San Diego City Council Meeting on Mayor's 2026 State of the City Address, January 16, 2026

The San Diego City Council convened at 12:15 p.m. on January 16, 2026, with Council President Lacava presiding. Councilmembers present included Campbell, Foster, Von Wilpert, Lee, Campillo, Moreno, and Elo Rivera. Also attending were Assistant City Attorney Leslie Fitzgerald, Independent Budget Analyst Charles Monica, and City Clerk Deanna Fuentes. The purpose of the meeting was to take public comment on Mayor Todd Gloria's 2026 State of the City address. The council recessed at 3 p.m. for the mayor's address.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jean Wong (in-person) condemned ICE brutality, citing the killing of Renee Good and others. She called for clear policy directives and accountability, stating that families are being torn apart and residents are terrified.
• Michael Rios (in-person) continued the theme, noting 35 deaths in federal detention in one year. He criticized the mayor for not meeting with impacted communities and demanded policy protections before Monday.
• Michelle Puma Thurman Bernard (in-person) thanked the mayor's office for help with foster care and social security, and reported improved circumstances.
• Catherine Douglas (in-person) criticized the city's $105 million budget deficit, the failed sales tax increase due to lack of trust, poor infrastructure, flooding, diminished library hours, and a 470% increase in middle management compared to a 23-times faster growth than frontline workers, with declining core services.
• Bob Kazuski (in-person) asked the mayor about deaths at the Torrey Pines Gliderport and the expired lease, demanding a plan.
• Nancy Francis (in-person, District 3) demanded action to protect the community from ICE, referencing a shooting and stating that "words are not enough."
• Grace Rojas Jimenez (in-person, ACCE) advocated for AB 1157 (5% rent control), cited a housing crisis, and opposed genocide funding. She linked ICE tactics to Israeli occupation forces.
• Simon Andres (in-person, District 4, ACCE) asked the mayor to denounce ICE brutality and address protection efforts for residents.
• Virtual speaker 2899 (remote) opposed sanctuary policies, citing victims of "collateral damage" from SB 54, and called for an illegal immigrant defense fund to protect victims.
• Virtual speaker (Henry?) (remote) called for rapid deportation of all undocumented immigrants, suggesting it would lower rent, and proposed calling in the National Guard or Marine Corps to back up ICE agents.
• Blair Beekman (remote) praised the ADU ordinance as a good example of public participation, suggested a $2–5 fee instead of $5–10, and called for ending the Flock automated license plate reader program in 2026.
• Sandra Ebbing (remote) criticized the district attorney for allegedly using her husband (a federal judge) to issue warrants for undocumented immigrants, and accused the mayor and council members of begging for Afghan refugees.
• Nancy (remote, San Diego Families for Justice) called for protection of immigrant neighbors, especially Somali neighbors, and condemned SPD cooperation with ICE. She also opposed homeless sweeps and urged shutting down Flock.
• Ernie Casco (remote, senior resident pilot, Torrey Pines Gliderport) alleged that the leaseholder blocked him out under threat of violence, forced illegal contracts, and violated constitutional rights. He demanded immediate action from the council.

Additionally, the city clerk reported that 9 web comments were received in opposition to the state of the city address and 1 in favor. These were distributed to the council.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes or decisions were taken during the public comment session.
• The council recessed at 3 p.m. to reconvene for Mayor Todd Gloria's 2026 State of the City address in council chambers.