[2:22] Good evening welcome to City Council Medium for September 22nd.
[2:25] Madam Clerkle, will you please call roll. Council Member Kazares.
[2:33] Present. Councilmember Dillard. Here. Council Member Lothian. Your Vice Mayor
[2:39] Suzuki. Present. Mayor Rappscatus. Here we begin every meeting with
[2:42] an invocation and flag sleut and tonight we'll be Vice
[2:45] Mayor Suzuki. Welcome this month we celebrate Hispanic Heritage a
[2:52] month and honor the families, leaders and neighbors whose culture,
[2:56] faith, language, and hard work have shaped our region for
[2:59] generations. In a few short days, Octoberfest returns to our
[3:03] village, a reminder of the German heritage that is also
[3:07] part of our story and of the joy we find
[3:09] when we come together as neighbors. Tonight we also will
[3:13] be welcoming young people who have stepped forward to serve
[3:16] on our youth commission. May we listen to them with
[3:19] open minds and may they know that their voices matter
[3:22] here. They remind us that the future of the city
[3:25] belongs to all of us and that it is strongest
[3:27] when every person sees a place for it, a place
[3:31] for themselves in it. Please stand for the Pledge of
[3:33] Allegiance. Ready, begin.
[3:45] One nation, under God, indivisible, liberty and justice call. I'm
[3:54] going to let Vice to Council Member Casauris explain why
[3:59] she's remote or that she is remote. Good evening everyone.
[4:04] Sorry, I can't be there in person. I'm providing notice
[4:07] that I'm participating remotely in tonight City Council meeting under
[4:11] the Brown Axe Just Cause Provision. Government Code Section 54953.
[4:18] 8. 3. I'm traveling in Northern California for previously scheduled
[4:22] discussions with state officials, including California State, legislators concerning matters
[4:27] affecting our local government. These include discussions regarding potential solutions
[4:31] for sober living facilities and Public Safety Legislation affecting police
[4:36] and vire services. These official commitments require me to be
[4:39] outside the city of La Mesa during tonight's meeting. I
[4:43] will participate remotely for the entire meeting from my hotel
[4:46] room in Ronert Park, California, and will be the only
[4:49] person in the room. Thank you for your understanding. Thank
[4:52] you. Next City Manager Comments. I have none. Community Bulletin.
[4:57] I am excited to share that the City of La
[4:59] Mesa has been awarded 1. 5 million dollars in state
[5:02] funding for the development of weight park. This is significant
[5:05] milestone for the encouragement to start toward the 8 million
[5:09] needed to bring this project to life. I also want
[5:18] to express my sincere gratitude to assembly member Larp Collins
[5:23] and Senator Dr. Akila Weber Pearson for their continued support.
[5:28] Sand and Sandbags are available for incorporated La Mesa residents
[5:31] at the Public Works Operations Center located at 8152 commercial
[5:36] Street. Facility hours are Monday through Thursday 6 a. m.
[5:40] to 3. 30 p. m. An alternate Friday 6 a.
[5:44] m. to 2. 30 p. m. We're limiting 10 bags
[5:46] per household please. We're in preparation of. Weather forecast expect
[5:54] to be a super - al - Ninium. Octoberfest is
[5:57] back next weekend. Please plan ahead for street closures, traffic
[6:01] lathes, large crowds in the village area, street closures will
[6:04] be affect on Thursday, October 1st. And 2nd, 2 p.
[6:11] m. through Monday, October 5th at 7am. A team to
[6:15] use are encouraged to use Public Transportation. You can park
[6:18] and ride from one of the MTS free park and
[6:21] right areas. For more information go to Octoberfest. org. Get
[6:25] to know your La Mesa Police Department, sign up now
[6:27] for La Mesa Police Department, citizens Academy. This is a
[6:30] free six - week program offering community members and inside
[6:33] look at local law enforcement. Classes have begun October 15th
[6:39] and will be held Thursday evenings from six. To 8.
[6:44] 30 p. m. Partisans. This must be available to attend
[6:46] all six sessions, spaces limited to apply by the 5th
[6:49] of October. October 7th is California Clean Air Day. Take
[6:54] a pledge to clean our air by biking, walking, or
[6:57] carpooling, or taking Public Transportation, take the pledge at San
[7:01] Diego. org clean air day. Mark your calendars for our
[7:04] annual paper shredding and more event. It's happening in Saturday,
[7:07] October 24th from 9am to 12 p. m. Bring two
[7:11] bankers boxes of paper for shredding e - waste donations
[7:15] and get free compost. I will go now to Vice
[7:20] Mayor Suzuki. Just a reminder to all students six to
[7:25] eighth grade who either live in La Mesa or your
[7:28] school is physically in La Mesa. Please apply for our
[7:32] first mini Mesa. It's going to be a civic engagement
[7:35] lab. Um, it's live now. If you go on under
[7:39] events on our website, the City website. You can take
[7:42] part in our first inaugural mini Mesa event. It's going
[7:47] to be super exciting. We have all the Public Agencies
[7:50] that have anything to do with us participating. So please,
[7:54] please apply because it's going to be super fun. That's
[7:57] it. Thank you. Councilmember Lothian. Okay. Alright, thank you. So
[8:03] in recent years, our City's website on the homepage has
[8:06] had this bot on it. And when you click on
[8:08] the bot, you instantly get a link to Active Developments
[8:11] and it lets you know everything that's going on in
[8:12] La Mesa commercial - wise. I think a restaurants that
[8:15] are coming car washes, apartment buildings, uh, and, uh, it
[8:19] had at least formed and then it had interactive map.
[8:21] It was fantastic. Foolproof user - friendly. It has disappeared
[8:24] from the homepage, which concerns me because I'm all about
[8:27] transparency. Um, I have learned that the internet, uh, the
[8:31] website provider is recreating it. It's a quick link button
[8:35] and it's expected to be functional by November. And in
[8:38] the meantime, anybody that's interested, what is being built in
[8:41] La Mesa, you can type active developments in the search
[8:44] bar, and it will appear as the first result. Additionally,
[8:47] what they're going to add at my request is they're
[8:50] going to include the number of, because it's always like
[8:52] an apartment building will be a number of units, number
[8:54] of stories, but it never includes a number of bedrooms
[8:56] or a number of parking spaces. So we're going to
[8:58] definitely have by tomorrow number of parking spaces and we're
[9:01] working on a number of bedrooms. Um, and then, um,
[9:05] cause that matters. I mean, if you have a 19
[9:06] unit apartment building, and it's all studios, that's going to
[9:09] be a certain number of cards. If they're 193 bedrooms,
[9:11] it's going to be a different number of cars. So
[9:12] you need to know the bedroom count. Also, uh, news
[9:15] to me about weight park. I know we've been really
[9:18] trying. Councilwoman Genevy and I've really, we've been really pushing
[9:22] for this. Um, I've been doing a 14 week tour
[9:24] of all of La Mesa's parks. Weight lot is the
[9:27] last one. It's going to be on October 3rd, 11
[9:29] to 12. I'm going to be there with the Parks
[9:31] and Rex Director Misty Thompson Councilwoman Genevieve Suzuki's joining us.
[9:35] We are there to do community outreach and to really
[9:39] tell that area and that neighborhood. Your park is coming.
[9:42] Thank you. Thank you, Councilmember Dillard. Thank you, Mayor. Uh,
[9:49] just a couple of announcements. I've been announcing the opening
[9:55] or groundbreaking for the Spring Street. Development. And it's going
[10:04] to take place this Friday at 10 a. m. And
[10:10] the thing is, is that the parking lot has already
[10:13] been blocked off. So I just want to share, if
[10:15] you would like to come, uh, you're more than welcome
[10:18] to come, uh, I will be speaking, uh, along with
[10:22] the chair of MTS and others. And the best thing
[10:27] to do is to either take the trolley from Grossmont,
[10:31] south, uh, the La Mesa Boulevard, which is right across
[10:38] the street here. And just take it south one stop
[10:43] down and just get off and you'll be right there.
[10:46] Uh, parking is a little bit of a struggle in
[10:49] that area. And because the parking lot is now blocked
[10:52] off, uh, for construction, it's just not open. It's just
[10:56] not available. And I don't want people to have to
[10:58] walk a long ways to attend. So you are all
[11:01] invited and we're very excited about it. Uh, and groundbreaking
[11:09] Friday at 10 a. m. I also have some really
[11:12] exciting news. I have been waiting for this for like
[11:16] two years. I've been working on this. And so this
[11:19] is all about the Sandag flexible fleet grant status. I'm
[11:24] pleased to share that La Mesa has been recommended for
[11:28] full funding. That's 859, 800, sorry, 384 through the Sandag
[11:36] flexible fleet pilot grant program for our senior microtransit pilot
[11:41] program. Uh, this program would operate three electric vehicles, including
[11:48] an ADA accessible vehicle to provide flexible, on - demand,
[11:54] transportation for La Mesa Sr. We're starting out with the
[11:57] seniors. Uh, this recommendation still requires approval by both the
[12:02] Sandag Transportation Committee on October the 16th and the Sandag
[12:07] Board of Directors on October 23rd. We will keep the
[12:12] community updated as the process moves forward. For those of
[12:16] you who don't know about microtransit, some do, some don't.
[12:20] I just have to tell you, it's a very inexpensive
[12:24] pickup wherever you live and drop off wherever you want
[12:29] to be dropped off, whether it be the hospital, uh,
[12:32] a restaurant or the park or, you know, community center.
[12:37] Uh, this is going to be a real inexpensive way
[12:39] for our senior citizens to get around and be able
[12:42] to get right back home safely. And the cost is
[12:47] only going to be around two dollars in 50 cents.
[12:49] We don't have an exact amount more than if they
[12:58] caught an Uber or a lift. I'm sure all of
[13:01] you have used one of those services at one time
[13:04] or another. Uh, it is regional. So it will stay
[13:07] within the La Mesa area, uh, but we're very excited
[13:11] to help our senior citizens at this time. And we
[13:16] look forward to growing this so that we can move
[13:20] over onto the children of La Mesa as well and
[13:24] help them get back and forth to school, the sports,
[13:27] uh, whatever's going on for them as well. And have
[13:30] safe way to do it. By the way, this is
[13:33] a W - 2 transportation. So people will see the
[13:39] same drivers all the time. And that's really comfortable. And
[13:44] also safer, uh, to know who your driver is. So
[13:48] thank you, sir. Thank you, Councilmember Casaris. Thank you. I
[13:54] hope, um, everyone in our Jewish community had a meaningful
[13:58] fast for Yom Kippur and Shalk Semeach for Sukkot in
[14:02] the coming week. I also want to thank Council Member
[14:06] Lothian who will be subbing in for me at Sandag
[14:09] on Friday. And finally, I want to thank Councilmember or
[14:14] Vice Mayor Suzuki, um, for recognizing Hispanic Latino heritage month.
[14:19] Very proud to be one of two, um, on this
[14:21] Council. And more than one quarter of La Masons fall
[14:26] into that category. So, um, I hope everyone has a
[14:28] meaningful month. Thank you. Additions and or deletions by staff
[14:33] or council. I'm going to be moving item 5 one
[14:37] to the end of the meeting. Uh, at the Best
[14:39] of, um, someone on the dais. Item 52 is proclamation
[14:45] a week of October 4th through the 10th, 2026 as
[14:48] fire prevention league. Whereas the City of La Mesa is
[14:53] committed to ensuring the safety of all those living in
[14:56] the city. Fire remains a serious Public Safety concern, both
[14:59] locally and nationally. And the presidents of lithium ion batteries
[15:06] in many household devices introduce unique fire risks. Most of
[15:10] the electronics used in homes daily include smartphones, tablets, laptops,
[15:15] power tools, e - bikes, C - scooters, toys are
[15:18] powered by lithium ion batteries, which if misused or damaged
[15:23] or handled improperly could convert or start a fire or
[15:26] explode. The national fire protection agency, association, reported an increase
[15:30] of battery related fires underscoring the need for public education
[15:35] on the safe use of lithium ion batteries. Safe charging
[15:38] includes using a cord or a charger that is approved
[15:41] by the manufacturer. Flat surface. Watching for warning signs, unplugging
[15:48] devices when fully charged and making sure that you have,
[15:52] um, devices outside and away from exits. The 2026 fire
[16:00] prevention weak theme charge into fire safety. Safe charging is
[16:05] a superpower services remind all residents that safe charging can
[16:10] help reduce the risk of fires in homes. Now therefore
[16:14] iMark rapid staff is the 23rd mayor of the City
[16:16] of La Mesa in the entire city Council to hereby
[16:19] proclaim October 4th through 10th, 2026 as fire prevention week.
[16:24] In the City of La Mesa and we urge all
[16:25] residents of the City of La Mesa to learn about
[16:28] and practice safe charging habits. Move on to Public Comment.
[16:35] So I'm going to ask if there are any hands
[16:36] raised. Mayor, we have one hand raised for remote Public
[16:41] Comet. And we are now closing remote Public Comment. Well,
[16:48] she's weak now. We have two remote Public Commons hands
[16:51] raised. Speaker Phone Call and listener with the last four
[16:57] digits 3731. You should now be able to unmute yourself.
[17:01] You have three minutes for your Public comment. Hey, it
[17:08] is Truthonics again rather than showing counsel on the screen
[17:10] while remote Commisser speak. You show a delayed, useless timer
[17:14] on the screen. That's not only unnecessary. It's not transparent.
[17:18] And having remote speakers go first before in person may
[17:21] be an attempt to punish remote commissers by giving in
[17:24] - person speakers an opportunity to be able to counter
[17:26] what they hear. But it's actually a Punishment to in
[17:29] - person commenters who are forced to wait to comment,
[17:31] even though they put in the effort to show up
[17:33] in person. What a disservice to the Public. I make
[17:36] that determination based on the fact that this Council sought
[17:39] against free speech delivered remotely for many a year with
[17:41] zero legitimate reasons. Only that you guys didn't personally like
[17:45] or prove of certain actors messages. That's a you problem
[17:48] and shame on this Council for cycling free speech for
[17:51] so long. Next on the agenda under elected officials, it
[17:55] lists a new city treasure, yet he definitely was not
[17:58] elected by the people. The only excuse of the Council
[18:01] majority of four progressive had for supporting an inexperienced intern,
[18:05] formerly out of cafe were alleged ageism and alleged limited
[18:08] scope of the position. To ignore Bill Expreters lived experience
[18:12] was ageism personified. The limited scope claim was disrespectful to
[18:17] Matt Strom bone's incredible performance within the important role of
[18:20] treasurer. And for the record, Strombones been donating quite a
[18:24] bit of his treasure prophets to political campaigns. We'll emit
[18:28] do the same. I wonder because Emmett's company LPL Financial
[18:31] stock only has a fair market value of 2, 000
[18:34] to 10, 000 dollars. His internships at expediters on South
[18:41] San Diego is described as 4, 000. That's questionable, but
[18:45] Emmett told the truth in his own speech. My motivation
[18:49] for seeking the Office of City Treasure is written strictly
[18:51] in Public Surface, not critical ambition. But I'm also running
[18:54] in November. And if the three months I do have
[18:58] this position, then it would help carry and for me
[19:00] to really understand the position to have a great four
[19:02] - year tenure. Oh, four years. He flip - flop,
[19:06] revealing a true political motivation and intent. And Council lied
[19:10] that the treasure is an advisory position with no power.
[19:13] Because if that's true, then fine. Let's eliminate that useless
[19:16] position. We know a baby treasurer was selected, so the
[19:20] Council Majority can spend an invest freely with zero oversight
[19:23] or for proper professional management. A yes kid. As someone
[19:26] called him Dr. A's, Peter Pan, Theater Pet. How fast
[19:31] can 130 million dollars disappear in only two months? 30
[19:34] seconds. Leme says, unfortunately, about to find out. Just like
[19:37] I said, am I non - agenda last meeting? It's
[19:39] only a matter of time before La Mesa ends up
[19:41] just like the City of San Diego. Another progressive council.
[19:45] Eventually, thanks to being coincidences and they start being patterns
[19:49] and practices. And I'm just calling it like I see
[19:51] it. For the record, Lauren's almost always late to sand
[19:54] - eye meeting. And Patricia almost always leaves early, yet
[19:57] they still collect the check. So I got, I'm glad
[19:59] Laura's going to show up. Um, I should have even
[20:02] the founding fathers were indeed young, but guess what? They
[20:04] were also smarter than demons have ended. Thank you for
[20:06] your comment. Budgeting. Becky Rapp. You should now be able
[20:13] to unmute yourself. You have three minutes for your Public
[20:16] comment. Good evening. My name is Becky Rapp and I'm
[20:23] here as a Public Health Educator and Community Advocate to
[20:27] ask the City to take a closer look at the
[20:29] Public Health consequences of marijuana and intoxicating hem products. The
[20:34] products and the evidence surrounding them are changing. And our
[20:37] Public Health Policies need to keep up. The White House
[20:40] Office of National Drug Control Policy's Chief Medical Officer Dr.
[20:45] Rani Lew recently warned about the harms associated with marijuana.
[20:49] She described marijuana as the number one drug of addiction
[20:53] and said we need to remember people who have died
[20:55] from marijuana - related harms. She also emphasized treatment and
[20:59] prevention. Just as importantly, she warned consumers about marijuana and
[21:04] hemp products being sold through smoke shops. She said consumers
[21:08] cannot necessarily count on the labels being accurate and pointed
[21:11] out that marijuana can interact with medications, including blood pressure
[21:16] medicines, blood thinners and psychiatric medications. That should concern us
[21:21] here in La Mesa, particularly when we talk about older
[21:24] adults. Youth and people who may not understand what they
[21:28] are actually purchasing or how these products can affect them.
[21:31] We need to ask whether our current policies are keeping
[21:34] pace with these products. Are we providing enough prevention education?
[21:38] And our consumers being given accurate information about potency, ingredients,
[21:43] health risks, and medication interactions. The City should evaluate the
[21:48] evidence. We're seeing locally in our emergency departments among young
[21:52] people and among older adults and then direct staff to
[21:55] present the findings. This information is critical to our city's
[21:59] Public Health and Safety. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
[22:04] Uh, in person, uh, for speakers Gene Carpenter, followed by
[22:08] Manny Aceves. Welcome.
[22:22] I'm going to, uh, do a prelude to what I'm
[22:26] going to share. Senator Schiff questions, flock safety over ice
[22:31] axis. To license plate reader databases. And other privacy concerns.
[22:40] In California, this is from Mr. Schiff. Senator Schiff. In
[22:44] California sharing ALPR, that's a licensed plate reader data with
[22:48] ice or U. S. Customs and Porter Protection would be
[22:51] against the law. California Senate bill 34, now 11 years
[22:56] old, outlaws, local, law enforcement agencies, including police departments and
[23:02] sheriff's departments from sharing their license plate reader data without
[23:07] a state agencies or federal agencies. Law enforcement agencies have
[23:12] not always followed that state law. It was happening enough
[23:16] that in 2023 Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an empi's
[23:21] read. Bunt final lawsuit last year against El Cahomb Police
[23:26] Department. And when they were addressed, there was no comment
[23:32] from El Cajon. Okay, I'm getting into, I'm going to
[23:37] talk about the license plate reader network, this council approved
[23:40] to catch car thieves hit and run drivers and child
[23:44] traffickers. The city owns the city's own records show two
[23:49] systems at work. VLOC safety, vigilance solutions now owned by
[23:54] Motorola. Per California Law, SB - 34, every time an
[23:59] outside agency searches, limits of flack data. They're required to
[24:03] state a reason. That's the paper trail meant to hold
[24:06] agencies accountable. La Mesa's own audit logs show that in
[24:10] one month, 301 outside agencies ran over 405, 000 searches
[24:16] against our data. And every single one, the reason was
[24:19] hidden. Not some, all of them. So I have to
[24:22] ask this council, does this council know who's searching our
[24:27] data and why does the chief of police know does
[24:29] our city manager know. Riverside County Sheriff, the Second Heaviest
[24:33] user of our network has been publicly named for running
[24:37] these searches tied to ice and homeland security investigations. Elcohol
[24:41] Police connected to the same network as being sued right
[24:44] now by the California Attorney General. We're illegally sharing this
[24:48] data out of state tied to immigration and enforcement. And
[24:53] La Mesa Vigilant Network is directly connected to Border Patrol
[24:57] CBP, ice, HSI, ATF, DEA, the Marshals and the IRS.
[25:03] This council said that that was about Public Safety, not
[25:07] immigration enforcement. Release those, release those reasons unredacted. Right now
[25:14] the honest answer to Does a City know is no.
[25:17] That's not good enough. I'm asking you. Publicly. Thank you.
[25:25] Manny a stev is followed by Andy Aseves. Welcome.
[25:37] Good evening Council. My name is Manny Sevis and I've
[25:40] been a resident of La Mesa for over 50 years.
[25:43] I love this town. And because of that I would
[25:46] like to address the decision - making process that led
[25:49] to the appointment of the interim treasure. I hope that
[25:52] what you say to you will help you understand why
[25:56] many of your constituents are upset. As elected officials, you
[26:02] represent the community's best interest. And I believe that that
[26:06] vote violated that trust. That night, I heard every person
[26:11] who voted for Mr. Stewart state that the treasury position
[26:14] was limited in scope and that it was a purely
[26:17] advisory position. I got the impression that you were trying
[26:20] to downplay the position where its advisory role implying that
[26:24] couldn't really do much harm. The treasury role is advisory
[26:28] and works together with the City Manager and the director
[26:31] of finance ensuring that the city's tax dollars are being
[26:35] invested wisely. To me, this actually elevates the position because
[26:40] his or her advice ought to provide warnings of dangerous
[26:42] investments as well as share solid investments that so that
[26:46] the city money can grow safely and securely. This is
[26:50] where expertise comes into play and can bring what many
[26:54] of you said a fresh set of eyes. Based upon
[26:58] previous experience in the knowledge of the city's investment policy,
[27:01] a treasure can evaluate what the city is currently doing
[27:04] well and maybe can even advise and prove on investments,
[27:08] uh, opportunities in the future. Mr. Stewart was asked if
[27:13] he had any experience managing up financial portfolio. And what
[27:17] the rate of return was. And he said yes, and
[27:20] that his reign of return was, wait for it 150
[27:24] percent. When he said this, not one of you flinched.
[27:29] Now I'm not financial genius, but when I heard that,
[27:33] I gassed out loud. I was like, dang, how did
[27:34] he receive that truly amazing rate of return. According to
[27:39] last year's Treasury report, the average interest rates of Lema's
[27:43] portfolio reigns between one to five percent. Mr. Stewart will
[27:47] now advise the city manager and the director of finance.
[27:49] I hope that they ask him that question, but it
[27:52] should have been you, the City Council that asked him.
[27:56] The Public had the right to know. See how Mr.
[27:59] Stewart had achieved that unbelievably high rate of return, but
[28:02] you didn't even question it. One thing was clear, however.
[28:06] 30 seconds. We got to see how the members of
[28:08] the City Council govern. Your decision - making process was
[28:12] in full view. And this is important because in November,
[28:15] we'll be voting for a new mayor of La Mesa.
[28:18] One who is not afraid to stand up and protect
[28:20] the city's community's best interest. Thank you. Thank you. Andy
[28:25] Asevus, followed by Kirsten Iverson. Welcome. Thank you.
[28:35] Good evening Council. I'm Anja Sevis, and I'm here to
[28:37] speak regarding the poor decision made last week to appoint
[28:40] an interim City Treasurer. I listened to your discussion. It
[28:44] was appalled at the lack of substance and reasoning. Instead,
[28:47] there was a lot of emoting and personal anecdotes chair
[28:51] to set up the vote. Councilwoman Casares mused about her
[28:55] own struggles to gain credibility in her youth. And introduced
[28:58] the term ageism to the discussion. Councilwoman Suzuki was dazzled
[29:04] by the big words Stuart used to describe as educational
[29:07] degree pursuit. Councilwoman Dillard boasted a reach as young people
[29:13] and reiterated that ageism was wrong. Councilwoman Lothian was the
[29:18] only member who asked a valid question of Mr. Stewart
[29:20] about the size of the City budget to which the
[29:23] gentleman could only respond a lot. May I remind the
[29:27] council that ageism is not only wrong. It's illegal. And
[29:30] throughout your discussion, I heard an obvious bias against Bill
[29:34] Exeter Bay Soli on his age. Phrases such as we
[29:38] need fresh eyes, the need for young people. Don't want
[29:41] to short our young people, et cetera. Every one of
[29:44] you but one suggested that Stuart's youth was somehow more
[29:46] valuable than X that's experience and expertise. Did the Council
[29:51] even weigh the candidates respective financial experience and preparedness? What
[29:56] objective qualifications and criteria were actually used? Why have candidates
[30:00] listed their experience if they're simply dismissed. And why didn't
[30:04] you select a neutral interim prince instead of appointing one
[30:08] active candidate over the other? You didn't just feel a
[30:11] temporary administrative vacancy. You chose a candidate from the active
[30:16] two - person election and gave them the title Visibility
[30:19] and Practical Advantage of Serving as City Treasure before we
[30:23] voters have our saint. Mr. Stewart actually recognized that it'd
[30:28] advantage as during his initial presentation he stated, if those
[30:31] three months I have this position, it really helped me
[30:34] understand and carry the position and have a great four
[30:37] - year tenure. I'm appalled because I believe that government
[30:40] should not only be fair, but should avoid any appearance
[30:43] that the outcome of an election is being manipulated by
[30:47] elected officials. Did you discuss the obvious advantage that comes
[30:51] with handing one candidate, the office entitled immediately before an
[30:55] election. As Public officials, you should be able to explain
[30:58] why a decision is fair, transparent, and worthy of Public
[31:02] Trust, especially when your action affects a dynamics in an
[31:06] election already in process. My only conclusion can be that
[31:11] the position is supposed to be nonpartisan. The Democrat Council
[31:15] chose a fellow Democrat over the experience Bill Exeter, a
[31:18] Republican. We the voters are supposed to choose the next
[31:21] City Treasurer, and it was wrong for you to hand
[31:24] one of those two candidates, the job first. Thank you.
[31:27] Thank you. Kirsten Iverson, followed by Von Rios. Alright, hello
[31:33] everyone, City Staff of Mayor Council members. Um, my name
[31:38] is Kirsten Iverson. Good to see you all again. I
[31:40] am a local resident here in La Mesa, and I
[31:44] am an avid user of our local library, just right
[31:47] next door. And I'm also the current board president of
[31:51] the Friends of the La Mesa Library. We're a volunteer
[31:53] run, nonprofit organization that helps give you additional services that
[31:57] our community is asking for that the normal budget doesn't
[32:01] cover. And so today I'm here to share that is
[32:05] library, sign up month, library car to sign up month.
[32:09] Man, I'm nervous up here. Um, hey Misty, she's also
[32:12] on our board. Uh, so I have a couple different
[32:15] library cards. One of the cool things about California is
[32:18] you can actually have multiple library cards. So I have
[32:21] one for Coronado, one for LA. They actually have a
[32:24] really great digital library. And so I just wanted to
[32:27] share this as an opportunity for you when you're traveling,
[32:30] get an additional library card, and you might not have
[32:31] to wait as long. Um, that's one cool thing. But
[32:35] one thing I wanted to share too is that Council
[32:39] Member Lothian, you mentioned the transparency of the website. Well,
[32:42] I agree. That's important. And I think that we're missing
[32:45] an opportunity by not having the La Mesa Library on
[32:47] the City's website. And so I would love to see
[32:51] if that would be a possibility for us to add
[32:53] that. Because I think it's a really important civic service
[32:57] and people come to see, Hey, what do we have
[32:59] available? That's free, that we can utilize. So, um, I'd
[33:03] love to ask for that. I think it would be
[33:05] a great quick win, and we'd love for the City
[33:07] to celebrate all the things we're doing. Lots of really
[33:10] great stuff. So thank you for all of the work
[33:11] that you do. Really appreciate it. Thank you. Von Rios,
[33:16] followed by Marco Espinosa. 5.
[33:31] It's not enough. Um, and it's already taken over a
[33:34] decade to get that one million. So who knows how
[33:37] long it's going to take to get the rest. That's
[33:39] not what I'm hearing about tonight. Good evening, Mayor and
[33:43] Council Members. My name is Von Rios. I live at
[33:45] 7443 in Avenue. And I'm asking for the city's help
[33:48] with an ongoing flooding and drainage problem affecting several homes
[33:51] in our neighborhood. For years, water from a property at
[33:55] the top of our hill, managed by immense property management.
[33:59] Has followed downhill toward our homes. Last November, when the
[34:03] problem was at its worst, water was left running for
[34:06] more than 24 hours. My yard, along with multiple neighbor's
[34:10] yards, was flooded. At that time I contacted the city
[34:13] for help and spoke with Public Works Engineer Brian Philbin.
[34:17] Instead of having the area inspected or determining whether City
[34:20] infrastructure or City owned easement was involved, we were given
[34:24] a phone number for the property management company. We called
[34:27] them and they ignored us. So the problem was passed
[34:29] on instead of being addressed. Thou leaves us asking who
[34:35] is responsible for protecting the residents at the bottom of
[34:37] this hill. To our understanding, the easement involved is the
[34:41] City owned. If that is correct, this should be not,
[34:45] this should not continue to be treated only as a
[34:47] private dispute between residents and a property management company. My
[34:51] neighbor is over 90 years old. We have a baby
[34:55] in our home, and our neighbors are renters living next
[34:58] door. At this point, I am concerned that my property
[35:02] may already have sustained serious damage from the repeated flooding
[35:05] and saturation. I have also previously come before this Council
[35:09] regarding weight drive park. Council member Lothian has said she
[35:14] is an advocate for this project. Yet our neighborhood still
[35:17] struggles to see meaningful action. Tonight, I am asking for
[35:23] something simple and specific. Please direct the appropriate city staff
[35:27] to inspect this drainage area, confirm who owns and maintains
[35:30] the easement, investigate the source and path of runoff and
[35:34] determine whether the repeated flooding has created or contributed to
[35:37] damage on the affected properties. We already called the number
[35:41] we were given. That did not solve the problem. We
[35:44] need the city to take this seriously now before the
[35:46] next major storm makes and already a serious situation worse.
[35:53] Thank you. Thank you. Marco Espinosa.
[36:04] Welcome. To even Marcos Spinoza. Um, I am not a
[36:10] resident of La Mesa, just local Bourne San Yeagen. I've
[36:15] decided to make a personal goal to go to all
[36:17] the City Councils, um, in the county, um, including today.
[36:23] I will have, um, city Council south of the eight,
[36:27] including Oklahone and next one will be Santee. I'm enjoying
[36:32] it. It's nice to get out of your own bubble,
[36:35] get out of your own community. Um, but to be
[36:38] honest going to all the other places, including here, um.
[36:43] It is, of course, different, but it still feels very
[36:46] much, um, like home. So.
[36:57] The next part is a difficult to say. And a
[36:59] bit embarrassing. Just sort of on my own little personal
[37:02] mission to. Help make at large the community a little
[37:07] better. Um, so it is nice to hear what other
[37:11] people have to say and what the concerns are. Um,
[37:14] and other municipalities. So. A little nervous. Um, thank you
[37:19] very much. And I look forward to the rest of
[37:20] me. Thank you. That concludes Public Comat, conflict disclosures by
[37:27] Council. Um, I have one. I am going to be
[37:32] recusing myself from voting for the Youth Advisory Commission. Boards
[37:39] and commission interviews all hand this to the City clerk.
[37:45] Honorable mayor and council, the interviews that are being conducted
[37:48] this evening are part of the annual recruitment process for
[37:51] the Youth Advisory Commission. Before you are, the applications from
[37:55] Citizens who wish to be considered for appointment or reappointment
[37:58] to the City's Youth Advisory Commission. The applicants have been
[38:01] invited to attend the meeting and make a brief three
[38:03] minute presentation describing their qualifications and interest in serving on
[38:07] the commission. Please note that Cameron Lang didn't have withdrawn
[38:11] her application from consideration. The appointments will be made at
[38:14] the City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 13th. I will
[38:18] be calling up the applicants and after each presentation, you
[38:21] may ask questions if you wish. And I would like
[38:23] to apologize and advance if I mispronounce anyone's name. Uh,
[38:27] our first applicant will be Bodhi art followed by Grace
[38:31] Camacho.
[38:41] Good evening. Welcome. Hello, my name is Bodie Arts and
[38:47] this is my speech about why I want to be
[38:50] a La Mesa Youth Advisor. Maybe wondering who I am
[38:53] and what my background is. I'm 15 years old. I
[38:56] have literally author at my life. I'm currently a sophomore
[38:59] in Healer Sugar High School and I'm interested in becoming
[39:02] either dermatologists or veterinarian when I boulder. I enjoy music,
[39:07] art baking, human science and socializing. One fun fact about
[39:11] me is that if I had to eat one food
[39:12] for us in my life, it'll be pizza. And my
[39:14] favorite color is dark royal blue. There are silver reasons
[39:18] why I want to become a youth advisor. First, I
[39:20] want to develop the communication, teamwork and leadership skills that
[39:24] will help me in my college life and in my
[39:26] future jobs. Second, I want to make my voice heard.
[39:30] And represent other young people like me in La Mesa.
[39:33] Third, I want to become stronger in communication. So when
[39:38] I am, when I'm in band, I can hopefully one
[39:44] day become a sex leader. I believe that these goals
[39:48] connect closely with what it means to be a youth
[39:51] advisor. I'm not just as someone who lives in Mesa.
[39:55] I'm an active member of the community. I attend community
[39:57] events parades car shows and many other local activities. I
[40:01] would be honored to serve as lesson with you for
[40:03] the visor and care about my community. I want to
[40:07] represent other young people and I'm ready to learn grow
[40:10] as leader. Thank you for listening. Thank you. Well done.
[40:13] Our next applicant is Grace followed by Zion Hobbes.
[40:26] It's grace here. Nope. Is Zion Hobbes. Moving on to
[40:33] Anthony Lege.
[40:45] Oh, so he can't. Thank you for having. Me. Here.
[40:47] Sorry, that's our fault. You're doing fine. Go ahead. Hello.
[40:50] My name is Anthony Lega and I'm an eighth grader
[40:52] at the Mesa Arts Academy. But the reason why I
[40:55] want to be here is I want the City Council
[40:57] to see La Mesa from a younger perspective. My qualifications
[41:01] are leadership and teamwork. Where I get these qualifications are
[41:05] baseball soccer and volunteer hours at the umpiring of Verlanda
[41:10] Little Lake. Thank you. Well done. Thank you. Our next
[41:15] applicant is a Lawnis Lee followed by Hendricksley. Good evening.
[41:22] Welcome. Good evening. Mayor and City Council member. My name
[41:29] is Olanna C and I'm a freshman at Helix High
[41:32] School. I'm really excited to be here tonight because La
[41:35] Mesa is a place that has been a big part
[41:37] of my life. I've grown up going to school here
[41:41] playing sports, spending time with friends and making a lot
[41:43] of great memories. I play on the Helix volleyball team
[41:46] and I also play club volleyball with East County Volleyball.
[41:52] Bolleball is a big part of my life and has
[41:53] taught me the importance of teamwork commitment and supporting the
[41:57] people around me. I want to serve on the youth
[41:59] commission because I would like to give back and help
[42:02] make La Mesa even better place for kids and teens.
[42:06] I'm especially interested in helping create activities that give young
[42:09] people more opportunities to get involved. Try new things, meet
[42:14] new people and feel included. I also see the opportunity
[42:18] to step outside of my comfort zone become more involved
[42:20] in the city and contribute my ideas to experience to
[42:25] something that can make a difference for other young people.
[42:28] I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve.
[42:30] Thank you for your consideration. Thank you. Well done. Next
[42:34] is Hendricks followed by Mason. Welcome. Uh, good evening Mayan
[42:44] City Council members. My name is Hendrix Lee and I'm
[42:47] a freshman at Helix High School. One thing about me
[42:49] is that I like to challenge myself in trying new
[42:51] things. Whether it's on the soccer field in a classroom
[42:54] or joining something I've never done before. I like putting
[42:57] myself in situations where I could learn, go and meet
[43:00] new people. That's a big reason why I'm here tonight.
[43:03] Stalker is my biggest passion. I play for the crusaders
[43:06] and serve as a captain on my team. Being a
[43:08] captain has taught me that leadership isn't just about being
[43:11] in charge. It's about listening to your teammates and encouraging
[43:14] them and being someone they could depend on. Helix. I'm
[43:18] also involved in speech and the bait and black student
[43:20] union. And thou has recently invited to join the academic
[43:23] league because of my academic performance. I like stepping outside
[43:27] of my comfort zone. So this year I'm also planning
[43:29] on trying out for Helix's Lacrosse and track and field
[43:32] team. I want to bring that same energy to the
[43:34] Youth Commission. I would like to hope create more opportunities
[43:37] for young people to be active, get involved and discover
[43:40] something the passionate about. I also want to listen to
[43:43] other students and make sure that ideas are part of
[43:45] the conversation. Serving on the Youth Commission would be another
[43:49] opportunity for me to challenge myself, learn something new and
[43:52] give back to a city that has been in part
[43:55] of my life. Thank you for continuing me. Thank you.
[43:57] Well done. Our next applicant is Mason, followed by Michaela
[44:02] Matthews. Good evening. Good meeting. I am 15 years old
[44:08] and I'm currently a sophomore at Helix Charter High School.
[44:12] Um, I think that I would be a really good
[44:16] candidate for this position because I have developed my leadership
[44:19] qualities through dance and extracurricular theater, as well as my
[44:24] school students to student program. Um, student to student is
[44:28] a nationaling recognized program where transfer students will come to
[44:32] us and we give them a tour on their first
[44:34] day. And we're like a built - in French for
[44:36] them. Um, so I really enjoy that. And it has
[44:40] also allowed me to develop my communication skills. Um, as
[44:44] well as I'll be running for president of it next
[44:46] year. Um, I'm also a member of the aspiring medical
[44:50] professionals club. And I think it's really taught me to
[44:54] put myself out there. Um, and I think that also
[44:59] makes me a good candidate to represent a large amount
[45:04] of the population. Um, I can relate with athletes through
[45:09] dance, um, and I also know how to work with
[45:11] a team and my peers through things such as my
[45:15] dance and theater. Thank you for your consideration. Well done.
[45:20] Thank you. Next is Michaela Matthews followed by Giovanni Natalia.
[45:26] Welcome. Welcome. Thank you. Good morning. Ladies and gentlemen, my
[45:32] name is Michaela Matthews. I'm an eighth grader. I would
[45:35] Mesa Arts Academy. You should, a little bit about myself
[45:39] is that I do theater at Follow Center. It taught
[45:43] me a lot about stepping outside my comfort zone. And
[45:47] I've been looking, I've been really, I loved learning about
[45:54] leadership since I was young. I did safe school ambassadors
[45:58] in elementary school. And I did safety patrol in fifth
[46:01] grade. I also was awarded by the, by the City
[46:04] La Mesa for my commitment for safety chill. I, this
[46:08] past weekend, I volunteered at the San Diego autism support
[46:11] group. My mom, because it means a lot to me.
[46:16] I want to bring opportunities for students and teenagers and
[46:21] youth. Because I love, cause I know that a lot
[46:24] of kids need opportunities and resources, but some kids can't
[46:28] always get that. And some kids are afraid to ask
[46:31] for that. And some kids don't want, or just don't
[46:34] know where to start. Um, I think you should choose
[46:37] me because I've really been working on stepping outside my
[46:40] comfort zone and I really, um, love, um, working and
[46:45] helping my community. It means a lot to me. I
[46:47] love how it feels. La Mesa has been a great
[46:50] part of my life since I moved here. Everyone has
[46:52] been so supportive and I loved it individuality that everyone
[46:56] has. Thank you. Thank you. Well done. Thank you. Next
[47:00] is Giovanni Natalia followed by Santana Rieden. Good
[47:10] evening. Welcome. Hello Mayor and Council Members. My name is
[47:16] Giovanni Michael Natalia. I am an eighth grade at Parkway
[47:18] Middle School. One of my electives this year is PLTW
[47:21] or Project Lead the Way, which is a Civil Engineering
[47:24] class based around the science of construction building and city
[47:27] planning to assist people daily. Construction is a close construction
[47:32] engineering. Is it closed passion of mine. At my school,
[47:35] I'm part of two leadership groups called Web Leaders and
[47:38] Bullers Cover's Club respectively. Web leaders is a group of
[47:43] eighth grade students who have focuses on helping other students
[47:46] in my school, community, including helping students who are new
[47:49] to school, find the way our round and learn more
[47:53] about the school. Builders Club focuses on helping the community
[47:58] both inside and outside of the school through community service
[48:02] projects such as community cleanups, so sitting with large skill
[48:04] school activities and even some simpler stuff that's just picking
[48:06] up trash to set a better example for the students.
[48:10] I would like to be part of the Youth Commission
[48:13] for the City because I would like to find new
[48:14] ways of being serviced to the City like I have
[48:16] for my school. I think I would bring new and
[48:19] helpful ideas to this youth commission. So the Youth of
[48:21] Our Community can feel like the blog. Sorry if I'm
[48:24] talking a little fast. Thank you for giving me an
[48:27] opportunity to apply for the Youth Commission. PENTERS. Thank you.
[48:31] Our next applicant is Santana Rearden, followed by Jalen Searncy.
[48:38] You see, Antenna here tonight. Okay. Is Jalen.
[48:54] Welcome. Hi everyone. Um, my name is Jalen Sorinzi. Um,
[48:58] I'm a senior at Helix Charter High School. As some
[49:01] of the people are here too. Um, and just one
[49:03] thing about me is that I am a very involved
[49:06] in my community here, um, inside and outside of high
[49:09] school. Um, I am the president of the Black Student
[49:12] Union at my high school where we support black students
[49:16] and also, um, create an advocacy for black students and
[49:19] educate people. And I'm also a founder of the club
[49:23] called Charmand Chain Club where we create jewelry and donate
[49:26] them to nonprofit organizations, um, throughout the country. Um, and
[49:32] outside of school, I am a teen ambassador for the
[49:35] princess Project Program where we donate dresses to, um, underserved
[49:39] communities. And I'm also involved of the young and prosperous
[49:42] program where we, um, pretty much give to the community
[49:46] and fundraise and also become more applicable and prepare for
[49:50] college. So these are some of the things that I
[49:53] am involved in and some hobbies of mine is that
[49:55] I love, um, art. I'm very creative and I love
[49:59] poetry. So I've actually have some poems in the San
[50:02] Diego Poetry annual book. And I also love working out.
[50:08] So I'm actually a member of the NXPT gym. That's
[50:10] not too far from here. So these are some of
[50:13] the things about me and the reason that I would
[50:15] love to be a part of the Youth Commission is
[50:18] that I would want students and just, um, kids my
[50:21] age to also feel just as proud as living here
[50:24] in La Mesa and also being able to just experience
[50:27] the wonderful events and being able to embrace the diversity
[50:30] and culture that we have here. So thank you for
[50:32] having me. Thank you, well done. Thank you. Our next
[50:35] applicant is Quinn Suzuki. Good evening, Mayor
[50:45] Appustan Council members. My name is Quin Suzuki and I
[50:49] am a senior at Cathedral Catholic High School and an
[50:51] alumni of St. Martin of Torres Academy here in La
[50:53] Mesa. I'm here tonight to ask for your support in
[50:56] appointing me to the La Mesa Youth Commission. I am
[50:59] a member at my school's ambassador program where I help
[51:02] represent our campus and welcome new and prospective students through
[51:05] guided tours and school events. I have helped answer parents
[51:08] inquiries and made sure they felt accounted for as well.
[51:11] Three years ago, I noticed we didn't have any ways
[51:13] for students interested in birds and conservation to connect, so
[51:17] I founded our ornithology club. I find ways to integrate
[51:20] ornithology and burning at our school, such as holding birding
[51:23] lunches in the garden, or participating in the Christmas bird
[51:26] count with the San Diego Bird Alliance. I'm also the
[51:29] Vice President of the National Chinese Honor Society, a member
[51:32] and a member of the National Honor Society and the
[51:34] National Arts Honor Society. Outside of school, I am head
[51:38] captain of those lack rowing club juniors where I also
[51:40] compete as a senior Coxson. As a captain, I help
[51:44] set the tone for the whole team by organizing my
[51:46] teammates during practices and warmups, supporting our coaches, and making
[51:50] sure newer rowers feel like they belong. And as a
[51:53] coxson, I responsible for steering the boat, keeping the crew
[51:56] focused, and making split second calls that help drive everyone
[51:58] to do their best. Both roles have taught me that
[52:01] leadership is about trust, communication, and showing up consistently, even
[52:05] if it means arriving at five in the morning and
[52:07] staring a boat before the marine layer has lifted off
[52:09] of the bay. La Mesa is my community, and I
[52:12] want to help shape what it looks like for people
[52:14] my age, whether it's through how we use our parks,
[52:17] what programs exist routines, or making sure young people have
[52:19] a real voice in decisions that affect us. I would
[52:22] like to establish a program at the community garden in
[52:25] MacArthur Park where the Youth can learn about how they
[52:27] can appreciate and take care of our local birth life.
[52:30] I'm heading to college next year. On track to study
[52:32] biology and go into premed, I plan on staying committed
[52:35] to my value's no matter where I go. It was
[52:38] preparation listening and following through. I want to bring those
[52:40] same values to this commission, and I'd be honored to
[52:43] serve a Mesa in this way. Thank you for considering
[52:44] my application. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Thank
[52:47] you very much. Well done. Thank you. Yes. Oh, sorry.
[52:53] Sorry, you're fine, thank you. Well done. Actually, I just
[52:58] statement. To Quinn. Uh, I didn't know you were pre
[53:03] - matte. Yes, where did you go? Okay, so what
[53:05] is the process there? So I've been on major biology
[53:10] and studying. Classes that need the prerequisites for medical school.
[53:14] I'm playing on aiming for UCS week as medical school
[53:17] or user health. Okay, alright. I just was curious about
[53:22] that.
[53:35] I concluded the interviews for... That concludes interviews tonight and
[53:39] the vote, the appointments will be made at the October
[53:42] 13th Council meeting. Mr. Mayor, can I ask you a
[53:45] question? How many candidates are you going to ultimately select.
[53:50] Uh, we're going to fill, I think there's 12 positions.
[53:55] There are eight positions open. Okay. Making 12, okay. A
[54:01] question on consent, council membersaurus before we go to Public
[54:05] Comment. Thank you. Um, I just wanted to make sure
[54:15] that other than. The police station cooling project that the
[54:23] significant impact on the current budget. It was my understanding
[54:27] that there may have been an item that was going
[54:30] to be on the agenda and is no longer, but
[54:31] I just wanted to confirm.
[54:41] Now there's nothing on the budget. We had a -
[54:44] Thank you. So we have a comment hand up for,
[54:48] um, during Youth Advisory Commission. Von Colin listener with the
[54:56] last four digits, 3731. You should now be able to
[54:59] unmute yourself. You have three minutes. Hi there. So I
[55:08] just thought of something while I was listening to these
[55:11] great presentations. Does the city have a respected elder commission.
[55:17] No, right? Okay, it's not ageism at all. Um, so
[55:21] I want to apologize. I didn't catch everybody's name who
[55:24] spoke, but the first Lee wrote a well thought out
[55:27] speech. I also appreciated the young lady helping those with
[55:31] autism and other disabilities. Uh, Jalen and the boat leader.
[55:37] They both spoke very eloquently. I especially support the guy
[55:40] that said he loved pizza, but please keep in mind
[55:42] I have a very strong pizza bias. Did a great
[55:45] job dose seriously. Um, I want to give much respect
[55:48] to everyone who applied and then showed up to speak
[55:51] because I certainly could not have done that in high
[55:53] school. In fact, not until a couple of years ago.
[55:56] So that's tells you that anyone could do it if
[55:58] you just try. And I'm not mad at those who
[56:00] didn't show up to present themselves, but I am disappointed
[56:04] in you. Slightly. Thank you. Before we move on to
[56:09] consent, I'm going to allow all the high schoolers that
[56:11] are in the audience to, you're dismissed. You don't have
[56:14] to stay through meeting because it's a school night. So
[56:16] if you wouldn't mind just kind of quietly, um, leaving
[56:19] will continue with the meeting. Thank you all for being
[56:24] here. Public comment on consent calendar any hands raised. Mayor,
[56:31] we have no hands raise for remote Public Comment. That
[56:33] is closed. Um, any items. That the Council would like
[56:40] to pull. Got it. Thank you. All right. So I
[56:44] will move, um, consent calendar. Items 10 one through 10,
[56:48] six. I just moved it. I just need a second.
[56:56] Thank you. Okay. We're going to need to do a
[56:59] roll call vote since we have a Council member, um,
[57:01] participating remotely. Council Member Casares, how do you vote. Yes.
[57:07] Councilmember Dillard, how do you vote? Council Member Lothian, how
[57:11] do you vote? Vice Mayor Suzuki, how do you vote?
[57:14] Yes. Mayor Rapostathus, how do you vote? Yes. Motion carries
[57:18] with all council members voting yes. Thank you. Item 11
[57:20] one is analysis of feasibility and implementation. The parking modification
[57:24] downtown Village. Mr. Deadman, welcome. Good evening, Mayor, members of
[57:34] the Council. At the May 26th meeting, Council directed staff
[57:43] to assess the feasibility and implementation of five parking modifications
[57:47] in the downtown Village to provide additional parking. For the
[57:50] sake of time, I won't read all through all five.
[57:53] Uh, I would like to add that after the Council
[57:55] meeting, there was an additional analysis requested to analyze the
[57:59] red curb in front of the sprouts market to determine
[58:02] if parking can be added there. Next slide, please.
[58:12] The first parking modification is the red curb on Alison
[58:15] Avenue adjacent to the Alice and Avenue Park and Lot.
[58:19] Staff reviewed line of sight requirements for vehicles exiting the
[58:22] parking lot and found that the red curd can be
[58:24] reduced while still maintaining safe visibility. Reducing the red curb
[58:30] would allow for one additional metered parking space. Staff's recommendation
[58:34] is to shorten the red curb to create that additional
[58:36] space. Next slide, please. This slides the analysis. I won't
[58:41] be spending much time on this slide. Um, these slides
[58:44] you will see, um, are mainly at the end for
[58:46] any questions that would be, um, directed towards the analysis.
[58:51] Next slide, please. The second parking modification was to convert
[58:55] the loading zone in front of an upturned and return
[58:57] to metered parking. Staff evaluated the loading zone and determined
[59:01] that two metered parking spaces could be added while still
[59:05] retaining 19 feet of loading zone. Turpen number 10 requested
[59:10] one passenger loading zone space for delivery services. Staff's recommendation
[59:15] is to convert the loading zone to two metered spaces
[59:17] while keeping the one space for passenger loading zone. Next
[59:21] slide, please. Real quick, you'll see the analysis here. Um,
[59:25] the two spaces being recommended to add. And the 19
[59:29] feet that will be the remaining space for delivery services
[59:32] of plans and things to the business. Next slide, please.
[59:36] The third parking modification was to relocate five metal bike
[59:39] racks from La Mesa Boulevard and restrict the vacant areas
[59:41] for dedicated golf cart parking. Staff research golf cart parking
[59:46] standards and the typical dimension found with five feet wide
[59:49] by 10 feet long. Staff recommends adding golf cart spaces
[59:54] at two locations near farmers table and haciendo cazadores. And
[1:00:00] then monitoring usage for six months before expanding to remaining
[1:00:03] areas. Staff has confirmed that metal bike rec can be
[1:00:07] relocated, but placement will need to be evaluated once outdoor
[1:00:10] dining areas are finalized. The parking commission has discussed this
[1:00:14] item and support setting motorcycle parking in this area. In
[1:00:18] these areas. Next slide, please. You'll see the two locations
[1:00:24] where we're proposing to install golf cart parking to monitor
[1:00:27] for six months. One is in front of pharma's table.
[1:00:33] Hustling into Cusadoras. Next slide, please. The fourth parking model
[1:00:36] occasion was removed the trees in the landscaped area of
[1:00:39] the Alison Avenue Park and Lot to add additional spark
[1:00:42] parking spaces there. While physically feasible, the cost estimated at
[1:00:46] 50, 000 dollars, not including utility, relocation is significant. The
[1:00:51] parking commission does not support this modification, citing the need
[1:00:54] for a more comprehensive renovation of the parking lot. Staff's
[1:00:59] recommendation is to not pursue this modification. Next slide, please.
[1:01:04] This is the area that was analyzed. Next slide, please.
[1:01:08] The fifth parking modification was to paint parking tees on
[1:01:11] all downtown streets within the boundary of Alice and Avenue,
[1:01:15] Spring Street 4th and Fresno Avenue. Staff completed an analysis
[1:01:19] of the downtown streets to determine where parking tees can
[1:01:21] be installed. Installation of parking teases governed by the Cities
[1:01:27] adopted parking policy, which requires at least 66 percent of
[1:01:31] the affected households to approve. Staff recommends council authorized staff
[1:01:36] to begin neighborhood engagement consistent with the adopted policy. Next
[1:01:40] slide, please. The last parking modification was to analyze the
[1:01:43] red curb on palm Avenue adjacent to sprouts market. To
[1:01:47] determine if parking spaces can be added there. Staff analyze
[1:01:51] both approaches to the ingress and egress of sprouts market
[1:01:54] on Paul Mavner using adopted site distance standards. Any determined
[1:01:57] that no portion of the red curbing can be converted
[1:01:59] to parking. Next slide, please. And here we have the
[1:02:03] analysis just in case the questions about that. Next slide,
[1:02:08] please. That concludes Staff's presentation, now available for any questions.
[1:02:12] Our Public Works Engineer is also available if the technical
[1:02:14] questions for the analysis. I'm going to ask, are there
[1:02:17] any hands raised. Yes, we have one hand raise for
[1:02:19] remote Public Comment. We'll do comment first and we'll, if
[1:02:26] you want mine waiting up there. We're going to do,
[1:02:29] you want me to stay? Yes, please. Sure. Kisser's question.
[1:02:32] Sure. Right. Thank you. Phone call and listener with last
[1:02:35] four digits 3731. You should now be able to unmute
[1:02:37] yourself. You have three minutes for your Public comment. Hey
[1:02:45] there, Respected Elder, especially Lauren, Tavares. That's an elder. I'm
[1:02:50] actually very excited about this item, which I think is
[1:02:53] very strange. How do you get excited about parking? I
[1:02:56] don't know. But it's so necessary. Something that's very basic
[1:02:59] yet makes a world of difference. This government takes it
[1:03:02] seriously as they should. So my opinion, they're yes, they're
[1:03:05] moving the bike racks off the street. Isoclists don't need
[1:03:08] to be in the street to get hit by cars
[1:03:09] anyway. Not my preference. The bike racks will not interfere
[1:03:13] with pedestrian traffic. So they're going to be fine on
[1:03:16] a sidewalk. I see no issue with that. I frankly
[1:03:19] have never seen anyone use the bike racks anyway. Violet's,
[1:03:23] I'm not saying I want them to eliminate it though.
[1:03:25] I do like having an option for people. Um, yes,
[1:03:28] the golf cart parking, but I recommend following the parking
[1:03:31] commission and label the parking spots as and or motorcycle
[1:03:35] parking. Please do not discriminate against motorcycle. Um, monitoring the
[1:03:40] parking spots used before implementing them is, um, pretty conservative,
[1:03:45] to be honest with you. I'm not against that, but
[1:03:47] I absolutely expect more use of golf cart slash motorcycle
[1:03:51] parking than I do from the bike parking race. Yes,
[1:03:54] through this thing red curbs were deemed unnecessary. Uh, I
[1:03:57] do question staff determination on site distance standards near potential
[1:04:01] parking on palm near sprouts. I don't know. That doesn't
[1:04:06] seem accurate to me. So I don't know. I kind
[1:04:09] of want more explanation on that. As far as removing
[1:04:11] the trees for parking, I know some people love the
[1:04:14] trees, but I don't take much issue with it because
[1:04:16] they're not particularly special treats. So I don't see their
[1:04:19] insurance like value past replanting them elsewhere. Uh, as far
[1:04:22] as the cost, again, I'm highly concerned about La Mesa's
[1:04:25] budgetary issues, especially under an experienced treasure. However, spending money
[1:04:30] on creating more needed parking downtown is necessary spending. So
[1:04:34] even if it can't be afforded today, it needs to
[1:04:37] be budgeted for tomorrow. It needs to happen at some
[1:04:39] point. Um, yes to parking teas because it just work.
[1:04:43] That's it. It just works. Um, that great idea originally
[1:04:46] proposed by Laura has really inspired a lot of parking
[1:04:49] space conversations in other cities. So thank you for that.
[1:04:52] And thanks for the commitment to creating parking when it's
[1:04:54] absolutely needed and will be further needed as future stack
[1:04:58] effect developments that tower over the village. Unfortunately come into
[1:05:02] being. And that was very shocking when I first saw
[1:05:04] that by the way. Kind of appalled. I kind of
[1:05:07] don't want to see that ever again. And I, but
[1:05:10] I'm doing something. Thank you. Laura is going through. Thank
[1:05:15] you. Um, sorry. I wasn't actually set 30 seconds. Yes.
[1:05:22] Go ahead. I said golf carts are fun. I'm not
[1:05:28] going to lie. Thank you. That's the end of my
[1:05:31] comment. Thank you. Any questions for Mr. Yes. Oh yeah.
[1:05:40] Council member Loathean. Eiland, uh, I love that you've been
[1:05:43] working on this for such a long time and so
[1:05:45] intensely. I know that you walk the village all the
[1:05:47] time. You talk to the businesses. You talk to the
[1:05:49] residents. And we're all hearing how we need parking, especially
[1:05:53] during the weekends Thursday night Friday, Saturday, Sunday, during events.
[1:05:58] And so, um, I, I brought this up initially at
[1:06:01] the time Vice Mayor Casaris because we recognize the need.
[1:06:03] We don't have the money for new parking structure, but
[1:06:06] we recognize the need like make parking where we can.
[1:06:08] So here are the questions I have for you. Uh,
[1:06:10] number one, the coin house, part of your, uh, analysis
[1:06:14] and recommendation was the line of sight because of a
[1:06:18] left turn. There is no left turn there. It's only
[1:06:21] right turn. So there's a sign there that says one
[1:06:24] way. And with an arrow going this way. So that's
[1:06:27] a, I think that's a 90 foot long red curb.
[1:06:29] So if it is right turn only, is it possible
[1:06:33] to make two parking spaces instead of one. I'm going
[1:06:36] to ask our Public Works Engineer to answer that. Okay.
[1:06:38] Yeah. Yeah. Cause like I said, the left turn there.
[1:06:44] Mike. Hello Council Members. Council will know the in what
[1:06:49] I would say is we'll go backstaff. We'll go back
[1:06:51] and take a look at it. We were aware that
[1:06:53] it was a right turn only, but we'll take another
[1:06:54] look at it and reconsider the coin halls again. PONNY
[1:06:57] Okay, great. Thank you because it did say left turn
[1:07:00] line of sight. Okay. So that's one thing. Um, secondly
[1:07:04] terpene and retain. I think that's fantastic. We got two
[1:07:06] spaces and that is right there on La Mesa. Very
[1:07:09] close to the base of all of our. I think
[1:07:10] that's wonderful. Um, the relocate the five La Mesa Metal
[1:07:14] Bike racks, um, I think that people are going to
[1:07:16] be surprised at how popular this ends up becoming. And
[1:07:19] I think we're going to find other cities doing it.
[1:07:22] And I just want people to know, cause a lot
[1:07:23] of people talk about, Oh, golf carts, like, like, what
[1:07:26] are we trying to be Coronado or Catalina? And it's
[1:07:27] not. It's practical because there are so many underused or
[1:07:32] underutilized parking spaces too small for vehicle, but they can
[1:07:36] fix fit a motorcycle or golf cart. But the add
[1:07:39] to this. And, um, this is, this is not about
[1:07:42] being practical. This is about vibe. Okay. So downtown La
[1:07:46] Mesa Village is very famous throughout San Diego County. It
[1:07:49] really is a magnet for residents and for visitors. So
[1:07:53] people don't come downtown just to run errands. They go
[1:07:56] there to shop to dine. And I feel like the
[1:07:59] residents and the visitors deserve an experience. Clean sidewalks, no
[1:08:04] litter. All the light bulbs lit up on the trees.
[1:08:06] The patios full of people. Part of that image are
[1:08:09] a little golf carts tooting around. Right. And what happens
[1:08:13] with that is that when you see that, it creates
[1:08:16] this vision of a safe and happy place. And it's
[1:08:19] also kind of thing where people take pictures and it's
[1:08:21] really a lot of fun. But it also shows that
[1:08:23] we're a walkable neighborly small towntown. And it is a
[1:08:27] modest step now, but I think ultimately it's going to
[1:08:30] be a lot bigger. I bet you we end up
[1:08:32] one day with a couple of dozen spots in the
[1:08:34] whole entire village area. It's going to be absolutely adorable.
[1:08:37] Um, one of the things I'd like to do, and
[1:08:39] again, it just adds charm. On the parking lot itself,
[1:08:44] is it going to be a boring GOLF PARKING? Are
[1:08:50] we going to do a plus cute little golf cart
[1:08:52] stencil motorcycle stencil? I mean, we're going to do it,
[1:08:55] do it. Council Member, we can work with you. Okay.
[1:09:00] All right. Come on. We got to go all in.
[1:09:02] Okay. And then I definitely don't want to exclude motorcycles,
[1:09:05] um, and then the set period for observation is six
[1:09:07] months. I think that's kind of long in any conversation
[1:09:10] about shorting that to three months or is that what
[1:09:13] you feel comfortable with? Staff could go back and look
[1:09:15] at it. Okay. Great. And then, uh, removing the trees,
[1:09:19] not interested. It's not worth the money. It's, and as
[1:09:23] they say, not worth the squeeze or whatever. And the
[1:09:25] pushback against it. I forget it. I'm happy with that.
[1:09:28] No painting tees and the whole area of all these
[1:09:32] suggestions. That was the one that could open up parking
[1:09:34] more than anything else. As the Colin Collar just said,
[1:09:39] they work. I've had parking tees in front of my
[1:09:41] house for 19 months and not one time has one
[1:09:44] car taken up two spaces across the street. It's day
[1:09:47] and night. A completely inefficient parking. Um, I do want
[1:09:51] people to know the petition for parking tees in front
[1:09:53] of your own private home. You don't have to do
[1:09:54] it for a block. Super simple. Two pages. And I
[1:09:58] think you guys get on it pretty quickly. Uh, so,
[1:10:01] um, and then the last question about the red curve
[1:10:04] at sprouts. Very interesting. If you're on palm from La
[1:10:08] Mesa Boulevard to Finley every single block, every single curb
[1:10:15] between La Mesa Boulevard and Finley is parking. It's all
[1:10:19] parking. There's multiple driveways, including commercial, no red curbs until
[1:10:24] you get to sprouts. And I'm just wondering why, and
[1:10:29] it's parking. There's available parking. There's red zones where no
[1:10:33] parking when the bike lanes and bus lanes. But this
[1:10:35] could be ample parking vawns at the Alison across from
[1:10:40] the fire station. No red curbs. And that's an even
[1:10:43] busier grocery center. So I'm just curious why seven or
[1:10:48] eighty feet of red curb on both sides of that
[1:10:50] driveway is just not allowed for parking. Right. Um, Councilman,
[1:10:55] what I will say is there is a volume of
[1:10:57] traffic that leaves sprouts, a significant volume that leaves sprouts
[1:11:00] out onto palm avenue. And those vehicles and those drivers
[1:11:04] have to be able to see safely. And I can't,
[1:11:07] we can't control the speeds on POM. We do have
[1:11:10] a distance between our stop controls. So what we don't
[1:11:13] want to do is create a more dangerous situation. Okay.
[1:11:16] We can definitely though, you know, revisit it. I know
[1:11:18] I heard the caller say, Hey, would you go look
[1:11:20] at your stopping site distances? Which is what we look
[1:11:23] at. We can, we can relook at that. But that
[1:11:25] was the reason for the determination. It was really traffic
[1:11:27] safety. I know it was for safety. It was like
[1:11:30] literally every single space helps the businesses in the residence.
[1:11:34] Okay. So that, that's it. That is, that's my questions.
[1:11:36] And I think we're going to be ready to make
[1:11:38] a motion if other people don't have conversations. Thank you.
[1:11:53] I. Am. You can. You can do it. Absolutely. Yeah.
[1:12:04] You can make a motion. Okay. So what I can
[1:12:08] do is this. So I moved to approve the following
[1:12:10] parking modifications of the downtown village. Number one accept recommendation
[1:12:14] to shorten the red curve adjacent to coin house to
[1:12:17] add one or possibly more metered parking spaces. Number two,
[1:12:22] shorten the white curb at turpentine return to add two
[1:12:24] metered parking spaces. Three, relocate two bike racks on the
[1:12:28] Mesa Boulevard to create two meter golf cart and motorcycle
[1:12:31] parking spaces on a six month trial basis. Staff shall
[1:12:34] return at the end of the trial with a recommendation
[1:12:36] to either expand or discontinue. Uh, number four, direct staff
[1:12:39] to study the Alison parking lot for additional golf cart.
[1:12:42] Oh, that is something new. Sorry. Okay. I'm not going
[1:12:45] to make that part of the motion. All right. Skip
[1:12:47] that one. And the next one Mark all trial and
[1:12:49] future golf cart spaces with a painted or stencil golf
[1:12:51] cart symbol. Okay. And then retaining the existing trees in
[1:12:55] the Alice in parking lot, leave the red curbs it
[1:12:57] sprouts unchanged. Authorized staff to begin neighborhood engagement on parking
[1:13:01] tees. That's my motion. Is there a second? We have
[1:13:09] a roll call. Council Member Casars, how do you vote?
[1:13:16] Yes. Councilmember Dillard, how do you vote? Yes. Council Member
[1:13:22] Lothan, how do you vote? Yes. Vice Mayor Suzuki. How
[1:13:25] do you vote? Yes. Mayor AppsTeath is heady vote. Abstention.
[1:13:34] Motion carries with Council Member Kazara's Council Member Diller Council
[1:13:38] member Lothian and Vice Mayor Suzuki voting yes and the
[1:13:40] mayor abstaining. And I'll explain my obsteption because I live
[1:13:44] near the village and because I'm a golf cart driver.
[1:13:48] In fact, the first one in La Mesa not knowing
[1:13:50] I was going to start a trend unethical to approve
[1:13:54] this because it would definitely benefit me. So I'm not
[1:13:57] that's why I'm going to abstain. Thank you. Thank you.
[1:14:01] Thank you. Item 12 one is a consideration of an
[1:14:04] ordinance of the City Council, the City of La Mesa,
[1:14:08] um, ending section 2. 3002. I'll read all those. I'll
[1:14:15] let the City Attorney read those. In order to submitting
[1:14:18] sections 2. 302. 32. 030, 2. 73. 010. 2.
[1:14:27] 85. 010 and 2. 87. 010 of the La Mesa
[1:14:32] Municipal Code Regarding Membership Requirements for Certain Boards and Commissions.
[1:14:35] Thank you. Um, and we have Erniederney hands raised. We
[1:14:39] have no hands rates for. One speaker in person. Dave
[1:14:46] Hardenberger. Oh, there he is. Welcome. Hi. Everybody. Hi. What
[1:14:55] are you doing? Um, I don't have anything prepared. Happy
[1:15:00] birthday brother belated. Thanks. Council members. Hello. Lauren, how are
[1:15:05] you? Remotely. Um, I am coming to you representing Helix
[1:15:09] and the Community Police Oversight Board, which is your favorite
[1:15:12] board that has the initial CPOB. And what we're basically
[1:15:19] proposing or what our purpose for asking for this change
[1:15:22] in ordinance is there are a few requirements in the
[1:15:26] CPOB and other commissions that require residency. For example, uh,
[1:15:31] Helix High School and La Mesa Spring Valley School District,
[1:15:36] where they are affected by the business that CPOB does
[1:15:41] and the work that the Police Department does, even if
[1:15:43] they're not a resident of the City. And so what
[1:15:45] we're asking in this ordinance is to consider having anybody
[1:15:50] that Helix has that's a staff member or a teacher
[1:15:53] or something like that. Even though they may not be
[1:15:56] in the city as a resident, they're surely affected by
[1:15:59] the work that the Police Department does and the community
[1:16:02] police oversight board. So, uh, I would ask for your
[1:16:05] consideration in changing this ordinance so that we can open
[1:16:08] up the participation, the CPOB, and other commissions to outside
[1:16:15] residents, even though they are affected by the work that
[1:16:19] we're doing. Thank you very much for your time. Appreciate
[1:16:21] all you. This is a very challenging job and appreciate
[1:16:24] you all doing it for years and keeping it real.
[1:16:27] Thank you. My friend happy retirement. Thank you. Any, um,
[1:16:31] questions of staff? Oh, I'm sorry. Council member Dillard. Yeah.
[1:16:35] Um, uh, first of all, I want to thank Dave.
[1:16:43] Wherever he went. Bye. Um, for, uh, those suggestions,
[1:16:53] I, you know, this is a board that I very
[1:16:55] much care about because I participated in creating the ordinances
[1:16:59] to make it all happen. And, uh, I do think
[1:17:03] that there is some constraints that have prevented us from
[1:17:09] having more opportunity to open it up for more people.
[1:17:12] So I'm in total support of this. And I think
[1:17:15] that we should also, it's just a suggestion. To, you
[1:17:25] know, find ways to expand communication about this position. Uh,
[1:17:31] even, I don't know what the constraints would be for
[1:17:35] the gross school district. But anything that we can do
[1:17:40] to make sure that, um, not just teachers and council
[1:17:45] members and, you know, staff, but also, uh, to let
[1:17:49] the children know that they need to tell their parents.
[1:17:53] Because obviously if they live in La Mesa, uh, they
[1:17:56] could also apply or even just know about it, uh,
[1:18:01] because there are a lot of people that don't know
[1:18:03] about the CPOB and may like to participate. So I
[1:18:07] would like to see that happen along with, um, supporting.
[1:18:13] Okay. Yes. Council member Lothian. I thought it was very
[1:18:18] important to hear what you had to say. Cause I
[1:18:20] know that you're part of that. So I was, I
[1:18:21] was going to ask you four to drone supported. So
[1:18:23] you do. So then I do. Okay. Someone going to
[1:18:26] make a motion? I don't remember Kizaris has her hand.
[1:18:28] Oh, I'm sorry. Thank you council member Kasaris. I'm sorry.
[1:18:33] Um, I just think there's, um, it's important for us
[1:18:37] to share a little bit more. Um, about the background
[1:18:40] on this. We have certain designated seats. I know, uh,
[1:18:47] Dave shared some of this, but we have certain designated
[1:18:49] seats, um, a Helix High School representative La Mesa Spring
[1:18:54] Valley representative, et cetera. And, um, La Mesa Spring Valley
[1:18:58] and Helix in particular, um, are unique because folks that
[1:19:02] may represent Helix may live just on the outskirts of
[1:19:06] town. Um, same thing with La Mesa Spring Valley. They
[1:19:09] get to typically, they appoint someone from their school board.
[1:19:15] And while most of them, um, live in the City
[1:19:18] of La Mesa, they all represent La Mesa and may
[1:19:20] live elsewhere. And so I just thought it was important
[1:19:22] to specify that. This is not, um, an attempt to
[1:19:27] be bringing in folks from the City of San Diego
[1:19:30] where Tula Vista or something to impact other decisions. But
[1:19:34] in, in those representatives, um, where they are appointed by,
[1:19:41] um, important bodies that work with the City of La
[1:19:44] Mesa. So I just wanted that to be crystal clear.
[1:19:48] Thank you. Thank you. I would someone like to make
[1:19:50] a motion. I'll make a motion to approve.
[1:20:01] Councilmember Kizaris. How do you vote? Yes. Councilmember Dillard, how
[1:20:06] do you vote? Yes. Council Member Lothian, how do you
[1:20:10] vote? Yes. Ice Mayor Suzuki. How do you vote? Yes.
[1:20:13] Mayor Rep status, how do you vote? Yes. Motion carries
[1:20:16] with all council members voting yes. Thank you. Item 13
[1:20:19] is a second reading of an ordinance. I'll hand this
[1:20:23] over to the City Attorney, or is there? In order
[1:20:25] to the City Council, the City of La Mesa delegating
[1:20:27] authority to the City of San Diego to enforce regulations
[1:20:31] for the discharge of industrial wastewater to sewage. Facilities, pretreatment
[1:20:37] and source control program. Do you have any hands raised.
[1:20:40] We have no hands race for remote Public Comment. I'll
[1:20:42] make a motion to approve the second reading. Our Council
[1:20:51] Member Khazar's, how do you vote. Yes. Councilmember Dillard, how
[1:20:55] do you vote? Yes. Council Member Lothien, how do you
[1:21:00] vote? Yes. Vice Mayor Suzuki, how do you vote? Yes.
[1:21:04] Mayor Appustatus, how do you vote? Yes. Motion carries with
[1:21:08] all council members voting yes. Thank you. Uh, Council Committee,
[1:21:12] um, I'm sorry, Council initiated. That's me. Um, a letter
[1:21:15] consideration sending the letters of support to the governor Newsome
[1:21:19] for assembly bill 2518 sharp collins, uh, San Diego gas
[1:21:23] and electric company, energizing pilot program. This was requested by
[1:21:28] our assembly person. Are there any, first of all, I
[1:21:32] need to see if the hands raised. That's okay. Mayor,
[1:21:35] we have one hand raised for remote Public Comment? Copy
[1:21:38] that. Speaker with last four digits 3731. You should now
[1:21:43] be able to unmute yourself. You have three minutes to
[1:21:45] provide your Public comment. PERT is true. Um, you know,
[1:21:51] I kind of wanted to hear the Council Comics first.
[1:21:54] Cause I know what I think. The letter itself. Sounded
[1:21:57] like a bunch of SDG funded hogwash. Is LaShe and
[1:22:02] SDG puppet? Because if not, then why wasn't her assembly
[1:22:05] bill attached to this item? Does her bill not have
[1:22:08] merit worth sharing. Uh, or was staff and or counsel
[1:22:12] hoping to avoid transparency. Because how can you write a
[1:22:15] letter in support expect the Public support expect you represent
[1:22:19] the Publis, but then not give them the information to
[1:22:22] make a decision to inform you how you should vote.
[1:22:26] Because SDGA needs position is a financial position. And it
[1:22:30] says nothing at all for the rate there's. They break
[1:22:33] in a record billion billions and billions of profits while
[1:22:36] leaving customers in the literal dark and then lying about
[1:22:39] it. Because does anyone remember a few months ago when
[1:22:41] businesses and Julien had no power? How about the decades
[1:22:44] that S. Eugenia's refused to underground their power lines for
[1:22:47] safety? How about FDG proposing to build gigantic transmission lines
[1:22:52] through everyone's communities. Um, does Lasher SDG and you really
[1:22:55] care what local opinions are when they keep raising rates
[1:22:58] every few months. All I read in the letter is
[1:23:01] more workaround to be California Environmental Quality Act. Future risky
[1:23:06] electric systems for those unaffordable gigantic stack effects coming in.
[1:23:11] Along with even higher electricity bills and process to benefit
[1:23:15] SDGNE and all the corrupt politicians they bought. Footing new
[1:23:20] scum and lice. Cause remember silence is complicity. If you
[1:23:23] have nothing to say as a counter to facts and
[1:23:27] perspectives, you are absolutely part of the problem. And that's
[1:23:30] where when people say we're going to remember in November,
[1:23:33] I hope they're dead serious about that. That concludes my
[1:23:36] comments for tonight. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Those
[1:23:46] are the. SDGD are the bad guys. I mean, it's
[1:23:53] really hard to say things positive about them. I did
[1:23:55] study this. I found out that this was unanimously proved
[1:23:58] by everybody in California's government up in Sacramento across the
[1:24:02] board. Uh, I also called my construction general contractors and
[1:24:07] they go, Hey, I don't know if it's going to
[1:24:09] do any good, but it's certainly not going to do
[1:24:10] any bad, no harm in improving it. Uh, so I
[1:24:13] did my research. I'm sure everyone else did as well.
[1:24:16] So I, you know, I think this is going to
[1:24:17] be an easy 50. I'll make a motion to approve.
[1:24:21] The council initial. All second. Council member, cause Councilwoman Casaris,
[1:24:31] did you have a comment? Oh, I'm sorry. Oh, sorry.
[1:24:34] Okay. I'm so sorry I'm making this difficult. Um, I,
[1:24:38] yes, I just wanted to clarify what, uh, the intention
[1:24:40] of 2518 is for the Public. It would require San
[1:24:46] Diego Gas and Electric to, uh, finish the electrical hookup
[1:24:50] within 40 business days for affordable housing projects so that
[1:24:54] they don't sit empty so that we can bring people
[1:24:56] into affordable housing projects. That's all. Thank you. Council Member
[1:25:01] Kizares, how do you vote? Yes. Councilmember Dillard, how do
[1:25:05] you vote? Yes. Council Member Lothian, how do you vote?
[1:25:09] Yes. Vice Mayor Suzuki, how do you vote? Yes. Mayor
[1:25:12] apostasis, how do you vote? Yes. Motion carries with all
[1:25:15] council members voting yes. Council Committee reports, council member Casaris.
[1:25:24] I have none. Thank you. Council Member Dillard. Thank you
[1:25:28] Council Member Lothian. None. Uh, Vice Mayor Suzuki. None. AB
[1:25:32] - 1234. I'm leaving as soon as its meetings over
[1:25:36] to go to League of Cities. I will have my
[1:25:38] report at the next meeting. Um. And so will Vice
[1:25:46] Mayor Suzuki. City Attorney Remarks. For the last time I
[1:25:52] have none. Then we are not adjourned because. I have
[1:25:58] something to read. Are there any hands raised. We have
[1:26:04] no hands raised. Excellent. Whereas Glenn P. Saban, should I
[1:26:09] stand up and have him stand out at the front?
[1:26:11] Yes. We'll do that. No, we. Want that. I'm just
[1:26:14] kidding. I'm giving him grace, but I just. No, no,
[1:26:21] no, no, he wouldn't. No, he wouldn't. No, no, I'll
[1:26:25] have him stamp. Be right there. I'll stand. Whereas Glenn
[1:26:34] P. Saban has dedicated more than three decades to practice
[1:26:38] to the practice of law and Public Service providing knowledge,
[1:26:41] thoughtful, and dedicated legal counsel to the government's and the
[1:26:45] communities where he serves. A native San Diego, Glenda earned
[1:26:49] his law degree from San Diego State University. I'm sorry,
[1:26:53] from the Ohio State University. Don't Mempim lodge an objection.
[1:26:59] I apologize. Um, and was, um, admitted to the State
[1:27:04] Bar in California in 1991, beginning to distinguish legal career
[1:27:09] that focused in part on municipal and administrative law. Glenn
[1:27:14] served as the city attorney for the City of Entinitas
[1:27:17] beginning in 1999. Elected, uh, providing over a decade of
[1:27:23] legal guidance and institutional knowledge while working closely with elected
[1:27:29] official City staff and community. Glenn was appointed City Attorney,
[1:27:33] the City of La Mesa June 1st, 1997 serving in
[1:27:37] part in a part - time capacity. And 2019, John
[1:27:42] Glenn, sorry, joined the City of La Mesa as a
[1:27:45] full - time city attorney, bringing extensive municipal experience in
[1:27:48] a deep understanding of local government to the city and
[1:27:51] its residents. Throughout his 10 - year, with La Mesa,
[1:27:55] Glenn has provided legal counsel to the mayor city council,
[1:27:59] City Manager, City Departments helping guide the City through complex
[1:28:03] legal matters, community issues and challenges, all supporting, and I'll
[1:28:07] add. And many times personal crisis, while supporting effective administration
[1:28:13] and municipal government. Glenn's service has been marked by professionalism,
[1:28:18] integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to finding practical solutions while
[1:28:24] maintaining the highest standard of Public Service and protecting the
[1:28:28] interest of the city and its residents. Beyond his legal
[1:28:31] expertise, Glenn has been a value colleague, a trusted advisor
[1:28:35] to generations of city leaders and staff contributing his institutional
[1:28:41] knowledge, positive attitude, and steady council to work with the
[1:28:45] City and with the staff. As Glenn retires from his
[1:28:48] position as City Attorney, the City of La Mesa recognizes
[1:28:52] and appreciates his lasting contributions, all that he has made
[1:28:56] to the organization and the community and celebrates the conclusion
[1:29:00] of this distinguished career dedicated to Public Services. Now therefore,
[1:29:05] iMarker Appustad, the 23rd mayor of the City of La
[1:29:08] Mesa, and the entire city Council. Do you hearby recognize
[1:29:12] Glenn P. Saban for his distinguished career in Public Service
[1:29:15] has dedicated service as a city attorney to the City
[1:29:18] of La Mesa and his commitment to providing thoughtful legal
[1:29:22] guidance to our city and our community? And on a
[1:29:26] personal note, and I'm sure everyone, I'll let everybody else
[1:29:29] go first. So I will let Council Member Casaris. We're
[1:29:32] going to make this as painful as possible for this
[1:29:34] idiot attorney. So I'll let each council member give their
[1:29:37] two cents. Council Member Casares. Thank you. I will make
[1:29:42] this brief. I have called Glenn Saban's personal number. So
[1:29:47] many times because he is so helpful and makes our
[1:29:55] job as Council members, very smooth. And I even had
[1:30:02] a phone, two phone calls with him today. Um, before
[1:30:06] his final council meeting. So Glenn, thank you so much.
[1:30:10] I see him smirking. Um, I come to him with
[1:30:14] all sorts of ideas and questions. Not a smirk. It's
[1:30:16] just happiness. Um, I feel very grateful that I got
[1:30:21] to be on the final council that he's worked with
[1:30:28] and just so grateful for his advice and am really
[1:30:32] excited that he gets to go enjoy retirement. And he
[1:30:38] has a kid that is still like, still lives at
[1:30:42] home and is going to be a high schooler, I
[1:30:45] think soon. And how exciting and lucky that you get
[1:30:48] to retire and still like be able to spend that
[1:30:52] kind of time with your family. So I'm really happy
[1:30:55] for you and I'm really grateful for your service. And,
[1:30:58] um, while I'm going to stop bugging you about official
[1:31:00] business, I will continue bugging you as a friend. So
[1:31:03] thank you for your service and congratulations. Thank you for
[1:31:06] your comments. Council Member Dillard. I'll try to keep this
[1:31:11] briefer because she pretty much encapsulated everything about. And yeah,
[1:31:17] so I'm not going to say Ditto though, because I
[1:31:20] do want to thank you so much for being there
[1:31:23] for us. And also answering my phone calls to your
[1:31:29] personal cell number. Uh, I very much appreciate your even
[1:31:34] tone that you have. Um, even if, you know, I'm
[1:31:39] upset. When I call you. Um, and I really, really
[1:31:42] appreciate that. And I'm going to miss you. And I
[1:31:46] know that you did bring up about your son. And
[1:31:49] I think that you're very, very lucky to be able
[1:31:52] to comfortably, uh, retire and spend time with your son.
[1:31:57] Who needs you more than ever? Uh, in his last
[1:32:00] years before he has to leave and go do whatever
[1:32:03] it is that he wants to do. So congratulations to
[1:32:07] you. We love you. We adore you. And, um, we,
[1:32:13] we wish you the best going forward. Thank you. Thank
[1:32:19] you. Thank you. And that's my turn. Yes. Very funny.
[1:32:24] And your greatest talent is taking hysteria and calming it
[1:32:27] down. You're very, very good at that. You and I
[1:32:29] go back 16 years and I don't even want to
[1:32:32] tell the story. Please don't. Yeah. But it involved. Okay.
[1:32:37] Anyway. So, uh, very funny, very calming because we can
[1:32:40] get really wound up up here. And then you're like,
[1:32:43] and it's perfect. It's a great skill. We're going to
[1:32:45] miss you. Thank you. Vice Mayor. Spice of Mayor Suzuki.
[1:32:50] Everybody said everything. I was thinking you're humor. Um, your
[1:32:54] competence. I just want to also thank you for showing
[1:32:57] me as an attorney what I wish I could be.
[1:33:00] Um, I'm not as calm as you are. And if
[1:33:03] I could just be half as calm as you are,
[1:33:05] I think I'd be a fantastic lawyer myself. I wish
[1:33:08] you the best. And one of the things that we
[1:33:09] forget or people forget as is non attorneys or as
[1:33:14] the Public is that we do have families as attorneys.
[1:33:18] And Glenn, I think that, um, you are doing what
[1:33:21] all of us want to do. And it's place our
[1:33:23] family first. And so I wish you the best of
[1:33:25] luck. And I'm going to also be, um, texting you.
[1:33:32] I'm not going to be brief, as I promised before.
[1:33:35] I'm going to try to extend, do this as long
[1:33:37] as I can. So just to say, um, PON retirement,
[1:33:42] uh, City of La Mesa presents glinse and grateful recognition
[1:33:45] of 29 years of distinguished service. And everything that I
[1:33:49] said before. And so you'll have this plaque to use
[1:33:52] to hold up the short end of your sofa. And,
[1:33:55] um, we hope that you put it inside a room
[1:33:58] that has a light on it and that we can
[1:34:01] all come and see it. We're going to, um, come
[1:34:04] and visit you. And we also have something, I know
[1:34:08] he's changing his address. We have something else that's standard
[1:34:11] operating procedure when someone comes through the City of La
[1:34:14] Mesa. Our Public Works Department as guided by our city
[1:34:18] manager comes up with something that is unique to the
[1:34:21] City of Visa. And that is a street sign. And
[1:34:23] so for our city attorney Street Science, we have.
[1:34:45] One side. Says. One side says Glenn's way and the
[1:34:52] other one says go blue for University of Michigan. I'm
[1:34:55] just kidding. And the other side. Saban's court. As they
[1:35:05] all said, just on a personal note, appreciate the City
[1:35:07] Attorney. For the huge responsibility he does all joking aside
[1:35:12] because he has to keep us all departments legal and
[1:35:16] within the law. And then thrown at him all the
[1:35:19] time. The City Council sees a microscopic part of that.
[1:35:24] And he has to deal with all of the departments.
[1:35:26] And he has to be level - headed. He has
[1:35:28] to know California law. He has to know federal law.
[1:35:31] And a lot of land use. And so his knowledge
[1:35:35] has helped guide us through many things. And on a
[1:35:37] personal note, I appreciate that he's my friend and my
[1:35:40] brother. So I will miss him up here as well.
[1:35:42] So just want to say thank you Mr. Saban.
[1:35:57] Would you like to say anything?
[1:36:12] I'm glad it's not just me. 1, 123 meetings. Nice
[1:36:19] job. That's a record. Went back. Don't look at my
[1:36:22] journal. Wow. Um, I want to thank the console. The
[1:36:29] staff citizens. Everyone's family members. It's been a great run.
[1:36:41] Yep. Thank you. Thank you. And on that we are
[1:36:45] adjourned.