San Diego City Council Meeting - July 1, 2025

The San Diego City Council convened on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (with a recess and reconvening at 2:00 p.m.) to address a proclamation, consent agenda, multiple ordinances, appointments to the Commission on Police Practices, and two easement vacations. The meeting included public testimony on a pulled agenda item, tenant protections, and technology oversight. Key outcomes included unanimous passage of most items except one consent item that drew a single dissenting vote, and several new appointments to the police oversight commission.

Proclamation

• S500: Proclamation honoring Dr. Margaret Lynan, retiring Vice Chancellor for Marine Sciences at UC San Diego and Director of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Councilmembers praised her leadership in climate science and partnership with the city. Passed unanimously (6-0, three absences).

Consent Calendar

• Item 50 (ADU and JADU regulation amendments) was pulled from the agenda and returned to staff; no public comment was taken. Council President Lacava explained later that the item lacked sufficient votes for passage with only four yes votes present among six members, so it was deferred to a later date when more councilmembers could attend.
• Items 10, 51-52, 100-104, S502 were approved en bloc. Public comment included support for the San Diego Downtown Renewal Partnership (item 52), the lease with Neighborhood House Association (item 100), reappointments to the Commission on Police Practices (item 103), and the Motorola CAD system upgrade for SDPD (S502). A speaker expressed opposition to the Water Authority energy storage project (item 51), citing fire risk and procurement concerns. Councilmember Von Wilpert voted no on item 102, a $2.5 million settlement for a trip-and-fall injury, criticizing the city's failure to maintain sidewalks. The consent agenda passed 6-0 with Von Wilpert voting no on item 102.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item S503 (Tenant Utility Charges): Speakers expressed strong support for the ordinance, noting protections for vulnerable tenants against unfair billing. One landlord opposed, arguing the city itself increases utilities and that the ordinance adds burdens.
• Non-Agenda Public Comment: Over a dozen speakers addressed the last-minute removal of item 50 (ADU amendments). Many expressed frustration at the lack of advance notice and urged the council to stand up to developer influence. Council President LaCava later apologized, explaining that the item was pulled because only four yes votes were present out of six councilmembers, making passage uncertain. Other speakers advocated for smoke-free multi-unit housing policies, citing health risks, and urged caution on marijuana retailer expansions. One speaker raised concerns about sexual assault at a homeless shelter and criticized Councilmember Whitburn's response.
• Item 330 (Police Practices Commission): Public comment thanked nominees and stressed the need for balanced, fair oversight.
• Item S501 (Grocery Pricing Transparency): Speakers supported the amended ordinance, including representatives from the Grocers Association and the Chamber of Commerce, who praised the collaborative process. A senior advocate urged outreach to libraries and senior centers.
• Items 331 and 332 (Easement Vacations): One speaker asked for clarification on environmental impacts and fire risk; another questioned equity between neighborhoods.

Discussion Items

• S503 – Residential Tenant Utility Charges (First Reading): Councilmember Elo Rivera presented the corrected ordinance, which was substantively identical to a version passed on June 9 but needed technical corrections. The ordinance prohibits landlords from overcharging tenants for utilities. A motion to approve passed unanimously (6-0, three absences).
• 330 – Appointments to Commission on Police Practices: After nominees briefly introduced themselves, councilmembers asked no questions. The following appointments were made:
  • Youth seat: Michael R. Major Jr. (unanimous, 7-0).
  • Low/moderate income seat: Esdras Silva (unanimous, 7-0).
  • Council District 3 seat: Daniel Torres (unanimous, 7-0).
  • At-large seats (two of three): David Burton and Elizabeth Inpine were elected after two rounds of balloting; a third seat remained vacant as neither Brian Kmer nor Dante Tufano received five votes. Council President Pro Tem Lee noted movement in the third round.
• S501 – Grocery Pricing Transparency Ordinance Amendments (First Reading): Councilmember Von Wilpert presented amendments to the previously adopted ordinance, requiring grocery stores to offer in-store alternatives to digital-only discounts (instead of printed coupons). Changes included a definition of grocery store, exemptions for paid memberships, a compliance deadline of October 1, 2025, and an annual review. A floor amendment clarified that loyalty program members can still receive digital discounts via in-store alternatives. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).
• 332 – Easement Vacation at 5322 Alta Bahia Court: Staff presented a vacation of a 14,698 sq ft slope easement that was no longer needed. Council President LaCava made findings that the easement serves no public purpose and benefits the city by reducing liability. Approved unanimously (7-0).
• 331 – Public Right-of-Way Vacation at 3407 E Street: Staff presented a vacation of an improved portion of 34th Street to connect Sunrise and E Streets with new pedestrian infrastructure. Councilmember Elo Rivera moved approval. Approved unanimously (7-0).

Key Outcomes

• Item S503 passed 6-0 (first reading; second reading scheduled).
• Item S501 passed 7-0 (first reading; second reading scheduled).
• Item 330: Three new commissioners appointed to the Commission on Police Practices; one at-large seat remains unfilled.
• Items 331 and 332 passed unanimously.
• Item 50 (ADU amendments) deferred; will be rescheduled when nine councilmembers are present.
• Next regular council meeting: Monday, July 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.