San Diego City Council Meeting - March 11, 2025

The San Diego City Council met at 9:00 AM on March 11, 2025, to consider a full agenda including proclamations, consent items, an ordinance repeal, and a major land‐use item involving All People’s Church. The meeting was marked by extensive public testimony, lengthy debate on the church project, and a series of votes. The council also heard non‐agenda public comment regarding Mayor Todd Gloria’s trip to the Philippines.

Proclamation: Sharon Spivak Day (Item S500)

• Unanimously approved 9‐0. Councilmembers praised Spivak’s decades of service as a journalist, deputy city attorney, and executive director of the Ethics Commission. Public testimony included one in‐person speaker questioning the designation and one virtual speaker in favor.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda (items 50–57, 60, 100–106, S501–S504) by a 9‐0 vote.
• Item 102: Acceptance of a $3 million donation from the Shinnick family for the Ocean Beach Library expansion. Councilmember Campbell and others thanked the donors.
• Item S502: Declaration of a continued state of emergency regarding raw sewage, solid waste, and sediment from Tijuana, Mexico. Councilmember Moreno highlighted ongoing federal advocacy.
• Item S503: Seventh amendment to a cooperative agreement with Herc Rentals, adding $9 million for equipment rentals. Councilmember Von Wilpert inquired about the need; staff explained it was for additional capacity due to vehicle procurement delays.
• Item 106: Appointment of Christopher Doe and Jim Tomasulo to the Independent Rates Oversight Committee; approved.
• Several public speakers commented on consent items, including a call for accountability on the Tijuana River pollution and support for the library donation.

Discussion Item: Ordinance Repealing Disorderly Conduct (Item 330)

• The council voted 9‐0 to approve the repeal of San Diego Municipal Code Section 56.27 (disorderly conduct). Staff noted that state law and other city codes provide sufficient enforcement tools. A preliminary injunction had already prohibited enforcement. Public comment included one speaker concerned about reliance on state law and another raising broader accountability questions.

Non‐Agenda Public Comment

• A series of speakers (in person and virtual) opposed Mayor Todd Gloria’s February 2025 trip to the Philippines, where he met with Philippine military officials. Speakers alleged the trip used $8,405 in taxpayer funds, was not publicly announced, and promoted military‐industrial deals that could fuel human rights abuses. Some speakers also referenced the $258 million budget deficit and homelessness crisis. Other speakers raised concerns about unregulated hemp‐derived THC products, the proposed trash fee, and requests for an Italian heritage holiday.

Discussion Items: All People’s Church Project (Items 310 & 331)

These two items formed the core of the afternoon session. The church seeks to build a 54,470‐square‐foot facility (sanctuary, classrooms, offices, multi‐purpose room) on a 5.99‐acre residentially zoned site at College Avenue and Interstate 8 in Del Cerro. The project was denied by the council in January 2024. The church subsequently filed a lawsuit under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUPA).

Item 310: Motion to Suspend Rules and Reconsider

• The council first voted on Subitem A (suspend council rules) which required a 2/3 vote (6 votes). After debate, the motion passed 6‐3 (Councilmembers Campbell, Whitburn, and Campillo voting no).
• Subitem B (motion for reconsideration) then passed 6‐3, with the same no votes.
• Public testimony was overwhelmingly in opposition. Opponents argued the site is dangerous (blind curves, traffic), the church misrepresented usage data (claimed “closed Fridays” while listing Friday events, and a basketball court claimed to generate only 5 daily trips), and that the church already had a facility in La Mesa. Supporters (including union representatives) cited job creation, the church’s need for a permanent home, and the right to religious exercise.

Item 331: New Hearing on the Project

• Staff presented the project details: a process 5 application requiring general plan amendment, plan development permit, site development permit, tentative map, and easement vacations. An Environmental Impact Report was certified. The planning commission had recommended approval 9‐0 with conditions, but the Navajo Community Planning Group unanimously opposed. Four deviations were requested (building height, retaining wall, side yard setback, bicycle parking).
• Public comment again heavy, with 45 opposition web comments vs. 2 in favor. In‐person speakers repeated safety and traffic concerns, called the project a “mega project” inappropriate for the neighborhood, and accused the church of deception. Several union carpenters spoke in favor of the jobs the project would create.
• The city attorney cautioned that RLUPA constraints apply and that the council must base its decision on land use considerations.
• Councilmember Ilo Rivera moved to approve staff’s recommendation with an additional condition (No. 50) prohibiting lockers and bleachers in the multi‐purpose room, intended to prevent community sports tournaments. The motion was seconded by Council President Pro Tem Lee.
• Debate centered on RLUPA implications, the church’s claim of substantial burden (they purchased a temporary facility in La Mesa that is one‐fifth the size), traffic safety, and the city’s need to avoid costly litigation. Councilmember Campillo gave an extensive summary of his original opposition, accusing the church of misrepresenting facts and comparing dissenters to “the devil’s cards.” Councilmember Whitburn opposed because residentially zoned land should be used for housing given the homelessness crisis. Councilmember Campbell opposed on traffic safety grounds. Councilmember Von Wilpert indicated she was weighing litigation costs. Other councilmembers supported the project, citing the planning commission’s approval, RLUPA risks, and the church’s willingness to add conditions.
• The council voted on the motion. The transcript does not record the individual roll call, but the council proceeded to adjournment after the vote, indicating the motion passed.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamation S500 (Sharon Spivak Day): Approved 9‐0.
• Consent Calendar: Approved 9‐0.
• Item 330 (Repeal Disorderly Conduct): Approved 9‐0.
• Item 310 (Suspend Rules & Reconsider APC): Subitem A passed 6‐3; Subitem B passed 6‐3.
• Item 331 (All People’s Church Project): Approved with an additional condition prohibiting lockers and bleachers in the multi‐purpose room. The final vote tally was not included in the transcript, but the motion carried.
• The council also held an adjournment in memory of Gladys Marie Edmondson Slater, a longtime Oak Park resident and church secretary at Bethel Baptist Church.