San Diego City Council Meeting - July 14, 2025

The San Diego City Council met on July 14, 2025, starting at 9:00 AM with an invocation, land acknowledgement, and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by closed session. The regular session reconvened at 2:00 PM. Key agenda items included receipt of the Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP) Round 6 grant application, declaring the City Operations Building (COB) surplus land, a vision presentation for the Civic Center, and an amendment to increase expenditure authority for waste cart contracts. The council also took public comment on non-agenda items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Closed Session Items: Caesar Hervier (with time ceded by Parita Javier) spoke on both closed session items, criticizing the city's handling of hazardous businesses and lack of transparency. Lori Saldania requested more detail on potential litigation and reminded the council of past liability payouts. A caller named Daiky also spoke on sidewalk safety and liability.
• Item 200 (HHAP 6 Grant): Andrea Ebbing opposed diversion funding, alleging some program partners are opioid distributors. Caesar Javier criticized corruption and called for more immediate action on homelessness. Joy Sanyata supported the joint application and highlighted a successful diversion pilot. Blair Beekman questioned whether diversion meant permanent housing. Lahela Maddox (RTFH COO) emphasized new state performance measures and offered to provide more information.
• Item S400 (Surplus Land Declaration for COB): Andrea Ebbing opposed, citing distrust of Mayor Gloria and past failed real estate deals. Caesar Javier argued the building could be maintained and criticized the process. Joy Sanyata supported the surplus declaration. Mary Davis suggested giving the parcel to the Kumeyaay Nation for development and warned about asbestos. Blair Beekman asked about Fire Station 1's future. Caller 7499 criticized the administration. Kathleen Lippitt argued the city misprioritized spending.
• Item 201 (Civic Center Vision): Corrine Wilson (MEA) supported third spaces and attracting city employees downtown. Dr. Denise Rogers highlighted Mesa College's world art collection and its potential for a downtown museum. Gregory Smith (San Diego Community College District Chancellor) supported an educational and cultural hub. Caesar Javier criticized the vision, arguing it ignores public safety and health. Joy Sanyata encouraged unity. Mai Nguyen (UCSD Design Lab) cited economic benefits of downtown investment. Lori Saldania emphasized education and engagement. Blair Beekman suggested temporary businesses to enliven the area. Caller 6004 expressed difficulty accessing shelters and lack of clean areas. John Brady called for more seating and bathrooms in public spaces.
• Item S401 (Trash Container Contract Amendment): Caesar Javier criticized governance and district representation. Joyce Sanyata praised the process. Blair Beekman urged more community input before final approval. Tasha Williamson called for composting education and support for low-income households. Lori Saldania questioned the large increase in contract expenditure.
• Non-Agenda Public Comment: Multiple speakers addressed youth substance abuse prevention, urging bans on flavored nicotine and marijuana products. Tasha Williamson alleged misconduct by SDPD officers and the city attorney's office. Callers Bob Kozuski and Ernie Castro protested restricted access and forced membership at Torrey Pines Glider Port.

Discussion Items

• Item 200: HHAP Round 6 Grant Application – Informational item. Staff presented a plan to allocate $25.8 million in state funding: $4.7 million for prevention/diversion (family reunification, safe parking, new diversion programs), $15.5 million for existing shelter operations (16th and Newton, Veterans Village, Rachel's Promise), $4 million for youth shelters, and $1.6 million for administration. The joint application with the county and RTFH is due August 29. The IBA noted risks from new performance measures and potential funding cliffs. Councilmembers questioned funding proportions and sustainability; staff responded that diversion funding increases throughput and that the city is preparing for reduced future state support.
• Item S400: Declare City Operations Building Surplus Land – Staff recommended declaring the COB surplus and waiving the city department circulation requirement. The property will be vacant by August except for Fire Station 1. The motion (by Whitburn, seconded by Ilo Rivera) included a condition to require the project labor agreement in the notice of availability (NOA). Councilmember Von Wilpert opposed because Fire Station 1 was not guaranteed, but after discussion she did not receive a second for her amendment. The city attorney clarified the PLA condition requires HCD approval. Councilmember Moreno opposed selling prime real estate. Motion passed 7-2 (Von Wilpert and Moreno opposed).
• Item 201: Building a Vision for San Diego Civic Center – Informational presentation by Downtown San Diego Partnership, Conrad Prebys Foundation, and U3 Advisors. The vision includes a cultural/education hub, 3,000 housing units, 3 acres of public plaza, and 3.7 million sq ft of mixed-use development, with an estimated $3.5 billion investment. Phase 1 would activate Golden Hall and create a museum/education space. Councilmembers expressed strong support, noted the need for a consolidated city administration building, and highlighted the opportunity to leverage philanthropy. The city attorney confirmed that the existing Civic Center parcels were already declared surplus; adding COB allows a unified redevelopment.
• Item S401: Fifth Amendment to Contract with RARIG Pacific for Waste Carts – Motion to increase contract not to exceed amount by $64.7 million to $103.5 million for new trash and recycling container rollout (part of the new solid waste management fee). The containers are financed over 10 years; staff noted that old containers will be recycled. Councilmember Ilo Rivera moved approval, seconded by Council President Lacava. Councilmember Von Wilpert opposed due to high cost. Motion passed 6-2 (Von Wilpert and one other opposed; note: vote tally reported as