will
Good morning.
>> I will now call the City
Council meeting of Tuesday MAY
19th, 2026 to order After
yesterday's deadly shooting I
reaffirm our Council's
commitment to root out hate in
any and every forum hate me
have no safe place in our city.
As a city and a city council we
stand in solidarity with
the Islamic center of San Diego
and the broader Muslim
community.
No we are with you and your
pain.
We are with you and your
weeping and we are with you in
your sorrow.
Three lives were lost yesterday
falling victim to senseless,
vile and hateful violence
including the life of a
security guard whose heroism
prevented additional loss of
life.
I am grateful to him and for
the swift action of our first
responders who secured
the building to ensure a safe
outcome for the children and
school staff.
My heart is with the families
and loved ones of those lost
and those affected by
yesterday's tragic events.
Please join me in a moment of
silence
.
Thank you.
Would any of my colleagues like
to share a few words?
Council Member Campbell Thank
you and thank you for your
words.
Council PRESIDENT My heart is
in the hearts of my staff.
Go out to the families and
friends of those who lost their
lives yesterday in a senseless
act of hatred and violence.
Our community is in shock from
this violent hate crime in
the strongest terms I condemn
this act of anti-Islam advocate
and all hate and all hate
crimes.
There's absolutely no place in
San Diego for hate or violence
of any kind.
All San Diego does deserve
dignity, respect and safety.
America was founded on
the principle of freedom for
all people and act of hate
based on race, religion, creed
or sexual orientation are
fundamentally un-American and
do not represent our country's
values.
>> We appreciate the good work
of our public safety officers
and we send our heartfelt
sympathy to the families
involved.
>> Thank you.
Thank you.
Council member Campbell.
With that Mark, please call
the roll if I MAY.
Councilmember Foster Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT And my
apologies for coming on the mic
late but I just want to take a
moment from yesterday's
actions.
It's just heartbreaking And I
think we have said over and
over from this dais that there
is no place for hate in San
Diego.
But I think as much as we say
that I think we all need to
understand that San Diego is
that our words matter no matter
the challenges that we face,
the rhetoric that is being
provided It has never been more
divisive in my time in the 50
years that I've been walking
But I would like to think is
the United States of America
And I just want to throw
caution to the wind.
We can disagree on a policy but
I'm just not understanding
where the hate continues to
come from.
And so if we can as we continue
to move forward and as we
continue to look at how we make
the United States a better
place as we look to make
the city of San Diego a better
place, please, please let's
spend more time loving our
neighbors, learning our
neighbors, accepting our
neighbors.
All of us are different.
I'd like to say all of us are
custom made.
That's why you have your
fingerprints.
I have my fingerprints.
We are going to be inherently
different.
But different is not wrong.
Religious beliefs are not wrong
.
We must embrace and we must
love on one another.
I also just want to acknowledge
I mean I believe the security
guard that lost his life he was
a District four resident and as
a chief of police said
yesterday he is a hero.
It's my understanding if he
would not have intervened that
potentially those shooters
would have found their way to a
classroom full of young kids.
And so I think we all need to
understand that.
And again, I just ask that we
must spend more time loving on
one another and trying to
understand one another and
accepting one another no matter
what the differences are.
And thank you, Council
PRESIDENT And thank you to our
first responders and thank you
to the families.
I can only imagine what
the phone call could have been
as a parent and you get that
phone call of a situation like
that happening with your kids.
So my heart goes out to
the community the entire city
of San Diego and my heart goes
out to MR. Ameena Abdulla and
his family.
He had a family kids life.
So thank you.
Thank you for the courage.
But it this is just a tragic
but a tragedy that we have to
come endure this.
So thank you council PRESIDENT.
That concludes my comments.
Thank you.
>> Gloucester Council PRESIDENT
Pro Tem Kelly Thank I suppose
I'll be short here but thank
you for offering some remarks
on behalf of the Council and of
course adjourning yesterday's
meetings in light of everything
taking place.
I think as a parent like many
others hearing the news
recognizing that involved not
just the mosque but a school
was very jarring.
The thing for me was to see
the images and videos of
children having to be evacuated
and led to safety.
I appreciate the words of
Councilmember Foster because I
think we do talk a lot about
hate and we've seen it and it's
in many forms in our community
over the years And I think
there's no doubt in people's
minds that what we've seen in
terms of hate has arisen And it
says a lot about where we are
as a society and our need to
respond.
There's one there's something
that I often say which is that
we have to be better than this
And I just want to add
the words from our arts
commissioner from District six,
Dennis just one who was
capturing this last night some
of his own thoughts and he very
simple but he he noted that at
some point we have to choose to
be better than this.
And for me that single sentence
has been quite profound because
I think we all think we know
what's right and wrong and how
we can be better.
But at the end the day there's
a choice to be made And it's
not just whether folks are in
hate, it's also how we respond
as a community and especially
in a time of mourning how we
choose to come together.
So that's what I hope we
continue to do as a city moving
forward.
>> Thank you.
Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT Pro Tem Lee
All right.
With that?
Clerk Please call the roll.
Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT Council
member Campbell here Council
Member Weber Council Member
Foster here Council Member Von
Weber Council PRESIDENT Pro Tem
Lee here Council Member Campion
Council Member Moreno Present
Council Member Elk River and
Council PRESIDENT McGovern
present Also attending
the meeting our Chief Deputy
City Attorney Cathy Simon.
Independent Budget analyst
Charles Margo Council Affairs
Advisor in the Mayor's office
criticizing and myself your
city clerk the elephant as
the Council PRESIDENT Thank you
City Clerk.
>> Quorum is now present as we
too often do at city council
meetings.
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 meetings 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,
screaming or speaking beyond
once a lot of time for examples
of such behavior that disrupts
the meeting.
So to make sure that everyone
here has an opportunity to
address the council I will
alert an individual or
individuals if I think their
conduct becomes disruptive.
The disruption continues.
I won't rule the individual out
of order and after
the disruption continues
further I will declare a recess
so we can restore order.
At that point I will direct
the individual to leave
the room and if the individual
refuses the police will escort
the individual out of
the building.
If we have to repeat this
process of warning and
recessing the 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 others
who wish to address the Council
and to allow the Council to
conduct the public's business.
With that we will begin this
morning with the land
acknowledgment and the Pledge
of Allegiance led by Council
member Moreno.
Will you please stand?
>> We respectfully acknowledge
that becoming a nation are
the original inhabitants of
the Unceded land now known as
San Diego.
Despite enduring the horrors of
genocide and colonization,
the coming ice 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 their
traditions continue to thrive
in gratitude and strength.
We stand with the United Nation
connected to our past and
committed to a thriving future.
If you could 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.
Clerk Please go over how
the public can offer their
testimony.
Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT.
I'd now like to highlight
the slide on the screen that
reviews the public enough of
their public testimony during
today's meeting.
Please note the time
allocations for proclamations
and consent items for meeting
management purposes is one item
one minute per item with three
minutes max For three or more
items the order can be found on
the agenda Summary found online
or at the table in the back of
the room.
If you're in person please
complete the speaker set
looking at the entrance of
chambers and bring it to
the front of the room.
Council members are available
near the entrance 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 Clerk For our first
order of business this morning
I will be returning a few items
back to staff First from our
last use me proclamations I'm
returning items 33 and 39 again
33 and 39 will not be heard
this morning Then two items
scheduled for our afternoon
session item 330 and as final
three again item 330 and as
final three will not be heard
this afternoon, These items are
now returned to staff and will
be heard at a later date.
With that we will dispense with
the balance of the proclamation
items.
>> City Clerk Thank you Council
PRESIDENT The proclamation
items being approved are items
30 through 3234 through 38 and
s 502 s5o2 with as the Council
PRESIDENT Noted item 33 and 39
being returned to staff.
We did receive comments on item
31 in favor of your comment
form which have been
distributed to the Council for
the long period for
the proclamation 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'll have
a maximum of three minutes If I
can have the following
individuals please come
forward.
Katrina Spears Bucket Please
come forward and you have time
to you by Cynthia Gilliam if
you can please raise your hand
So then thank you And you're
speaking on item as 5o2 You'll
have two minutes once you get
to the microphone.
Good morning everyone.
First off I would acknowledge
other council members and thank
you for having us here today
and everyone here as well.
I have had my mother in
the pink hat that is to Marcia
Billie Joe Spears And I'm here
today to not only honor her but
to recognize her the knowledge,
all the goodwill and work she's
done in the city of San Diego
since 1958.
My mother was a young girl
living in Louisiana and what a
big dream she's always tell us
when we were younger But
the big dream she had about a
bit of excuse me a big city
with water surrounding it And
that's what we have to American
finest city San Diego,
California Here she had seven
She brought in her four kids
out with her and the three that
came later to San Diego and I
want to let everyone know not
only was she a great mother to
us but a great teacher and a
great pastor and she holds
the title of a pastor.
As a young girl she always
wanted to help.
She submit herself to GOD at a
very, very early age And in
doing so she left behind her
career.
She had a career with the city
of Diego.
She was a real estate agent.
She is now full time and always
has been a pastor.
My mother unselfishly gave her
life to street ministry.
She had a church, a normal
life, had a church several
churches in San Diego And doing
so she not only served people
but she served GOD and
providing we have set we have
homes for men and women.
She also did street ministry
with tents for Ocean View Park
.
She had revivals, she did
church you name it.
My mom was one of the first
women as a pastor and
recognized as a pastor in
the city of San Diego In
the community she held many
meetings feeding the homeless
all while sharing the good news
of Jesus Christ Our Lord, thank
you for all your celebrations.
>> Her 90th birthday she turns
90.
Mom, raise your hand.
There she is right there with
somebody I would like to teach
you time.
Okay.
Thank you so much.
Okay.
>> Thank you.
Sorry.
We do have to be fair, but
somebody as good as you did
your time.
>> We have no additional
speakers here in council
chambers going to those
participating remotely.
We have four speakers in
the queue.
Please note again that items 33
and 39 were returned so no
comments to be should be to
those items.
Hector if you can please on
mute and let me know which item
or items you wish to speak to
The proclamation items Which
one?
I don't know which
the proclamation is 130 of
the item 33.
Please proceed.
You have one minute.
So in the history of our city
especially at the time it is
now we have got to make more
proclamations to other groups
of people and knowledge their
suffering and kind of wide open
especially right now I proclaim
we're going to be in for a long
meeting the next couple of days
and you guys might want to
order in order some Uber for
some food in and just keep
the meeting going so everyone
can talk and have a good day by
Blair Wickman If you can please
unmute and let me know which
item or items you wish to speak
to.
I'm Blair Beekman.
I want to speak on three items
with you If you can please let
me know which three items for
the record.
>> Yeah.
Item 31.
Item 36 and item five hundred.
>> Please proceed.
Thank you.
You know, it's my understanding
that the Brown Act if a meeting
an item is not been spoken
before in council or committee
you have to allow public
comment if you take it off.
>> So just a real note that we
can talk about at a later time
about the Buddha Buddha
birthday celebration in day.
This is a day to consider all
of our religions and here in
San Diego and that all have a
good standing Buddhist
traditions have a good way to
understand that concept and
that all all religions can be
decent and respectable.
>> Good luck What we can work
on in San Diego.
I want to talk a lot more on
this subject.
I feel a lot of sorrow in
what's happened and ways that
we can come together as a
community.
Thank you for the words of a
counselor present.
Foster It's a time to really
work together in our
differences and find good
results in our differences And
I think we can do that.
I think there's ways to do that
in our efforts.
>> There's two other items you
have on s500 a Filipino
American employee the city of
San Diego Filipino-American
Employee Association de I spoke
yesterday I made I really tried
hard to speak on issues
yesterday and I was really it's
not my intention to bring out
the worst of ourselves if I am
it is what the real purpose of
work and how to bring out
the best of ourselves and what
we need to be looking for.
I try to work in a way where
conversations are not kind of
the regular conversation you
guys have.
I feel that you have them
personally and internally but
they're not conversations that
are allowed openly and I hope
when I do that it's with
the intent to to offer fair,
decent conversation not to
inflame and not to play gotcha.
I really want to work towards
constructive good answers in
the future.
>> So what the San Diego
Filipino item again I hope you
guys can consider what a pay
cut to city workers can mean to
the community I think they
would be incredibly agree to do
and ways to find to to address
you know morale issues that
we're having as as the San
Diego community and good luck
in considering that concept and
finally to the mentioned morale
I mentioned Emergency Medical
Services Week important things
again, Andrea.
I mean it's had difficulties
with emt and cpd.
I hope this can be a time to
really decently review best
practices and discover together
learn together you know their
problems.
We can correct our problems.
>> Thank you.
Thank you, Tony.
If you can please unmute I can
I mean for you and let me know
which item or items you wish to
speak to.
>> Hey, good morning.
Can you hear me?
Yes, please proceed.
>> Let me know which item or
items I wish to speak to
the declarations.
>> The declaration is part of
the consent.
Yes.
The item number.
What was it?
Which were the two that were
excluded That can't be spoken
to you right now?
Items 33 and 39 339 okay I will
speak to item 31 please.
Please proceed to You'll have
one minute.
Thank you.
Hey, good morning, counsel.
Just just wanted to say thank
you.
>> I know it's going to be a
long day to day and yeah, I
wanted to call in to support
what Blaire Beekman said.
I agree with what he was
saying.
I'm not sure I don't have much
to say about this proclamation
so I just wanted to say good
morning and wanted to say look
for looking forward to today.
>> Thank you.
Thank you.
And our final speaker is 8700.
The five minute timer has also
concluded so no additional
speakers will be taken 8700 If
you can please email and let me
know which item or items you
wish to speak to.
Yes, thank you.
City Clerk I will be speaking
to all of them.
>> Please have three minutes.
Please proceed.
Good morning everyone and my
condolences to all.
And the way I'm going to
proceed with this I hope it
helps a little bit.
Please forgive me if I
mispronounce anything and I
won't say the numbers but you
know what they are National
Public Works Week.
Thank you for making this a
better world for I hope I can
do this and just say thank you
for making this a better world
.
Torrie Wilson Thank you for
making this a better world
Garden Catering Thank you for
making this a better World
County Day.
Thank you for making this a
better world.
Emergency Medical services for
inmates.
Thank you for making this a
better world.
Amy Taylor Martinez, thank you
so much for making this a
better world for Antibodies
Day.
Thank you for making this a
better world.
Filipino American employees
thank you for making us a
better world.
To region three to Bueno Amino.
Stay.
Thank you for making this a
better world.
Billy Joel.
Yeah.
I'm not sure I got that right.
Thank you for making this a
better world.
And to everybody else who works
to make this a better world and
there's so many people in
the world.
Thank you so much.
It's a difficult day in a way
It was difficult yesterday and
I just assemble and get ready.
Thank you.
>> Does that conclude your
comment?
Yes.
I'm sorry.
Thank you.
That does include public
comment on the proclamations.
>> All right.
Thank you, city clerk.
And with that I'll turn it over
to my council colleagues for
any questions and comments.
Entertain a motion and we'll
start with council member
Moreno.
>> Wonderful.
Thank you.
I have comments on item number
37 which is Amy Kremer Martinez
And I would ask her to please
come up to the podium.
Thank you.
Come right here.
In honor of teachers
appreciation Week we recognize
an educator whose leadership
has transformed Southwest High
School into a place where
students feel seen, supported
and inspired.
Last year Southwest High School
celebrated its 50th anniversary
and Mosquera Martinez has shown
unwavering commitment to young
people in District eight
ensuring that every student has
access to opportunities that
help them thrive.
As a graduate of Bonita Vista
High School Southwestern
College.
Cfa.
Fullerton National University.
And Point Loma Nazarene
University MISS Martinez
embodies the strength and
promise of the South Bay
Education community.
Since 2011 MS. Claire Martinez
has served the Sweetwater Union
High School District as a
teacher and administrator
supporting her heart into
the community that raised her
through assemblies athletic
support, visual and performing
arts programs and student
engagement.
MS..
Martinez has strengthened
campus pride and created a
culture of belonging.
MS. Claire Martinez Inclusive
programing an equitable system
ensures that every student from
every background has a chance
to participate lead and shine.
She has forged meaningful,
meaningful connections with
families, staff and community
organizations reminding us that
schools thrive when communities
come together.
Now MS..
Clara martinez has attended
National Night Out at Robert
Edgar Park where Southwest high
school students consistently
showcase a variety of
performances.
The event is recognized as
the largest attended National
Night Out celebration in San
Diego County.
Now as a first generation
college student, MS. Claire
Martinez has shown students
what is possible when
determination meets opportunity
.
Inspiring them to break
barriers on their own.
She is joined today with her
loving husband Nick Martinez,
mother and father and also
Southwest High School asb
PRESIDENT.
They matter but there are no
future as be PRESIDENT Zoe
Garcia and future sb Attorney
General Admi Gonzalez.
I think yet another
exemplification of how she
brings and uplifts students.
So MS. Claire Martinez you
represent the very best of our
educators those who change
lives not with grand gestures
but with daily acts of care,
advocacy and belief in their
students those who show up with
heart, who lift students when
they doubt themselves and who
quietly shape the future for
one young person at a time.
So for those reasons and many
more the city of San Diego
proudly proclaims MAY 19th,
2026 as Amy Quiere martinez
Day.
>> Thank you.
>> I'm ceding her my time.
Council PRESIDENT.
>> Thank you.
If that's okay I'd like to
welcome my students to come
over.
They'd like to say something.
I cannot do this work if it
wasn't for the support of my
family at home and my family at
work.
So I'd like for them to say a
few words because this this
really is because of them.
>> Hello everyone.
My name is Zoe Garcia.
I currently serve as a
Southwest.
Hi attorney General and I was
recently elected as the future
as your PRESIDENT For the 2026
2027 school year.
It is a privilege to be here
today recognizing MISS Your
Martinez for her dedication and
hard work as the assistant
principal student activities
and our acp advisor MISS
Martinez always goes above and
beyond for our school and
students.
Since joining us b as a
freshman she has been nothing
but kind, supportive and
encouraging throughout
the years She has become
someone I look up to and turn
to for guidance.
Her passion for her work and
the case she shows to every
student truly makes her a role
model.
I can confidently say that she
has helped shape me into
the leader and person I am
today and I will always be
grateful for her support.
MS. Martinez truly deserves
this recognition for
the positive impact she has
made on so many lives.
Congratulations MS. Martinez
and thank you for everything
you do and thank you all for
your attention.
>> Thank you.
>> Good morning everyone.
I am the L.A. Create 50th proud
asu PRESIDENT At fault with
high school.
Honestly being PRESIDENT I
would have not gotten to that
position without the support
And MISS Martinez believing in
me and encouraging me to take
on new positions and new roles.
Challenging myself on a daily
basis because she saw potential
I didn't see myself.
I have I've had the honor to
work with her all my four years
since I started in.
It's been my freshman year to
almost leaving.
I'm going to MISS Her so much
but I know she will continue to
push me beyond graduating
Southwest High School.
She's been a role model and
she's been one of the key
people that will continue to
motivate me and from winning
the laurels for leaders and
Community Service project I
knew she was a big part of
that.
She made a huge impact in that
project and overall she's just
been like a second one to me at
school and now I can always run
to her or tell her anything.
Honestly.
But she's been a great model,
great role model And this
recognition is beyond deserved.
>> So thank you guys.
>> Thank you.
And without without Council
PRESIDENT I'm happy to make a
motion to move proclamations.
>> Thank you.
Thank you.
Council members We have a
motion by Council Memorandum.
>> We'll go next to
Councilmember Foster.
Yes, thank you, Council
PRESIDENT.
And I'm going to try to keep my
comments brief.
Just congratulations to all of
the organizations and
individuals receiving
the proclamation today.
But I want to say a few words
on item as 502 Billy Joe to
Marcia Spears Day as we are
here to celebrate Pastor Spears
.
As we approach your 90th
birthday on the 21st, it is
truly a blessing to recognize
and celebrate you today.
Your life has been grounded in
faith service, family and love
for community and so many
people across the district for
have been touched by your care,
leadership and generosity over
the years whether through
ministry feeding families,
mentoring young people or
simply showing up for those in
need.
You have poured into this
community for decades and I
have to say 90 years young and
still going strong is something
we can all aspire to.
On behalf of District four in
the city of San Diego.
Happy early birthday and thank
you Thank you for all that you
do and all that you have given
not only to District four but
to the city of San Diego.
>> Thank you so much And yes
indeed I just want to read one
line from the proclamation as
we are in this time.
I just think for me personally
family is just so, so important
and hidden in the proclamation
It reads As a devoted mother of
seven grandmother of 19 and
great grandmother of 26 Pastor
Spears has built a lasting
legacy grounded in love
guidance and generational
impact that truly is a blessing
and GOD is good and thank you.
>> Thank you for everything
that you have done for the city
of San Diego.
And with that council PRESIDENT
I do have some time remaining
on the lights.
>> I will second
the proclamations but I would
like to offer any time to any
other family member that would
like to come up and say a few
words please.
You.
I really do.
And then why don't Oh, we want
to you know I want to thank you
for all goes to GOD and of San
Diego I don't mean they helped
me all the way up to two
different programs that were
gifted to you.
I really thank GOD and I pray
full you politician after I
thank you all for what you all
have done and say Oh I am just
so grateful that the Lord bless
one of my children's pastor way
about five years ago.
GOD's been good to me, be good
to my children and I just thank
GOD for the youth program.
Everything helped me and I'm in
tears.
I thought about how I had put
their age up this was they
supposed to be 50 Their youth
program brought a lot of help
to this city in San Diego in
the southeast area.
I wish they would get it back.
We would have so many people on
the street, young people if we
could get that program back So
I don't know if it can be done
but I thank GOD But I you can
do it if you put your trust in
GOD sometime I feel that they
had it I do it Lord seven years
and not all the way up I
received about six months I
sent the checks back to them
and told them I would do for
myself And I thank GOD for
the city of San Diego because
you all have truly been good to
my family and my children's.
>> Thank you so much.
Union and thank you.
Thank you so much and MAY GOD
continue to bless you with his
love, with his grace and with
good health.
Thank you Counsel Present That
concludes my comments.
All right.
Thank you.
So we have a motion by council
member Moreno, the second by
Councilmember Foster to move
The proclamations will go next
to council member Campbell
Thank you council PRESIDENT And
thank you and congratulations
to everyone receiving
proclamations today I will
speak on three very briefly 32
3436 and I'd like to start on
behalf of my colleague council
member Von Wilpert who couldn't
be here today but who like to
give a proclamation in honor of
our Teatro Catering Company.
She asked me to share her
congratulations on this
proclamation Recognizing Auntie
Arturo Catering Day for more
than two decades Arteta has
been an important part of San
Diego's small business
community and a place that has
brought people together through
great food.
Councilmember Von Wolford has
been at lta through many times
over the years and wanted to
share that The food is always
incredible especially the baked
goods.
Auntie Arturo has created a
welcoming space in the heart of
downtown in San Diego where
people can enjoy quality food
and European inspired cuisine.
Nancy Daniels leadership and
commitment to the community
have helped make our Teatro
such a long time Local favorite
Congratulations on 22 years of
service to the San Diego
community and best wishes for
continued for continued success
in the many years ahead And I
believe that they Would you
please wave There you are.
>> Yes, I knew you were here.
Thank you And thank you on
behalf of Council Member one
Open And I would also like to
make some remarks today for DR.
Troy Wilson who I believe MAY
also be here DR. Wilson or his
family.
DR. Wilson received the 2026
Dwayne Roth Achievement Award
for his leadership in
developing developing a
medication a new medication to
treat cancer, his
groundbreaking work to advance
the treatment of certain
aggressive types of leukemia
will change the lives of many
patients for years to come and
give them many years of good
living.
As a family physician I can
tell you firsthand how
important it is to constantly
be developing new innovative
treatments so that we can help
improve the lives of our
patients.
So congratulations to DR.
Wilson on receiving this award
and I thank him for all his
Richard's research and
contributions to the field of
cancer treatment.
My last remarks will be for
item 36 Emergency Medical
Services Week proc.
I want to thank the emerging
Emergency Medical Services for
all that they do and say how
much I appreciate this work
which is observed across
America to honor our first
responders and our emergency
medicine providers.
Emergency medical service
providers are EMTs, paramedics
,also firefighters,
dispatchers, lifeguards and
police department personnel.
First responders go through
many hours of training so they
can administer care to
residents in emergency
situations which often makes
the difference between life and
death.
And I want to thank our
wonderful first responders for
all that they do to keep San
Diegans safe every single day.
And thank you, council
PRESIDENT.
>> All right.
Thank you, Council member
Campbell Go and council member
whispered Thank you very much
Council PRESIDENT So very
wonderful proclamation today
and organizations and
individuals being recognized.
Congratulations to everybody
being honored I have Cubbage in
relation to sub including sub
specifically district three it
is my order to break forward a
proclamation recognizing
the sea fog temple in
University Heights and
celebrating Buddha's birthday
on MAY 24th.
This is at important cultural
and religious observance for
many members of San Diego's
Buddhist community and I want
to thank the Chief Temple for
the role that it plays in
fostering compassion
mindfulness service and
community connection here in
District three and around
the city of San Diego.
I would also like to extend a
special thank you to
Superintendent Be outside for
being here with us today.
I would like to welcome
the superintendent up to say a
few words.
Good morning Council PRESIDENT
And Honorable Council members
on behalf of Shivani Temple and
the Greater Buddhist Community
of San Diego we sincerely thank
the City of San Diego for this
proclamation.
Recognizing MAY 24th as
the Buddha's birthday
celebration day This
recognition carries deep
meaning for us because Buddha
spread they also known
internationally as we thank is
a celebration shared by
Buddhists throughout the world
.
In 1999 the United Nations
officially recognized Vesak as
an international observation
acknowledging Buddha's message
of peace, compassion, wisdom
and harmony for humanity.
More than seven decades ago our
founder Durban Master Xing Yang
began promoting public Buddha's
birthday celebrations across
the communities in Taiwan.
He believed that true kindness,
mutual respect and
understanding the society could
become more peaceful and
harmonious.
Today that message fills
especially important as the sad
happening affecting the Islamic
center of San Diego Yesterday
we are reminded that our
communities must continue
standing together with
compassion, friendship and
mutual respect.
Moments like this remind us
that regardless of our
different faith or backgrounds
we are all interconnected as
one big family.
This proclamation is not only
an honor for Shifang Temple it
is also a recognition of
contributions of the entire
Buddhist community and all of
those who work together to
foster compassion, mindfulness
service and peace in our
society.
>> Buddha's birthday is truly a
celebration for everyone
regardless of background or
faith tradition because
the values we celebrate are
universal peace, gratitude,
compassion and a consistence.
We will only invite everyone to
join us on MAY 24th Buddha's
Birthday and Family Festival as
we celebrate together in a
spirit of harmony and
friendship.
Thank you Superintendent.
>> Thank you for those words.
Very well said.
>> Today I am also pleased to
join my colleagues in ordering
the highly recognized
restaurant Kelly and proclaim
JUNE 4th as Kelly Day in
the city of San Diego.
Over the past five years chef
Travis Ricard and Kelly have
helped to establish say, Diego
is a nationally recognized
culinary destination Through an
extraordinary commitment to
hospitality, creativity and
excellence.
Beyond the restaurant itself,
Kelly has made a meaningful
impact on our local community
by supporting local farmers and
fishers and producers
contributing to the East
Village economy and helping to
better the next generation of
hospitality professionals here
in San Diego.
And I also want to recognize
the restaurant's commitment to
giving back including its
partnership with feeding say
Diego.
JUNE 4th also carries a deep
personal significance for
Travis and his family as it
honors the life and memory of
his brother.
I think it is particularly
meaningful that they have
chosen to transform a day
rooted loss in the world that
is centered on generosity and
purpose of family and
community.
And I would like to thank Chef
Swicord at Barnes Ricard,
the owners of Kelly and their
staff for everything that they
have contributed to San Diego.
And I would like to invite Mia
and Travis to come forward at
this time and share a few words
with us.
>> Thank you so much for this
recognition and this
proclamation.
As a born and raised San Diego
kid, it's a lot for me to stand
up here today and feel this
emotion.
But I traveled all over
the world cooking to learn how
to be the very best chef I can
be and be the best
restauranteur I could be.
And when I moved home after
doing that I really felt a
strong responsibility to be
more than a chef and more than
a restauranteur and have a true
impact on my hometown.
And I think that outside of
having just a great restaurant
it's been a true honor to have
that ability and to really
focus our energy and on giving
back to the community.
Just recently we've been able
to open up a school pantry in
our in our neighborhood in Bio
Logan.
And I can't tell you a more
meaningful thing I've ever done
in my life So to get this
recognition today it means a
lot to us And thank you so
much.
>> Thank you very much, Travis.
Thank you.
Be a congratulations.
Thank you for being here this
morning.
Thank you.
>> I am also pleased to joined
by colleague culture Barbara
Campbell and Councilmember Bart
Wilpert.
It recognizes the El Teatro
Catering As you heard for over
22 years it has been a staple
of our civic center providing
city employees and theatergoers
and visitors with great service
and a wide variety of tasty
foods and drinks.
So congratulations to El
Cerrito and 22 years as
Councilmember Kimball pointed
out, this is also Emergency
Medical Services Week and I am
delighted to join my colleagues
in bringing forward
the proclamation recognizing
ems Week.
Emergency responders have
incredible courage and
strength.
They are there for every member
of our community.
But the call comes in for help
no matter the circumstances
They are a lifeline for people
facing life threatening
injuries or illness.
Their ability to quickly
perform their duties could
absolutely be the difference.
As we all know between life and
death.
I'd like to recognize all of
our emergency responders across
our city for their outstanding
work to save countless lives
many times putting themselves
in the way of danger.
And I would like to invite
first responder Carlos Valdes.
Acosta to come up at this time
and please say a few words.
>> Good morning City Council.
On behalf of American Medical
Response, I'm truly grateful
for receiving this and a very
knowledge ems week.
I take a second to have my team
stand up for a second.
>> I want to take a moment to
highlight what it takes to make
ems great.
We have EMTs, paramedics,
dispatchers, nurses,
dispatchers, servers and all
our support staff that work
together to make this you know,
put a great service in the city
along with other partners that
we collaborate with City Fire
or City Communication Center.
It truly is a team sport and it
really takes all of us to show
up and really serve this
community every single day.
We're truly grateful and proud
to serve the city of San Diego
and we're extremely humble for
everyone here to put the trust
in us to provide that care.
Thank you for recognizing ems
Week and thank you for
the people behind it.
>> Thank you.
Thank you very much, Carlos.
Thank you to all of you for
your service to our city.
>> I'm pleased to join Bayer
Gloria and councilmembers Lee
played Isla Rivera in
proclaiming City of Santiago
Filipino American Employees
Association Day As we celebrate
the important contributions of
the city of San Diego, Filipino
American employees Association,
Filipino Americans continue to
play a vital role in
strengthening say Diego through
public service and community
leadership, health care,
education and so many other
fields.
And I want to thank
the association's leadership
and members for their
dedication and continued
commitment to serving
the people of San Diego.
And finally I will join in
the thanks to Rita Cabello,
comedian Ed Roos for 30 years
of dedication to our city.
Congratulations.
For decades you served our city
and we are deeply grateful for
your service.
Thank you and thank you.
Council PRESIDENT Thank you
Council member Whitburn I will
now go to Council PRESIDENT Pro
Tem Lee I think as PRESIDENT
And I want to thank my
colleagues for the number of
recognitions today including to
everyone in ems.
Thank you for being here too
Kelly I've actually had a
chance to visit once with my
friends from Kingfisher and it
was very enjoyable and
congratulations to you and all
your work in the community.
I'm going to speak specifically
to a couple of proclamations
starting with item 31 where I
want to thank Council member
Whitburn for having us join him
in proclaiming MAY 24th 2026 as
Shipping Temple and Buddha's
Birthday Celebration day in
the City.
I think you've already heard a
little bit about them what they
do and I just want to thank you
for your remarks especially in
light of the incident yesterday
at the Islamic Center of San
Diego and especially and
recognizing that when it comes
to getting people together of
all faiths and all cultures, I
think there's one thing that we
can share in common in terms of
calling out hatred and violence
and that was meaningful for you
to share in your time up here
for item 32 for Troy Wilson Day
we actually originally had
intended to have DR. Wilson and
his team with us today and I
just want to share that in
light of yesterday's events
that they did make a choice,
you know not to attend this
morning but I do still want to
take this moment to join
council PRESIDENT LaCava, my
colleague Councilmember
Campbell in proclaiming JUNE
11th, 2026 is Troy Wilson Day
in the city of San Diego on
JUNE 11th.
DR. Wilson will be presented
with the 2026 Dwayne Roth
Achievement Award for his
leadership in cancer drug
development and his impact on
cancer patients.
The Dwayne Roth Achievement
Award is presented to health
care leaders whose focus is
solely on patients by
overcoming institutional and
scientific challenges to bring
forward new research that leads
to revolutionary treatment
methods and as PRESIDENT Ceo
and CHAIRMAN Of the Board for
Cure Oncology, DR. Wilson has
been a pioneer in that field.
He's proven to be an
accomplished leader in biotech
through the founding building
and leading of innovative
companies that deliver
transformative therapies for
patients benefit.
And with more than 25 years of
experience has delivered
groundbreaking therapies that
have resulted in life changing
results for oncological
patients.
So we're certainly honored to
celebrate his innovation and
achievements and DR. Wilson's
deep commitment to innovation
and patients certainly make him
worthy of that recognition.
Thank you to you cc D.A. For
recognizing him and we're
honored to join them in that.
And then finally for item 500,
we're proud to recognize
Philippine independence Day and
to celebrate the lasting
contributions of our Filipino
American community, especially
through the dedicated city
employees who serve our
residents every day.
This proclamation celebrates
the city of San Diego
Filipino-American employees and
they hold a fantastic cultural
celebration every year
surrounding the Independence
Day.
It's a great luncheon.
Last year they had a city band
that performed which was fun in
its own right and in these
moments I think we we are
appreciative that we get to be
a city that really values this
sense of diversity within our
city and the impact that
Filipino employees have
throughout the city of San
Diego.
So with that concludes my
comments.
Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT All right.
Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT Pro Tem Not
seeing anyone else in
the lights.
i'll offer a few concluding
comments as well recognizing
everybody who got a
proclamation an individual a
cause Um I congratulate and
thinking of my colleagues for
bringing these and highlighting
what makes San Diego so special
to emergency medical services.
Thank you to the first
responders and what you do
every day.
As was said unfortunately too
often yesterday you run into
the danger to serve those in
their most vulnerable
conditions.
>> So we're so appreciative.
As the only Italian up here,
I'm a little embarrassed that I
didn't get my name added to
the proclamation.
But I will honor you by saying
you have the best and freshest
cannoli in the city and that's
a very high bar.
>> So thank you for for that.
And to the proclamations on
item 30 excuse me going to do
32 First of Troy Wilson Day
I'll join Council PRESIDENT Pro
Tem Lee and council member
Campbell in congratulating DR.
Wilson on receiving the 2026
Dwayne Roth Achievement Award
for your remarkable research in
the field of oncology, your
research and contributions are
nothing short of remarkable
from being the founder of
multiple cancer research
companies to developing
groundbreaking therapies and
medication.
DR. Wilson's work continues to
advance technologies that help
fight cancer and improve
the lives of so very many.
Thank you DR. Wilson for not
only making San Diego a leader
in biotechnology research but
for advancing lifesaving
research that is changing
the future of cancer treatment
in the field of oncology and
for countless patients I am 30
National Public Works Week
today Invite my colleagues to
proclaim this week MAY 17th
through 23rd as National Public
Works Week in the city of San
Diego so that we can highlight
the public works employees who
help keep our city up and
running from maintaining our
roads and buildings to
protecting our water systems.
These are the people that every
day ensure our city's quality
of life and protect our public
health and safety.
Thank you to all the engineers
maintenance workers, managers
and public works employees who
continue to make our city as
safe as it can be.
Your knowledge, expertise and
public service do not go
unnoticed by the people of San
Diego.
And with that I will invite our
chief community services
officer and city engineer Ron
Yamin to make some remarks.
>> Good morning.
Council PRESIDENT Angela Carver
and members of the City Council
on behalf of the Public Works
professionals across the city,
thank you for this
proclamation.
Recognizing National Public
Works Week and all our
dedicated Public works
employees this year's theme
Advancing Quality of Life for
All reflects the essential work
been done across so many
disciplines and departments
from maintaining our streets,
sidewalks and stormwater
systems to delivering clean
water and wastewater services,
managing capital improvement
Project protecting public
spaces, supporting fleet and
facilities operation and
responding during emergencies
and storms.
Public policies Often
the unseen work that keeps our
city moving safely, reliably
and efficiently.
Everything go day behind every
service As a team of
hardworking professionals who
are deeply committed to
improving the daily lives of
residents in every neighborhood
even with aging infrastructure,
growing service demands and
limited resources, our
employees continue to be to do
the absolute most with what
they have The resilience and
dedication allow critical
services and projects to keep
moving forward often behind
the scenes We are incredibly
proud of our city employees and
grateful for everything they do
for our communities And thank
you again for the recognition
and for the continued
partnership and support of
the public works.
Thank you Ron.
The comments well stated.
All right.
With that we have a motion by
Councilmember Marino and a
second by council member
Foster.
Clerk Please call the roll.
Please start your voting system
I'm sorry your voting system
Please cast your vote That
passes unanimously 6 to 0 with
Council member Eli Rivera,
Councilmember Campo and
Councilmember Von Wilpert
absent.
Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT.
>> All right.
Thank you, City Clerk And with
that we will take a brief pause
for photos and we will start
with item 31 which is to say
find Temple and Buddha's
birthday celebration day if you
can come up
, buddy.
>> But yet one thing we're
going to and Great Thank you
so
hard to have it
and
all right continuing on with
this morning's business, we
will now proceed with
the approval of the consent
items item 50 which was
previously heard at the Budget
Committee will be returned to
staff again.
Item 50 which was previously
heard at the Budget Committee
will be returned to staff.
Are there any request to pull
an item by my council
colleagues?
I'm not seeing any such
request.
Clerk Please proceed with
public comment.
Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT Please don't
you Speaker We'll have 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 ten items 103 104 items
504 and s505 Item 50 was
returned.
We also received comments on
items 101 012 in favor
respectively b r e comment form
which have been distributed to
the Council.
We have Brian Helmick here to
speak on item 100.
You'll have one minute.
>> Please proceed And that's a
set strict and he does that
team Ed is not just a funding
board but it's actually
the embodiment of a community
community that voted into it
into existence and it's
residents coming together to
show pride in their shared
neighborhood and San Diego team
and fully supports this banner
district and has approved
related funding for a display
celebrating Talmage Centennial
year.
Our theme Putting down roots
since 1926 recognizes not only
talent as founding but also all
who have made this part of San
Diego their home through
the last 100 years Today and
also going forward we hope
the council will support
the community in authorizing
this district and the council
members and staff will join
residents at the annual Talmage
Block party in OCTOBER as this
part of San Diego steps forward
into its next 100 years.
Thank you.
Started the five minute timer
going to those participating
remotely.
We have four speakers in
the queue.
Hector if you can please and
mute and let me know which item
or items you wish to speak to
today.
The 100 The 1o4.
>> You'll have two minutes.
Please proceed guys.
Got to circumvent the mayor or
our mayor is opening as dumb
And now I'm talking about
America's finest city.
America's finest city would not
be closing the libraries
letting Mexico dump their on
us for 20 years He needs to
calm his jets down.
He's known for the mayor who's
charged to go to the park and
park.
How he put up with want to for
20 years Who did the street
$150 million debacle on tv You
need to tell him to shut up on
the on white racism on cnn or
white supremacy or something
like that That's his argument
Hate So do your job and tell
the mayor to shut up man And
this is not right What he's
doing.
I couldn't find the number
there to the other So the mayor
is way out of line and tell
the chicks chicks with blue
hair to cool their jets at
the meetings, man And we got to
do a proclamation for the Garza
Strip The genocide Genocide at
Gaza Strip Proclamation.
We need to denounce that.
So okay.
Thanks a lot.
Next is 8700 If you can please
unmute and please let me know
which item or items you wish to
speak to.
Thank you.
I will be speaking on 1 or 2 1
or 3 and 5 or 5.
>> Thank you.
Please proceed.
Thank you.
1 or 2 oh first of all here are
two grant items and one
donation items.
So thank you for all for
helping us make this a better
world.
1 or 2.
Yes And thank you for $1.5
million grant for general fund
help for wild fire prevention.
It's just a great item.
So love so much to the fire
rescue people and their entire
department.
103 Yes to accept donations
from the San Diego Parks
Foundation for f y 25 totaling
$1,875,500.
That's a wonderful funding
amount And also and a big thank
you to Parks and Rec and for
all of the employees there and
for everything you do for our
wonderful parks And thank you
to the donors who just love you
love you a lot and we just
appreciate your support And
the more help you can get us is
really appreciate so much.
505 Yes to accepting
the highway bridge program
grant and agreement Santee
Irrigation District.
And I'll just conclude with
saying love to the entire
engineering and capital
projects of people for
everything they do for us and
wasn't the proclamation timing
at the beginning of the meeting
just the most beautiful spot
for it to be today?
It was so helpful for me and
thank you so very much and
we'll have a beautiful day.
Love to all.
Thank you.
Next is Blaire Beekman.
If you can please unmute and
let me know which item or items
you wish to speak to.
Hi Player Beekman.
Hold on a second.
I got to when I'm up here and
find my okay where I'm starting
from item s final four and then
items 1 to 1 one on to one of
three and that's it.
Thank you.
Please proceed.
>> Yeah.
Hi, I'm Claire Beekman.
>> I have been in two of these
mass shootings in the San Jose
area in the past ten years and
or have been around and, you
know, attending council
meetings and getting into
the work we do as a community
going on to these items in our
consent calendar regular agenda
it can be really helpful just
to see it and feel it back to
seeing again and what we do
well and good Look up what we
can be doing well today for
the Sally Ordinance for fiscal
year 2027.
Again, like I said earlier,
good luck to the rating
decreases salary decrease idea
And two I just wanted to
quickly add whatever you can
manage you know whatever sort
of cut you can take I think
would make an incredibly
helpful and important statement
to everyone of San Diego And I
think it can be really small
and actually accomplish a lot
because we we have good ideals
and working towards good
intentions and that will open
our minds up to better ways of
thinking and better logic is
what I'm hoping for.
We're set with budget issues so
good luck with that And to
really consider it item 101 is
budget items for funding for
Montgomery Gibbs Field and
Brownfield airports.
How is the item going?
There was supposed to be kind
of a after the accident at
the recent airport it was
really noted that there is a
lack of communication between
the different airports and
perhaps, you know, the one
airport that I know there's
basic problems and and
maintenance issues.
How is all that communication
going and maintenance upkeep is
better dialog being created,
better openness good luck and
good luck in that effort and
work with item 102 is Wildlife
Wildfire funding for the Lake
Hodges in San Francisco Valley
area And I think you've been
doing some interesting work as
a community local neighborhood
with the fire issues in
the summertime.
It's been really interesting to
see that over the past year
keep up that good work and to
mention the Dora you know don't
be afraid to have conversations
about fire issues and where
they come from and what exactly
and where they're coming from.
We need to have those
conversations and about whether
we can't be afraid of those
conversations and that they
can't be open.
They can be open.
Let's find ways to make open
and safe conversation.
And finally with Windows three
Parks Foundation issues, I
think we're making important
strides to understand even
Councilperson Bowman are just
asking is there a difference
between Parks Foundation
funding and money that's going
to the general fund at this
time?
It can be okay if that's
happening Let's just be clear
with each other about it and
your time has.
>> Thank you for that.
Thank you.
We have two speakers in
the queue and the five minute
timer has concluded no
additional speakers will be
taken.
Tony if you can please unmute
after that is Kathryn.
Tony please let me know which
item or items you wish to speak
to me Yes I would like to speak
to item 103 I'd like to speak
to item 1 or 2 and I would like
to speak to item 1 or 1 please.
>> Please proceed.
You have three minutes.
>> Thank you.
These seem like some pretty
slam dunk knock out of the park
resolutions here.
It seems like we would just be
accepting grants which I can't.
I can't think of any reason why
we wouldn't want to accept that
money.
The California Natural
Resources Agency is a is a
wonderful program and I think
that's a fantastic grant.
I'd love to see us accept that
1.5 million to support
the General Fund for Wildfire
Prevention activities.
And again, I just want to
reiterate something that I
mentioned last week in Council.
I hope that we are looking into
strategic and how the fire
department can be utilizing
citrus tech in more ways.
I know that they're using it in
North County already and I know
that the fire chief is already
starting to implement it in
some of his practices.
So hopefully we can get
acquainted with that process
here as well.
And then moving on to item one
of three, let's see it looks
like that would be awesome to
receive the those donations
from this for the San Diego
Parks Foundation Looks like we
could possibly receive up to 2
million from that grant I'm
reading sorry I'm just reading
agenda right now So yeah
hopefully we can utilize that
money you know for everything
that it's needed for And yeah,
that's all I wanted to comment
on.
>> Thank you and good morning.
Thank you.
Katherine Rounds, if you can
please unmute and let me know
which item or items you wish to
speak to And yes if I could
speak to item as final for
salary ordinance and as five of
five The bridge Sure You heard
those two items?
>> Yes, please.
Thank you.
You have two minutes.
Please proceed.
>> Okay.
Forward the salary ordinance
here.
It looks like you you you know
did you already approve your
memorandum of understanding or
did you not during closed
session yesterday or the other
time before where people said
you actually signed something?
Anyway, this report here that's
about a month old it said, you
know, at this time it didn't
say exactly what the pending
salary and wage impacts are on
page two of your report.
So exactly how much more in
salary and wages are you
expecting to bring in?
You know, I don't know.
I think this should actually be
a discussion item where we
could actually get a an
analysis of this.
But anyway, you know what I of
course go back to what I think
you guys should be doing is I
think you should be firing all
300 of the nonunion
unclassified employees who got
double and triple their pay
rates compared to their regular
union counterparts doing
the same work in the same job
description.
But because they're called
middle managers and they're I
would say friends of Todd's or
friends of somebody who somehow
they get to make more money
than the regular union people
in our I believe our our our
budget problems or structural
budget deficit could be solved
in part by firing all these
people and then hiring back as
regular union workers And you
could call them managers if you
want to.
You just can't you know, they
just have to be not the middle
managers who are nonunion who
have no you know, labor
protections at all.
And then for the El Camino real
Bridge to the Via Della Valley
I look forward to actually
reading all about it.
I didn't know about this but it
seems like that would be quite
lovely.
Thank you.
And that concludes with a
comment on the consent agenda.
All right.
Thank you City clerk With that
will turn it over to my council
colleagues for questions
comments and entertain a motion
and we'll start with Council
member Moreno Thank you.
>> I have comments on item 1 or
3 the acceptance of donations
from the San Diego Park
Foundation during fiscal year
2025.
First and foremost I want to
thank the San Diego Parks
Foundation for this donation.
I am pleased to see that
several projects in my district
receive funding through this
item Enfield That laser
leveling and soil improvements
has been a longstanding request
by the board of the Lucky Wild
Little League Board at our
monthly community Rec group
meetings and I'm pleased to see
their commitment to the park
and its players being
recognized And through these
improvements these upgrades
directly support
the longstanding tradition of
baseball practice in District
eight and also ensures that
every player has a field worthy
of their hard work and passion
for the game.
The South Crest lighting
project illuminates
the pedestrian path to ensure
that residents can utilize
the park in the evening and
increase their feeling of
safety.
Additionally, the illumination
allows park and rec staff with
the opportunity to broaden
their offerings by hosting
programing like soccer in
the evening hours.
Now with the San Isidro Larson
Field Community Center being
one of the most visited rec
centers in San Ysidro,
the installation of Retract
retractable back board
standards modernize
the facility that is home to
many families and helps support
the growth in the recreational
recreation, growth and
recreational needs of
the community.
The improvement will provide
hundreds of local children and
families with the significant
enhancement experience for
their indoor basketball and
sports programing.
I would also like to record a
no vote on item s5o4 which is
the salary ordinance for fiscal
year 2027.
I understand that it's
the intention to bring an
amendment forward at a future
date but as it stands today I
cannot support this item in its
current form.
I do not believe a car
allowance is an appropriate use
of city resources for
the mayor's d-colo and deputy
chief of staff especially in
light of the city facing
significant fiscal challenges.
So with that no vote I am happy
to make a motion to support
the balance of the agenda.
>> Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT All right.
Thank you Council members.
So we do have a motion by
Council member Marino to move
the consent items and we'll go
next to myself I guess so
Councilmember Foster see if I
can help you out.
Council PRESIDENT I guess just
if I MAY if I heard you
correctly, you said item 50 was
sent back to staff.
I did not have that in my notes
is being sent back to staff.
Can you let me know why it was
sent back to staff?
It might be something changing
with the item no councilmember
but with the absences on
the council today we do have a
technology in place that will
ensure no interruption of
services for that software.
>> It will return sometime in
JUNE.
What is I'm sorry if you can
clarify what do you mean by
it's six vote Amazon It's a six
vote item Council member okay
You didn't pull the salary
ordinance, correct?
Not yet.
>> That that's a charter
requirement.
That's a little stickier for us
but it requires six correct?
>> I believe it's a five vote
item.
Sorry, Is it a five?
Oh, I thought it said six.
Okay.
All righty.
With that I will second
the member's motion but I would
also like to register a no vote
on as five vote four.
So thank you Council PRESIDENT.
All right.
So to the city attorney,
the salary ordinance is
actually a charter requirement
that mandates that we take
action before MAY 30th.
So there's six of us here.
It looks like there's two no
votes.
Okay.
What's what's next?
Councilmember Assistant City
Attorney Jim McNeil thanks for
the question.
So yes, under charter Section
11.1, the council is charged
with sending the salaries by
MAY 30th through the salary
ordinance.
If it isn't passed by then then
there's some ripple effects
that take place because
the appropriations ordinance
which was to be passed by JUNE
30th relies on the adopted
budget and the salary ordinance
.
And so in looking at it, if
it's not passed and
the appropriation ordinance
comes forward, we still don't
have a passed salary ordinance.
The appropriations ordinance
would be relying on the salary
ordinance from last year which
means that we have an issue of
trying to deal with the ammo
use that are coming forward for
approval by the council and
being able to actually pay
under those mou years at that
point in time What
the authorization would be for
that.
And then I'll add this as a
second reading so we can't
change the ordinance which was
clarified for me because that
starts to make it a first
reading Then we'd have to have
a second reading which we
cannot do before the end of
the month, correct?
Council PRESIDENT So
the council has already passed
this once the mayor has
returned it to council now it's
up for its second reading.
If you made any changes it
would have to be a first
reading and I think it's pretty
clear where the council wants
to make amendments But for
the JUNE 16th Amendment item to
incorporate the newly agreed
upon mou, you can't make an
amendment there if there's
nothing to make amendments on
If we don't pass something
today there's no future
decision to make.
And so I think if something
fails today and then we go
forward with introducing a new
ordinance incorporating
the council's you know, desired
amendments, we kind of go into
uncharted territory here post
JUNE basically Um I want to
respect my colleagues are
voting their conscience.
I do know that some council
members MAY show up in this
afternoon session so unless
there's any objection I'm going
to suggest that we trail
the item So you can vote
the way that you feel like you
need to vote And I don't know
if it'll make a difference this
afternoon but I know at least
one more council member will be
attending.
So again without objection and
without any protest by the city
Attorney's office as I navigate
new waters we will trail as
504I guess what we'll do is
pull out 504 and trail it to
this afternoon and so each
council member can continue to
vote their conscience going
forward and we'll see if we can
navigate the charter
requirement and the ripple
effect.
So unless there's any objection
to that, well I mean I'm on
the list but I don't know if
you're trailing It means we're
not commenting on the item
anymore.
So I know while I'm I'm happy
to take any comments but we
clearly don't have five votes
with us today or this morning.
>> I guess I'd like to
understand the approach from
the administration bringing
this item back this week
recognizing that there were
challenges last week and as I
can tell is the response simply
that there is not a willingness
to make any changes and
therefore I was a desire to
just test the waters.
I know someone count them and I
appreciate the question.
Pro-Tem potentially it's to
second reading I can't change
the item from what was
originally voted on and passed
by council several weeks ago
and so it had to return as is.
I wasn't anticipating some of
the absences I guess for today
and we are also out of council
meetings for the rest of this
month knowing that we have to
have something voted on and
passed by MAY 30th.
If I could just interject also
it's a timing issue with
respect to what it's coming
back for which is which is set
up in this current imo this
current salary ordinance is
the fact that we have menus
that are in process that are
being approved and so it's
going to have to be changed.
It's noted in the salary
ordinance to adapt to those
employees and so it has to be
brought back at that point in
time for an amendment And so if
you pass it now and you have
commitment at the same time
the ammo user brought back any
of the amendments that you want
can be brought back at that
point in time.
But in the meantime you've
passed a salary ordinance in
compliance with the charter and
there's at least two if not
three members that were
anticipated to be present this
morning that are not here for
various personal reasons.
>> I understand that.
But I think implication in that
front is that somehow we're
here because either people are
voting their conscience or
because they're unable to be
here for whatever reason And
and frankly some I don't I
don't think it's as simple as
just saying our colleagues are
the ones that are leading us to
this position if we're just
going to see the same thing
brought forward over and over
again and to see the same
issues come up over and over
again.
So I understand that that we're
going to argue that we can't
make a change in a second
reading Fine.
We've made changes in second
readings and brought them back
for a second reading to get
them approved.
We knew this was a problem a
week ago so I you know we can
get this look as if no one
cares that that's the case But
I don't think that's an
acceptable response from what
we're seeing.
Council Member If I could just
again maybe I wasn't clear in
terms of even if we made
the change today and then
brought it back to a second
reading, we still have to come
back and make an amendment
again for the employees.
And so the notion was just
doing it once.
I totally, totally understand
that that was always the case.
That's part of the process.
We're going to hear this again.
I think what I heard was that
if all else fails and nothing
happens we'll be in uncharted
territory and will bring
forward a new salary ordinance
for consideration in that JUNE
meeting Not a not a amendment
to the existing one.
So either way I assume
something is going to get
brought forward in JUNE.
Where it differs from
the charter I think is
the issue that that we seem to
be at So I have additional
thoughts but I don't think is
particularly relevant will
trail or pull this item and
bring it back this afternoon
and see if there is a outcome
one way or the other.
>> All right.
>> People continue to vote
their conscience.
Let's say we did have a motion
by Councilmember Moreno and a
second by Councilmember Foster.
Was there any other comment on
the consent items?
I'll make?
I'm not seeing any I'll make a
quick comment on item one, two,
three.
And some of my colleagues
highlighted thank you to Parks
and Rec staff and the Single
Parks Foundation for working
together and delivering
community events programs on
park improvements across
the city as was mentioned
programs and range from
the basketball backboards to
summer long programs like Parks
and After Dark there's all of
the things and again
the increased enjoyment
engagement with our
neighborhood parks and
recreation centers as we create
safe places for all San Diego.
And once again thank you to
the Parks Foundation and
the donors for improving our
parks and recreation centers.
>> So we have.
Item 50 was previously
the Budget Committee and have
been returned to staff items
504 has been pulled and will be
trailed to the afternoon
session But we have on
the balance a motion by
Councilmember Moreno and a
second by Councilmember Foster.
So please call the roll.
This is being a bit wonky today
.
>> Thank you for casting your
votes that passes unanimously 6
to 0 with Councilmember Eli
Rivera.
Councilmember Campeon
Councilmember Von Wilpert
absent and item five of were
trailed to the afternoon.
Thank you Council PRESIDENT All
right thank you City Clerk Do
we have any comments by mayoral
office, Council members, City
attorney Independent budget
analyst or city Clerk not
hearing any requests We will
now take up knowledge of
the public comment.
Council members respect and
appreciate the public input are
fully committed to protecting
every participant's free speech
rights at council and committee
meetings with that clerk.
>> Please proceed with public
comment.
Thank you Council PRESIDENT For
all 2.7 on agenda 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.
Please know if there are eight
or more speakers on a single
topic the maximum time for
the topic will be 16 minutes.
If you're in chambers please
submit your speaker slip.
If you're joining us virtually
please raise your hand to speak
by tapping the raise your hand
icon now or the call
participant Star nine Gene Wong
if you can please come forward.
>> You'll have two minutes for
your Thank you all for having
me here today.
Yesterday was a very hard day
and I just want to acknowledge
that it's not what I'm talking
about today though.
Let's talk about transparency.
I really thought that morning
was going to be here today
because apparently love that
word at city hall right now
Transparency, accountability
and trust.
So let's do that.
So my question was actually for
COUNCILWOMAN Marni Wilpert
According to reports and a
settlement agreement now
publicly circulating, taxpayers
paid $50,000 over disputes and
controversies in more
meaningful involving her former
chief of staff.
Our taxpayer money Our taxpayer
money and allegations tied to
this are not pretty.
Reports and witnesses are
alleging an employee was
battling cancer while fired
while taking care of her time
off of chemotherapy.
Now maybe that's not true.
Maybe there's more context and
I would love for her to have
and I wish she was here because
I would love for an opportunity
to speak to this because right
now the public gets stuck
paying a bill while the details
disappear Behind settlement
language and pr cleanup You
can't stand and brand yourself
as a health care advocate and
protector of workers while
people are reading allegations
that someone in your own office
got pushed out while literally
fighting cancer That's not
working protection That's
the exact kind of political
behavior that people are
exhausted by.
And honestly this is why we've
lost trust in our government.
Regular people don't get golden
parachutes and confidential
settlements when they screw up
at work.
Regular people get fired.
But somehow elected officials
always seem to find taxpayer
money when things get messy.
San Diegans can barely afford
groceries but somehow we can
afford $50,000 settlement tied
to alleged misconduct of a city
council office And now she
wants a promotion to Congress
before asking for more power,
more staff clean your own house
first because transparency
doesn't count when you're
pointing fingers at everybody
else.
>> It counts when the light is
on you.
Thank you all so much.
I appreciate you Sharrock so
that if you can please come
forward.
Well my name is Sherry
Accelerometer.
I reside at 3713 Mount Ashland
Place and 92111 that I brought
some paperwork here with me to
to lead to live here with you
guys So one is a copy of
the building permit for my home
for the address that I just
read.
It was built back by a man
named Harry Summers.
He used a fake address for his
contact information.
I checked with the city permit
department and there is no
history for issuing a permit
for 4430 Street.
And I also checked with
the county tax collectors.
There's no history of ever
collecting tax for that
property.
A lot of things are wrong with
the house.
One of them is a huge concern
is a rectangular box in my
garage.
It's attached to the ceiling of
the garage.
It has eight electrical cables
,wires, a gas pipe and two
water pipes inserted into
the box.
The box is about 8 to 10ft long
and it's connected to a dock
box which is connected to
the furnace of the house And
that dock box is connected to
another dog box via a duck tube
And I have pictures of those I
have brought with me to leave
out for the record duck box one
of the duck boxes it's 100in
above ground level and it
stands at 33in.
It doesn't have a bottom and
one of the sidewalls is missing
about a foot away from it is a
duck tube.
It's just hanging down Again
it's about 100in above ground
level.
All of these are connected to
the box and have the gas pipe
leaked into it.
We got this house in 1979 and
as a child growing up in that
house always smelled gas and
frequently things of that
nature.
>> But the people that built
the house and designed
the house MAY I continue?
>> No.
I'm sorry your time has
concluded.
If you have any written
comments we could definitely
distribute that and we can make
sure that gets into the record.
I don't have to.
Yes I will go down there and
get it.
I started the five and a timer
going to those participating
remotely.
We currently have ten speakers
in the queue Blair Beckman if
you can please and you All
right we're Beakman thanks for
the meeting today.
It's a sad time Like I said
previously you know the work we
do as local government, as
community together it's usually
a labor of love.
You know we disagree on issues
but now when we get into our
work it's just it's we're doing
our love, you know?
And it's sad that this incident
is happening and that the young
people can better understand
concepts of love in the future.
I think they do have their own
concept of love and it's I
think probably a little out of
whack And I mean we really have
to learn concepts, you know,
like covid 19 Somebody has some
great design to do something
beautiful for our humanity
human future but we don't have
to kill each other in order to
get there.
And that's an important lesson
I hope we're learning.
i think we've actually made
strides in working on gun
issues and gun violence with
young people and this incident
happened yesterday can be kind
of an end.
Hopefully we can really see it
as a beginning of an end.
You know, I think young people
are better understanding that,
you know, this is possibly
going to create more violence,
more you know, surveillance
tech laws.
Hopefully we're not going to go
in that route And everybody's
keeping a cool head about what
to do with this time And we
work on our issues.
We continue the practices of
love, negotiation, working
together And I think we can do
that on a number of issues and
different parts of our
community or religious
communities of San Diego.
It's really a time in in
figuring out the ways how we
can work together And I think
there is good ways and good
luck how we can be doing that.
Thanks for the meeting today.
Thanks for the words of Tony
and other people that we're
trying to be helpful and
constructive and hopefully
those good voices won't be
marginalized and heard at this
time.
Thank you.
Next is Conner Conner.
If you can please.
I mean after that will be
Catherine's and pick you up.
Oh, thank you.
Clark, this is Conner from
District three.
I want to start by offering my
condolences to the families of
the three individuals who were
killed yesterday in yet another
act of violence, hatred or
harassment against members of
the Muslim and Jewish
communities in this city and
across the country more broadly
We've heard testimony from
members of those communities at
city council meetings in
the past and some of the things
we've heard are just truly
horrific And when left
unchecked, I'm afraid that can
lead to events like what
occurred yesterday.
Now it's gotten exponentially
worse since OCTOBER 7th And
the cause war MAY be a conflict
that's occurring halfway across
the world but we're feeling
the repercussions of it here at
home.
I genuinely believe that each
additional dollar that we add
of American taxpayer money to
this conflict makes things
worse and not better.
And in that respect I do want
to express my disappointment
although I don't think she's
here with the council member
from District five for
accepting an endorsement from
the mfi.
This is of course an
organization that is calling
for yet another multi year
multibillion dollar mou of
the us sending military
assistance to the state of
Israel.
And again I really think this
is going to make things worse
and not better.
I would encourage her to
reconsider her position on that
issue To the Council more
broadly I would encourage
members to consider what they
can personally do to help fix
the broken poisonous political
culture of this country to help
lower the temperature and to
allow us to have robust,
meaningful, productive debates
on issues that are really
important and that need to be
discussed without it careening
off into hatred, invective and
in potentially up to the loss
of life like we saw.
We can't afford to continue
with the status quo.
We can't afford to have more
people more innocent people die
overseas and in our own
community here at home And I
would encourage council members
to consider what they could do
to help curb some of that.
Thank you.
Next is Katherine Rhodes and
after that is Becky Rep
Katherine Rhodes.
Please email.
>> Hello, this is Katherine
Rhodes, our council PRESIDENT
Joe LaCava.
Mary Todd Gloria the city
attorney and the rb working
with expedia.Com and or other
online travel companies to
undermine the City Council and
the Rules Committee by not
allowing the public hearing to
repatriate the 20% to 34%
amounting to 77 244 million
existing transit occupancy tax
revenue from national and
international online travel
companies to the city's general
fund City Council District two
candidate Mandy Havlik The My
Transit I can see tax reform
ballot measures that were to be
heard at the upcoming
Wednesday, MAY 20th, 2026 Rules
Committee hearing at 9 A.M.
They also included four other
ballot measures from city
council members.
Now none of us are having a
hearing on Wednesday because
they want to sabotage or
hearings and I think it's just
terrible.
So anyway, on MAY 11th we
received an email from city
Council PRESIDENT Joe
McCarthy's office stating that
we are kicked off the Rules
Committee's agenda and no
longer involved in presenting
our tort reform ballot measures
to the Rules Committee or
the City Council.
Then Joe LaCava by myself
without the rest of the Rules
Committee or the full city
council will be deciding
the fate of our tort reform
ballot measures that can delete
the city's structural budget
deficit by spreading
the wealth.
So what I'm asking for now is
one of you other city council
members here to send this to
the city attorney You can
during on agenda public comment
you can still refer things to
the city attorney or to
the mayor to the idea.
So I'm asking you to send it to
the city attorney Any idea this
is a question of leadership.
So anyway, is it possible that
Joe LaCava is being influenced
by online travel companies,
Expedia.Com or others to
sabotage Trump has concluded
Becky Rob if can please a new
after that is Tony and then
8700 like you wrote.
>> Good afternoon My name is
Becky and I'm here today to ask
the city to prioritize
enforcement against illegal
trade on flavored tobacco sales
and intoxicating hemp products
happening and selling openly
across our neighborhoods.
One neighboring city Oceanside
is actively enforcing law.
According to recent reports,
the police and code enforcement
sees one 6300 prohibited
products during one operation
alone under their municipal
code Every violation can be
treated as a separate offense
and each day the violation
continues can create additional
penalties.
Businesses are reportedly
facing hundreds of thousands of
dollars in fines.
Meanwhile, San Diego we have
smoke shops selling flavored
vapes illegal nicotine
products, creative extracts and
high potency substances with
little to no oversight.
Our penalties are minimal and
many businesses simply treat
them as a cost of doing
business.
It's San Diego has roughly 200
smoke shops and enforcement
officers seized just 100
illegal products from each
location at a penalty of 500
per illegal item.
The city could potentially
collect $10 million in fines.
That estimate does not even
account for repeat violations,
daily penalties or the sheer
volume of products Many of
these stores appear to be
selling at a time when the city
is constantly discussing budget
shortfalls, cuts to services
and limited resources.
Why are we ignoring laws
already in place that could
both protect public health and
generate substantial revenue
for enforcement and prevention
efforts?
I urge this Council to direct
Code Enforcement and San Diego
Police Department to prioritize
inspections of smoke shops,
strengthen penalties for repeat
offenders and begin treating
these violations seriously.
Thank you.
Tell me if we complete a new
then 8700 and the Madison.
The five minute timer also did
conclude there were nine
speakers of the queue at that
point eight speakers in
the queue.
Now no additional speakers will
be taken.
Tony, please proceed.
Yes?
Can you hear me?
Yes.
Hey, good morning.
City Council.
What I have to say is going to
sound really harsh but it needs
to be said.
Some of you have blood on your
hands as a result of
yesterday's incident.
You were warned several months
ago that the hra definition of
anti-Semitism was woefully
inadequate, that it did not
protect our brothers and
sisters in the Muslim community
in the Islamic community.
You were warned and you were
told that the hrc definition of
anti-Semitism needed to include
those members of the community.
Stephen Whitburn You had ample
opportunity to take that
definition back to your office
and work on it as was asked you
by Sean Eli Rivera.
You chose not to and the rest
of you chose to be cowards and
vote for something
The ultimately does not protect
all of the people of San Diego
in giving preference to
the Jewish community over our
Muslim and Islamic community.
You have shown that you that
you are biased in favor of
Zionists and favor of Israel
which is currently dragging us
into war with Iran which is
currently bombing Lebanon which
is currently putting us in such
a precarious position all over
the world with this draconian
disastrous foreign policy that
for you all to accept it, that
for you all to protect
the Jewish people and not
protect any other people of
Semitic background is shameful
and it's contributing to what
happened yesterday.
And guess what?
The fact that Chief of Police
Scott Wall is claiming to Alper
could have been utilized or was
utilized yesterday to prevent
this from happening is a
shameful blatant lie.
These kids were out for two
hours.
The police knew that they were
out and that they had weapons,
that they had stolen a vehicle
and they weren't stopped.
How's that for a response time
?
>> How is that serving and
protecting our community?
Shame on all of you.
Do better.
>> Next is 8700 If you can
please unmute 8700 and then
I'll be Madison.
>> Thank you, Joy.
Senator.
Before I start I just want to
say this.
Council Member Foster Third
thank you for these three words
and I like the order of them.
i don't know if you meant that.
Loving learning and accepting.
That's what I had to do just
then.
Okay.
So I'm going to talk about
the structural budget deficit.
The speed.
So I'm going to say words that
were spoken by people.
I'll start with the idea.
They said critical to align
ongoing expenses with ongoing
revenue to provide stability
and restore public trust.
Given.
It's so vital that quote from
the Department of Finance these
are those very recent staff
report.
As the city continues to
address the structural budget
deficit, the importance of
maintaining cash reserves to
strengthen the city's fiscal
position and effectively manage
potential future economic
downturns.
As you never repeat that has
never been more critical to end
of quote.
Now this This is for me so I
can't get why we can't get a
handle on this core issue of
the structural budget deficit.
I think it's 20 to 30 years old
now and I just don't get it.
All of you are extremely
intelligent.
You love your constituents.
I'm sure.
And you get it.
You get the structural budget
deficit and you bring it all
here in there.
>> You put it all the time
because my apologies metaphors
.
>> Our next speaker after that
is Hector.
i thank you.
Today I want to address
the growing public safety
impact of marijuana
commercialization, especially
on impaired driving.
A new bipartisan transportation
bill in Congress would require
federal agencies to develop
evidence based impairment
standards for marijuana and
other drugs while also
investing more than $100
million into better crash data
collection, toxicology testing
and impaired driving prevention
research.
That should tell us something
important at the federal level.
Leaders from both parties
recognize that marijuana
impairment on our roads is a
serious and unresolved issue.
Unlike alcohol, there is still
no universally accepted
standard for marijuana
impairment.
Yet communities like San Diego
continue expanding access,
normalization and visibility of
high potency marijuana
products.
Meanwhile, families share
the roads every day with
drivers who MAY be impaired by
marijuana or multiple
substances combined.
Federal transportation
officials themselves recently
stated that marijuana use is
not compatible with safety
sensitive functions.
Airline pilots, truck drivers
and other transportation
workers are still prohibited
from using it because the risks
are real.
As our city discusses public
health, transportation safety
and well-being, I urge you to
take these warnings seriously.
We should not move faster on
marijuana normalization than
the science and safety
standards can keep up with.
Parents should not have to
wonder whether the driver next
to their child's school bus or
crosswalk is impaired.
Please prioritize policies that
protect public safety.
Support prevention, education
and recognize the very real
consequences of impaired
driving on San Diego families.
Thank you.
If you can please unmute after
that will be 7499.
Can you hear me?
Yes.
Please proceed.
Oh yeah.
Thanks for taking my call.
Yeah I was thinking about those
license plates readers and I
live up on top of Mission
Valley where those fires were.
And if I go to Ralphs down
the hill about a mile and a
half away, I passed through
like five cameras for license
plate readers and it's no
problem with me.
And I'd say maybe the mass of
the churches have got to get
some license plate readers of
their own arts or eat up to
the system.
I wouldn't be against it.
I know everyone's worried about
with the immigration thing
going on with that but it looks
like we passed the mark and
then I don't know how anyone
could beef up their place
better than those guys did
already The Muslim guys You
know I had our guard right
there as a big dude You just
can't dispense everything but
one thing in the neighborhood.
I talked to a guy who used to
house up there.
There is a beef in
the neighborhood about
the parking like all the Muslim
guys parked there on Friday and
they take up all the parking
spaces and all
the neighborhood's kind of in a
bad way And he didn't like it
and he was worried about
they're going to put the call a
prayer out and he was like
really incensed about that.
He did what the Muslim guys
have in the court prayer but
there could be a beef in
the neighborhood.
I think there is a beef that
they take up the parking they
might need to build a parking
lot.
There's a parking lot right in
front of them by the freeway
that could build like a five
story parking garage right
there and have a walkway over
to their mosque that would kind
of alleviate that or the city
can work with them And but you
know, that's no reason to do
what they did.
But we have to get all
the facts, get the guns, get
the letters before we give our
opinion about why it happened.
But good luck by next 27499 if
you can please on mute And then
after that Jerry and Kelly Bob
because this guy here I'd like
to start off by thanking City
Clerk Fuentes for a truly
remarkable citizen support over
the last few days and weeks.
I had originally complained
about not being able to bring
media to council on thumb drive
and it appears that City Clerk
Fuentes has resolve that issue.
Thanks and good job.
City Clerk Fuentes and Matthew
Hilario have also been
extremely responsive to email
requests, even responding late
in the evening and on weekends
to help me track down a few
city documents.
Good job again.
Having said that, however, I'm
increasingly concerned about
the outsourcing of the city's
public services to private
businesses.
I don't think citizens should
be forced to interact with
private businesses such as
Highland Cloud or next request
or constant contact in order to
obtain basic information and
services from the city.
I am particularly disturbed to
hear that the city's entire
municipal code and council
resolution systems and possibly
others MAY be contracted out to
private businesses later this
summer.
I believe that all of the city
support for citizens should be
direct without any third party
gatekeepers involved.
The city is certainly welcome
to hire contractors who provide
services within the city's
infrastructure but it is
disturbing to see cities and
have to go to third party
vendors and third party
websites to get basic city
services and resources.
I ask the mayor, city clerk and
this council to please
reconsider and reverse this
disturbing trend.
And as always I am again asking
the city and this means you Joe
LaCava to reactivate the Torrey
Pines City Park Advisory Board
and implement a flight waiver
system similar to the one
that's been in use in Los
Angeles since 2017.
That's another example where
city resources have been turned
over to a private commercial
business at the public's
expense.
Shame on you Joe Lacob and
shame on every member of this
council for ignoring this
problem for decades.
Thank you.
>> Thank you.
Next is Gerry and Scully.
If you can please unmute.
>> Good afternoon City and City
City Council Chair LaCava.
As a community volunteer with
our youth afterschool programs
I feel like my observations
regarding city decisions that
support them are important.
How a city treats its most
vulnerable members reveals its
true nature Or as it can be
stated the way a society cares
for and protects its total is a
strong indicator of its overall
morality, values and level of
civilization.
So thank you for making it
possible for a parent and
community volunteer like me to
speak virtually what we work in
youth programs.
Recently the California
Department of Public Health
wrote that suicide is
the second leading cause of
death among adolescents and
young adults aged 15 to 24.
Teen and young adult mental
health is a complex situation.
However, the risks of today's
high potency thc marijuana
products must never be
overlooked for its role in
generating suicide ideation.
Hopefully our city council can
be counted among those trusted
adults who are concerned about
the harmful effects of its
sales and consumption and not
enlarge the footprint of
marijuana storefronts in our
city.
Now will be a great time to
reduce the pot businesses
impact on our youth with its
predatory advertising and
billboards and remove them.
Thank you for hearing my
concerns this afternoon.
Thank you.
>> Judy Strang If you can
please unmute.
>> Judy Strang again for you.
There you go.
Hi, Good afternoon.
How is difficult to call in
from my work site?
I wanted to share a stream of
thought that I had when I read
the Wall Street Journal article
this morning that talked about
the role of allergies in health
care and employment and health
costs and pointed out that for
allergies related to food that
there's an admittance into our
health care our hospitals once
every three minutes.
I did a little research more on
allergies and I'm well
acquainted I think as many of
you are with the role that
allergies plays and health care
costs and miserable living
experiences.
I might also add.
And I pointed out that
secondhand smoke and vape is a
serious trigger for allergies.
And it goes on to point out
that what happens is it
triggers the immune system, our
individual immune systems to
react and in doing so it can
inflame our nasal passages and
airways.
It can lower the threshold for
other allergens to bother us
even more And it causes a sort
of sensitization that in
childhood can lead to asthma.
I got to looking at our
policies here at the city and
many of us have asked you about
smoke free public places and
smoke free.
And I thought Chromecast
perspective this has got to be
anything that would lower our
city's citizens allergic
reaction that they can have a
second hand smoke and they
would deeply decrease the cost
of our health services, our
hospital cost and improve
the quality of life for
everyone around us.
So perhaps this is a way to
save ourselves some money.
It's not one you'll see
automatically but it's
certainly one that will happen.
>> Thank you.
Thank you.
And our final speaker is Peggy
Walker.
If you can please unmute.
>> Thank you.
Good afternoon and thank you
for your compassionate remarks
this morning.
I came today to acknowledge
that Sun is not its world No
Tobacco Day.
In light of that observation
which calls attention to
Smokey's smoking devastating
health and environmental
impacts.
I want to congratulate the city
attorney's office and law
enforcement for recent actions
against smoke shops selling
hemp and marijuana products
without a license.
Snapshots, gas stations and
other small convenience stores
have become exceptionally bold
in selling what's called gas
station.
We products like Delta eight
Vapes and thc infused beverages
without a license.
As noted earlier, some also
sell prohibited flavored vapes
and unregulated mushroom kratom
and nitrous oxide products that
can be highly addictive.
These are often hidden in
backrooms which makes ongoing
undercover compliance checks
especially critical.
Prohibited flavored tobacco is
timely and the fda in a
controversial move just
approved two fruit flavored
nicotine vapes for adult users.
The fda called this neither
quote approval nor endorsement.
I bring it to your attention
because the fda's action does
not mean flavored tobacco
products can be sold locally
flavored tobacco remains banned
in California and we're assured
fda authorized action does not
override state or local
prohibitions.
Please remain vigilant in
helping kids keep tobacco free
and keeping unauthorized and
intoxicating tobacco products
off store shelves.
Thank you for your attention.
Thank you.
That does include knowledge on
the public comment for today's
meeting.
All right.
Thank you.
City clerk.
We will now adjourned for
the noon recess and reconvene
in open session at 2 P.M. Or
shortly thereafter.
And
if you
don't
already
.
>> Good afternoon.
>> I will now reconvene
the city council meeting of
Tuesday, MAY 19th, 2026.
Clerk Please call the roll.
Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT Council
Member Campbell.
Councilmember Whitburn
Councilmember Foster Councilor
Von Weber Council PRESIDENT Pro
Tem Lee here Councilmember
Campos here.
Councilmember Moreno present
Councilmember Isla Rivera and
Council PRESIDENT Other
present.
Also attending the meeting are
City Attorney Leslie
Fitzgerald, independent budget
analyst Charles Moraga, Council
Affairs Advisor in the Mayor's
office, code advisor and myself
your City Clerk Thank you
Council PRESIDENT.
>> All right.
Thank you, City Clerk.
Quorum is now present.
As a reminder from announcement
made this morning items 330 and
item f503 have been returned to
staff and will not be heard
this afternoon again that's
items 330 and item f five all
three return to staff will not
be heard today before we get on
with item 331 we have a little
bit of unfinished business from
this morning.
Clerk please introduce item 504
which was trailed from this
morning's consent agenda.
Thank you.
Item s5o4 is the salary
ordinance for fiscal year 2027.
Public comment was taken on
this during the morning
session.
>> Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT.
All right.
Thank you.
So item five four of the clerk
indicated is the second reading
for the salary ordinance.
We did take public comment on
this this morning.
There is no need for a
presentation.
I think the council all
understands and recalls this
item.
So I'm going to move item as
five of four to kick things off
as a purely procedural item
which doesn't actually fund
anything or allocate
appropriate any dollars or set
a budget but as a procedural
thing mandated by the charter.
So I will put a motion on
the floor to approve item 5 or
4 and turn over to my
colleagues questions Comments
Looking for a second
Councilmember Campbell.
>> I will be all right.
I'd like to just say that okay
.
>> This is who was it who set
the laws and as I think was it
Shakespeare?
This is this is one of those
deals where because of dates in
the charter we have to do
certain procedures by a certain
time.
However, it is my understanding
that in the further revisions
of the budget to come there
will be amendments to this such
that the Council last week had
had given its information as to
how we felt about a certain
part of this and my
understanding was that we had
been promised promised.
We have been assured by
the administration that that
particular item would be
considered and put in there to
meet what we expected in
the final version And so
therefore I'm happy to second
it.
I'm happy to meet the legally
required dates and I will be in
favor of it today.
>> Thank you.
All right.
Thank you.
Councilmember Campbell Good.
I got a little ahead of myself.
Did you want to speak to what
I'm referring to?
Yeah.
Thank you, Counsel Present And
to follow up on Councilmember
Campbell's comments.
Yes.
You have the commitment of this
administration to modify and
reduce the car allowances.
I realize this has been a
frustrating process over
the last two weeks.
I realize there are pieces in
here that do not have
the support of this council.
I am limited in what I can
change in a second reading.
The other commitment of this
administration to work with
this Council before the JUNE
16th Amendment to make those
modifications and bring this
back for Council's
consideration.
>> MAY I just add I believe
Councilmember Campo had educate
me a little bit on that
statement about the lobbying
and I have something that it
said that wasn't as an English
writer right?
>> An English writer?
Yes.
That's first beside Shakespeare
Another.
>> Okay.
Thank you.
All right.
Health Council PRESIDENT Pro
Tem Lee thinking as PRESIDENT
And co to thank you for thank
you for talking to the back and
forth about this.
I think certainly we're all
dealing with the same
frustrations trying to get
something across the board And
so that acknowledgment does
mean a lot and I'm not sure I
fully grasp exactly the changes
that DR. Jane because we're
Campbell is alluded to and
the degree to which this
changes are being made.
But I think knowing that we're
going to get something
delivered that that matches
the intent is helpful.
Thank.
All right.
Thank you, sir.
And Councilmember Foster.
Oh, yes.
As I stated earlier, I'm still
going to be voting no.
I think we set a bad precedent
as we you know, I think we kind
of pick and choose what we
consider the law at certain
times and how we do certain
things.
But I do think as we continue
to move forward that as we
found ourselves in a situation
that hopefully we can plan
better as we continue to move
forward.
What I would like to request as
I am unclear as to what's in
here, what the discussion was
on what's in, what's out, what
that looks like If when we
finish our negotiations or
whatever we where we land as we
continue to move forward I'd
like to formally requested
briefing to where I can be
fully well versed to understand
where we land and all
the changes that are being made
to the salary ordinance as we
move forward.
Yeah Councilmember I think
the initial introduction of
this ordinance had challenges
and so yes you have
the commitment to brief your
offices in advance.
Thank you for that.
>> Right And Councilmember
Moreno thank you And I want to
put this on the record.
As I stated earlier, I
understand an amendment will be
brought forward but my concern
with this item stems from
the city's failure to fully
address the fiscal challenges
we're currently facing I think
Councilmember Campbell for
bringing updates and I want to
put on the record when did
staff work on this ordinance?
>> I get a call from H.R.
On the timing.
Thank you, councilmember moreno
and this is an ongoing item
that's addressed each year in
preparation for the budget we
have to have a first reading by
APRIL 14th so we work with our
city's departments,
the personnel department, risk
management Department of I.T
and we get all that information
in preparation for the fiscal
year And so it's multifaceted
but we work from JANUARY
through APRIL and the changes
that happen as changes happen
daily depending on we're out
with negotiations in the like
two weeks leading up to
the beginning of the year is
when you guys started it was
this after the mayor's state of
the city or during around
the same time as the state of
the city Yet during.
Okay Thank you Thank you for
Councilmember Campbell for
bringing updates because this
action proposes a car allowance
for the mayor's dco and other
staff while at the same time
the city is cutting funding for
arts and culture.
Now I do understand that while
the savings from eliminating
these car allowances alone
would not fully restore arts
funding, the optics are deeply
concerning deeply concerning to
me it sends the wrong message
to provide perks for top
officials while residents in my
district will feel the impact
of reduced investment in their
community.
This was first heard in APRIL
and I think that gave plenty of
opportunity for this
administration to take out
the line item that states
adding that assistant of
the city manager, deputy chief
of staff and chief Financial
Officer for officer
classification Sorry I'm
reading the wrong one adding
the assistant dco and assistant
to the city Manager Deputy
Chief of Staff Classification
to exhibit f Auto Allowance I
just I can't believe you know
we're being told that we're at
the word we have to pass it.
This is we have to make this we
have to finish this.
We have to complete this year.
Procrastination is not my
emergency.
I want to state that very
clear.
We're talking serious talk
The mayor has proposed very
deep cuts in my district while
at the same time adding a car
allowance to one of his top
chiefs.
I'm not going to be supporting
this before us and I hope that
and this is not the first time
this administration doesn't
listen to what this council is
saying or the second or
the third.
And I want to make a
distinction.
I want to put a line in
the sand so that the residents
of the city of San Diego
understand very clearly what is
happening not only with this
budget but with a lot of things
happening here at City hall.
So I will be registering a no
vote.
All right.
Thank you, Council member Reno.
I don't see anyone else on
the lights I motion I made
the motion to move the staff
recommendation as 5 or 4.
We have a second by council
member Campbell and please call
the I sorry the voting system
Please cast your vote.
The that passes 5 to 2 with
Councilmember Moreno and
Councilmember Fuster voting no
and Council regular Rivera
Council member of until absent
Thank you Council PRESIDENT All
right thank you to the clerk So
that does pass with five yes
votes and I appreciate
everybody's candor in
communicating to the mayor's
office where their levels of
concern exist as we did last
week.
We'll look forward to this
coming back and also part of
the budget conversation as well
which is what we do before we
do the appropriations and
therefore what we do before
salaries.
So with that clerk please
introduce item 331.
>> Thank you Council PRESIDENT
Item 331 is the appeal of
development permit Coastal
development permit and
tentative map project number
1085883 through regarding 8303
La Hoya Shores Drive This item
is not subject to the mayor's
veto.
If you'd like to speak to this
item now's the time to raise
your hand or press star nine if
you are in the virtual queue
and if you were here in council
chambers please be sure to
submit a speaker slip to
the front of the room in
the clear box.
>> Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT All right.
>> Thank you.
So for those of you who have
not been at a quiet judicial
hearing especially in
particular in particular appeal
hearing the way to run a show
will go is that staff will make
their presentation.
We will then invite
the appellant to make their
presentation and then
the applicant will be invited
to make their presentation.
After that we will open it up
for any other public comment
that might be interested in
speaking and then from there we
will turn it over to council
members for questions comments
and to entertain a motion.
So with that staff please
introduce yourself for
the record and let us know how
much time you need for your
presentation.
>> Good afternoon.
I'm Veronica De Nissan, project
manager with the Development
Services Department And I
wanted 20 minutes please.
All right.
Begin when you're ready.
>> Good afternoon, Council
PRESIDENT Like other council
members and members of
the public.
The item before you is the 83
or 3 Thrive project Appeal Page
1085883.
>> The project site is 4.45
acres and is located in
the larger resource plan
District Single Family zone
the coastal zone and
the quarter height limit
overlay zone within the La Hoya
Community Plan.
The site is previously
developed with an existing 5958
square foot single dwelling
unit and an attached garage.
>> The project site is located
within an urbanized area
approximately half a mile
eastern Pacific Ocean and is
now between the first public
roadway and the ocean.
The site is currently
accessible via the private coda
connecting westward to
the shore drive.
The project site does not
contain any sensitive
biological resources or special
flood hazard areas.
The project includes
consolidating three parcels
into a single lot for its
subdivision into six
residential lots with common
access to the public right of
way.
Demolition of the existing
single dwelling unit and
garage.
Construction of a single
dwelling unit at each new lodge
plus an accessory dwelling unit
on not six only for a total of
seven dwelling units.
In addition, the project
includes underground drainage
and sewer improvements on first
quarter connecting to public
resistance along the La Hoya
short Drive at.
As previously noted,
the project site comprises
three parcels.
Parcel one is developed with a
single dwelling unit and an
attached garage proposed for
demolition.
The existing structure is older
than 45 years and supports
historic evaluation.
City staff determined that
the property does not meet
the local designation criteria
as an individually significant
historic resource.
However, Oscoda shown in yellow
is a 60 foot wide strip of land
identified as a shared easement
in the original deed recorded
in 1949.
>> The proposed subdivision
would result in six numbered
residential lots and one letter
not designated as a private
access road to the north.
The project involves
the construction of a single
dwelling unit at each new large
ranging from 11,739 to 6000
16,270ft with pool facilities
and landscape related
improvements.
Lot six would also include an
accessory dwelling unit and
have clear access to the first
quarter.
City staff reviewed and
accepted technical study for
the project which concluded
that the site is suitable for
the proposed development.
In addition, a preliminary
drainage study prepared for
the project complies with
current stormwater regulations
.
All improvements are subject to
the approval of the city
engineer at the time of
the construction permit.
>> The project is surrounded by
one and two stories single
units with site amenities
including tennis courts and
swimming pools.
The project aligns with
the community character of
the surrounding neighborhood
and is consistent with
the average development
patterns within a 300 foot
radius of the project site.
As required by the La Hoya
Schwartz Plan District
Ordinance, the project complies
with all the development
standards required by the b
zone including density building
setback floor area ratio not
coverage and the 30 foot
maximum structural height
allowed in the coastal
limitation overlay zone.
>> The required approval a
process for tentative map for a
land population creating five
or more parcels a process three
site apartment permit for
the development of a major
project in the La Hoya Resource
Plan District a process to
coastal development permit for
the increase in density and
demolition of an existing
single dwelling unit.
The project includes an
addendum to program
Environmental Impact Report pr
number 920199 for the La Hoya
and Pacific Beach Community
Plan and local Coastal Program
Land Use Plan updates prepared
in accordance with 30 islands.
These consolidated approvals
were presented to the Planning
Commission on DECEMBER 4th,
2025.
The Planning Commission voted
five zero to to approve
the project and adopt addendum
to p r number 920199 on
DECEMBER 17th, 2025 an appeal
was filed by Kenneth Jones of
Fletcher Max llp.
Representing Arthur in
the Cabinet cite citing factual
error conflicts with other
matters and findings not
supported of grounds for
appeal.
Legal standard for appeal.
Pursuant to Civil Code Section
1120508c An appeal of a process
for decision MAY be granted
with evidence supporting one of
the following grounds for
appeal factual error When
the statements or evidence
relied upon by the decision
maker when approving
conditionally approving or
denying a permit map or other
matter where inaccurate new
information when new
information is available to
the applicant or the interested
person that was not available
through that person's
reasonable efforts or due
diligence at the time of
the decision.
Findings that supported when
the decision maker stated
findings to approve
conditionally approve or deny
the permit map or other matter
are not supported by
the information provided to
the decision maker.
Conflicts when the decision to
approve or conditionally
approve or deny the permit map
or other matter is in conflict
with a land use plan issued
council policy or the municipal
code or city what significance
when the matter being appealed
is a citywide significance
appeal issue number one
unresolved easement in
the right of way consent is
required before utilities are
installed within this private
right of way and any reliance
on easement language concerning
public utilities does not
authorize private drainage and
sewer facilities serving a
single development without
owner approval.
The claimed easement its scope
and any required consents must
be completed in resolved prior
to city approval Staff response
to appeal Issue number one
The disposition is that
the applicant MAY construct
the proposed underground
drainage and sewer improvements
within the first quarter
because of the original grant
deed document number 43967
recorded in MAY 18th 1949
states that the 60 foot wide
strip of land or parcel is to
be used for road and street
purposes and for
the installation repair and
replacement of public
utilities.
The proposed improvements are
designed to connect the subject
property to an approved public
utility system and public
drainage system Installation of
private utility laterals within
private roadways and utility
easements is a customary and
accepted practice for
the improvements are
constructed in accordance with
city standards and did not
unreasonably interfere with
existing access or utility
rights.
The extent of the improvements
would not interfere with
existing access or utility
rights since it would not
encumber a significant portion
of the easement.
The city, in reviewing
the original granted and
the project determined that
the proposed improvements fall
within the scope of
the recorded easement and
comply with applicable
regulations.
The project permit includes
conditions of approval to
ensure conformance with
the current version of
the Stormwater Standards Manual
and drainage design Manual.
The city does not interfere
with third party disputes over
the use of private easements.
Population number two right of
way scope public utilities
versus private improvements.
The right of way as
characterized by the applicant
allows use for road and street
purposes and for
the installation repair and
replacement of public
utilities.
The projects drainage and sewer
improvements are private
serving the project rather than
constituting public utility
infrastructure and that exceeds
the scope of any easements
permitting public utilities.
City approval should not rely
on private works shoehorned
into public utility easement
language without a clear legal
basis and documented consent
from all necessary parties.
Staff response to Appeal Issue
number two As stated before
the will be determined
the construction of the storm
water and sewer improvements is
permitted based on the language
in the original granted for
the easement and what is
customary practice for private
Internet infrastructure being
tied into public systems.
The appellant interprets
the term public utility as
requiring that all facilities
within the easement be publicly
owned or operated Private sewer
laterals, drainage conditions
and similar facilities that
serve individual properties by
connecting to a public utility
system are allowed within
utility easements.
The proposed stormwater
facility is considered utility
infrastructure that connects to
and relies upon a public system
for discharge via a curb
outlet.
The proposed sewer lateral is
designed to connect to
the public through Remain via
an existing public sewer
easement within four quarters.
Population number three.
Ownership and authority within
the private right of way
The right of way parcel is
privately owned and undivided
fee by five core owners
including the applicant and
there is no recorded easement
bordering that parcel in favor
of the project's proposed
private stormwater discharge or
the other owners interests.
The applicant lacks a written
consent from the other owners
for such use.
This raises fundamental
authority and access concerns
that should be resolved before
any city approval dependent on
the use of the private right of
way.
Staff Responds to Appeal Issue
number three.
The city's review of
the original granting lady to
determine that the right to
allow construction of
the stormwater infrastructure
and sewer lines are permitted
based on the easement language
And because they both tie into
public systems.
These improvements comply with
applicable regulations.
The city does not interfere
with third party disputes over
the use of private easements.
Appeal Issue number four.
Drainage system concerns
requiring commission direction
In addition to the easement and
authority issues above our
clients request that
the Commission ensure
the following issues are
addressed to the city
satisfaction and reflected as
enforceable conditions of
approval.
4.1.
Disruption during construction
.
4.2.
Maintenance Responsibilities.
4.3 Potential Drainage Problems
and downstream impacts.
4.4 Risk of backup at a 12 inch
pipe outlet.
4.5 Hedge replacement and
surface restoration.
Staff Response to Appeal Issue
number 4.1.
Disruption during construction
.
Austerity policies regarding
Construction Act venues
including emergency access and
ingress and egress issues.
Hours of operation and noise
control that will be required
as part of the ministerial
review process and will be
verified to the satisfaction of
the city engineer.
The project is subject to
temporary construction best
management practices for
stormwater standards,
construction work hours of
operation and noise regulation
are applicable.
Fire safety and access during
construction are required for
sending a pharmacy standard a7.
The project is also subject to
street damage repair to
existing pavement from
excavation work determined by
the city engineer.
Staff response to Appeal Issue
4.2.
Maintenance Responsibilities.
Permit Conditions required.
Stormwater Mitigation and
Discharge Control Management
Plan to the satisfaction of
the City Engineer as an
encroachment Maintenance and
removal agreement will be
required for the proposed
private storm drain right of
way encroachment into the La
Hoya Schwartz Drive Curb outlet
discharge.
Indemnification and insurance
between property owners is a
third party matter not enforced
by the city.
Staff response to Appeal Issue
number 4.3 Potential drainage
Problems and downstream
Impacts.
A drainage study for
the proposed project includes
peak flow attenuation details.
The project is required to
mitigate developed condition
peak flows to levels below pre
developed conditions to
the satisfaction of the city
engineer.
Runoff will be fully contained
in the proposed storm drain
system and the corresponding
phasing will be determined
through a hydraulic analysis to
ensure the proposed development
does not cause flooding of
surrounding properties to
the satisfaction of the city
engineer.
The proposed storm drain will
discharge directly to the curb
line in De La Hoya Shores right
via a proposed curb alert
system.
Staff response to Appeal Issue
number 4.4.
Risk of backup at the 12 inch
btc outlets.
>> Permit conditions require an
encroachment maintenance and
removal agreement including
specifications to prevent
potential clogging or back up
of the curb outlet discharge or
other potential clogging
impacts associated with
the proposed private storm
drain.
This agreement will be subject
to review by the city The city
engineer.
Staff Responsibility Number 4.5
Hedge replacement and surface
restoration in all graded
disturbed or eroded areas that
will not be permanently paved
or covered by structures shall
be permanently revegetated and
irrigated.
Updated landscape condition
number 26 required complete
construction documents for
the premeditation and hydro
sealing of all disturbed land
in accordance with the city of
San Diego Landscape standards.
The stormwater defined manner
and to the satisfaction of
the city and the Development
Services Department.
Staff Recommendation.
>> Staff has reviewed
the proposal and concluded that
the improvements are consistent
with the purpose and intent of
the recorded easement and
the applicant's rights to
the easement.
Further, the project is
conditioned to comply with all
standard city policies and
regulations for construction
access and maintenance.
Staff recommends that
the Council deny the appeal and
affirm the Planning
Commission's decision to
approve with modifications.
Coastal Development permit
number 3213964 Site Development
Permit Number 3213965.
Tentative map number 3213966 In
adopting addendum number
21285883 to be r number 912199
The intention to the staff and
the applicant team are
available for questions.
Thank you.
I have I'm sorry.
>> Staff has advised for
conditions and provided to new
conditions that will as
follows.
Oh yeah.
Copies of these conditions have
been provided in hard copy.
The there is engineering
condition number 25 addressing
requirements of the drainage
study to landscape conditions
addressing requirements of
the replacement of the existing
hedges where needed to public
utilities conditions to address
sewer facility requirements and
one one tentative map condition
and requiring drainage and
sewer improvements to comply
with the California Civil Code
requirements.
Thank you.
>> All right.
Thank you.
Now that concludes your
presentation.
Right.
>> This concludes my
presentation.
Thank you.
Okay.
Thank you.
Before I turn over to
the appellant, I'll turn it
over to the Officer city
attorney for comment.
>> Thank you.
Council PRESIDENT.
When hearing and deciding upon
a project appeal the Council
MAY affirm reverse or modify
the Planning Commission's
decision a decision to reverse
or modify the Planning
Commission's decision must be
based on one or more of
the following factual error New
information findings that are
not supported conflict with
the Land Use Plan Council
policy or the municipal Code or
citywide significance.
A court will uphold
the Council's decision if it is
supported by substantial
evidence in the record.
Thank you.
That concludes my comments.
All right.
Thank you for that reminder as
we do these appeals.
So now I will turn it over to
the appellate for the project.
>> Well, you I think you've
been advised you'll have 15
minutes if you could introduce
yourself for the record and
begin when you're ready.
>> Good afternoon, Council
PRESIDENT.
Council members.
My name is Anna Ludtke and I am
from the law firm of Higgs
Fletcher and Mack I am here
today on behalf of DR. And MRS.
Cavanaugh who live at 80 to 75
La Hoya Drive and are
downstream neighbors of
the proposed project.
The Cavanaugh's timely filed a
project appeal after
the planning Commission
approved the permits on
DECEMBER 4th, 2025.
The appeal challenges
the planning Commission
findings on drainage adequacy
An applicant's legal authority
with respect to the private
roadway higher first quarter
Through this appeal process I
have discussed these issues
with neighboring property
owners who also have concerns
about the project and we are
here today.
I am here today to respectfully
request a short continuance of
this hearing so that we MAY
further study and review
the new and modified project
conditions and also continue
our discussions with
the project applicant.
Prior to this hearing we were
in discussions with them on
some modifications to
the conditions of approval that
you asked the applicant.
>> I have not asked
the applicant for a continuance
yet know it's a little
difficult because I think there
are some people here that are
not connected with you know,
the appellant or the applicant
who came down here in good
faith.
The council is ready.
What I will give you is kind of
a half response is
the applicant also has a 15
minute presentation.
I don't know if 15 minutes is
going to be enough for you to
confer with them and or staff
with this very lengthy and very
small print modification to
the conditions.
But why don't you go through
that and see where you land and
see if there's any comfort
level there?
I know that's a lot to ask of
you but I think you can
understand docketing These
items don't come easy And again
there's other people that I
want to extend a courtesy to
them for showing up here with
their own issues which MAY be
different.
So do you want to run through
your presentation in any way or
do you want to use that time to
confer with the applicant?
If I elect to take a few
minutes to confer with
the applicant if they do not
agree MAY I come back and
complete my presentation?
Yes.
We extend the courtesy of
having you go first but yes at
your request you can certainly
do a second.
Okay?
Okay.
All right.
Yeah.
I'm putting you in a tough spot
so I understand that.
I appreciate that.
I'm trying to navigate running
the meeting.
So is any member of
the applicant willing to I
shouldn't put words in your
mouth but to sit down with her
and work through the changes
You have a copy of them?
Yeah.
Yeah, I do.
Good.
After Good afternoon, Counsel.
This is Sandra Slavin On behalf
of the applicant we have
reviewed the conditions that
staff has provided and we're in
agreement with them and we
believe they more than address
the issues that were raised
both in the PowerPoint and
the letters we've received thus
far.
Therefore we're asking that
the hearing continue.
Okay.
We weren't asking you that
question.
What we were asking whether you
would be willing to talk with
the appellants representative
about the conditions that you
MAY or MAY not agree with them.
But I think what I'll I mean I
don't expect we have a few
minutes please.
Yeah.
So what I'm going to do is I'm
going to go to the rest of
the public and take their
testimony for the public I have
of Bernard Siegel.
Bernard Siegel, are you here if
you'd like to come up to speak
after Bernard Siegel I have
Michael Feinstein Would it be
permissible or have been
changed to speak first?
Lynne Shank Sure.
Lynne Shenk You have time ceded
to you by Kyle Alderman if you
can please raise your hand and
by John Doe many thank you.
How much time I think MR.
Domini seated his time to MR.
Siegel I have here John Dominy
and Kyle Alderman both ceded
their time to you.
Lynch Okay.
And then you will be having
three, four, three, 4.5
minutes.
It's going to be a minute and a
half for each person So you'll
have 4.5 minutes.
All right.
Well, thank you, PRESIDENT
LaCava and members of the City
Council.
My name is Lynn Shank.
I reside at 2446 Valla Zito's
Court in in La Hoya.
Let me just start by saying
that my attorney Robin
Modafferi who was going to be
here I just learned a few hours
ago is quite ill and for that
reason and others I would
support the continuance request
so that we could have her here.
But if not I will go on with my
remarks if that's okay.
Uh, frankly I haven't been in
this council chamber since
the late 80s when I was
appointed to the Port
Commission by a previous
council and never thought I'd
be here again.
But this project is of such
magnitude the whole project
entire four and a half acres
and the six McMansions that are
being proposed have such an
impact on my life that I.
i had to show up.
Yes this project is in La Hoya
but but the incompatible
construction that impacts
the lives of neighbors can
happen in any neighborhood in
any district.
My property is immediately
contiguous to the project
separated only by a chain link
fence.
There's no alley there, no
roads, nothing.
It's just one continuous piece
of land.
The plan is to build six very
large homes two of them
immediately abutting my home
and they will be three maybe
four times the size of my house
within ten feet of my house.
Now I'm five seven and I don't
know adding a few feet here
above my hand That's
the distance from these very
large homes to to mine Uh, I'm
not here to ask you to to kill
this project.
I'm here to ask you to either
grant the continuance or to
delay approval so that we can
work in a very real neighborly
and good faith manner to come
up with mitigation measures.
I didn't appear before
the planning Commission.
Well, first my my daughter my
stepdaughter died just a couple
of weeks before But also we had
a we thought my attorney and I
that we had come up with some
agreements with the owners of
Lot three and we relied on that
in good faith.
But I'm here to tell you say
that from that moment on they
have not acted in good faith
Their applicants lawyers
applicant of the project have
have delayed and generally
ignored entreaties by my lawyer
to reduce our agreement to
writing their lawyer as they
delayed it didn't return calls
and in fact finally called her
when the notice of this hearing
finally came out that's when he
called her.
But that's been the tenor of
this saga.
It's been cloaked in secrecy,
lack of transparency and devoid
of a fair process.
We've tried to find out who
the owners are of these six
slots who's going to be our
neighbors.
One must wonder about this
secrecy Who are the unknown
Three out-of-state owners that
the u-t referred to when they
wrote about this project?
I have no idea who's going to
be my neighbors Who who do I
talk to?
It took over a year to learn
about one neighbor.
We met the Senate.
Very nice people refused to
tell us who the other owners
were a couple of years later
meaning a few months ago I met
with the owners of Lot three
that does abut my house again
very nice people.
I thought we had an agreement
but not nothing a lot for and I
have passed out this lot lot
for will immediately but my my
home and the way it is designed
the windows and their
entertainment deck looks right
into my house, into my living
room, into my my dining room
because I have cathedral
ceilings.
The house was built in the 60s
by owners who never thought
that they would have a house
right next to them looking in
on on their life this way built
on an artificial pad they're
going to tear down a big hill
and create a pad filling in a
valley That should not be done.
>> That does conclude your time
.
I am not sure if anybody else
wants to cede your time but
that is the full time.
I'm sorry.
Well it's it's a mystery why
the local advisory board was
ignored when voted against is
unanimous.
Thank you for that And I thank
you for your time and I hope
that you will read my letter.
It's just I have to ask you.
>> Thank you, Bernard Siegel
Bernard Siegel After that is
Philip Merton to the left And
MR. Burke, are you okay with
that?
MR. Burton Because we do do a
first come first serve unless
you're okay with it.
Please come up.
Good afternoon.
Council members.
My name is Philip Merton.
I reside at 1236 New Orleans
Vista Way in the community of
La Hoya.
I'm here today representing MR.
Lynch.
I want my comments are also on
my own behalf as a 15 year
member of the Community
Planning Association and as an
elected trustee for 12 of those
years in the late 1960s and
early 1970s the residents of La
Hoya Shores concluded that
the character of their
community was unique and
deserved protection.
In 1974 the San Diego City
Council adopted De La Hoya
Shores precise Plan de La Hoya
Shores Design Manual and the La
Hoya Shore's Plan District
Ordinance The La Hoya Surance
Plan District ordinance has
been the controlling
regulations in La Hoya Shores
for more than 50 years and are
contained in Chapter 15 Article
one of the San Diego Municipal
Code The Design Principles
section of the Shores Ordinance
states original quality and
diversity in architecture are
encouraged The same unity and
variety shall be a guiding
principle.
Unity without variety means
simple monotony but variety by
itself is chaos.
It says that no structure will
be approved which is
substantially like any other
structure located on adjacent
parcel.
It also says conversely no
structure will be approved that
is so different in quality For
that concluding statement that
does include But if you have
written statements you can
definitely hand those to my
staff and then we can
distribute those to the council
so that they can continue
reading them.
Do you have a handout for
council member group Mo Samak
Summary.
Good afternoon.
Council PRESIDENT McCarver
Council Members My name is Mo
Samik I am with the Office of
San Diego Land Lawyers and we
represent MISS Lynn Schenck who
actually as you mentioned owns
property directly adjacent to
this particular project.
In addition to the concerns
that was raised by others there
are a couple of technical items
that I would like to bring it
to Council's attention before
their decision.
First is about the grading.
This project proposes a grading
of six different lots with no
particular order in which
the lots are going to be
graded.
The amount of grading is
significant.
It varies from for each lot.
It varies from 560yd to about
40 800yd of excavation and
460yd to about 20 500yd of
fill.
And if there are no conditions
to proper address the amount of
grading, it is possible that
these type of activities
continues on for a significant
period of time which you can
imagine if your next door
neighbor you would be impacted
by trucking by dust and noise
for an indefinite period of
time.
So we believe there should be
some requirements for adjusting
the grading With respect to
drainage which counsel actually
mentioned.
I want to briefly mention that
we understand that they are
discharging something and I'm
sorry that does conclude your
time.
If you have any written
statements we can definitely
distribute those to
the council.
I just wanted to mention that
the amount of discharge is
significantly higher with
the curb capacity.
Thank you for that concluding
statement.
Michael Feinstein.
Michael Feinstein And then our
last public comment is Bernard
Siegel That's here in council
chambers.
>> Good afternoon, MR.
PRESIDENT.
And for the same for
the members of the Council.
I reside at 2406 via Zito's
court which is property on
the street adjacent to this
development.
Early on I spoke with MR.
Faust, the architect involved
in this project.
I asked him to identify who
the owners actually would be in
the homes that are being built
and he refused to give me that
information.
I asked MR. Fosh if he would
give me a copy of the agreement
between him and the owners that
would show his authority to act
on behalf of the owners and he
would not furnish that to me
either.
He referred me to a man by
the name of Scott Sennett who
happens to be the managing
partner of a limited
partnership called the Cielo Ma
Project.
I met with him.
Now this is the limited
partnership that was reputed to
be from MR. Faucheux, the owner
of the actual parcel that is
being developed and is
the subject of seeking these
permits.
MR. Sennett refused to disclose
to me give me a copy of
the escrow instructions that
showed who the limited who were
the owners of these things.
So to this day the applicant so
called applicant has refused to
tell us who the actual
individual owners of these six
homes are going to be.
Now we have to have that
information And now MR. Fosh is
presumably seeking a permit on
behalf of people.
>> That does conclude your
time, sir.
I have one but six parties
exceeding to me.
I have nobody who ceded time to
you in my records.
Sorry I'm up here.
There's nobody that seated time
in your records.
>> If they can raise their hand
we can get a speaker slip from
them.
I have MR. Doheny I think is
here to share the time to me.
>> MR..
Don't be seated.
His time and his speaker slip
to Lynn Schenck.
He ceded his time to Lynn
Schenck.
>> I can't hear you.
I'm sorry.
He ceded his time to Lynn
Schenck.
Myself will come down and talk
to you and show you
the speaker's slip.
I actually need more time to
show you that MR. Bush does not
have the authority legal
authority to speak on behalf of
this applicant.
>> Understood, sir.
You If there's anybody else
that can see due time then they
can give you time.
But there's no other speakers
up here and I have to be before
I can.
>> Must expressed the hope that
if the applicant.
I'm sorry, sir.
I do have to move on to
the next speakers.
Do we go to um I'm going to be
looking for an update.
We're going to go to the folks
participating remotely get take
their comments and then we'll
circle back with the two
parties going to those
participating remotely I'm
sorry the five minute timer We
have three speakers in
the queue.
Tony if you can please unmute.
>> Hello?
Can you hear me?
Yes, Please proceed.
Hey I just wanted to say that
I'm in support of the residents
of La Hoya.
I'm not acquiescing and I hope
that the council won't
acquiesce to the demands of
the developers.
I know from my own personal
experience how much our living
conditions are affected by
incessant development and a lot
of times the development
doesn't necessarily support
the community and it doesn't
give the local residents
anything particularly
beneficial.
And in this case it sounds like
that's what a lot of the local
residents are saying.
So I hope that this town can be
one that continues to
accommodate the people that
live here, not the people that
want to build here.
And it's very quickly becoming
a town that is building homes
for private equity to sit and
hang on to.
I know that was the case.
It was reported back in 2024 in
the Union-Tribune that almost
19% 20% of the homes sold in
Georgia were for private
equity.
So I just have some concerns
about especially what the last
gentleman who spoke raised
about not knowing who
the purchasers of these
developed lots would be.
Yeah, that's a that's very
concerning.
>> So anyway, thanks for your
time.
Thank you.
Next is Hector.
If you can please unmute.
>> After that our final speaker
is 8700.
Thanks for taking my call.
Hey Mike.
She's like a great person in
San Diego.
Give her a break And she says
this is the fight for even
the rich guys in La Hoya.
Yeah, if there's say guys in
Bay Park they just built
the four story u next to my
neighbor So my driveway looking
into you know it's terrible he
couldn't do nothing about it
man.
He didn't have the millions of
lawyers though So I know the La
La Hoya game is you know, it's
a terrible session.
Do those guys do this?
Do that but just take it could
be like a lot of Black Lives
Matter and then they turn it
into a duty party yourself.
Who knows how to apply it But
it's going to be a battle.
I say take the law.
You guys give them a grain of
salt.
Let them have them.
Let them have their way because
they all got buddies and
they're older defend them And
it's more and it's going to be
a loss Who you know what's
going to happen there Obviously
the lawyers are definitely
conceal and reveal the truth
That's what they get paid for.
They're going to lie.
That's the whole game that Oh
good luck with your life.
Thank you.
That concludes your comments.
Oh yeah.
Thank you.
Next is 8700 8700 if you
complete.
>> There you go.
Sorry about that.
Thank you.
City clerk.
I apologize.
Is that 1 or 2 minutes?
It's a minute and a half a
minute and a half.
Thank you so much, Joy.
As soon you are to First of
all, I've just come out of
the gate saying this that I
agree with the staff and
they're recommending that you
deny the appeal.
Now a couple of things I want
to say as I live in District
three but I try to get a stay
abreast of what's happening in
our entire San Diego area as
best I can by this kind of
process Really, really upsets
me.
And the reason it does is
because, you know, appeals are
good and they're not too good
at the same time.
But what causes these appeals
is they begin to listen to
the parties involved.
I feel very sad and very upset
at the same time because they
see this this this push pull
this fight in a negative way
between the parties who are
involved, whether it's
neighbors or you know, making
the appeal the developers,
whatever and you choose of
the word somebody use the word
today secrecy and
nontransparent And there are
some other very negative word
to use And yet she was I
believe which one she was
asking that if we could have a
neighbor who had neighborly
good faith collaboration.
Well, you know where was that
we're has that been in in a lot
of cases that just doesn't
happen.
So that's what we want.
We want all these parties to
sit together and collaborate
and share and come to the good.
My apologies.
And that does conclude the five
minute timer.
>> So that does include public
comment on this item.
All right.
Thank you, City Clerk So at
least we got through that part
of that.
So where do we stand with
the appellant and the applicant
Chandler Slavin On behalf of
the applicant we respectfully
request that the hearing be
continued today and not be
extended.
Did the Appellant We've reached
out multiple times and this is
the first time we've heard from
them in six months They do not
have their civil engineer nor
their clients here We are
accepting of the conditions
that staff took a lot of time
and effort to write and we
would like our hearing to
continue and the appeal to be
withdrawn today.
Thank you.
>> All right.
The appellant realizing that
puts you in an awkward position
.
>> I'm sorry could you come to
the mic just so everybody else
can hear?
Yes, of course.
Thank you.
We are not going to withdraw
our appeal today if
the applicant or the applicant
has not agreed to continue
the hearing to a future date.
I put that to the council but I
understand Council PRESIDENT
LaCava your hesitancy to do
that So we are prepared.
I am prepared to continue with
the hearing if that is
the direction given to me.
>> I believe my clients
the Cavanaugh's are online so
they are also here with us
today.
All right so we'll give you so
that they reach out to you
during this hearing?
>> No, not yet, no.
We spoke with Bill Prior to
the hearing.
Okay.
So for the second time that was
the question I was asking is
whether the two sides could sit
down not thinking there was
anything fanciful or rose
colored glasses that would be
resolved.
But I remember the good words
of fresco, right.
Who else?
Eric Netherland that said Just
talk if there's an opportunity
to talk But people make their
choices so I will invite you
with your 15 minutes to make
your presentation.
Excellent.
Thank you very much.
Well good afternoon again.
I'm sure this doesn't happen
often but you know it's always
a good time as I previously
mentioned, my name is Anna and
i represent the appellant's
doctor, MRS. Cavanaugh who live
at 8270 five La Hoya Shores
Drive downstream neighbors of
the proposed project.
We were here today to request a
continuance but given that that
is not an option on the table,
we will continue and we
respectfully request that you
after hearing my presentation
decide to continue and require
future study future analysis of
the applicant, the Cabinets
appeal challenges the Planning
Commission findings on drainage
adequacy and the applicant's
legal authority with respect to
the private roadway Kyra.
>> First go to the applicant
has hired a third party
engineer who reviewed
the grading and drainage plans
provided by the applicant and
has found substantive and
legitimate concerns with
the drainage and grading of
report.
The project proposes to
discharge approximately 6.7
cubic feet per second of
stormwater towards Kyra First
cota and the Hoya Shores Drive.
This equates to roughly 50
gallons of water per second or
approximately 3000 gallons of
stormwater per minute during a
storm event.
This is the equivalent of
draining a typical residential
swimming pool into the streets
system every few minutes
creating a concentrated
discharge that raises
substantial concerns regarding
the downstream impacts street
capacity and public safety.
This is the Hoya Shores Drive a
very significant roadway in
this part of the town.
>> It is our engineers belief
that the curb cannot handle
this amount of water.
We are requesting that
the applicant perform
downstream analysis for
the water being discharged onto
the Hoya Shores Drive.
The current drainage study that
was presented with this product
does not currently contain this
downstream analysis.
The Cavanaugh residents please
continue.
>> Perfect.
So here you can see
the proposed project location.
The Cavanaugh residence is at
the corner of q four Scotia and
La Hoya Shores Drive at
the furthermost edge You can
see it there on the far left.
It is particular It is also
downhill of La Hoya Shores
Drive so therefore it is
particularly vulnerable to any
concentrated discharges or
failures in the proposed
drainage system serving
the project and adjoining
parcels.
My clients and other adjacent
homeowners would be directly
affected by any surface or
subsurface discharge rooted
through that corridor.
The Kavanagh third party water
resources engineer conducted a
study of the stormwater
assessment and a and produced a
memo reflecting its five
findings and proposed
conditions.
A copy of said memo was
provided last week and I
believe you all have a copy in
hand when you go back can you
actually reverse please?
>> The key concerns identified
by the engineer were
the following Western boundary
routing the brown ditch along
the western boundary is shown
routing directly into a 12 inch
storm drain on Caiaphas.
Go to bypassing the West Basin
and undermining q100 mitigation
and water quality treatment.
Prior versions also reference
prior versions of
the applicant's plans also
referenced a pump to lift flows
to Basin b one But current
documents lack the clarity on
whether or not that pump is
there or not.
Additionally, the engineer
found that the Basin two is
marginally undersized for water
quality performance.
Also a conjunctive use basin
shows inadequate freeboard for
q100 water events and appears
to rely on low flow under drain
orifices for q 100 discharge
which is not allowed.
Conjunctive use just means
shared uses for both stormwater
treatment and collection during
storm events.
Pump design and failure
contingencies If a pump is used
to lift western flows to Basin
b one the applicant's
submittals lack design sizing,
housing power reliability and
redundancy of this pump.
Emergency overflow analysis has
also absent from its report.
And lastly the 12 inch storm
drain proposed in Cairo for
Skoda omits hydraulic sizing
and in the capture analysis And
as I previously mentioned that
downstream water analysis of
the flows coming off from
the project site and flowing
into the higher shores drive in
addition to the question as to
the drainage design and
the storm water deficiencies
identified by the third party
water resources engineer.
There remains the issue of
the ownership of Cairo First go
to this private roadway and
whether or not the applicant
has the right to utilize Cairo
for Skoda for the installation
repair and replacement of
public utilities without
the consent of the other
co-owners including Cavanaugh's
.
According to the document that
was referenced document number
43 967 the original grant deed
It states that an interest is
granted in the property in
interest which implies for
ownership.
The at the appellants advocate
the hire for Skoda is not an
easement for use by
the developer but instead it is
privately owned in undivided
fee interest by five co-owners
including the Cavanaugh's.
There is no record it easement
burdening that parcel in favor
of the projects proposed
private stormwater discharge
over the other owners interests
further Kenya for Skoda has its
own assessor's parcel number
and for many years the county
tax collector issued a secured
tax bill specifically for this
private right of way In
California, paying property
taxes is a strong indicia of
fee interest.
To date the applicant has not
received written consent from
the other co-owners for
installing private drainage and
sewer improvements proposed for
the project from my clients
the Cavanaugh's or any of
the other property owners along
Kyra for Skoda we therefore
state there remains fundamental
authority and an access
concerns that should be
resolved before any city
approvals of the project
dependent are given that are
dependent on the use of this
private right of way that
the third party engineer also
provided corrective conditions
in its report.
Here are a few Prior to
granting approval we recommend
again that the Council continue
to study these conditions and
whether or not they actually
meet with the concerns
addressed today.
But first we require we request
that the Council require final
stamp plans that positively
route all tributary flows from
the Western brow ditch into
basin be one also before
permits are issued We require
detention provisions
demonstrating one foot of
freeboard above q 100 ponding
in each basin and no reliance
on under drain or orifice for q
100 discharge condition
approval on field pump design
peak flow head calculations
exposure and power reliability
emergency overflow routing and
redundancy including a backup
pump for the Western system If
a pump is used And again is
there going to be a water pump,
is there not?
What is going to happen for
this water flow require
complete hydraulic sizing and
inlet capture analysis for
the 12 inch water line,
reconcile alignment across plan
sets and demonstrate
the concentrated discharge at
La Hoya shorts Drive is safely
accommodated in the public
right away.
We maintain that it is not
clear from the applicant's
plans whether or not it will be
safe for that amount of water
to be discharged into La Hoya
Shore's Drive.
>> We'd also like the applicant
to confirm all bio filtration
facilities meet minimum water
quality sizing including
the correction of any
undersized.
The applicant believes that
there are significant questions
about the drainage studies that
were done and submitted to
the city staff for review and
therefore we would like
the Council to continue this
hearing to further analyze
the applicant's plans and tell
us whether or not the plans
adequately address storm water
concerns.
I, I would now like to give
some of my time to my clients
if they are available on Zoom.
Yes we are available.
Hi.
Let me know when to start.
We can hear you here in council
chambers.
Okay.
All right.
Well thank you to the council
members and and I'm already
Cavenagh and my wife Lynn and
we live here and lived here for
a long time and we are just
trying to do what's right for
the overall community here.
I was very disappointed to hear
the applicant's lawyer say that
they had reached out to us.
That is absolutely not true.
We have reached out to them
multiple multiple times And
what we have found is when they
finally did respond it was
bullying barely responsive,
basically saying they could do
whatever they want and that
basically that was that.
So not transparent at all.
We did engage some engineers to
look at this.
We went with one The engineer
had a difficult time because
the plans kept changing in fact
throughout this whole process
is not clear what the final
result is going to be which for
an engineer it makes it very
difficult to estimate
the accuracy of the plans and
how that will store it out.
We asked them about
the maintenance and that's of
course very important when
you're talking about situations
in which a drain can be
blocked.
Maintenance can be very
important and there is no
answer on that.
And now I begin to understand
with hearing from other
neighbors about the fact that
it's an issue if they have
the legal authority to act on
behalf of the whoever
the owners are which is not up
to us but we need to know that
there is some maintenance plan
for a complex set of drainage
designs such as this.
We need to see those new
additions.
We had not seen those shown by
the city city staffers
mentioned just now and with all
due respect, MR. LaCava, the if
I was a seeing a patient and
said here here's a new medicine
read this 20 pages of Plant ten
and decide right now if you
want to take this medicine that
would be malpractice.
So I think we need time to look
at what is proposed And I'm a
little worried when I see
the things that are proposed
because it all says to be
approved by the city engineer.
It's almost like we have to
approve the project and started
to be able to see what
the final plans are and then by
then it MAY be too late to know
if they're going to be adequate
for this situation.
So I think a continuance is
absolutely indicated so we can
address these issues and was as
raised by COUNCILMAN When
Schenck has the city engineer
weighed in on this as of yet?
I'd be pretty uncomfortable
kicking that down the road and
saying well they'll review it
and make sure everything is
okay by them.
We understand that the easement
versus the title that that's a
dispute that the city doesn't
want to get into But we think
it's very important And again
trying to approach
the applicants they've been
bullying and just say we
basically can do whatever we
want will tear out all your
bushes don't have to put it
back Now we understand that
that's not actually the case
either.
So we would request further
time to look at this further
analysis.
We MAY have to get
the engineers reengaged because
the plans keep changing and
they couldn't actually tell how
adequate it was.
But as you heard from
the attorney, a lot of serious
issues are raised just based on
the information that they had
provided to them very little by
the applicant other available
online So respectfully we would
ask that this be continued
because we think these are very
important issues and for
the good of this community they
need to be resolved before
proceeding with a very
substantial project such as
this.
Thank you.
Any other concluding remarks or
so some time on the clock?
>> If not we will If I would
like to give some concluding
remarks then cede whatever time
I have left to Bernie Siegel
That is a lot of your time is
running.
>> So All right.
Well, thank you.
Members of the council for our
hearing our hearing to hear in
our appeal today.
>> We believe that there are
substantive drainage issues and
legal questions surrounding
the applicant's ability to
perform this work in the public
right in the private right of
way as well as the applicant's
ability to control stormwater
runoff from the project site
Applicant's appellants stated
intent is a responsible
approval of this project
The protects downstream
properties while allowing
compliant drainage for design
design.
We are not in a we are not in
total objection to the project
we just have questions that
need answers.
There are gaps in the analysis
and the applicant has not been
able to answer those to our
satisfaction.
>> Thank you.
All right.
If you have very little time if
you'd like to come up there's
30s that we have to continue.
Can you tell Bernard he only
has 30s so So that he knows I
believe that the count this
council does not have
jurisdiction to hear project
that's being proposed by MR.
Bush because he the owner of
record is still the limited
partnership which was
the original according to
the Internet original applicant
the named applicant in this
proceeding and MR. Fosh does
has nothing in writing that's
been displayed publicly to show
that he has authority to do any
of these things or file any
documents or speak on behalf of
the actual and the actual
members the six members Thank
you for showing any authority
your time has concluded sir.
Thank you for that concluding
remark.
>> All right now give
the applicant equal
opportunity.
>> Does the applicant want to
speak up for the records And
you have up to 15 minutes for
your presentation.
>> Thank you very much.
Council PRESIDENT LaCava and
distinguished Council members.
My name is Brian Will.
I'm the architect for
the Claymore subdivision along
with my business partner Andy
Fortune who was previously
mentioned.
I'll be brief What you're
looking at is a subdivision of
the proposed development as it
would appear within the fabric
of Illinois shores six new
custom homes on a four and a
half acre site each designed
with an argument home homeowner
who has been directly involved
in every stage of this project
from the concept through
permitting.
Admittedly these are six
gracious homes but in a
neighborhood surrounded by
gracious homes we're here today
on an appeal that centers
solely on the stormwater
drainage.
However, I'd like to briefly
walk through the projects
context and community history
before turning to the technical
question.
Next slide please.
This overhead view shows
the six proposed proposed lot
footprints in the context of
the surrounding neighborhood.
The site at the sits at the end
of Cadel Cielo from the North
and q four Scotter from
the west.
>> Each of the six lots has
been designed to be consistent
with the scale and character of
surrounding properties floor
area ratios across the project
range from 0.18 to 0.33 well
below the zoning code maximum
and within the range you see on
the neighboring parcels shown
on this plan all lots comply
with the applicable setback and
zoning requirements with no
zone, with no variances or
deviations requested.
This is not a developer driven
projects.
Six families came together to
form an llc so that they could
purchase this property Once six
parcels are created by this
action they can take individual
ownership but there's no other
way to do that besides to form
the llc Previously mentioned
every family at this table has
been personally involved in
this project for the past four
years.
That personal investment is
reflected in how this project
has been handled within
the community.
This project has attended not
less than seven community
community subcommittee and
local planning group meetings
culminating in unanimous
support from the local planning
group numerous one on one
meetings with neighbors
listening to their concerns,
incorporating suggestions and
making changes even after
receiving unanimous approval
from the planning condition
Commission, our team has
continued to work in good faith
with neighbors relocate a
swimming pool and increase
sound walls to address neighbor
noise concerns over ordinary
residential use offered to
voluntarily restrict
construction hours to minimize
disruption to neighbors and
drafting an easement to allow
one neighbor to continue
enjoying some encroaching
landscape on our property.
None of these items were
required as part of our
approval but necessary in my
client's eyes as to be good
neighbors.
The appeal before you today is
focused entirely on stormwater
drainage.
We have both our land use
attorney and our civil engineer
on hand to answer any technical
questions on the matter But let
me first orient you to our
drainage design.
>> Could I see the next slide?
>> The site drains from east to
west.
>> It's on the low lying slopes
in La Hoya Shores the three
lots in yellow and the majority
of the cul de sac drain to
the bayou basin at the top of
the page in orange the lower
three lots drain towards
the green bio base and and then
any access is routed underneath
q four scudder to the curb cut
that was previously a curb
outlet that was previously
mentioned.
>> The project approval already
carries a condition requiring
the stormwater system to be
designed by ministerial permit
to the satisfaction of the city
engineer.
You've heard today that
conditions were updating and
updated to specifically address
the items mentioned in
the appellants expert's memo
and we really just want to
thank staff for getting that
update done.
These are all items that really
reside in the ministerial
permits where technical
questions of calculations
should be answered.
>> Drainage has always moved
from East to west across
the site and now with this
project we finally have
the opportunity to improve it.
So council members we believe
the record before you clearly
supports the city's approval of
this project.
The stormwater system has been
designed to meet and exceed
applicable standards.
The community process has been
thorough and transparent.
Six families are ready to build
homes and become neighbors in
the community.
They clearly care about.
We respectfully ask that you
deny this appeal and affirm
the Planning Commission's
approval before our time
expires.
I would like to introduce one
of the six families whose home
depends on your decision today.
Natasha Alice, a future
homeowner at Cielo Mart.
>> Thank you.
Good afternoon.
PRESIDENT LaCava and everybody
else The council members thank
you for your time.
Like Brian mentioned my name is
Natasha Ellis.
I'm one of the six families I
currently occupy.
Our home is on the same street
as the development where we're
trying to build all of our
future homes.
We have been painstakingly
working on this project for
nearly four years and we just
are looking to build a home
where all of our children can
grow up.
We actually all our friends all
of us six families So I can
confirm that we are not
developers.
We're actually part of
the community and we are
families along with the five
other applicants.
We started this process with
the commitment that we would
work with and all city
requirements not push
the envelope, respect our
neighbors and the neighborhood
that we love along with
the city regulations.
That's exactly what we feel
that we have done.
We have incorporated input.
We heard along this journey
both from neighbors,
professional engineers and
technical experts as well as
city staff.
On behalf of all of
the families.
I would like to thank the city
staff for their detailed review
and we appreciate their
diligence and feedback.
All of that help earned
the support of our Communities
Planning Association and
the Planning Commission.
There is still a ways to go as
the next level of fine details
are part of the ministerial
process where city staff
experts continue to ensure that
our plans fully comply with
the technical and building
regulations and we can continue
to have dialog with our
neighbors along the way we
respect We respectfully request
that you deny the appeal so
that we can move forward
through the ministerial process
and eventually occupy our
family homes.
Thank you again to city staff
and thank you Council members
for your thoughtful
consideration.
And Chandra wanted to have a
few words.
Thank you.
Thank you, Natasha.
Thank you.
I just wanted to respectfully
add for the record that we have
been waiting since DECEMBER to
hear back from the cabinets on
our grading design and
stormwater and so forth.
We have been willing and able
to work with them.
Again, this is why we have our
civil engineer here today and
we only received their comments
a few days ago.
Again I want to hand it to
staff for working with us to
address even what they recently
brought up.
So just wanted to let you know
put that in the record and
thank you again for your time.
>> Good afternoon.
City Council members.
My name is Lee Anderson of
Honest and Linen Corn.
I'm the attorney for
the applicant.
I first of all to reiterate
what MS..
Slaven said.
We've been asking for
the comments of the civil
engineer for the Cavanaugh's
actually for over a year and we
just barely got them less than
a week ago.
>> So you know the request to
continue this hearing to to
consider those comments it just
seems like a predicament that
they put themselves in and they
shouldn't be able to delay us
through those kinds of tactics.
I also want to just very
quickly address the property
rights issue.
There was a deed granted on MAY
13th, 1949 that granted
the parcel that is now called q
Frisco to two of the five
adjacent property owners which
include the predecessor to
the applicant and that property
was granted quote subject to
the right of each and every
grantee in this deed and their
successors and assigns.
And then skipping ahead a
little bit to use that property
for the installation repair and
replacement of public utilities
and then it goes on to say said
rights of said grantees are for
the benefit of and are
pertinent to the respective
parcels of land now owned by
said grantees and immediately
adjoining the above described
strip strip of land.
So the these are rights that
were granted to our clients
predecessor or it was intended
to be a private street for
ingress and egress and also for
utilities to run under
the street and it gave and
that's an easement whether it
uses the term easement or not.
But regardless the document is
very clear that it gives each
of the adjacent parcels
the right to tap into public
utilities through that street.
I don't think they're going to
be any question about that.
The document was reviewed by
not only staff but also that
the city attorney's office and
found sufficient.
You know, it's really a
specious argument that
the opponents have raised.
But to the extent it does have
any merit, that's a private
matter As a staff said in his
presentation with that we're
available for any questions I'm
not going to address point by
point everything that's been
brought out.
There were a lot of things
brought up that are outside far
outside any of the issues that
were properly raised in
the appeal.
Questions about design and
questions about noise.
Those kinds of things.
But we're happy to answer
questions either myself or
the appropriate member of
the team if there are questions
and further discussion is
desired on any of those points.
>> Thank you.
>> All right.
So that closes the applicant to
the great.
I have questions for
the applicant or the appellant
or my colleagues.
Do you can be called up.
So this is in district one.
So as we traditionally do I'll
take the lead on this and I'm
going to ask my colleagues to
bear with me on this as we kind
of delve into the issues.
When I was a baby engineer, my
boss at that time told me make
it easy for the decision maker
in a way I can successfully say
that neither side has done
that.
So I've taken a lot of notes
during the course of
the testimony by all
the parties.
So when you see me scrambling
between my computer and my
written notes you'll understand
why.
So I'm going to start out with
the typical preamble as I do
when I hear an appeal.
I want to thank city staff.
I want to thank the appellant.
I want to thank the applicant
for your presentations.
I want to thank those who took
the time to come down or spoke
online or submitted comments
online.
I've reviewed the material
attached to the docket as well
as the public comments
submitted online.
Listen to the presentation sent
by staff by appellant, by
the applicant and comments by
the public.
i'm going to state the obvious
I'm not going to make a motion
for continuance.
I don't understand why people
didn't get that when we didn't
do that at the get go.
But in case there was any doubt
.
So here's the kind of things
that have been raised that I
don't find relevant to
the decision in front of us
today.
One of them is the 1949
granted.
Now staff has their
interpretation about that.
>> I believe that the grant
deed is a matter between
the two parties to arbitrate
among themselves in
the affected parties
the whether the development has
the right to enter into that or
not.
I don't think relevant in my
decision.
That is the risk that
the applicant is taking in this
conversation.
The other element that I feel
kind of compelled to talk about
bear with me.
Like I said, I'm bouncing a
little bit between all
the comments things that okay
staff included the applicant's
rendering and its presentation
.
I find the rubber not a true
representation of
the neighborhood.
The assurance community has a
long history with project
renderings given its unique
residential zoning.
Sometimes it makes the project
look larger, look smaller,
blending in.
And for the record I'm not
relying on the rendering and my
review of the project documents
or as part of this afternoon's
discussion.
>> a lot of reasons sort of
rendering said okay one thing
that the applicant raised and
actually the applicant raised
that I kind of had a question
about this is for staff
the ownership disclosure Who
owns this property?
I have to make a decision
whether I have a conflict of
interest, whether anybody has
given me a campaign donation
and my 2024 campaign who owns
the property?
>> Who are the legal owners
With all due respect.
Yes, Thank you.
I need a few minutes to look
for the application but I have
that.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I have the permit to draft here
.
>> So it's Salem or La Hoya.
>> Limited Liability company is
the owner of record.
>> Okay.
I'm used to disclosure of
individuals that are part of
that ownership and I'm hearing
that there are six or maybe
seven owners.
One of them is here today.
I have here Scott Sinnott as
the owner committee.
>> Okay.
I came in here thinking that he
was the sole owner.
He's not the sole owner Before
this is over can you give me a
list to make sure that I don't
have a conflict?
Council Member My name is
Christian Niles.
I am one of the owners of out
of Lot three on lot on
the proposed lot two We have
scouts in it on the proposed
lot one we have Adrian Diaz on
the proposed lot for Webb
Barbara Santiago Sula, Capell
and Lot five We have Charlie
and Charlie and Race and a lot
six We had David and Natalia
Bond.
>> Okay thank you for
disclosing that.
I don't recognize any of those
names.
I feel confident that I don't
have a conflict or that none of
them gave me a campaign
contribution as far as I can
remember back in 2024 I wasn't
so hard wasn't the okay those
were the harder questions.
Okay.
So as I read through all
the material over this weekend
,I will say there's been
important issues raised by
the appellant and I'm also
encouraged that the appellant
has narrowly targeted their
focus especially in their
letter of MAY 14th And while
the language he appellant
offered is not necessarily
appropriate for permit
conditions, I thought the tone
of the scope resonate with me
So I don't know about your
consultants but I was able to
read the thing in one day and
figure out what they were
talking about and understood
the issues that were at risk.
>> So I worked Some days maybe
your consultants don't.
I was also equally encouraged
by the applicant's response in
an undated response to
the appeal as well as
information that was in their
slide deck which is attached to
that but was not actually used
.
So one of the questions I want
to ask to the applicant one of
the things that showed up in
your slide deck on Slide six
was indicating that you would
be securing letters of
permission from the property
owners along first going out.
That is an important change to
me is that but we have property
rights to That's not what I'm
asking sir in your presentation
Slide six indicate that you
would be securing letters of
permission by the people who
live along that street.
Yes.
Slide six was prepared by
the appellant is what I'm being
told.
Yeah we didn't have a six slide
so not you didn't show on today
.
Can you bring up the PowerPoint
for us The we are the applicant
PowerPoint so I can that way I
can better understand which
slide you're referring to and
then I'm happy to address it
and you help them go back.
One of you almost had it There
it is.
This slide was not part of our
formal presentation.
We had it as a back up slide
Should any questions arise.
Okay it's back up material
attached to this item prepared
now acknowledged by you.
Correct.
So what am I to make of this
Because this is this is kind of
a big deal.
>> It is And can you please
repeat your question?
>> So this slide as part of
the slide deck that you
submitted to the city as backup
as material for this item shows
that for each of the lots
adjoining you're indicating an
intent to secure letters of
permission.
PRESIDENT LaCava That that's
not the case.
We have an easement over okay
I'm not asking that question.
So so the easement allows us to
proceed without occasion.
Again, that's not the question
I'm asking.
I'm asking about you submitted
this slide for which I was very
excited about because that
would show that there was some
meeting of the minds.
>> So you're telling me that
that was a false smell At
the moment we're going to have
our civil engineer Dan Valdes
come speak to this slide.
>> Okay.
Hello.
Thank you, Daniel Valdez,
coffee engineering engineer.
I've worked for the project.
A little bit of background
history behind this slide.
The intention of this slide
wasn't to show letters of
permission issues.
It was intended to show
the plan along here First go to
the call outs for letters of
permission which have blanks
They you know, don't reflect
any letters of commission that
have actually been obtained.
Yeah, they were added to this
sheet was a part of
the ministerial grading plan
that has not yet been approved.
It's currently in review with
the city engineering staff.
The addition of those call outs
was in response to a comment
that we needed to get letters
of permission so it was added
to a to address a comment.
But as the review process
proceeded our attorney
determined that we did not need
to get letters of permission So
the final plans will not have
that call out.
You realize how difficult that
makes it for me because now I
begin to question everything
you've put out there, right?
This is part of the ministerial
set the ministerial set to get
secure grading plans.
>> Correct.
But until the discretionary
approval comes through no
ministerial plans will be
approved.
No, I understand that but it's
a message to me.
I understand that.
I understand the impression
that you MAY have gotten you
don't have up here to provide
some clarification on what it
does You're looking at it.
Yeah.
So I'm a civil engineer so I
know exactly what I'm looking
at But so this is a false
representation of what your
intention is going forward.
It's not a current
representation.
I won't argue the words.
>> That's too bad.
I thought that was a pretty big
step forward So let me see if
there's anything else that we
can dance around.
So one of the things that as I
mentioned was that especially
for my colleagues into staff
that I struggle with it like
you said, I think some of
the issues raised by
the appellant actually were on
point And the challenge is that
it's somewhat ironically it is
that during the discretionary
review process neighbors
actually have access to more
information than
the ministerial process When if
this project were to be
approved we'd be going through
grading construction or
building permits because
everything kind of closes in at
that time.
So that presented a little bit
of a quandary to me because I
think the issues raised that
you MAY in good faith
understand everything they're
saying and actually actually
comply with everything that
they're asking for which is
actually just convince us that
the design that you have
actually works which is I think
quite a gross simplification of
course.
But I think at the end of
the day that's what they're
saying Now some of the other
folks that spoke have bigger
issues with the project but I
think the appellant really
narrowed down just saying we
can't figure out your plan.
The plan changing quite evident
from the exchange We just had
And so they're getting kind of
nervous and I've done
discretionary permits where you
have not done everything to a
position that you do during
construction documents going
forward.
So I started thinking of a
number of ideas about how to
address that.
I exchanged some conversations
with staff and with the city
attorney's office because I
believe in having my ideas
valid.
And so while I am
extraordinarily frustrated by
the conversations that we've
had today and in this
particular hearing at the end
of the day this is not about my
frustration and
misrepresentations a slight but
whether at the end of the day
that I can make the findings or
not worth what the project
actually is and I was very
close to it no but working with
staff and the city attorney's
office I found that with their
very detailed changes in
the conditions of approval that
I can get their.
So with the city attorney stand
ready to correct my language
because sometimes I get it
wrong.
But the two new conditions that
have been added and the four
modifications that strengthen
the permit I am able to make
findings before I go to
the motion.
I do appreciate the other
issues that were raised by
the other testimony
the neighbors, the community as
a whole.
I do note or I did note that
the pto advisory board voted
five zero to oppose the project
but didn't give me
the specifics by which I could
actually take them into
account.
The cpa was not unanimous but
it did vote seven four to
support the project and
the planning Commission as was
noted also supported
the project five zero And with
due respect to the community
members I did not file find
that the testimony rose to
the level Overturning
the action quite a bit was made
of who the owners are.
We actually got that answer in
this afternoon's conversation.
So with that I move the staff
recommendation with
the amendments to permit
conditions 25, 26, 31 and 45
and the addition of a new
tentative map condition 28 and
permit condition 15 as shown in
the staff presentation and that
will conclude my comments.
I'll turn over to my colleagues
looking for a second and
certainly a any questions or
comments you might have.
>> >> Council PRESIDENT Pro Tem
Let all have for a second
the motion.
All right.
We have a second and I don't
see anybody else on the lights
the slide up there does right?
Oh the other part was directing
the city attorney to prepare
the appropriate resolutions
according to section 40 of
the city charter.
So without any other comments
or questions by my colleagues
again I'll thank staff the City
Attorney's office,
the appellant for the work they
put in and the committee
members this time to show up as
well as the applicant In
answering my questions And with
that I'll call for the vote I'm
sorry the voting system Please
cast your vote That does pass
unanimously 7 to 0 with council
member Elio Rivera and
Councilmember Von Wilpert
absent.
>> Thank you.
All right.
Thank you and everyone to wrap
up this afternoon's meeting,
does the attorney city attorney
have anything to report out
from yesterday's closed
session?
>> There's nothing to report
out from closed session.
Okay.
That was necessary because we
adjourn the afternoon In
the evening session we will now
adjourn council to the special
council meeting on Wednesday,
MAY 20th, 2026 at 9 A.M..