San Diego City Council Meeting - July 22, 2025

The San Diego City Council met on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, beginning at approximately 9:00 AM and continuing after a noon recess until late afternoon. The meeting covered a consent agenda, proclamations, public comments, and several major discussion items including an appeal of an environmental determination for a gas station expansion, approval of supplemental bonds for affordable housing, a housing authority report, and authorization for water revenue bonds. Key votes included adoption of amended ADU regulations (S501) with one dissenting vote, granting an appeal on the gas station project (8-1), and unanimous approvals of bond issuances.

Consent Calendar

• Item S501 – Bonus ADU Regulations: Approved 6-1 (Councilmember Moreno dissenting). The amendments include caps on the number of ADUs, restrictions on steep hillsides and high fire hazard zones, and encouragement of larger family-sized ADUs. Several speakers from the public expressed support (e.g., Jeff Heuter of Neighbors for Better San Diego) or opposition (e.g., Becca Batista, who argued the cap was insufficient and criticized the process).
• Item S502 – Food Contract for OLOT Safe Sleeping Site: Approved. Councilmember Campillo noted the contract is for one year with renewal options and urged monitoring of food safety after public complaints about food temperatures.
• Item S503/S504 – Lease Updates for Mission Bay Northeast Corner: Approved. Council President Lacava stated the extensions maintain low-cost accommodations and city revenue while setting the stage for wetland restoration per the De Anza Natural plan.
• Item S505 – SDSU One Water Learning Lab: Approved. The agreement allows SDSU to construct a water quality research laboratory on its Mission Valley campus.
• Item S506 – Quick Service Restaurant at Children’s Park: Approved.
• Item S507 – Resolution Supporting State Utility Affordability Bills: Approved 6-1 (Councilmember Moreno dissenting). The resolution backs a package of state bills to limit rate increases and increase transparency for SDG&E.
• Items 100-104 – Appointments and Reappointments to Boards and Commissions: Approved. Included appointments to the Citizens Equal Opportunity Commission, Parks and Recreation Board, Youth Commission, Commission on the Status of Women, and Senior Affairs Advisory Board.

Proclamations

• Item 32 – National Park and Recreation Month: Approved unanimously. Councilmembers highlighted the importance of parks, especially in underserved districts (4, 8, 9). Public speakers urged better park equity and funding for maintenance.
• Item S500 – Captain Robert A. Healy Jr. Day: Approved unanimously. Councilmember Moreno sponsored the proclamation honoring the outgoing commander of Naval Base San Diego for his community engagement and environmental leadership.
• Item 30 – Dr. Holly McClure Day: Approved unanimously. Recognized the retiring superintendent of Del Mar Union School District for her 16 years of service.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Consent Agenda: Over a dozen speakers addressed the ADU regulations (both support and opposition), the OLOT food contract (complaints about food safety), utility union concerns (Nate Fairman opposed the Wahab bill), and park needs.
• Non-Agenda Public Comment (Morning): Several speakers opposed the proposed changes to the Surf Cup Sports polo fields grant deed, arguing it would remove open space protections. Others spoke on SB 79 (state housing density bill), tobacco/vaping product regulation, and the need for more parkland in District 4.
• Item 332 (Gas Station Appeal): Speakers included neighbors who supported the project as a community improvement, and the appellant’s team (Jim Madaffer, Jeremy Ogle) who argued the driveways are previously conforming.
• Item 330/HA2 and Housing Authority: Speakers included Cesar Javier (who questioned the process) and Joyce Sanyata (who asked for better coordination among city bodies).
• Water Revenue Bonds: One speaker opposed the bond issuance as adding debt; another asked about subsidy possibilities.

Discussion Items

• Item 332 – Appeal of Environmental Determination for 1606 Market Street Gas Station: The Development Services Department (DSD) recommended denial, citing unresolved safety concerns about driveways on Market Street that violate the limited vehicle access overlay. Staff had issued a disapproval exemption under CEQA Section 15270. The appellant, the Brico family, argued the driveways are legally pre-existing and that the project (an 820 sq ft expansion with a drive-thru and new fuel types) should be allowed. Councilmember Whitburn moved to grant the appeal and direct staff to review other CEQA exemptions, emphasizing that the project itself was not being denied. Council President Lacava opposed, concerned about bypassing standard review. The motion passed 8-1.
• Item 330/HA2 – Supplemental Bond Authorization for Seabreeze Gardens Apartments: The Housing Commission requested approval of up to $7.5 million in supplemental tax-exempt bonds for the rehabilitation of 268 affordable units in Chollas Valley (District 4). The funds will cover unforeseen structural repairs, solar panels, and free internet/cable for residents. Councilmember Foster asked about the solar and internet scope. The motion carried unanimously.
• Housing Authority Report (HA1): Executive Director Lisa Jones updated on federal budget threats (House THUD bill better than expected but cuts HOME funds), the emergency housing voucher funding cliff (funding lasts until fall 2026, waivers requested), the opening of Presidio Palms (161 homes in 7 months), and the closure of the Rosecrans shelter. Councilmember Elo Rivera noted the lessons from fast hotel conversions and asked for earlier notice on funding constraints.
• Item 331/FA1 – Water Revenue Bonds 2025A: Staff presented the preliminary official statement for $251 million in senior water revenue bonds to refinance commercial paper. The bonds have an estimated average interest rate of 4.49%. Councilmember Moreno asked standard disclosure questions. The item was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• ADU Regulations (S501): Adopted 6-1 with Councilmember Moreno dissenting. The new rules cap bonus ADUs and restrict development in fire hazard zones.
• Gas Station Appeal (Item 332): Granted 8-1. The appeal of the CEQA disapproval exemption was upheld; staff will reconsider the environmental determination under other exemptions. Council President Lacava dissented.
• Seabreeze Gardens Bonds (330/HA2): Approved unanimously. Supplemental bond issuance of up to $7.5 million for affordable housing rehabilitation.
• Water Revenue Bonds (331/FA1): Approved unanimously. Authorization to issue $251 million in bonds for water system capital improvements.
• Proclamations: All three (Parks & Rec Month, Captain Healy Day, Dr. Holly McClure Day) approved unanimously.
• Housing Authority Minutes: Approved.
• Public Facilities Finance Authority Minutes: Approved.
• Meeting Adjourned: The council recessed at noon and reconvened at 2 PM, adjourning after trailing non-agenda public comment. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 28, 2025 at 10 AM.