OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Meeting Summary - February 19, 2026

Active Transportation & Infrastructure Committee — Thursday, February 19, 2026
BodySan Diego, California
SessionActive Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
DateThursday, February 19, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:01:21

Transcript — Verbatim
2:34

Good afternoon, and welcome to the Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting of February 19th, 2026.

2:40

Our committee liaison, Sarah Jordan will provide information and infrastructure for the public to participate in today's meeting.

2:47

Sarah, please proceed.

2:49

Thank you, Chair Whitburn.

2:50

While members of the public are able to attend the meeting in person, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website, and council administration will continue to make arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform.

3:00

Members of the public who wish to provide testimony via a call-in or internet-based service option must enter the virtual speaking queue within five minutes after conclusion of in-person public testimony or before the virtual cue is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

3:14

This will allow for better meeting management between the two platforms and ensure the committee is able to manage and conduct city business.

3:20

We appreciate the public's cooperation.

3:31

Council Member Von Wilpert.

3:33

Present.

3:34

Council President Pro Tem Lee.

3:36

Here.

3:37

Also attending the meeting today is attorney City Attorney Representative Ryan Gardy.

3:47

If you are in person, please complete a speaker slip located at the entrance of chambers and place it in the speaker slip box at the lectern in the front of the room.

3:53

Please do so in a timely manner to ensure proper meeting management.

3:56

Members of the public can join the webinar by computer, tablet, or smartphone by accessing the link which is listed online in the preamble language of the agenda on the city's webpage.

4:04

To join the Zoom webinar by telephone, please dial 1669-2545252.

4:08

And when prompted, input webinar ID 160-229-4290 pound.

4:14

This information is also available on the agenda and it will appear on the screen during the public comment period for each agenda item.

4:19

Please note that if you're watching via City TV 24 or online, there may be delay.

4:24

Please participate via the audio on your phone and mute your TV or computer when it is your turn to speak.

4:28

And if you wish to speak to a particular item, please wait for that item to be called and then raise your hand to speak by tapping the raise your hand icon, or if you're calling participant by pressing star nine on your phone.

4:38

If you raise your hand during the non-comment period, your hand will be lowered.

4:42

A quorum is now present.

4:44

We will take up not agenda public comment.

4:46

The council members respect and appreciate the public's input and are fully committed to protecting every participant's free speech rights at council and committee meetings.

5:00

Per Rule 2.7 on agenda public comment as an opportunity for members of the public to comment on items that are not on the agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of this committee.

5:06

Each speaker will have two minutes.

5:07

And again, if you're watching on City TV or the live stream online and you'd like to call in, please dial 1669-2545252.

5:14

Inputting webinar ID 160-229-4290 pound.

5:18

We have not received any speaker slips for non-agenda public comment here in chambers.

5:21

So I will begin the five-minute timer for all those in the virtual queue to indicate if they wish to provide their non-agenda public comment.

5:27

Each speaker will have two minutes, and we will begin testimony with Blair Beekman.

5:31

Please unmute and provide your comment.

5:36

Hi.

5:36

Uh Blair Beekman.

5:38

Uh thanks for the meeting this afternoon.

5:40

Uh hopefully my Zoom will be okay.

5:42

I'm calling from Hawaii.

5:44

As I said, um here listening and communicating with whales as much as I can.

5:50

It's limited, but uh it's good to hear them speak and talk to each other nonetheless.

5:55

Um I wanted to comment on uh the area seems healthy, by the way.

6:00

Um I wanted to comment on um two items.

6:05

One, you at your rules committee yesterday, you spoke of uh possibly uh ending uh a five-minute uh space for virtual public comment time before it is cut off and have uh cutoff times uh right at the end of in-person public speaking.

6:22

Um I want to be uh I know you guys want a clean house, and we're entering an era post-COVID uh that we don't have the same stresses that our Zoom was first invented, uh, and why we had uh, you know, five minutes additional time.

6:39

It was great of you guys to manage that in the past.

6:42

I know you guys want a clean house now.

6:44

Um, but it's a real convenience for the public to have that additional time before uh you know they can they can uh depress their hand to raise their voice to speak, raise their hand to speak.

6:56

It really helps uh a lot for the public.

6:58

I know it helps with neatness and and meeting efficiency, but uh just a reminder.

7:02

I I hope you can keep it just for that.

7:05

It it it's a really helpful tool for the public itself.

7:08

Good luck on addressing that.

7:10

And with my remaining time, uh Paul Kruger yesterday tried to make an analogy that uh with the parking issues at Bower Park.

7:16

It's like we get a free cookie to understand what is possible in in new fees that was appealing, but now we're realizing it's not so appealing now.

7:26

And we're trying to address it.

7:28

Good luck that we continue to work on it.

7:30

And I really think that if we cut cheese in half, that would help a lot.

7:35

Thanks a lot.

7:37

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Transportation Safety█████████████████████████████████████████████45%
Public Safety█████████████████17%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Capital Improvement Planning████████8%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Procedural███3%
Cannabis Regulation███3%
Public Comment███3%
Stormwater Management██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Meeting Summary - February 19, 2026

The Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the San Diego City Council met on February 19, 2026, to discuss several key items, including a citywide speed management plan, updates to crosswalk and stop sign policies, and the five-year capital infrastructure planning outlook. The meeting featured extensive public testimony and unanimous committee votes on action items.

Consent Calendar

  • The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the January 29, 2026 meeting (4-0 vote).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Non-Agenda Public Comments: Multiple speakers addressed various issues:

    • Blair Beekman commented on virtual public comment timing and parking issues at Balboa Park.
    • Jason (downtown resident) urged an ordinance requiring safe detours for bike lanes closed due to construction, citing a $2.95 million settlement for a cyclist killed by a city obstruction.
    • Richard Stennis (emergency physician, resident of Colina Del Oro) requested inclusion of Prestwick Drive and Colina Del Oro in speed reduction plans, noting observed speeds of 50-60 mph.
    • Terry Ann Skelly (planning group member) emphasized road repair backlogs and marijuana-impaired driving dangers.
    • Becky Rapp cited AAA research on effective messaging against cannabis-impaired driving.
    • A caller (Joyce) praised bike lane intersection lights and requested better notice for street repaving closures.
    • Peggy Walker (public health advocate) urged attention to marijuana-impaired driving, citing rising DUI incidents.
    • Judy String thanked staff for the Vision Zero presentation and supported pedestrian safety.
    • Mike McCormick (La Jolla Traffic and Transportation Committee) requested inclusion in AB645 speed camera pilot program and slower speeds in La Jolla Shores.
    • Zach Sturgeon supported requiring alternate paths during bike lane closures.
    • Sarah Clements (La Jolla resident) supported lower speeds on Prestwick Drive due to dangerous driving.
    • Katie Gordon (Families for Safe Streets) supported speed management plan and prioritization of school zones.
    • Michael Lowry requested repaving of San Carlos Drive near Pershing Middle School, citing a poor PCI score.

  • Item 2 (Speed Management Plan): Aria Grossman (Circulate San Diego), Ian Hembry (San Diego County Bicycle Coalition), Chris Roberts (San Diego 350), Gail Freed (Vibrant Uptown), Casey (youth transportation lead), Harry Bubins (Respect Bird Rock), Becky Rapp, Christina Giorgio, Jason B, Joyce, Sally Small, Blair Beekman, Zach Sturgeon, John Eaton, Laura Eaton, David Catel (Beautiful PB), Mike McCormick, and John S all expressed strong support for the speed management plan, with many urging prioritization of school zones. Specific streets requested for inclusion: La Jolla Boulevard, East Mission Bay Drive, Nimitz Boulevard, Governor Drive, and the Dunaway/Prestwick/Colina Del Oro corridor. Some speakers also advocated for speed cameras (AB645) and enforcement.

  • Item 3 (Crosswalk and Stop Sign Policies): Casey and Jason supported updating policies, with Jason calling for crosswalks on all sides of controlled intersections and a citywide ban on right-turn-on-red. Joyce praised the presentation, and Blair Beekman encouraged open public policies. Mike McCormick requested stop signs at all intersections in La Jolla Shores and crosswalks on La Jolla Shores Drive. Zach Sturgeon supported updating warrants to reflect latent pedestrian demand.

  • Item 4 (Capital Infrastructure Planning): Patrick Farrier (San Diego Firefighters Local 145) highlighted a $310 million funding gap for fire infrastructure, including fire stations, training facilities (NTC replacement needed), and helicopter hangars. Blair Beekman discussed the relationship between parking fees and the general fund. Joyce emphasized stormwater funding opportunities and public collaboration.

Discussion Items

  • Item 2: Vision Zero Update and Speed Management Plan

    • Staff (Alex Zibaldo, Everett Hauser, Maggie McCormick) presented a plan to reduce speed limits on 20% (680 miles) of the city's roadway network using authority under AB 43, focusing on safety corridors, pedestrian/bicycle generators, business activity districts, and school zones. The plan recommends 15 mph school zones (within 500 feet) and 25 mph (500-1,000 feet). Implementation requires $2.4 million in FY27 for signage and installation, plus city council adoption. Chair Whitburn confirmed the city will prioritize school zones during implementation. Councilmember Von Wilpert seconded the motion, and the committee voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the resolution establishing reduced speed limits as specified in Attachment S.
    • Key points from discussion:
      • The city currently faces a $212 million annual need for Vision Zero CIP projects and a backlog of 2,300 traffic service requests.
      • Progress: fatal and severe injury crashes have decreased since 2018, but 24 pedestrians were killed in 2024.
      • Enforcement (San Diego Police) focuses on community complaints and collisions; school zone enforcement is limited by officer availability.
      • Councilmember Lee requested consideration of non-school corridors near schools; Councilmember Foster raised concerns about enforcement and a specific intersection (69th and Imperial).

  • Item 3: Council Policies 200-07 (Crosswalk Criteria) and 200-08 (Stop Sign Criteria)

    • Jordan Latchford (Council District 3 policy director) presented the informational item, noting that both policies were last updated in 2015 and 1997 respectively. The IBA published recommendations in May 2025. The committee is seeking public feedback through a survey before proposing amendments. Transportation Department (Naomi Chavez) noted that any updates must consider state/federal standards and resource constraints (2,300 outstanding requests). Councilmembers expressed support for updates, including de-emphasizing minimum point warrants, reducing barriers for crosswalks near schools/parks, and requiring Vision Zero audits before crosswalk removal. No vote was taken; item is informational.

  • Item 4: Five-Year Capital Infrastructure Planning Outlook (FY27-31)

    • Staff (Elif Cetin, Karen MacRiff, Michael Pelayo) presented the 12th annual CIP outlook, identifying $12.82 billion in needs over five years with only $5.0 billion in projected funding, leaving a $7.8 billion gap. Needs are driven by stormwater ($5.5 billion), transportation pavement, and parks. Enterprise funds (e.g., water, sewer) are better funded. The IBA (Julian Andalina) noted the gap increased by $1.3 billion (20%) from last year, primarily due to stormwater. Staff emphasized prioritizing completion of existing projects over new starts.
    • Public comment from firefighters highlighted critical needs: fire stations (10-20 short), training facility replacement (NTC), helicopter hangar, and mold remediation in existing stations.
    • Councilmembers Von Wilpert, Foster, and Lee expressed concerns about deferred maintenance, accountability for developer-built infrastructure, cost overruns, and the need for efficient project delivery. No vote was required.

Key Outcomes

  • Item 2 (Speed Management Plan): Motion to approve the resolution and speed limit reductions passed unanimously (4-0). The city will prioritize school zones during implementation. A $2.4 million FY27 budget request will be needed for signage and installation.
  • Item 3 (Policies 200-07 and 200-08): Informational; public feedback period opened. Draft amendments expected in fall 2026.
  • Item 4 (CIP Outlook): Informational; IBA report to be released before council meeting on March 10, 2026.
  • Consent Agenda: Minutes approved unanimously (4-0).
  • Next Meeting: Scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon, and welcome to the Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting of February 19th, 2026. Our committee liaison, Sarah Jordan will provide information and infrastructure for the public to participate in today's meeting. Sarah, please proceed. Thank you, Chair Whitburn. While members of the public are able to attend the meeting in person, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website, and council administration will continue to make arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform. Members of the public who wish to provide testimony via a call-in or internet-based service option must enter the virtual speaking queue within five minutes after conclusion of in-person public testimony or before the virtual cue is exhausted, whichever occurs first. This will allow for better meeting management between the two platforms and ensure the committee is able to manage and conduct city business. We appreciate the public's cooperation. Council Member Von Wilpert. Present. Council President Pro Tem Lee. Here. Also attending the meeting today is attorney City Attorney Representative Ryan Gardy. If you are in person, please complete a speaker slip located at the entrance of chambers and place it in the speaker slip box at the lectern in the front of the room. Please do so in a timely manner to ensure proper meeting management. Members of the public can join the webinar by computer, tablet, or smartphone by accessing the link which is listed online in the preamble language of the agenda on the city's webpage. To join the Zoom webinar by telephone, please dial 1669-2545252. And when prompted, input webinar ID 160-229-4290 pound. This information is also available on the agenda and it will appear on the screen during the public comment period for each agenda item. Please note that if you're watching via City TV 24 or online, there may be delay. Please participate via the audio on your phone and mute your TV or computer when it is your turn to speak. And if you wish to speak to a particular item, please wait for that item to be called and then raise your hand to speak by tapping the raise your hand icon, or if you're calling participant by pressing star nine on your phone. If you raise your hand during the non-comment period, your hand will be lowered. A quorum is now present. We will take up not agenda public comment. The council members respect and appreciate the public's input and are fully committed to protecting every participant's free speech rights at council and committee meetings. Per Rule 2.7 on agenda public comment as an opportunity for members of the public to comment on items that are not on the agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of this committee. Each speaker will have two minutes. And again, if you're watching on City TV or the live stream online and you'd like to call in, please dial 1669-2545252. Inputting webinar ID 160-229-4290 pound. We have not received any speaker slips for non-agenda public comment here in chambers. So I will begin the five-minute timer for all those in the virtual queue to indicate if they wish to provide their non-agenda public comment. Each speaker will have two minutes, and we will begin testimony with Blair Beekman. Please unmute and provide your comment. Hi. Uh Blair Beekman. Uh thanks for the meeting this afternoon. Uh hopefully my Zoom will be okay. I'm calling from Hawaii. As I said, um here listening and communicating with whales as much as I can. It's limited, but uh it's good to hear them speak and talk to each other nonetheless. Um I wanted to comment on uh the area seems healthy, by the way. Um I wanted to comment on um two items. One, you at your rules committee yesterday, you spoke of uh possibly uh ending uh a five-minute uh space for virtual public comment time before it is cut off and have uh cutoff times uh right at the end of in-person public speaking. Um I want to be uh I know you guys want a clean house, and we're entering an era post-COVID uh that we don't have the same stresses that our Zoom was first invented, uh, and why we had uh, you know, five minutes additional time. It was great of you guys to manage that in the past. I know you guys want a clean house now. Um, but it's a real convenience for the public to have that additional time before uh you know they can they can uh depress their hand to raise their voice to speak, raise their hand to speak. It really helps uh a lot for the public. I know it helps with neatness and and meeting efficiency, but uh just a reminder.

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