City Council Meeting Summary: October 28, 2025

The San Diego City Council convened on October 28, 2025, for a session dominated by proclamations honoring community leaders and a contentious debate over significant water and wastewater rate increases. The morning began with speeches from the Stonewall generation and the presentation of "Matt Vespy Day," "Evan Tando Day," "Mr. B Baby Guerrero Day," and a 70th-anniversary recognition for the San Diego Rescue Mission. A separate agenda item regarding the approval of the Child and Youth Plan Update was unanimously approved following extensive public support from advocacy groups. The afternoon session featured a heated discussion on proposed water rate adjustments, where the Council ultimately voted 5-4 to approve a two-year rate increase of 14.7% and 14.5% for water, rejecting the staff's original four-year recommendation of a 63% total increase.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Consent Agenda: Items including the appointment of Courtney Ruby to the Audit Committee Screening Committee, Dustin Dematteo to the Climate Advisory Board, Adrian Baker Kong to the Mobility Board, Layla Alcaji to the Youth Commission, and reappointments to the Mission Bay Park and Airport Advisory Committees were approved unanimously (7-0, with two members absent).
• Board Swearing-In: Staff administered oaths to newly appointed board and commission members.

Public Comments & Testimony

Proclamations & Matt Vespy Recognition

• Support: Mayor, Council members, family members (Richard Tando, Emily Tando, Nora Tando, Darlene Tando), and friends (John Heilman, Angela Cepola, Omet Sabet) expressed full support for honors recognizing Matt Vespy's 14 years of service as CFO, Evan Tando's community philanthropy (specifically the "AR Give Back" program donating a portion of transaction fees), Michelle Guerrero's cultural murals, and the San Diego Rescue Mission's 70-year history.
• Opposition/Concern: Councilmember Campbell expressed concern regarding the timing of honoring a CFO during severe city financial issues. Member Blair Beekman noted technical difficulties. Member Matt Bespee (remote) argued that proclaiming a CFO while the city faces debt issues is "confusing" and makes it seem "as though you know everything is great when you know the the city is is failing miserably." Member 7499 (Bob Kazuski) opposed the proclamation by alleging the city is a "sanctuary city" driving illegal immigration, which they claim drives up water usage and prices.

Child and Youth Plan Update

• Strong Support: Representatives from Youth Will, Promises to Kids, YMCA, San Diego Workforce Partnership, Our Time to Act, Center on Policy Initiatives, Tutris, San Diego for Every Child, and Children First Collective expressed full support for the plan, emphasizing its focus on equity, youth voice, workforce development, and the critical need to restore funding to the Office of Child and Youth Success (OCYS) which currently operates with reduced staff within the Library Department.
• Concerns & Opposition: Speaker "The Original" expressed extreme opposition, labeling the child welfare system a "child trafficking organization" and the "foster care industrial complex," alleging abuse at the Polinski Center and profiting off children. Speaker Peggy Walker and Becky Rapp opposed unaddressed marijuana risks (specifically high-THC products) linked to youth suicide and brain development, urging policy caps. Speaker "The Original" (again) and a Zoom user raised concerns about separation of families at the county level, contrasting it with the plan's goals.

Water and Wastewater Rate Adjustment

• Opposition to Increases:
  • San Diego Workers' Benefit Council (SDWBC): Representatives (Terry Altarelli, Madeline Haynes, Nika Morozova, Greg Montoya, Doug Kay) demanded "no more rate hikes," "stop corporate water subsidies," and nullification of bills for flood victims. They argued the city should cut corporate tax breaks rather than burden working families.
  • Concerned Citizens: Tim Douglas (ASME Local 127), Mike Fertal, and Michael Drennan spoke against delaying the increases due to the risk of staff layoffs and infrastructure failure. However, Bernie (District 1) and Mary Ann called for deeper cost reductions before raising rates.
  • Specific Accusations: Robert (via letter) claimed the increases were driven by cost overruns on the Pure Water project and a "200% markup" on water purchases. Dr. David Kennedy and Cheryl argued against fluoride additions, citing IQ risks.
  • Corporate Impact: Melanie Cohn (Biocom California) warned that increases would impact life science startups.
  • Policy Advocates: Blair Beekman urged greater transparency and accessibility with the Water Authority. Speaker "The Original" again linked water rates to "lithium mining" in the Imperial Valley. Speaker 7499 (Bob Kazuski) questioned if increased population and illegal immigration drive water usage.
• Support for Increases:
  • Necessity: Councilmembers Campbell, Whitburn, and Campillo supported the adjusted two-year plan to avoid a catastrophic fiscal spiral.
  • Technical Justification: Staff and IBA confirmed that a 5% increase would trigger default on bond covenants and require ~25% staff layoffs (approx. 500 employees), citing that the proposed 14.7% and 14.5% was the "lowest possible" after $360 million in internal savings. Michael Dwyer suggested street repaving changes to lower costs.

Discussion Items

• Matt Vespy Day: Council President Pro Tem Lee and the Mayor praised Matt Vespy for his leadership during fiscal challenges and the pandemic. Vespy thanked his team and family, acknowledging the challenge of municipal finance. Councilmembers Campbell, Moreno, Whitburn, and Foster echoed sentiments of gratitude for his service and transition to the Port of San Diego.
• Evan Tando Day: Family and friends highlighted Tando's charity work. Councilmember Whitburn noted Tando's "AR Give Back" program has contributed over $250,000 to nonprofits. Councilmember Moreno praised the program for ensuring business success benefits the community.
• Mr. B Baby Guerrero Day: Councilmember Moreno and Whitburn highlighted Guerrero's murals celebrating Mexican-American culture and border unity, specifically the "Our Culture Has No Bounds" mural on the East Bayard Bridge. Guerrero spoke on the transcendent nature of love and culture across borders.
• San Diego Rescue Mission (70th Anniversary): Council President Lacava and Mayor's staff praised the Mission's 70-year history of ending homelessness. CEO Don E. D. stated the Mission is a "community issue to address" and asked for collaboration with the city to open a new "lighthouse" shelter in El Cajon in 2026.
• Child and Youth Plan Update: Staff presented an update to the 2024 plan, re-framing it as a citywide strategy with an overarching goal of child success. They emphasized the Office of Child and Youth Success (OCYS) role in coordination rather than direct service. Councilmember Moreno questioned the implementation of Measure H (child care in parks), noting only 5-6 facilities are viable due to cost. Council President Pro Tem Lee expressed concern that consolidating OCYS into the Library Department without funding disconnects the plan from city-wide implementation.
• Water Rate Adjustment:
  • Staff/IBA Position: Presented the necessity of a two-year increase (14.7% in 2026, 14.5% in 2027) to avoid default and layoffs. They argued $360 million in savings had already been secured through resource utilization and project deferrals (67 million in CIP deferral).
  • Councilmember Whitburn: Proposed and moved to reject the 63% four-year plan, adopting the two-year adjustment instead. He requested the Mayor's office ensure the Independent Rates Oversight Committee is functional and directed City 10 representatives to cap future Water Authority rates.
  • Councilmember Moreno: Voted No. She argued the Water Authority must be more transparent about capital projects and reduce reliance on expensive desalination water ($3,200/acre foot vs. $984/acre foot for Metro).
  • Councilmember Von Wilpert: Voted No. She criticized the Water Authority for planning 150% rate hikes over the next decade and lacking a plan for federal/state intervention regarding the Colorado River. She also highlighted the impact on businesses.
  • Councilmember Foster: Voted No. Raised concerns about the lack of internal contractor efficiency improvements and the risk of deferred maintenance increasing long-term costs.
  • Councilmember Campbell, Campillo, Whitburn (initial supporter): Supported the motion. Campbell emphasized the risk of layoffs and water shutoffs if the bill isn't paid. Campillo emphasized fire safety risks and the need for funding infrastructure to protect lives and property.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamations Approved: Unanimously approved (7-0) with 2 members absent:
  • Matt Vespy Day (Nov 3, 2025)
  • Evan Tando Day (Oct 28, 2025)
  • Mr. B Baby Guerrero Day (Oct 29, 2025)
  • San Diego Rescue Mission 70th Anniversary Day (Nov 1, 2025)
• Child and Youth Plan Update: Approved unanimously (7-0). Councilmembers Campbell and Whitburn moved to adopt; Moreno seconded.
• Water Rate Adjustment (Item 331): Approved with an amendment to a two-year adjustment (14.7% in 2026, 14.5% in 2027) instead of the proposed four-year 63% increase. Vote Tally: 5 Yes, 4 No.
  • Yes Votes: Campbell, Campillo, Foster (initially no, but voted yes on amended motion? Correction: Foster voted No on the final tally. Re-evaluating the transcript: The transcript says "That passes five to four with Councilmember Moreno, Councilmember Lee, Councilmember Von Wilbert, and Councilmember Foster voting no." Wait, Foster said "I'm gonna have to remain a no on this item" but then the vote count says 5 yes. The text says "That passes five to four with Councilmember Moreno, Councilmember Lee, Councilmember Von Wilbert, and Councilmember Foster voting no." This implies Foster voted NO. The Yes votes were likely: Lee (seconded), Campbell, Campillo, Whitburn (moved), and Mayor/Lacava? No, Lacava is the President. The motion was made by Whitburn, seconded by Lacava. The vote count of 5-4 suggests: Whitburn, Campbell, Campillo, and likely La Cava and Lee voted Yes. Wait, Lee said "my opposition... remains unchanged." That implies Lee voted No. Let's re-read the text carefully.
  • Correction on Vote Count: The text explicitly states: "That passes five to four with Councilmember Moreno, Councilmember Lee, Councilmember Von Wilbert, and Councilmember Foster voting no." This means 3 members (Campbell, Campillo, Whitburn) + 2 others voted Yes. Who were the 2 others? La Cava is the Council President. The text says "Second by myself" referring to La Cava. So La Cava and Whitburn and Campbell and Campillo? That's 4. The 5th was likely a member not explicitly listed as voting "No" or "Yes" in the comments but present. Re-reading: "Councilmember Whitburn... will not support four years... motion to reject... adopt reduced two-year". "Councilmember Campbell... I am in support". "Councilmember Campillo... I have to vote yes". "Council President Pro Tem Lee... my opposition... remains unchanged". "Councilmember Moreno... will not be supporting". "Councilmember Von Wilpert... I'm not gonna support". "Councilmember Foster... I'm gonna have to remain a no".
  • Discrepancy Note: The transcript contains a potential error in the voting explanation or the count of "Yes" members. Lee, Moreno, Von Wilpert, and Foster explicitly stated they would vote No. That is 4 No votes. The text says the measure passes 5-4. Therefore, there must be 5 Yes votes. The speakers who explicitly said Yes are Whitburn, Campbell, and Campillo. La Cava (President) seconded the motion. Who is the 5th? It is possible Lee changed her vote or the text implies La Cava and Whitburn, Campbell, Campillo, and one other (perhaps a typo in the transcript regarding Lee or Foster). Based on the explicit text "That passes five to four with Councilmember Moreno, Councilmember Lee, Councilmember Von Wilbert, and Councilmember Foster voting no," we must accept the official tally of 5-4, meaning Lee and Foster voted No, and the other 5 members (including La Cava, Whitburn, Campbell, Campillo, and potentially one unrecorded vote or a retraction not fully detailed) voted Yes. Self-Correction during drafting: I will report the outcome as officially stated in the transcript (5-4) noting the specific objections of the 4 named members.

Directives and Next Steps:

• Independent Rates Oversight Committee: The Mayor's office and Public Utilities Department committed to ensuring this committee is functional and provides advice on utilities decisions.
• Water Authority Cap: The Council requested a resolution directing City 10 representatives to the San Diego County Water Authority to vote against rate hikes exceeding a Council-approved cap.
• Lease Revenue: The City is directed to pursue non-rate revenue through updating 100+ holdover leases and soliciting public/private ideas for revenue generation to create a ratepayer assistance fund.
• Flood Victim Bills: Staff agreed to investigate complaints regarding water bills for flood victims unable to live in their homes.
• Pure Water Update: The Public Utilities Department committed to providing updates on the East County Advanced Water Purification JPA in future reports.
• Contractor Pool: PUD committed to working with engineering directors to increase the pool of pipeline contractors to reduce bid costs.