to continue to
work on They have to be out
ready to go by mid APRIL I
think Um yeah.
And so I talked yesterday in
the importance of looking for
career solutions for coming
back can use and this is kind
of put a perspective on that I
think I was talking about open
who only has a deficit and debt
larger than San Diego in
the state of California of
local city so you guys are
pretty similar and in your
budget situations at this time
Oakland made it a really
important point to still be
able to fund it Social services
that was pretty high on
the list of how they had to be
working on on working on their
budget issues.
So much so that they were
willing to take a cut in their
credit rating.
You know And so I've been
asking yourselves what can be
creative answers?
Well can we can we work towards
the more creative answer to
that this time in San Diego
That's what Oakland did And
that's how I mean that's
the kind of tough decisions I
don't hope we have to be that
drastic but it is about
creative solutions.
It does have to be some tough
decisions that have to be made
And then I feel we can put
things off for a few years.
We don't have to say everything
has to be done in a year
deficit wise We can we can pass
it out over time And I think
those are important factors to
consider with this sort of item
losing a credit rating is hard
but maybe can that be a
creative answer to work towards
solutions for very difficult
questions at this time And
learning how to get that is
important and being honest like
that with the parking here you
got to be honest with
the public how your time is
going.
We thank you.
Thank you Zoom user and then
74997 room user if we can
please unmute or I is so Henry
a GOD is going to forgive a
sore but the trust train is
rolling into town with the vice
PRESIDENT Looking for fraud
they compared the California
fraud make in the Somali guys
in Minnesota look like a
kindergarten class.
There's rapid fraud all the way
through the systems.
The NGOs in San Diego stop
paying them money, Open up
the books they need to see
their books.
111,000 people fraudulently
made up stories but the pe
loans and other loans their
food stamp illegal aliens
paying those guys money So
the Trump train is rolled out
with with the vice PRESIDENT.
He's looking for all these
different fraudulent monies and
GOD forgive us but the jail
they're not GOD's jails.
They're the feds.
So all you guys that got your
name on these programs check
the list of the guys that
they're abiding already.
They got the names of all these
people that had fake businesses
and collected all the money and
they're coming after they're
probably already still working
for NGOs that are working in
San Diego.
You know, once they get
the Money Pit they got
different angles.
Even the Somali guys in San
Diego are definitely suspects.
Those guys are tribal.
They figure out one guy knows
there's the million bucks.
It's all through out our books,
man.
No wonder we're in debt trying
to you know, because you're
giving away the money left and
right.
So anyway, let's see what else.
Okay.
J.D. Vance I'd call them up and
get the books out and let them
see the books without having to
subpoena them.
It makes you look a little more
honest.
Yeah.
So thanks for taking my call.
Thank you.
Second warning.
>> Okay.
7499 If you can please unmute
after that 1384 7499 Bob
because you ski here every time
I hear about budget issues I am
reminded that the Torrey Pines
glider port business was
documented as bringing in $1.4
million every year over a
decade ago.
That's how long ago that they
were documented as bringing in
$1.4 million That was in I
think 2010 and you can imagine
with inflation it's a lot more
than that Now that was on a
freely piece of our city land
free lease.
Now the city turned around and
decided to charge them some
pittance.
I think it's something like
$3,000 a year now but they're
still bringing in that much
money and probably more with no
oversight.
And yet Joe LaCava refuses to
reactivate the free Torrey
Pines City Park Advisory Board
which would help the city
understand what's going on at
that glider port and oversee
the operations at that glider
port.
So what is Joe LaCava trying to
hide in his district that he
refuses to allow any citizen
oversight through something
like the Torrey Pines City Park
Advisory Board?
It's it's an obvious question
and a lot of people are
starting to wonder about it.
Thanks for your time and 1384
if you can please unmute 1384.
>> There you go.
Ernie Casco Senior resident
pilot at Torrey Pines Glider
part former assistant flight
director Torrey Pines Glider
Part complaint is on your desk.
Allow and this crime to
continue is a violation of your
oath of office and automatic
forfeiture of your chair.
However, we have a proven
solution known as the San Diego
Recreation No waiver that would
end the dispute.
This would effectively split
the town of school operation
from public recreational free
flight.
The way we would stop
the illegal mandatory access
pass a waiver in question Your
city leaseholder would pay for
their own insurance that is
required by law and pays our
oversight as needed for public
safety.
If you're retracting or
rejecting the San Diego
recreational waiver, it's time
for transparency to stop
the corruption within your own
within your own administration.
I should not be forced to sign
a waiver when city liabilities
are already covered by
California recreation laws.
The proposed San Diego
recreational waiver only serves
as a second certificate
ensuring city liabilities are
are not or you're not liable.
Which includes pilot rating
skills needed to fly safely
which is recognized globally.
It's time to stop the crime by
revising the permanent
reinstatement of Torrey Pines
Advisory Board and
implementation of the proposed
San Diego recreational waiver
as a proven solution that ends
the dispute.
I challenged City Council to
come up with a better legal
solution that secures city
liability, restores
recreational freedom and
addresses victims and witnesses
who have been damaged and
assaulted by within a timely
fashion.
It's a win for city council
liabilities restores our
recreational rights and
freedoms for years to come.
If you're going to want me to
walk away you get at least
address the victim and
witnesses who have been
assaulted and damaged.
>> Thank you.
That concludes public comment
on this item.
All right.
Thank you, City clerk.
We'll turn it over to council
members questions, comments
entertain a motion and we'll
start with the chair of
the audit committee.
>> Councilmember Moreno thank
you and thank you for
the presentation At the JANUARY
21st Audit Committee meeting I
asked a series of questions
directed to the independent
auditor cro and also city
staff.
I don't want to re ask all
those questions so I'll
reference that committee.
But part of what I did bring up
was the city of San Diego San
Diego accurately depositing
revenue into correct accounts
and how that impacts our
internal control if it impacts
internal control failures.
It was answered there.
I was happy with the answer but
I also want to take
the opportunity to thank our
financial management.
I think staff continues to do a
great job at producing the act
for each year and I greatly
appreciate the commitment you
guys have to ensuring this
document is is complete and
accurately reflects
the financial conditions of
the city and that Thank you
also to cro.
I think we had a robust
conversation in the committee.
Please reference it.
But with that I would like to
move to receive and file
the report.
>> Thank you.
All right.
Thank you.
Council member Moreno So we do
have a motion.
We'll go next to Council member
whitburn Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT I'm happy to
second and Councilmember
Moreno's motion and I just want
to congratulate the finance
team on the award received for
the last fiscal year the year
that ended JUNE 30th 2020 for
for the Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in
financial reporting awarded by
the Government Finance Officers
Association, the City has
received that award for a
number of years consecutively
now which speaks highly of your
team And I just want to
congratulate that.
Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT All right.
Thank you Council Member So we
have a motion by Councilmember
Moreno and the second by
Council member Whitburn to
receive and file the first
the 2025 annual Comprehensive
Financial Report.
Since this topic comes up, how
many years of clean audits and
clean act first have we had Now
it has been a number of years.
I don't know exactly but it's
been it's been at least 5 or 6.
Okay.
Thank you very much.
It's good to be reminded.
Okay with that.
Oh, Councilmember Yvonne
Wolpert sorry.
Thank you.
I just want to thank
the auditor for being here as
well to also independently
state that we are getting clean
audits from Europe from cro And
I want to thank our Department
of Finance for the excellent
work in doing all of this.
It's a very hard budget to
balance and to see and so thank
you for your work and thank you
also for the clean audit and
thank you to the audit
committee for thoroughly
reviewing this before I got to
council.
But I appreciate everyone's
work.
All right.
See no one else in the lights
We do have a motion by
COUNCILMAN Moreno Second hand
smoke turned to receive and
file the 2025 for.
>> Please call the roll clerk
as the voting system.
>> Please cast your vote That
passes unanimously 7 to 0 with
Councilmember Campo and
Councilmember Campbell absent.
Thank you Council PRESIDENT All
right.
Thank you City clerk with that.
So we'll go back to the regular
order.
>> clerk Please introduce item
330.
Item 330 is a state revolving
fund loan to the city of San
Diego sewer system for
the Alvarado Trunk Sewer Phase
four Project package a six
votes are required pursuant to
count two Charter Section 99 If
you are here in Council
chambers and wish to speak to
this item please submit a
speaker slip to the front of
the room in the clear box of
your participating remotely
Star nine or the raise your
hand icon Thank you.
All right staff I see As you're
settling in please introduce
yourselves for the record and
let us know how much time you
need for your presentation.
Hello Council PRESIDENT Council
members Thank you for having us
today.
My name is Kevin Warner.
I'm a financing coordinator
with the Department of Finance.
To my right I have Jose
Pantalone.
She's the assistant director of
Department of Finance.
Also on the phone we have Adam
Jones who is the public
utilities department finance
deputy director.
He's on the Zoom.
We need about seven minutes for
our presentation.
All right.
When you're ready.
Thank you.
This presentation is for
the state revolving fund loan
to the City of San Diego sewer
system for the Alvarado Trunks
to face for a project package a
for a little bit of background,
the Clean Water State Revolving
Fund or srf as it's commonly
known, offers low cost loans to
help local agencies affordably
construct wastewater projects
throughout the state.
This program is administered by
the State Water Resources
Control Board.
The program offers low interest
rate options for loans and
favorable repayment terms.
The city regularly submits
applications for a standalone
projects that meets eligibility
requirements.
The state has recently limited
loans to $50 million per
project for the Alvarado Trunk
Sewer Phase four package.
The project will increase sewer
capacity by replacing outdated
trunk sewer infrastructure.
The city can receive a srf loan
up to $50 million.
Now full disclosure we have not
gone out to bid yet for this
particular project so we are
asking for the full amount of
the srf loan for $50 million.
The this project has been
included in the intended use
plan and the construction loan
is estimated to start at
the end of fiscal year 2026 or
at the beginning of fiscal year
2027 and is estimated to be
completed by the end of fiscal
year 2029.
The current interest rate for
these srf loans is 2.2% that
the rate that rate is set by
the state water Board based on
a benchmark of 50% of
the interest rate on
California's average general
obligation rate obtained by
the state Treasurer.
The loan will have a senior
Lean position.
Principal repayment begins
after construction is done and
we will have a 30 year
repayment term.
We estimate the cost for a $50
million loan to be $2.3 million
annually.
I would like to note though
that interest rate and debt
service is subject to change
based on when the loan is
finalized.
The existing loan and bond
obligations of the sewer system
require the sewer system to
meet certain additional debt
affordability tests when
entering into a new debt
obligation under
the anticipated language in
the loan agreement.
The sewer system will be
required to maintain a senior
debt service coverage ratio of
1.2 times outstanding maximum
annual debt service an
aggregate debt service coverage
ratio of 1.1 times outstanding
maximum and annual debt
service.
The loan is supported by
currently approved rates.
So for a proposed action we are
asking for the authorization
for the mayor to implement
the srf Loan.
Authorize the city to pledge
net revenues for this from
the Sewer Revenue Fund for this
loan and authorize the cfo to
create a new fund and
appropriate an expense for this
particular project.
And with that that concludes
our presentation.
>> We're open for any
questions.
All right.
Thank you for the work.
Bring us forward in
the presentation And with that
please proceed with public
comment.
>> Tangela if you can please
come forward.
>> Oh yeah we'll go in front of
my.
>> This is very necessary for
the Fluor companies to have
what they need so they can
continue to keep it clean for
everybody here in San Diego.
Main focus is water, food,
housing those things.
So maybe you don't think they
need so much but anything that
has to do with waterfront um
until I figure out what's going
on and retract it all and give
it to the people freely.
>> Kind of like that concludes
public comment here in council
chambers Glad those
participating remotely.
>> Blair Beckman If you can
please unmute.
All right.
Yeah.
Hi there.
We can hear me.
Thank you for this item.
Thank you.
That how can relate to a pure
water issue.
I bet you had a lot of pure
water items lately and you had
Environment Committee to really
review how the pure water
program is doing.
Review the late JANUARY
Environment Committee meeting
on pure water issues that seems
to relate to really good luck
how you can address this issue
and to be talking to Tijuana
about pure water issues versus
decolonization for their future
as well.
>> Thank you.
Thank you.
My apologies.
That concludes with a comment.
All right.
Thank you.
City Clerk.
I'll turn it over to my council
colleagues Questions, comments
Entertain a motion and not see
anybody under the lights.
I'll make the motion to move
with the staff recommendation.
Just a couple of questions.
This will be fully ensconced in
the sewer and water rates and
pd Right.
This does not affect
the general fund.
Is that correct?
Yes, that is correct.
>> This would be just authority
pledge.
Okay.
And I think we recently got a
five year projection and this
was anticipated in that
projection.
So it is correct And these are
the thank you for pursuing this
at significantly below what
the private market interest
rates would be for that.
So thank you for the good work
That's very much appreciated.
So again I'll move
the recommendation.
>> We'll go to Councilmember
Von Walbert.
Thank you very much for
the work and the presentation.
I do have one question since
the project has not yet been
bid so don't we usually vote on
these after we have an awardee
a construction awardee
Councilmember This this
authorization is for the loan
agreement So the state requires
us to have this ordinance
approved in order to enter into
the loan agreement And it's
ideal of the contract has been
awarded exactly in conjunction
with the loan.
But typically what happens is
we in this scenario we would
likely execute this loan by
the end of this fiscal year if
any amount needs to be adjusted
for the loan.
We have that ability to do it
with the state after we
received the bids on
the contract and if any changes
need to be made we have that
ability to do that.
But yes, as Kevin noted
the loan is maxed out at 50
million at this point and
understood So then once
the loan is executed we have
the money and we go out to bid.
Will we then have a chance to
vote on the actual award of
the contract and know who
the contractor is and all of
that?
I think we have Adam Jones here
to answer the questions on that
.
>> Thank you.
Councilmember Adam Jones,
Deputy director of Finance for
Public Utilities is correct
that if the contract I believe
is over $30 million it will
need to come back to city
council.
I do know that there has been
some streamlining measures that
have happened since then but I
believe the threshold is $30
million.
So in the event the amount is
above $30 million it will come
back to council for approval
before we enter into
the construction contract.
>> Okay.
And this is not part of pure
water, correct?
That is correct.
Okay.
Then it is a lower threshold so
it will go back to council.
Okay.
All right.
Thank you.
I will do the second Second
Yes, please.
>> Thank you.
Councilmember Von Wilpert.
And you won't pull the money
until you actually advance
the design and get ready to go
out to bid, right?
That is correct.
Okay.
I all right.
So and see no one else in
the light We have a motion by
myself and the second by
Councilmember Yvonne Wolpert to
move the staff recommendation
Please call the roll After
the voting system please cast
your vote That passes
unanimously 7 to 0 with
Councilmember Kemp You and
Councilmember Campbell absent.
Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT.
All right.
Again, thank you for the good
work with that clerk Please
introduce item 5 or 5 items 5
or 5 is a second Amendment to
the as needed landscape
architectural Services
agreement with Schmitt Design
Group Inc Contract number
h1667146 votes are required
pursuant to California to
Charter section 99 I really
want to say California today If
you're here please submit your
speakers up to the front of
the room in the clear box or if
you're participating online
now's the time to raise your
hand.
Star nine of the raise your
hand icon Thank you Council
PRESIDENT All right, As you
settle in, please introduce
yourselves for the record and
let us know how much time you
need.
We'll need about ten minutes.
All right.
Okay.
Hello.
>> Good afternoon.
My name is Perry to Amazon with
the Engineering and Capital
Projects Department.
I'm here with project officer
to Darren Genova, also with Ian
C.P.
We are coming to you to request
approval of a Second Amendment
to the as needed agreement with
Schmidt Design Group for
the Buyer Park Development
project.
Oh yes.
>> Here's a summary of our
requested actions with approval
the as needed agreement would
be extended by three years and
would add $300,000 capacity
263,221 Of that 300,000 would
be allocated to Schmidt Design
which would provide for
services during construction
such as reviewing our revise
construction submittals
monitoring progress and
providing as built plans.
>> The location is in San
Ysidro and the scope includes a
play area for kids a skate park
picnic areas, shade structures
,a dog park, bathroom security
lighting, walking trails,
onsite parking and 14 acres of
habitat restoration.
So here's I'd like to just give
a brief history of the project
the scope I just described was
for the entire buyer park
development.
When we completed 90% design
the project was split into two
phases due to available free of
funding.
We progressed with phase one
while pursuing funding for
phase two.
We started construction on
phase one and we plan to finish
up this summer.
>> Knock on wood we have since
secured additional funding and
we were given the go ahead for
phase two.
If this action is approved we
will finish up phase two design
and hopefully put it out to bid
late this year so we can start
construction the following
spring.
So here is a summary of
the Design services schedule a
task for this as needed
agreement was issued to submit
design in 2017 for the buyer
Park General Development Plan.
In MARCH of 2022 we executed
the First Amendment to extend
the contract until MARCH of
2026 to move forward with
the construction of Phase one.
After splitting the project
into two phases we will begin
construction on phase two after
the completion of Phase one.
>> As for funding we are
working with the Parks and Rec
Recreation Department to be
fully funded by JULY 1st.
And now I'll turn it over to
Darren Genova to talk about
amendment number two and
the progress.
The good news on that we've
made on phase one.
>> Good afternoon.
Darren Genova Project Officer
to Engineering and Capital
Projects.
>> So why are we here?
The contract with Schmidt
Design Group expires in MARCH
and we still have about 3 to 4
months remaining of
construction of phase one.
So we need the ongoing support
for that subsequently as we are
wrapping up on work on phase
one we are getting ready to
move forward on phase two.
And so we do need
the consultant to be on board
in order to finalize those
plans for phase to complete
permitting for that and get
them ready to advertise for
construction of phase two.
>> So what has been completed?
We want to highlight some of
the progress that's already
been made on phase one.
You can see the image on
the left shows the undeveloped
site prior to construction.
On the right you can see
the large promenade that
bisects the play areas Two
large playground spur separated
for ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12.
One of the really great
features on the right side you
can kind of see it peeking out
of the photo is a fairly large
rock climbing wall.
It's going to be a really
interesting, really unique
feature in one of our
playgrounds.
>> There's also two picnic
areas with shade structures You
can see in the background there
of the image.
Those are providing picnic
opportunities for families near
the playground and also in
phase two get constructed.
You could see the in
the background with the green
erosion fencing That is where
the ball fields will be
constructed in phase two.
Also in phase one already
completed our Ampitheater
seating walls that kind of
match the strata of the geology
out there as well as 80% of
the walkways.
>> Here's some more images of
what's been completed so far in
phase one.
We also have a campfire ring on
the image on the left You can
see off of that meandering
walkway a little area meant to
emulate sort of an informal
area for school groups or Boy
Scouts Girl Scouts to get
together and appreciate nature.
There's lighted basketball
courts you can see on the left
hand image in the background.
We've also completed 80% of
the utility work and
the irrigation is set to be
completed in MARCH which will
be a big milestone to get us
plants in the ground and get
ready to construction up on
phase one.
So what's remaining planting
completion of the public art
furnishings and energizing
utilities?
>> >> Finally, one more image
we would share of the skate
park.
I don't know if I mentioned
that the skate park is also one
of the big amenities getting
constructed in phase one large
really cool skate park at
the top of the hill with that
central promenade and staircase
leading up to it.
>> For the eoc requirements
the original contract again was
$3 million.
We are requesting $300,000 to
finish out the plans for phase
two and complete the services
of phase two.
The contract had a goal of 20%
current slb participation was
at 10% although we should note
that the prime consultant
Schmidt design was an slb when
the contract was signed
originally in 2017.
And with that that brings their
percentages quite a bit higher.
They lost that certification in
2023 but up until then their
parties participation was much
higher.
>> So to summarize again
the actions we are requesting
is the Second Amendment to
the as needed agreement with
Schmidt Design Group to extend
the contract an additional
three years to get us through
phase two completion of phase
two of by Year Park as well as
authorizing $263,221 to be used
for those services as well as a
little bit extra capacity for
future needs approval of these
actions will allow us to
complete construction support
for phase one as mentioned and
also final design permitting
construction support on phase
two.
Phase one is set to be
completed this summer and phase
two with approval of this
amendment would proceed to
final permitting and
advertisement of
the construction contract
within 2020 six.
>> Phase two is expected to
take approximately 24 months to
complete from award of
the construction contract.
>> And that concludes our
presentation.
Thank you.
All right.
Thank you for the good work and
the presentation.
Clerk Please proceed with
public comment.
>> Tangela if you can please
come up to the microphone.
>> I'm here to speak on
anything that I do not and have
not been given information
about.
I've been held in for
the people who I've been
dealing with has had all
the information about what I am
to do, what I how am I supposed
to do it?
And I've held that information
for me.
So they're putting in defaults
on my end because they never
gave me the responsibility bank
never gave me
the responsibility of what is
bad they are supposed to be
doing as a trustee and he did
not tell me about these certain
things that I was supposed to
be doing because he was holding
the trustee account knowing
that I didn't know exactly what
to do And so I just want to
like I say he's ratifying
the Second Amendment.
You know, I want to extend
the contract with us Bank and I
want to come into First
Amendment under GOD with great
faith and recover and also
redeem my account that they
just try to cut off again.
And I want to speak about that
on on here because I have
the U.S. Bank Trust an
investment account under GOD
and they just tried to defuze
it this morning because they
had to bank loads of trucks
dropped off with money this
morning because I struck stock
market two days ago on my
account and I got 5050 50,000
on 126 plus on the other and a
6000 on the 6000 plus on
the other.
I will always turn in my
financial information.
I've turned in my financial
information.
I've been scammed by about four
banks Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank
Green Dot, National Bankers
Association mba.
I've been scammed by Navy
Federal All of them did a scam.
They all took me as a deposit
knowing that they were going to
file the fdic and commit a
fraud and take the take
the government GOD's money so
that I couldn't assist in a
abate of the people that needed
to help the most which is
the poor And like I said as I
am disabled under accommodation
this shall be changed under
the 504f rules or that I did
not add up to it but I'm
recovering my account and I'm
here to do what today under GOD
and all things go.
>> Thank you for that Including
our work I of the five minute
time we're going to those
participating remotely Blair
Beekman If you can please
unmute I thank you.
Blair Beekman Thanks a lot for
this item.
>> Um I guess this is part of
the park system idea is that
Councilperson Marie has been
trying to do that That needs
help I guess would be the lead
.
I suppose there'd be a park or
two more that she wants put
into place and inspire Park
would be the lead example I
would imagine so Good luck.
This is going well and I know I
can be a bit anecdotal in my
words but I try to make
connections between different
items that can be related and
that's my word.
Your previous items for this
particular item I in the past
few years you know starting
with Memorial Park you had a
new way to talk about Memorial
Park lighting issues that you
started talking about.
You know you have to deal with
the lighting issues of the park
and then you turned it into
sports lighting issues and that
became a subject of
conversation that to me almost
became something of a dog
whistle when you couldn't talk
exactly about the surveillance
tech involved with sports
lighting but you were trying to
allude very quietly and
politely and it was a bit
uncomfortable and I felt that
was taking over
the conversation.
I don't know if that could have
been my own mistake On how to
better understand the item how
you were talking, how you were
trying to address it but you
are talking about sports field
lighting for other parks too
and in your memo or the pilot
park you say working on page
two you're working on security,
lighting and sports lighting
multipurpose turf fields, a
whole bunch of other items.
Thank you.
That you say security lighting
If we just clear with each
other that we're having
conversations about our park
use and the future of security
lighting that's taking place,
you know, and that you're
building back the conversation
and that the goal of life at
this time in our local
community.
>> Thank you Zoom user if you
can please unmute.
That's why I took my license
back in.
Hello Good good good.
Good afternoon.
>> Can you hear me okay?
Yes we can hear you have two
minutes.
Please proceed with your
comments.
>> Okay.
Excellent.
Well I timed it so it should be
perfect.
Okay.
Thank you for having me And
have a heart this Valentine's
Day I have a poem I would like
to read to all of the city
council We're talking about non
agenda public comment that time
has not come.
When that comes you can raise
your hand.
It will be after the conclusion
of this item that concludes
public comment on this item
Council PRESIDENT Thank you.
All right.
Thank you.
City Clerk We'll turn it over
to the council members
questions, comments and and
entertain a motion Turn first
to Council member Moreno Thank
you for the presentation.
>> I remember that Bear Park
was promised to San Ysidro
residents more than 30 years
ago.
So for decades the community
waited simply for this project
to break ground.
Today we're no longer talking
about promises.
We're actually talking about a
park that is near completion
And that is amazing.
I just I want to just pause and
and let that sink in.
We've had now a total of four
parks that have been fully
funded in District eight.
This was an open lot where
residents were promised a park
many moons ago that was never
delivered to them And that's
not even talking about
the parks that we've
refurbished which is a whole
nother positive note on what's
happening in the park system
particularly for District eight
as was mentioned, phase one of
Beier Park is approximately 80%
complete with full construction
scheduled to be completed this
summer.
Community, as I'm sure you guys
know is is very eager and would
love to have a celebration a
community celebration to
commemorate that achievement.
Major amenities such as
the Skate park play areas,
picnic shelters and basketball
courts are already
substantially completed And I
will say that the stronger
lobbying I've ever received was
from the skater kids of San
Ysidro or Cesar Solis Park
which is my local park where I
take my daughter is always just
completely packed and I know of
people that come from other
parts of District eight just to
go skate there.
So this skating facility is
absolutely going to be very
well received.
You didn't show The View but
The View is just spectacular.
I don't think there's another
maybe Keep Sessions is a close
but that view is going to be
amazing And I would be remiss
if I didn't think Casa Familia
are our local nonprofit there
in San Ysidro who has been
steadfast to get this park to
come to fruition And also I
often am very critical of
the mayor's office and of
the mayor and this is one of
the things that I commend him
on him and I very much align
when it comes to parks while in
the mayor's office is doing a
fantastic job I keep on pushing
certain audit showed that we
need to push more and I think
this is an example of of how we
need to continue to push more
in residents need to continue
to ask us for more especially
when it comes to the Prop 68
funding which this park will
receive.
So this contract amendment is
critical to maintaining
momentum by extending
the contract and increasing
capacity the city's going to be
able to advertise via park face
to this summer with
construction anticipated to be
completed in the summer of
2028.
I think I've said enough.
I'm just overjoyed that this
park is going to just actually
happen which I'm very excited
about.
So I'm very proud to move this
item forward and take another
step towards fully delivering
by our park for the San Isidro
community.
So that was a motion council
PRESIDENT And that concludes my
comments.
>> Thank you.
All right.
Thank you.
So we do have a motion by
COUNCILMAN Moreno to move
the staff recommendation and I
think Councilmember Foster had
his finger up first.
So we'll give the second to
Councilmember Foster and not
see anybody else on the line.
>> We sir we have most of my
Councilmember Moreno second by
Councilmember Foster to move
the staff recommendation.
Please call the roll clerk.
I'm sorry The voting system
Please cast your vote And that
passes unanimously 7 to 0 with
Councilmember you and
Councilmember Campbell absent.
Thank you, Council PRESIDENT.
All right.
Thank you.
And I think I've seen staff
with bigger smiles on their
face And this afternoon well
deserved.
Well done.
>> All right.
As a reminder we took public
non agenda public comment in
person this morning so now we
will go to virtual non agenda
public comment They said I
would be able to do it I just
want to be that's what they
made me turn it in earlier
report because they lied to me
and said it was no action this
morning which is a violation of
my rights to be able to do
today this morning that I would
be able to do it.
That's why I went back there
and put it on there.
But I have to put in this
motion under GOD so that I can
do what I have to do and go
home.
Okay.
We took in-person knowledge,
knowledge and public comment
and speak to them very nicely.
Okay sir I understand
downstairs would not let me
come in here to stop me from
being able to free myself Right
now we're putting in my
preamble and I have a right to
put in my solvent solvent
solvent.
Can you come right here And you
can not stop me from being able
to do it?
Yes I can, sir.
I'm saying you're breaking
the law.
I'm not breaking the law, sir.
I'm not going to have this
conversation spoken with them
to go and say it now.
>> So what are you talking
about?
Why would you come over here
and come right here and tell me
that's what I would be doing?
You don't remember that We can
take some stuff and you could
definitely call in virtually to
knowledge in a public comment
Or we can take your comments
that are written down and we
can distribute to the council
That is all that we can do,
sir, because it wouldn't be
fair to everybody else.
I will need to continue
breaking the law.
>> We can have you call in
virtually This is only virtual
or remote.
>> I don't know right here.
I know I'm asking for an
accommodation under disability
that I have to be here in
person under the ada.
I'm asking what the final form
because it's not causing any
hardship to anyone that you
change your policies under
the United States.
88 I'm asking you to allow me
to do it because online is not
appropriate for me because I'm
just able to do it on in person
And if you fail okay stop.
Make your trip.
Okay stop.
Make your two minute comment
and let us get on with the rest
of the meeting.
>> This is your third warning
and you're not warning me.
I'm just being honest.
I'm being good today.
Okay?
You know I'm in here putting in
an amendment right now.
This is what it is.
I'm going to play it for you
one second.
Just one minute because you
didn't tell me I was going to
get ready So I put mine on and
I'll be here because I have to
check my phone because I was
trying to burn out my battery.
>> I'm here putting it right
here.
My name is Tangela Bonner In
the name of Jesus I deny myself
and come here in the name of
Jesus and under the Church of
God is the Holy See one and
the owner of Tantalus be one
one at Icloud.Com and the owner
of Tangela A.K.A Orange Juice
and the Son of GOD Tangela So
here I am I will be putting in
this motion to the Congress of
the United States the PRESIDENT
Of the United States, to
the nation and to the people as
the head of GOD's church I
minister to the people
California Government Code
Section 54950 and enacting this
chapter the legislator finds
and declares that the public
commissions, boards and
councils and the other public
agencies in this state exist
only to aid in the conduct of
the people's business.
It is the intent of the law
that their actions be taken
openly and that their
deliberations be conducted
openly And GOD is not a
business to the people of this
state.
Do not yield their sovereignty
to agencies which serve them.
The people in delegating
authority do not give their
public servants the right to
decide what is good for
the people to know and what is
good for the people to not know
Have a right to know all
the information insist on
remaining in form so that they
MAY retain control over
the instrument that they have
created For this chapter shall
be known as the rules and Brown
Act.
We understand the power to do
everything in a state without
accountability to make laws to
execute and to apply them to
impose and collect taxes and
levy contributions to make war
or peace to form treaties a
later time has included what we
are now going to knowledge in a
public comment virtual starting
of the five minute time we're
hearing in council chambers we
currently have ten speakers in
the queue starting with Becky
Rapp.
If you can please unmute Becky
Rapp.
Good afternoon.
My name Are you leaving
the room and I'm here Are you
leaving Becky If you can wait
one second.
Yes it does not make okay
gentlemen, take them out and I
will leave So Becky, please
proceed.
>> Okay.
Thank you.
Good afternoon.
My name's Becky Rapp and I'm
here to talk about
the marijuana tax revenue and
accountability.
San Diego has raised marijuana
taxes yet the city continues to
shortfall in projected revenues
and faces ongoing budget
deficits before asking
residents or other sectors to
pay more.
The public deserves a clear
answer to a basic question Are
we actually collecting
the taxes already owed?
Marijuana remains largely a
cash based industry fee that
relies heavily on
self-reporting.
That creates real challenges
for transparency and
enforcement.
How does the city verify that
all sales are being reported
accurately And if businesses
are not paying what they owe
are penalties and back taxes
being fully collected and
counted towards the budget?
When an industry is cash heavy
and oversaturated it becomes
far too easy to sell out
the front door and the back
door.
The city should also take an
honest look at whether
the marijuana market in San
Diego is over licensed and
oversaturated which strains
enforcement resources and
undermines revenue.
San Diego cannot rely on a cash
only self-reporting industry to
help balance its budget without
oversight and that means
regular public audits,
transparent reporting on unpaid
taxes and penalties
demonstrating to the public
that marijuana taxes are being
fully collected, enforced and
accounted for.
>> Thank you.
Next is Terry and Scully If you
can please unmute.
After Terry and Blair and then
Madison please proceed.
>> Hello.
Good afternoon.
My name is Terry and Scully.
I'm a planning group member, a
parent and a community
volunteer with school programs
that serve youth especially
those in need.
Since we've completed the first
semester of the school year
already and we have begun
the second semester, we have a
good understanding of our needs
of our young people.
We recognize as the indications
of mental health struggles of
our students and hopefully
the most severe form of mental
health struggles student
suicide ideation, personal
mental health resources have
been written more robustly into
the school district's budget
budgets These days it will take
these dedicated resources and
commitment from everyone at
school and in the community
including the decisions made at
the city council level.
Now more than ever we need
the City Council to make a
commitment to youth.
We need enforcement of our laws
against tobacco stores, vape
shops and marijuana
storefronts.
Who's selling flavored products
which is against your laws and
the state's students need clear
messages from all levels of
city government regarding how
to best handle problems that
are not short term solutions.
An example of such a message?
Drugs are never the answer not
alcohol, not tobacco, not
vaping, not marijuana or abuse
of prescription drugs.
This would show your commitment
to prevention and to our youth.
Perhaps an example of this
commitment would be the removal
of marijuana billboards around
the city.
Thank you for hearing my
concerns this afternoon.
>> Thank you.
Next is Blair Beckerman.
If you can please unmute after
that Madison and Michael
Schmidt.
>> blair Okay.
Thank you.
Beekman.
Thanks for the meeting today.
Thank you for the patience you
had with the public.
Speaker I felt he actually
asked in very legal terms and
you guys responded nicely and
really patiently.
Thank you for that.
I hope that he was escorted out
today that he can be it can be
safe for him to leave and he
can be okay.
He has the skills to practice
the process here and I hope we
can.
It takes a lot of effort to how
how to practice it and good
luck that he can be willing to
want to work within our
practices and that way we all
can be open to trying to work
together.
It takes effort and time to
thank Council PRESIDENT LaCava
for his patience with myself
that I am a little broad and
anecdotal.
He does ask for specifics and I
try to offer those specifics
and it's nice to go back and
forth figuring out that middle
ground between us.
>> Thank you And our continued
efforts to find that.
I wanted to comment that Paul
Krueger offered some really
important public comment
earlier today at the light
session.
I in person session that really
impressed me that he said
parking is simply going to
the general fund issues that
he's been saying that for
months now We have to be really
honest and clear how government
asks the community about our
issues.
I think the same things are
take accountability.
You know it's a practice we
have We're at a time and a
place to practice that more
easily and clearly and more
trusting and to not fear it.
And so good luck.
We do that together.
It's really important to hear
good information between each
other and to have good back.
That's how you do public safety
.
That's how you build best
practices and how to community
Good luck.
We really are working towards
those efforts and thanks for
everyone's efforts today.
>> Thank you.
Thank you.
Next is Madison if you can
please unmute after that is
Zoom user and then 30 Suri.
>> All right thank you for
the opportunity to speak today.
I'm a mother of young children
and like many parents when I
buckle my kids into the car I
assume that the road around us
is reasonably safe But
the science on cannabis
impaired driving tells us that
assumption is becoming harder
to make.
A major review published just
this month in the journal
Current Addiction Reports
examined the most recent
research on how cannabis
affects driving.
The findings were clear and
consistent cannabis products
containing thc impair driving
performance.
This isn't speculation or
outdated data It's based on
controlled experimental studies
conducted over the last five
years.
The review found that
impairment occurs quickly most
strongly within the first hour
after use and can last 4 to 5
hours after inhalation During
that time drivers show reduced
reaction time impaired
attention and poorer lane
control skills that are
critical to preventing crashes
Even more concerning
participants in these studies
often felt ready and willing to
drive shortly after using
cannabis despite objective
evidence that their driving
ability was impaired.
In other words, people don't
reliably perceive when they are
unsafe to drive the risks
increase further when cannabis
is combined with alcohol.
The review found additive
effects meaning the impairment
is worse than either substance
alone.
This combination significantly
amplifies danger on the road as
access to high potency cannabis
products expands.
Our policies must keep pace
with the science protecting
public safety especially
children, pedestrians and other
drivers requires a system to
measure impairment levels from
cannabis use which
unfortunately doesn't exist
yet.
This could be something you
could look into for our road
safety.
Thank you.
Zoom user if you can please
unmute.
After that there 24 and then
Judy Strain.
>> All right.
Hello everyone.
I hope I can lighten the mood.
That was a lot.
I'm not here to cause any
problems and I really just hope
I can make your day better.
My name is Eve and I would like
to read you a poem that we
wrote.
Have a heart this Valentine's
Day.
Roses are red, violets are blue
.
We are San Diego And just like
you.
We are seniors, disabled
families with kids just trying
to get by.
Moved into our rv's when
the rents got too high.
We are drowning in tickets We
can't afford to pay or pay
the gas to drive to barracks
each day.
You knock at three and give us
a fright.
We want just want respect not
to be ticketed at night.
Please don't take our RVs and
put us in the streets.
Please don't take our food.
We too need to eat.
We are San Diegans just like
you.
It's no crime to be poor for
our children's futures.
Have some compassion.
We implore We ask you to listen
and treat us true.
What if this happened to your
family?
Could you put your foot in
the other's shoe?
I just would like to tell you
our demands.
We would like no ticketing for
nighttime parking If designated
lots are unreasonable or
inaccessible for an individual
rv resident Number two no
excessive fines for parking
citations.
We can't afford to pay.
Number three no more poverty
toes of our vehicle homes.
Number four nothing about us
without us.
Number five It really would be
great if we could have a seat
at the table to delegate.
You know I'm in the trenches
every day living in my little
travel trailer and I've lived
outside.
I've eaten out of trash cans.
I slept on the streets under
stairwells and I came back from
all of that.
And now I'm being ticketed and
criminal for living in my
little 13 foot scamp.
All I want to do is see my
daughter and be with her.
That's all I want to do.
Thank you for your time.
We also made you homemade
valentines so thank you and I
hope you enjoy them.
Thank you.
1384 If you can please unmute
after that duty string and then
zoom user Hi.
>> Ernie Casco Senior Lawyer
Resident Pilot Torrey Pines
Airport plant is well
documented.
We had a pretty good flow in
San Diego recreational waiver
that would end the dispute.
If you're rejecting the San
Diego recreational waiver Joe
LaCava it's time for
transparency to stop
the corruption within your own
administration.
Your leaseholder is caught.
It is illegal to turn our
freedom into a privilege for a
license and a fee under any
terms, circumstances or
conditions.
I should not be forced to side
a leaseholder waiver when your
city liability is already
covered by California
recreational laws.
The proposed San Diego
recreational waiver only serves
as a second certificate
ensuring the city is not held
liable which includes a pilot
tree rating skill needed to fly
safely which is recognized
globally.
The San Diego recreational
waiver stops the city
leaseholder internal corruption
by revising the permanent
reinstatement of the Torrey
Pines Glider Port Advisory
Board as a proven solution that
is needed for oversight and
public safety.
That ends the dispute.
The San Diego recreational
waiver secures city
liabilities, restores
recreational freedom and
addresses the victim and
witnesses who have been damaged
and assaulted within a timely
fashion.
It's a win for city liability
Restores our recreational
rights and freedoms for years
to come.
And then at least the best
vision the city council and you
can make Joe LaCava If you want
me to walk away while you
blatantly rob America City
Council is still liable and
needs to address the victim.
And witnesses who have been
damaged and assaulted.
>> Thank you.
>> Next is Judy Strang if you
can please unmute.
There is also six speakers in
the queue when the five minute
timer concluded there's four at
this time.
No additional speakers will be
taken.
Judy Strang Then zoom user then
7499.
>> Yes, hello.
Good afternoon San Diego City
Council.
Thank you for your kindness to
those of us who are speaking to
you today.
It didn't go unrecognized by
me.
I wanted to add to
the proclamations that FEBRUARY
is American heart month and
that the county yesterday just
proclaimed their Love Your
Heart campaign something
they've done for the last 15
years and they tried to make
available blood pressure and
pressure measuring machines to
people especially those in
particular need.
They point out that heart
disease remains the leading
cause of death in the United
States and in Mexico and
the second leading cause of
death here in San Diego County.
And the numbers of people
involved here in San Diego
County help with heart disease
has risen over the last year.
They point out that unfortunate
this greatest burden of heart
disease is carried by our black
residents.
And it's important to remember
that one of the very important
conditions of conditions that
causes heart disease is smoking
and vaping.
American Heart put out in their
journal yesterday this
information Smoking and vaping
cannabis poses significant risk
to cardiovascular their health
with studies showing that
chronic use reduces blood
vessel function to a level
comparable to tobacco smoking
cannabis insulation regardless
of the method is associated
with increased heart rate blood
pressure artery stiffness.
They firmly share this
information regarding the value
of good help heart health.
This map Thank you zoom user if
you can please on mute and then
7499 and our last speaker is
Christine.
>> Thanks for taking my call
Henry here.
That was a touching poem by
that homeless lady Man that was
very cool.
Yeah.
Think of public safety and
parks.
I wonder if you guys could
install dog drinking fountains
and all the new drinking
fountains you have Because a
lot of the parks now are
the older parks The dogs drink
out of the human drinking
fountains.
They get up there and start
Licking Island and stuff and
everybody has dogs.
The county has those dog
drinking fountains down below
the water goes in them, push
the button and the dogs can
drink out of there.
That'd be kind of a good thing
to Future Park Maybe the buyer
park can get some of those dog
drinking parks.
And also I wonder, you know,
Mission Bay Park was made by
guys after World War Two.
We diverted the San Diego River
and made a big channel and made
a huge park.
It's all man made.
How about if we take
the Tijuana Open sewer and make
that the sand You see, dro Bay
Park will slip a big canal
right into the ocean and
emulate Mission Bay Park right
.
And sand you see draw down
there.
It'll be great.
We give a lot of the land to
those guys that live in San
Isidro.
They'll work it.
They'll dredge it out because
it's a mess, man All the sand
in there we use for concrete
we're looking for gold down
there and we'll name the will
name the thing in the middle
instead of Fiesta Island.
Hopefully they'll name it
Island name for a cultural
thing instead of the island.
It'll be Islands.
Well, it's sand and they can do
dirt bikes and it would be
beautiful down there.
The real estate would go like
crazy, you know that would be a
jewel 30 years from that better
part.
We could do that in three years
if you really got it together
and did it anyway.
Have a good day but goodbye.
Thank you.
7499 If you can please unmute
and then our final speaker will
be Christine.
7499.
My apologies Bob Kozinski here
During this morning session MR.
Casco again asked about
the implementation of a waiver
at the Torrey Pines Glider port
and Joe LaCava replied
something to the effect that
the city rejected that waiver.
Wow.
When did that happen?
Joe LaCava Was there a city
council meeting about
the glider part waiver that I
missed and exactly who rejected
that waiver?
Joe LaCava Did this council
hold some kind of a backdoor
meeting or communication in
violation of the Brown Act?
Is there a shadow government
making these decisions behind
our backs?
Let the record show that
the County of Los Angeles has
been using a hang gliding
waiver at Dockweiler State
Beach since 2017.
That will be a decade next
year.
In fact both MR. Casco and
myself have flown under those
dockweiler waivers and we've
both written our proposed
Torrey Pines waivers patterned
exactly after that highly
successful dockweiler waiver.
The Dockweiler waiver was
approved by the Los Angeles
County Legal Department back in
2017 and our proposed Torrey
Pines waivers are almost word
for word identical to it.
But somehow Joe LaCava
announces today that
the proposed Torrey Pines
waivers have been quote unquote
good.
How did that happen?
Joel LaCava Where is the record
of this city council rejecting
a Torrey Pines waiver and which
council members voted for or
against that waiver?
Joe LaCava You, Joe LaCava know
the answers to those questions.
You know that there is no
record of such a rejection
because it never happened.
Instead you Joe LaCava has just
pocket vetoed that proposed
waiver because it's not aligned
with your own agenda to keep a
private business in 100%
control of our public city
park.
Are you the Manchurian
Candidate in San Diego?
Joe LaCava.
Your comments And that
concludes an agenda Public
comment for this meeting.
>> Thank you.
We will now adjourn Council to
the next regularly scheduled
council meeting on Monday