City Council Meeting Summary for January 13, 2026

The City Council convened on January 13, 2026, following a closed session for labor negotiations and litigation discussions. The afternoon meeting focused on public utility financial outlooks, election logistics, and the removal of a Commission on Police Practices member, alongside public commentary on housing, policing, and local park governance.

Consent Calendar

• Amended Chapter 2, Article 7, Divisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the San Diego Municipal Code (election amendments) passed unanimously 8-0 (Councilmember Campillo absent).
• Calling a municipal primary and special election for June 2, 2026, to coincide with the statewide primary for City Council Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8 passed unanimously 8-0 (Councilmember Campillo absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councilmember Von Wilpert expressed deep concern regarding hate crimes, specifically citing the burning of Beth Israel Synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi, and the shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis. She stated she feels the administration is "lawless" and that ICE agents are operating without Fourth Amendment warrants, creating a "scary" environment.
• Blair Beekman expressed support for exploring new economic models beyond tax increases to fund services, specifically suggesting a property tax to support community practices. She hoped for options besides "taxing and cutting of services."
• Andrea Ebbing expressed support for driving revenue through community engagement and events, noting it is a "game changer" to offset costs. She acknowledged the challenge of a "broken down city" under the current leadership but urged community engagement.
• Kathleen Lippett expressed opposition to the current financial outlook, arguing the city is obligated to multi-year programs it cannot afford. She stated there is "too much corruption" in large programs without independent oversight.
• Bob Kazuski (during Item 203 public comment) expressed support for due process rights for Mr. Bayer, stating the "presumption of innocence must be maintained" and denying that the investigation was conducted improperly without full access to records.
• Francine Maxwell expressed support for Commissioner Bayer's independent oversight role, stating he has "the facts" and the community needs him. She criticized Councilmember Von Wolpert for allegedly inattention to the CPP issues prior to her congressional run.
• Tim Arnous expressed concern regarding overflowing garbage cans at beaches and supported launching community cleanup efforts.
• Ramses L expressed support for police reform, specifically calling for an explanation regarding Officer Dan Gold's continued employment despite a $30 million cost to the city, and urged prosecution of AI-generated revenge porn.
• Anthony Ralphs expressed opposition to the Flock surveillance system, stating Councilmembers Whitburn and Lacava were "naive" for supporting technology created by Peter Thiel, whom he described as a "fascist who has openly stated that he is against democracy."
• Becky Rapp expressed support for stricter marijuana advertising regulations, specifically calling for the prohibition of marijuana leaf symbols on billboards to align with public health goals for youth protection.
• Terry Ann Skelly expressed support for prohibiting public marijuana and tobacco smoking and vaping in public areas, noting other San Diego County cities have already adopted such ordinances.
• Madison expressed opposition to the commercialization of high-potency cannabis, citing Harvard Medical School research that commercializing intoxicants has led to rising addiction, poisonings, and traffic fatalities.
• Ernie Casco stated the current leaseholder at Tory Pines Gliderport is "dangerous" and acting illegally, calling for the implementation of a "recreational waiver" to resolve the dispute.

Discussion Items

Item 200: Public Utilities Five-Year Financial Outlook (FY 2027-2031)

• Staff Position: Lisa Salaya (PUD) and Adam Jones (PUD) presented a forecast indicating rising costs driven by the County Water Authority (CWA) price increases (47.7% over the period). They stated that due to cost constraints, the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) deferral is being extended, and the Rate Stabilization Fund (RSF) will be depleted by FY 2027.
• IBA Position: Jordan Moore (IBA) stated that the outlook indicates "significant strain" on the water system, with the debt service coverage ratio falling below advised levels. He reiterated that "a reliable supply that no one can afford is not actually reliable or in the public's interest" unless CWA addresses its contractual obligations.
• Councilmember Foster: Expressed concern that the city lacks a specific document detailing internal efficiencies and controls, stating the council needs to "lift the hood" on PUD operations beyond external CWA factors.
• Councilmember Elo Rivera: Expressed support for accelerating non-rate revenue efforts, specifically asking about the status of lease renewals in "holdover status" and potential revenue recovery.
• Councilwoman Von Wilpert: Expressed concern over the $1 billion Lake Hodges Dam issue, noting the County is no longer paying its 50% share. She stated she would push hard against charging for parking at recreation lakes.
• Councilmember Whitburn: Stated that "efficiencies at PUD efficiencies at the water authority" are necessary but pale in comparison to the cost of water, and the "ball is moving in the right direction" regarding CWA water sales negotiations.
• Council President Lacava: Noted that the IROC reform is being prioritized and that the IBA's report serves as a basis for future cost-of-service studies.

Item 2020: Municipal Elections

• Staff Position: Christina Hernandez (City Clerk) presented the costs for the June 2, 2026, consolidated election ($1.76 million) and logistics for candidate nomination starting February 4, 2026.

Item 203: Removal of Commissioner Alec Bayer (CPP)

• Staff Position: Vicky Joys (Council President's Office) recommended removal for cause, citing an EEO investigation that found sufficient evidence of discriminatory conduct creating an "intimidating and oppressive work environment" for staff.
• Commissioner Bayer Position: Denied the allegations "utterly and completely." He stated he was "deprived of due process" because he was locked out of the system and denied access to the allegations and evidence needed to mount a defense.
• Councilmember Campbell: Moved to remove Commissioner Bayer for cause based on the EEO report findings.
• Councilmember Von Wolpert: Expressed support for the staff's professionalism but emphasized the hostile environment created for female staff, noting the work environment has caused staff to be "weary" and "fearful." She stated, "it is a new low to be blamed as a woman for the unprofessional conduct of a man."
• Councilmember Foster: Expressed concern about the disconnect between paid employees and volunteer commissioners regarding due process rights and standards under the K2 policy, suggesting the need for clearer training.
• City Attorney: Stated that procedural due process was provided via notice and an opportunity to be heard, distinguishing the hearing from a full evidentiary court trial.

Key Outcomes

• Item 201 (Amendments): Passed unanimously 8-0 (Campillo absent).
• Item 202 (Election Call): Passed unanimously 8-0 (Campillo absent).
• Item 203 (Removal of Bayer): Passed unanimously 8-0 (Campillo absent) to remove Commissioner Alec Bayer from the Commission on Police Practices for cause.
• Directives: The Council President noted that the budget development process will be the opportunity to review PUD internal efficiencies and that an appointment for the new Executive Director of the CPP is expected in two weeks.
• Notes: A discrepancy exists between the transcript stating the meeting was for "Monday, January 12th, 2026" and the user prompt date of "January 13, 2026"; the summary title reflects the requested prompt date while the content reflects the transcript's stated date of January 12, 2026 (noting the transcript indicates a morning session for closed session and an afternoon reconvening, consistent with a Jan 12 meeting timeline).