San Diego City Council Meeting, July 15, 2025: Proclamations, Appeals, and Development Approvals
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San Diego City Council Meeting, July 15, 2025
The San Diego City Council met on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in a full-day session that began at approximately 9:00 AM and concluded after 6:30 PM, with a noon recess from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The council considered a proclamation for Trans Family Support Services, a consent agenda with over 20 items, a resolution supporting state legislation to ban DIY machine guns, an appeal of a historic building designation, and a controversial housing development in the Encanto neighborhood. The meeting featured extensive public testimony, with over 50 speakers on the Clobber project alone.
Consent Calendar
- Approved unanimously (8-0) with Councilmember Von Wilpert absent. Councilmembers Foster and Ilo Rivera registered no votes on Item 53 (SDPD military equipment use procedures).
- Key items included:
- Item 52: Ordinance updating fire hazard severity zones, praised by councilmembers.
- Item 53: Ordinance adopting SDPD military equipment use procedures (two no votes).
- Item 54: Extension of marijuana storefront hours – opposed by multiple public speakers citing public health concerns and revenue shortfalls.
- Item 57: Second reading of grocery pricing transparency ordinance – supporters noted initial implementation.
- Item 100: Resolution supporting the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act (SB 684/AB 1243) – many youth speakers urged passage.
- Item 108: Acceptance of a cash donation from Price Philanthropies for aquatic services at City Heights Swim Center.
- Item 109: Reappointments to the San Diego City Employees Retirement System board.
- The council also approved Items 50, 55, 101–106, and S500 without debate.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Proclamation (Item 30): One speaker in chambers supported the Trans Family Support Services 10th anniversary proclamation.
- Consent Agenda: Multiple speakers addressed items 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 100, 101–106, and 109. Key positions:
- Support for Item 50 (SELA contract renewal), Item 52 (fire hazard maps), Item 100 (Polluters Pay) – youth from Youth V Oil and others.
- Opposition to Item 54 (extending marijuana hours) – speakers cited health risks, impaired driving, and unreliable tax revenue.
- Neutral on Item 57 (grocery pricing) – Cockford and Fields Convenience Alliance noted amendments addressed their concerns.
- Item 330 (Resolution supporting AB 1127): Five speakers, including representatives from Moms Demand Action and San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention, voiced strong support, citing the danger of Glock switches and a 2022 Sacramento mass shooting.
- Item 331 (Historic designation appeal): Three speakers in chambers: one (Scott Hedenkamp) supported the appeal, arguing the building was a non-contributing addition; one (Blair Beekman) urged compromise to save the building; one (Joyce Sanyata) supported the appeal for housing development. One virtual speaker (Janet O’Day) opposed the appeal.
- Item 332 (Clobber project): Over 50 speakers in chambers and several virtual. The vast majority opposed the project, citing:
- The illegitimacy of Footnote 7 (a now-repealed zoning provision that allowed smaller lots in low-resource communities).
- Environmental concerns (steep slopes, hillside development, loss of planned parkland).
- Lack of community engagement and transparency.
- Emails showing former Councilmember Monica Montgomery’s staff facilitated the project’s use of Footnote 7.
- Speaker Rob Campbell (Chair, Choice Valley Community Planning Group) presented a 15-minute presentation detailing 22 general plan and 27 community plan inconsistencies.
- Speaker Martha Abraham read emails suggesting the councilmember’s office actively promoted the project to developers.
- Four speakers submitted slips in favor but did not speak; 30 e-comments opposed.
Discussion Items
- Item 330 – Resolution in Support of AB 1127 (Stop the Spread of DIY Machine Guns): Councilmember Whitburn presented the resolution, which would ban the sale of pistols easily convertible to machine guns. All councilmembers expressed support, citing public safety. The resolution passed unanimously (8-0).
- Item 331 – Appeal of Historic Designation of the WC and Irene Everett Building (3093-3095 El Cajon Boulevard): The appellant argued the 1937 Streamline Moderne building was an addition to a 1922 residence, not a standalone structure, and that the Historic Resources Board (HRB) relied on factual errors. Staff recommended denial of the appeal. Councilmember Whitburn moved to grant the appeal, citing new information (maps showing internal access, city directory listings) and factual errors regarding the common wall. The council voted 8-0 (with Councilmember Moreno absent) to reverse the historic designation.
- Item 332 – Clobber Development Project (1362 Clobber Avenue, Encanto): The project proposed 23 single-family homes on a 5.66-acre site, relying on the repealed Footnote 7 to allow 5,000 sq. ft. lots. The project was deemed exempt from CEQA under Section 15183. The Choice Valley Planning Group voted 8-0 to deny.
- First Motion: Councilmember Foster moved to deny the project, citing adverse impacts from steep slopes (geologic study showing 30% slopes, 55-foot elevation change) and public safety concerns (fire access). The motion included written findings. After debate, the motion failed 2-7 (Councilmembers Campbell and Lee voted no).
- Second Motion: Councilmember Moreno moved to approve staff recommendations (adopt CEQA exemption, approve permits). Councilmember Ilo Rivera seconded. The council approved the motion, with Councilmember Campillo and Foster dissenting. The project will proceed.
Key Outcomes
- Proclamation: Adopted unanimously (8-0) for Trans Family Support Services’ 10th anniversary.
- Consent Agenda: Approved 8-0, with two no votes on Item 53 (SDPD military equipment use procedures).
- Item 330: Resolution supporting AB 1127 passed unanimously (8-0).
- Item 331: Appeal granted; historic designation reversed (8-0).
- Item 332: Project approved after a failed motion to deny. The council adopted the CEQA exemption and development permits. The vote was 7-2 (Campillo and Foster opposed).
- Next Meeting: The council will reconvene on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
Meeting Transcript
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