OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - June 25, 2026

Active Transportation & Infrastructure Committee — Thursday, June 25, 2026
BodySan Diego, California
SessionActive Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
DateThursday, June 25, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:28:43
Transcript — Verbatim
2:32

Well good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting of June 25, 2026.

2:38

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

2:45

Sarah, please proceed.

2:46

Thank you, Chair Whitburn.

2:47

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.

2:56

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

3:09

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

3:27

Council President Pro Tem Lee.

3:28

Here.

4:30

Comment period.

4:30

Your hand will be lowered.

4:32

Chair.

4:32

Thank you, sir.

4:33

Quorum is now present.

4:34

We will now take up not agenda public comment.

4:37

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.

4:44

Sarah, please proceed with further instructions.

4:46

Thank you, Chair Whitburn.

4:47

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

4:55

Each speaker will have two minutes.

4:57

And again, if you're watching on City TV or the live stream and you'd like to dial in to speak, please call 1669-2545252 and putting webinar ID 16029 4290 pound.

5:06

We will begin with in-person testimony.

5:08

Maximilian Schmidt, if you'll please approach the lecture, and you will have two minutes to provide your non-agenda public comment.

5:18

Um is the timer.

5:20

The timer begins when you start speaking.

5:22

Okay, is it going to turn on?

5:24

There you go.

5:25

Thank you.

5:26

25% of the world's population is atheist, and the belief in God is the biggest weapon against communism.

5:33

And uh people in the cult and Freemasons have linked um have leaked info to me under the table that um to expose that God is real, and Masonic oaths do not apply to me because I have not done an occult group ritual and I'm not a Freemason.

5:51

Um, what has been uh leaked to me under the table is that um over 90% of San Diego has worshipped Diocletian, Nimrod, Jabalon, Osiris, um, to have very powerful religious experiences where they become telepathic mind readers and also feel like a living God, and these are very supernatural experiences that prove um God is real.

6:14

Christians will say that they're uh worshipping Lucifer, however, um actual pagans believe that that is the higher being.

6:22

And I just want to say there's lots of disinfo online that God is not real.

6:25

When I search AI, is God real?

6:27

It says there's no scientific proof.

6:29

However, the miracle of the sun in Fatima is scientific proof that God is real.

6:34

And I just wanted to say that um uh the word pagan actually was was um pagans were actually around before the English language was written, and the word pagan has the word again in it because all pagans live life over and re uh and reincarnate again.

6:51

I just wanted to spill some Gnosticism.

6:53

The temptation to become a Freemason is very tempting when all you need is one connection to become a Freemason.

6:59

And you hear about these powerful religious experiences, and when once you become a Freemason, you actually learn that if you did not do in a cold group ritual, you had a better chance of going to heaven, and that heaven and hell are real.

7:11

But now that you did in a cold group ritual, you actually have to reincarnate to avoid hell.

7:16

And you actually learn Gnosticism that heaven and hell is real, and actually, over 60% of the USA are telepathic Freemasons, and over 90% of the West Coast.

7:26

Thank you for your concluding remark.

7:28

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

7:33

Each speaker will have two minutes, and we currently have seven hands raised, beginning with Madison.

7:38

Please unmute and begin.

7:40

That'll be good.

7:41

Hi, good afternoon.

7:47

Today I would like to speak about AB 269, which is currently moving through state legislature and proposes to allow drive-through marijuana dispensaries, but it would be up to local jurisdictions to choose whether to allow that.

8:01

So I'm here today to urge you to use your local authority to reject this idea.

8:05

This committee has worked hard to prioritize safe streets, reduce impaired driving, and promote thoughtful active transportation.

8:12

Drive-through marijuana sales directly conflict with those goals.

8:17

They are by design car dependent, they incentivize more vehicle trips, more idling, and more normalization of substance access behind the wheel.

8:26

Unlike other reasons, marijuana is a mind-altering substance, and we know a key challenge.

8:33

There is still no reliable practical roadside test for marijuana impairment.

8:38

That means enforcement is already difficult.

8:42

Adding drive-through access only makes that job harder and sends the wrong signal that purchasing a psychoactive substance from behind the wheel is just another routine errand.

8:53

We should also consider the broader street environment.

8:56

Drive-through models increase curb cuts, traffic conflicts, and queuing in roadways and parking lots.

9:03

Exactly the kind of design features this committee typically tries to reduce for pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Engineering And Infrastructure█████████████████████████████29%
Parks and Recreation█████████████████████21%
Procedural██████████████14%
Transportation Safety████████8%
Economic Development█████5%
Racial Equity█████5%
Cannabis Regulation████4%
Public Safety███3%
Community Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - June 25, 2026

The Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Councilmember Whitburn, met on June 25, 2026, to consider consent items, award contracts for utility undergrounding design, amend a park development reimbursement agreement, and clarify parking meter zone boundaries. All actions passed unanimously 3-0 with Councilmember Von Wilbert absent. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda (items 1–6) was approved unanimously. Items included approval of April 23, 2026 committee minutes, construction change orders for emergency repairs (Barrett Road, Crest Canyon Park storm drain replacement, Choyas material bins, Pump Station 14), and a first amendment for professional construction management services for the Lakeside Valve Station Replacement Project.
  • Public comment on the consent agenda included opposition to CEQA requirements (speaker Max Schmidt) and concerns about change order costs, climate impacts on infrastructure, and the need for updated hydrological data (Lori Saldania). Another commenter (Blair Beekman) requested clarity on storm drain versus sewer issues and sea-level rise discussions.

Public Comments & Testimony

Non-Agenda Public Comments

  • Maximilian Schmidt spoke about atheism, Freemasonry, and religious experiences, stating that "25% of the world's population is atheist" and that "over 90% of San Diego has worshipped" various deities.
  • Madison urged the committee to reject drive-through marijuana dispensaries (AB 269) because they conflict with safe streets goals, increase vehicle trips, and normalize substance access behind the wheel.
  • Lori Saldania reported flooding in Mission Beach during high tides due to storm drains unable to drain, and encouraged the committee to evaluate infrastructure with sea-level rise in mind.
  • Becky Rapp opposed reducing Vision Zero staffing and opposed AB 2697 (drive-through marijuana sales), citing that about one-third of traffic fatalities involve an impaired driver and that the bill lacks safeguards for children.
  • Terry Ann Skelly expressed support for Vision Zero and noted that cannabis use slows reaction time and impairs driving, endorsing city-wide messaging against drug-impaired driving.
  • Phone number ending in 870 praised the Engineering and Capital Projects department, highlighting the Oak Park Library project and equity initiatives.
  • Judy Strang cited a JAMA article on co-use of cannabis edibles and alcohol increasing driving impairment, and urged media to disseminate this information.
  • Blair Beekman discussed Tijuana's interest in the Pure Water program, emphasized cross-border communication, and commented on the need for community process in strong mayor governance.

Public Comments on Item 7 (UUP Electrical Design)

  • Max Schmidt opposed the $10 million undergrounding contracts, arguing they are unnecessary and that funds should be used for religious information.
  • Lori Saldania criticized the selected firms for underrepresenting African Americans, Latinos, and women in professional, management, and technical services.
  • A speaker suggested Tesla partnership opportunities in Barrio Logan for electric truck charging infrastructure.
  • Blair Beekman questioned whether municipalization is needed for community energy future and supported local funding for undergrounding.

Public Comments on Item 8 (Soltera Vista Park)

  • Max Schmidt objected to using a Japanese subsidiary (Sumitomo) for the park contract, preferring American companies.
  • Lori Saldania acknowledged the park's value but expressed frustration with EOC compliance gaps, noting underrepresentation of Asian, women, and Latino workers.
  • A speaker (phone ending 870) supported the amendment and highlighted the staff report's thoroughness.
  • Blair Beekman asked about biometric technology use in the park and urged open community conversations.
  • Crypto Bradley agreed with using American companies and suggested engaging junior high students from underrepresented communities about engineering careers.

Public Comments on Item 9 (Parking Meter Zones)

  • Max Schmidt opposed parking meters entirely, advocating for free parking due to high taxes.
  • A speaker (phone ending 870) supported the administrative update, praising outreach to community planning groups.
  • Lori Saldania noted that free parking doesn't exist and urged considering financial burdens on communities, as well as charging short-term vacation rental users for parking.
  • Blair Beekman asked about restoring neighborhood parking commissions and democratic processes.
  • Juliana Johnson questioned why the update is needed if it changes nothing, and requested transparency about future changes to revenue use.

Discussion Items

Item 7 – Award of As-Needed UUP Electrical Distribution System Design Contracts

  • Staff (Carrie Purcell and Michael Ramirez) presented a request to award two five-year, $5 million contracts to Engineering Partners Inc. and Hermann Weissker Inc. for underground utility electrical design. The contracts support the Utility Undergrounding Program (UUP) managed by Transportation, with SDG&E-certified design required. The selection process involved 12 respondents, with interviews in February 2026. Both firms currently exceed SLBE/ELBE goals (23% and 24%). Vice Chair Foster expressed concerns about EOC compliance and accountability, requesting periodic updates. The item passed 3-0.

Item 8 – First Amendment to Park Development and Reimbursement Agreement for Soltera Vista Neighborhood Park

  • Staff (Brian Busby) presented the amendment to increase the reimbursement cap from $7.99 million to $11.35 million based on 2025 bids (42% increase), reflecting construction cost escalation since the 2020 estimate. The total project budget is $15.19 million, including land acquisition ($3.3 million) and city administration. The five-acre park is under construction and expected to open spring 2027, funded entirely by Pacific Highlands Ranch development impact fees. Councilmember Lee moved approval, noting the necessity of adjusting to current costs. Passed 3-0.

Item 9 – Administrative Update to Parking Meter Zone Boundary Descriptions for Uptown and Mid-City

  • Staff (Alex Sabaldo and Naomi Chavez) described the update as purely administrative, clarifying boundary descriptions to align with existing GIS maps and longstanding operations. No new meters, rate changes, or expansions are involved. Similar clarifications were approved for Pacific Beach in 2021. The update replaces indirect references (e.g., Hillcrest BID) with direct street-based boundaries. Chair Whitburn noted the simplification matches common understanding. Passed 3-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda (items 1–6) approved unanimously 3-0.
  • Item 7 (UUP electrical design contracts) approved 3-0, with Vice Chair Foster's request for periodic EOC performance updates.
  • Item 8 (Soltera Vista Park amendment) approved 3-0, increasing reimbursement to $11.35 million and total project budget to $15.19 million.
  • Item 9 (parking meter zone boundary clarification) approved 3-0.

Meeting Transcript

Well good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting of June 25, 2026. Our committee liaison, Sarah Jordan, will provide information and instruction 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 call-in or an internet-based service option must enter the virtual speaking queue within five minutes after the conclusion of in-person public testimony or before virtual speaking queue is exhausted, whichever occurs first. This will allow for better meaning management between the two platforms and ensure the committee is able to manage and conduct city business. Council President Pro Tem Lee. Here. Comment period. Your hand will be lowered. Chair. Thank you, sir. Quorum is now present. We will now 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. Sarah, please proceed with further instructions. Thank you, Chair Whitburn. Per rule 2.7 on agenda public comment is an opportunity for members of the public to comment on items that are not on the agenda but 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 and you'd like to dial in to speak, please call 1669-2545252 and putting webinar ID 16029 4290 pound. We will begin with in-person testimony. Maximilian Schmidt, if you'll please approach the lecture, and you will have two minutes to provide your non-agenda public comment. Um is the timer. The timer begins when you start speaking. Okay, is it going to turn on? There you go. Thank you. 25% of the world's population is atheist, and the belief in God is the biggest weapon against communism. And uh people in the cult and Freemasons have linked um have leaked info to me under the table that um to expose that God is real, and Masonic oaths do not apply to me because I have not done an occult group ritual and I'm not a Freemason. Um, what has been uh leaked to me under the table is that um over 90% of San Diego has worshipped Diocletian, Nimrod, Jabalon, Osiris, um, to have very powerful religious experiences where they become telepathic mind readers and also feel like a living God, and these are very supernatural experiences that prove um God is real. Christians will say that they're uh worshipping Lucifer, however, um actual pagans believe that that is the higher being. And I just want to say there's lots of disinfo online that God is not real. When I search AI, is God real? It says there's no scientific proof. However, the miracle of the sun in Fatima is scientific proof that God is real. And I just wanted to say that um uh the word pagan actually was was um pagans were actually around before the English language was written, and the word pagan has the word again in it because all pagans live life over and re uh and reincarnate again. I just wanted to spill some Gnosticism. The temptation to become a Freemason is very tempting when all you need is one connection to become a Freemason. And you hear about these powerful religious experiences, and when once you become a Freemason, you actually learn that if you did not do in a cold group ritual, you had a better chance of going to heaven, and that heaven and hell are real. But now that you did in a cold group ritual, you actually have to reincarnate to avoid hell. And you actually learn Gnosticism that heaven and hell is real, and actually, over 60% of the USA are telepathic Freemasons, and over 90% of the West Coast. Thank you for your concluding remark. I'll begin the five-minute timer for all those in the virtual queue to indicate if they wish to provide non-agenda public comment. Each speaker will have two minutes, and we currently have seven hands raised, beginning with Madison. Please unmute and begin. That'll be good. Hi, good afternoon. Today I would like to speak about AB 269, which is currently moving through state legislature and proposes to allow drive-through marijuana dispensaries, but it would be up to local jurisdictions to choose whether to allow that. So I'm here today to urge you to use your local authority to reject this idea.

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