San Diego City Council Meeting Summary - December 15, 2025
San Diego City Council Meeting Summary - December 15, 2025
The City Council convened for its regular session on December 15, 2025, marked by a solemn adjournment in memory of Brenda Jackson, a 45-year city employee. The meeting featured presentations on park improvements, a detailed fiscal outlook projecting significant structural deficits over the next five years, and an annual report from San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) that sparked extensive public debate regarding utility rates and corporate profits.
Consent Calendar
- Approvals: Council proceeded with closed session to discuss existing and anticipated litigation. The Council voted unanimously (9-0) in closed session to authorize the initiation of two litigations: City of San Diego versus 101 Ash LLC et al. and San Diego Police Officers Association versus City of San Diego (item 5) and Roll Day versus City of San Diego (item 6), with further action regarding other labor negotiator conferences.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Support for Site Safety: Blair Beekman expressed support for the thorough cleaning of asbestos issues in the 101 Ash LLC litigation and emphasized the need for non-police personnel in managerial positions to assist the Police Department.
- Opposition to SDG&E Relationship: John Stump expressed strong opposition to the city's current relationship with SDG&E, arguing that the company's exemption from lobbyist registration rules is problematic and criticizing the city for accepting outdated infrastructure. He also opposed the rate increases associated with SDG&E.
- Support for Budget Transparency: Don Hendon expressed support for the council's efforts during tough economic times and offered encouragement.
- Opposition to Contract Diversity: Bob Kazuski expressed strong opposition to the management of city property (Torrey Pines Gliderport) and criticized the NAPA cooperative contract for lack of diversity participation, stating the practices are "disgusting" and that the city is ignoring significant financial mismanagement.
- Opposition to Cannabis Tax Reliance: Peggy Walker and Kathleen Lippett expressed opposition to relying on cannabis tax revenue, arguing that the promised revenues have failed due to illegal market competition and that the industry causes significant health harms and fiscal problems, with Walker noting that ER admissions for cannabis-related disorders have jumped fourfold in other states.
- Support for Marijuana Regulation (Medical Access): James R. expressed support for the legalization and regulation of marijuana, arguing that criminalization increases crime and overdoses, and stating that accessible, safe marijuana is a godsend for veterans and families.
- Opposition to SDG&E Profit Model: Multiple speakers (Gail Villamonte, Serena Helka, Barbara Jaffe Rose, Phil Petrie, Anna Ramos, Craig D. Rose, Lisa Eiler, Christian Fuentes, Jessica Anderson, Simon Andres, Rita Clement, Omar Federico, Grace Rojas Jimenez, Barbara Pinto, Isaiah Glasso, Michelle Krug, Park Troutman, Mike Meaning, Blair Beekman) expressed opposition to SDG&E's corporate structure, citing record profits, exorbitant rates, and union-busting tactics. They strongly supported transitioning to public power and urged the Council to actively intervene at the CPUC and release public power studies. They expressed concern over the lack of transparency regarding "other pay" and the high cost of living.
- Opposition to Surveillance Tech: Blair Beekman expressed concerns about the public process regarding surveillance technology (ALPR) and advocated for reduced tech that maintains safety.
- Support for Cannabis Health Warnings: Francine Maxwell and Madison expressed support for stricter public health measures for cannabis, including clear labeling of THC potency and mandatory education for retail workers to protect youth.
- Opposition to Police Data Reporting: Francine Maxwell expressed opposition to the current lack of comprehensive reporting on hate crimes affecting BIPOC communities and questioned the city's handling of police interaction statistics.
Discussion Items
- Park Improvements: Council members highlighted the opening of Jared Beck Park, a nearly $8 million project secured with $4 million from Assemblymember Brian Mainshine. Council President Lacava noted that 93 new or improved park projects will be completed by the end of 2025.
- Budget Monitoring (FY26 Q1): The Department of Finance and the Office of the Independent Budget Analyst (IBA) presented the First Quarter Budget Monitoring Report. They projected a $22.9 million deficit in the General Fund, driven by $12.4 million in revenue shortfalls (sales tax, TOT, cannabis tax) and $10.5 million in expenditure overruns (public safety overtime). IBA Director Charles Modica noted that the General Fund reserve is projected to be $56 million below its target.
- Five-Year Financial Outlook (FY27-FY31): Staff and the IBA presented the Five-Year Financial Outlook, projecting a structural deficit that peaks at $139 million in FY2028. The outlook assumes no reserve contributions and highlights unfunded infrastructure needs exceeding $1.7 billion for streets and $4.1 billion for stormwater. The IBA recommended expenditure cuts as the primary method to close the deficit, as new revenue options are limited.
- Fleet Maintenance Contract (NAPA): The Council authorized a cooperative procurement contract with Genuine Parts Company (NAPA) for fleet parts and logistics. The contract has a not-to-exceed amount of $56.9 million. Councilmember Foster questioned the diversity and cost-benefit analysis, while Councilmember Von Wolpert raised concerns about the contract's relationship to high vehicle rental costs and the need for faster repairs to reduce reliance on rentals.
- SDG&E Rates Presentation: SDG&E presented its annual update, projecting a combined $4 increase in electric and gas delivery bills in January 2026, driven by lower usage forecasts and infrastructure upgrades. The company confirmed it is asking the CPUC for a higher than proposed profit rate on December 18th, which Councilmembers Rivera and Von Wolpert criticized, urging SDG&E to accept a lower profit rate given the company's record profits of $891 million in the prior year.
- Closed Session Litigation: The Council voted to initiate litigation against 101 Ash LLC, the San Diego Police Officers Association, and Roll Day to protect the city's legal interests.
Key Outcomes
- Litigation Authorization: The Council unanimously (9-0) authorized the initiation of two specific litigations in closed session.
- Budget Awareness: The Council received a stark advisory regarding the impending structural deficit, with the IBA urging the identification of essential services and potential program cuts to balance the FY27 budget.
- Contract Approval: NAPA was selected for the fleet maintenance contract after scoring highest in a competitive evaluation, a motion carried unanimously (8-0) with Councilmember Campillo absent.
- Legislative Focus: The Council is preparing to review a 2026 legislative platform, with ongoing discussions about intervening in CPUC rate cases and accelerating the study on public power alternatives.
- Memory of Brenda Jackson: The meeting concluded with an adjournment in memory of Brenda Jackson, honoring her life and service to the city.
Meeting Transcript
Eggert Senior South Bay Rec Center, Memorial Park, Colonel Solomon's San Isidro Community Activity. Another example of this office's commitment to investment in family friendly space. Welcome to the new Jared Beck Park. This park has been in the community since 1984. Its last improvement was in 1994. Specifically, what have we done? We have two children's play areas, new fitness equipment. Suffice to say altogether, this is a nearly eight million dollar project. We were able to navigate that thanks to a name that you're going to remember, Assemblymember Brian Mainshine. This would not have been possible if Brian didn't use uh his seat in the legislature to go and find his four million dollars in Sacramento and bring those dollars back to San Diego. We are excited to finally enjoy all the new amenities. These improvements restore Jarrabeg Park to full use. It's such a great gathering spot for our community. I wanted to tell you that this park has been special to Script Ranch since the day it opened. This is one of many great park improvements we have across the city. By the end of this year, we will have completed 93 new or improved park projects across the city of San Diego in just the last five years. And I hope that that's reflective of a city administration that knows that infrastructure is a priority, that quality of life is what makes us special and unique in San Diego, and that the city's priorities are correct to benefit residents and children, particularly. Three, two, one of the people who are not going to be able to do that. Thank you, Council President. Council Member Campbell, here. Councilmember Whitburn. Here. Councilmember Foster. Here. Council Member One Von Wolpert. Council President Pro Tem Lee. Councilmember Campillo. Here. Councilmember Moreno. President. Councilmember Elo Rivera. And Council President Lacava. Present. Also attending the meeting, our city attorney, Heather Ferber, independent budget analyst, Charles Modica, and myself, your city clerk, Deanna Fuentes. Thank you, Council President. Thank you, Madam Clerk. A quorum is now present. We will begin this morning with an invocation by Clerk Fuentes, followed with the land acknowledgement and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Von Wolber. Grant those who hold office in this city the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice, that with steadfast purpose, they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people. We respectfully acknowledge that the Kumiai Nation are the original inhabitants of the unceded land now known as San Diego. Despite enduring the horrors of genocide and colonization, the Kumei spirit remains unbroken. We honor the resilience of their ancestors who fought to protect their culture and land today. They carry their legacy forward, ensuring that their traditions continue to thrive in gratitude and strength. We stand with the Kumeayai Nation connected to our past and committed to a thriving future. Please turn and face the flag. I pledge allegiance to the fire of the United States of America and to the Republic for which is one nation under God. Madam Clerk, please go over how the public can offer their testimony. Thank you, Council President. I'd like to highlight the slide on the screen that reviews how the public can offer their public testimony during today's meeting. If you are in person, please complete a speaker slip looking at the entrance of chambers and bring it to the front of the room in the clear box.
openpublica.com