OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

San Diego City Council Special Meeting - February 2, 2026: Proclamations, Audit, and ICE Resolution

City Council — Monday, February 2, 2026
BodySan Diego, California
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, February 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 4:24:58

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

For years, our laws have focused overwhelmingly on those being sold rather than those driving the demand.

0:07

This bill reflects a simple reality.

0:10

If we want to reduce exploitation, we must reduce demand.

0:14

Until this year, you could still buy a child under 18 for sex and face a misdemeanor, not a felony.

0:26

This law changes that.

0:29

And this bill is going to be instrumental at not only being able to take enforcement on the demand side, but also have the funding that's necessary for the supportive programs to help our youth, our young ladies that are involved in this trade and really an interesting bad position in life.

0:48

This law will be a game changer and will allow police and prosecutors to do our jobs of protecting the most vulnerable.

0:57

San Diego is not a place to traffic in children.

1:00

And if you do it, you're gonna have a police department that's gonna arrest you, and you're gonna have a DA that's gonna prosecute you.

1:05

Don't do it here.

1:48

We're standing above a fruit on a park that's above a freeway.

1:51

And that's not common.

1:52

It's one of the first places in California that that happened, and it was a direct result of community voice.

1:59

Having you all here to help with these kinds of tasks and to help make this park better by you all being here creates ownership.

2:08

And when you all feel like you own this park, you'll want to come back again and again and again.

2:15

You're gonna plant a seed, a seed today, a tree today, and you're gonna watch that grow over time, and your younger siblings are gonna be able to take shade under those trees.

2:24

Your kids one day will be able to have a picnic under those trees.

2:27

How beautiful is that.

2:28

So know that the work that you're doing today, it's not just about today and the way that the park will look better when you leave.

2:33

It's about the the the what we're we're planning for future generations.

2:48

So currently here at the Marimar Greenery, we separate any contaminants from our organic waste materials and compost through a screening process.

2:58

That removes most of the contamination and our end compost has less than one percent contamination by weight.

3:04

This process that we're piloting right now removes contaminants on the front end of that process, which then will result in a lower amount of contaminants at the end, which is a better compost product to put out in our community.

3:15

Organic materials when they go to the landfill create both methane and leachate, though, which then we have to control through environmental containment systems and can create air pollution as well as water pollution if not managed appropriately.

3:28

When we divert organic materials through composting programs like this and other programs around our region, we're able to reduce that amount of methane, capture a viable, reusable resource, and get it back out into the community.

3:42

Compost can replace chemical fertilizers, which then improve the overall environment that we all live in.

4:03

It also includes all of your food scraps.

4:06

So any vegetable, fruit, even your meat and bones, your bread, as well as food soiled paper products.

4:16

And when I say that, I mean think of a coffee filter with coffee grounds in it, or napkins or paper towels that have been used and soiled, all of that can go in your green bed.

4:39

So we do not allow plastic bags or compostable bags at our greenery composting processing facility.

4:58

We're here a lot these days.

5:00

There's a lot of good things going on down here in this community.

5:01

In fact, it was exactly two years ago today that we stood on this piece of land, what was then just a patch of dirt to break ground on this project.

5:09

Two years later, here we are to dedicate and add a hundred new units of affordable housing to our city's inventory of homes that everyday San Diegans can afford.

5:18

This is difficult work, and the fact that we have people who are passionate about this issue, myself included, is why we're making some progress, and hopefully people start to feel it in their pocketbooks.

5:28

This is a proud moment, not just for the community, but for the entire city because today we're opening up 100 new affordable homes for families.

5:37

This is how we address the housing crisis with action, but also with compassion.

5:42

And today this commitment stands right here in an embodiment at the IRIS.

5:47

The Iris is more than just a building.

5:50

It is a bold statement about our values.

5:52

This is not just housing.

5:54

This is thoughtful, sustainable, and connected development.

5:58

The county is dedicated to improving health outcomes, fostering stability, and opening doors for residents to thrive.

6:06

We're also making investments across the street at Howard Lane Park.

6:09

I think that's important.

6:10

When we ask communities to accept more homes in their community, it should not just benefit the new folks who arrive in the community.

6:16

It shouldn't just help the new folks, it should help the existing people who live in the community.

6:20

And that's exactly what we're going to do with Howard Lane Park so that they can all feel like their quality of life is being enriched by this new housing, which I believe that it does.

6:28

This truly is a great day in our city.

6:40

There we go.

6:42

And the future of the tens and thousands of students who call SDSU home during one of the most important chapters of their lives.

6:50

This is the first comprehensive plan update in more than 30 years.

6:55

And for me, the best thing about it is more options for future SDSU students to stay close to the campus.

7:01

What I heard was a community that wanted to elevate their community.

7:04

A safe community, a community with a high quality of life, a place filled with belonging where everyone has the opportunity to be where they want to be.

7:13

And a community that's up for everyone.

7:43

A road diet and a usable park will not only activate the corridor, but connect the various neighborhoods and communities of permanent residents and students that tend to be isolated.

7:57

From housing affordability to transit access, safe streets, welcoming public spaces, all directly affect whether or not students can focus on their learning, graduate on time, and build their futures right here in America's finest city.

8:17

This is smart growth.

8:18

It's growth that supports our city's climate goals, it supports our local small businesses, creates safer and more vibrant streets, and growth that reflects the reality of a major American university inside a top 10 American city.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety███████████████████████████27%
Immigration████████████████████20%
Public Comment██████████████14%
Police Oversight████████████12%
Homelessness███████7%
Procedural███████7%
Budget Equity Analysis███████7%
Parks and Recreation██2%
Affordable Housing█1%
Summary of Proceedings

San Diego City Council Special Meeting - February 2, 2026

The San Diego City Council held a special meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, called to order at approximately 10:00 a.m. The meeting included proclamations honoring retiring police command staff, approval of consent agenda items, a performance audit of fire rescue overtime, and a resolution opposing aggressive federal immigration enforcement tactics. The council heard extensive public testimony on multiple items and took votes accordingly.

Proclamations (Items 605–607)

  • The council recognized Deputy Chief Rudy Ty (35+ years), Assistant Chief Tina Williams (32 years), and Commander Matt Novak (31 years) for their dedicated service to the San Diego Police Department. Each addressed the council, expressing gratitude. Councilmembers praised their leadership, community engagement, and historic contributions (e.g., Deputy Chief Ty as highest-ranking AANHPI leader, Assistant Chief Williams as first female SWAT commander). The proclamations were approved 7–0 (Councilmembers Elo Rivera and Campillo absent).

Consent Calendar (Items 600–603 & 609)

  • Routine approvals included contracts, grants, and appointments. Notable:
    • Item 603: Reappointment of Suzanne Barco to the Horton Plaza Theatres Foundation board.
    • Item 609: Appointment of Sean Dixon (President & CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance) to the San Diego Convention Center Corporation Board. Councilmember Von Wilpert encouraged leveraging Measure C funds for a long-term infrastructure bond.
  • Public comment: One speaker expressed support for the consent agenda and congratulated a council member. A speaker opposed the Lexipol contract (item 600) urging scrutiny similar to the Flock surveillance system. Another speaker supported the convention center appointment and requested a resolution opposing ICE actions (addressed later).
  • Consent agenda passed unanimously (8–0, Council President Lacava absent).

Performance Audit of Fire Rescue Overtime (Item 604)

  • Presentation: The Office of the City Auditor presented findings from a performance audit of fire rescue overtime (FY2019–FY2024). Key findings:
    • Fire rescue consistently exceeded its overtime budget, totaling $71.6 million in overages over six years, of which $31.8 million impacted the general fund. In FY2025, a $17.7 million overage resulted in a $5.2 million general fund impact; FY2026 mid-year projects a $6.8 million overage ($5.3 million net general fund impact).
    • 83% of overages were driven by underestimated vacancies and leave. The department had not zero-based its overtime budget since FY2019.
    • Staffing projections: Fire rescue projected full staffing in two years with two academies; the auditor calculated seven years using historical attrition and graduation averages (52 new hires vs. 42 attrition per year, with 70 vacancies).
    • The relief pool calculation needs updates to account for all leave types and job classifications.
    • Six recommendations were made; fire rescue and the Department of Finance agreed to all.
  • Council Discussion: Councilmember Moreno questioned the department on staying within FY26 budget; fire rescue acknowledged a projected overage but cited efforts to reduce vacancies (e.g., graduating 36 recruits in December vs. projected 28). The department disagreed with the auditor’s seven-year staffing projection, stating they expect full staffing by mid-FY27. The auditor defended the calculation based on five-year averages. Councilmember Foster expressed concern about overtime impacts on the general fund and the need for policy transparency. Councilmember Von Wilpert requested restoration of the women’s fire prep academy (overtime for six officers six weekends a year), noting 27 women hired through the program.
  • Outcome: Informational item; no motion required. Recommendations are in progress.

Resolution Opposing Aggressive ICE Tactics (Item 608)

  • Introduction: Councilmember Von Wilpert, joined by Councilmembers Elo Rivera and Moreno, introduced a resolution opposing “unnecessary, aggressive, and excessive tactics” by federal immigration enforcement (ICE, CBP, DHS). The resolution cites specific incidents:
    • May 30, 2025: ICE raid at Votena Forchetta restaurant in South Park, using tactical vehicles and flashbangs, causing public panic and 911 calls.
    • December 2025: “Operation Metro Surge” in Minneapolis-St. Paul, leading to the fatal shootings of Renee Good (January 7, 2026) and Alex Pready (January 24, 2026).
    • Lawsuits by Minnesota, Illinois, and Chicago against DHS for unconstitutional actions.
  • The resolution expresses support for those lawsuits and authorizes the City Attorney to file or join amicus briefs.
  • Public Testimony: 114 e-comments in favor, 2 opposed, plus 27 virtual speakers. Most speakers supported the resolution but urged stronger, explicit language defining SDPD’s role in ICE encounters (e.g., no transport, traffic control, or assistance). Some called for ending Flock surveillance contracts, auditing the Otay Mesa detention facility, and prosecuting officers who use excessive force. A few opposed the resolution, advocating for aggressive deportation.
  • Council Debate: Councilmembers unanimously spoke in favor. Councilmember Elo Rivera noted the due process and safety ordinance (passed in fall 2025) is still in meet-and-confer but close to final approval. Councilmember Whitburn emphasized the need to oppose “immoral and unconstitutional” actions. Councilmember Campillo argued that federal administrative warrants are not equivalent to judicial warrants. Councilmember Foster called for clearer SDPD protocols to protect residents and noted that SDPD officers responding to 911 calls from ICE often lack full context, risking officer and public safety. Council President Pro Tem Lee acknowledged a sense of helplessness but stressed the need for collective action at all levels.
  • Outcome: The resolution passed 8–0 (Council President Lacava absent). The council authorized the City Attorney to join related litigation.

Non-Agenda Public Comment

  • Multiple speakers addressed various topics:
    • Criticisms of SDPD accountability, referencing settlements for in-custody deaths (e.g., Kanoa Wilson, $30 million payout).
    • Concerns about Flock license plate readers and surveillance.
    • Requests for substance abuse prevention policies (e.g., banning cannabis advertising on billboards).
    • Calls for prosecution of officers involved in misconduct (e.g., Officer Daniel Gold).
  • Speakers also highlighted Black History Month and urged the council to hold hearings on police accountability.

Key Outcomes

  • Proclamations for retiring police officers approved 7–0.
  • Consent agenda (including appointments) approved 8–0.
  • Fire rescue overtime audit received; all six recommendations accepted by the department, with implementation ongoing.
  • Resolution opposing aggressive ICE tactics passed 8–0, authorizing the City Attorney to support litigation in Minnesota and Illinois.
  • Due process and safety ordinance nearing final adoption (second reading pending).
  • Council directed to continue tracking costs of federal enforcement operations and to explore clearer SDPD protocols for ICE encounters.

The council adjourned at approximately 3:00 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting on February 9, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

For years, our laws have focused overwhelmingly on those being sold rather than those driving the demand. This bill reflects a simple reality. If we want to reduce exploitation, we must reduce demand. Until this year, you could still buy a child under 18 for sex and face a misdemeanor, not a felony. This law changes that. And this bill is going to be instrumental at not only being able to take enforcement on the demand side, but also have the funding that's necessary for the supportive programs to help our youth, our young ladies that are involved in this trade and really an interesting bad position in life. This law will be a game changer and will allow police and prosecutors to do our jobs of protecting the most vulnerable. San Diego is not a place to traffic in children. And if you do it, you're gonna have a police department that's gonna arrest you, and you're gonna have a DA that's gonna prosecute you. Don't do it here. We're standing above a fruit on a park that's above a freeway. And that's not common. It's one of the first places in California that that happened, and it was a direct result of community voice. Having you all here to help with these kinds of tasks and to help make this park better by you all being here creates ownership. And when you all feel like you own this park, you'll want to come back again and again and again. You're gonna plant a seed, a seed today, a tree today, and you're gonna watch that grow over time, and your younger siblings are gonna be able to take shade under those trees. Your kids one day will be able to have a picnic under those trees. How beautiful is that. So know that the work that you're doing today, it's not just about today and the way that the park will look better when you leave. It's about the the the what we're we're planning for future generations. So currently here at the Marimar Greenery, we separate any contaminants from our organic waste materials and compost through a screening process. That removes most of the contamination and our end compost has less than one percent contamination by weight. This process that we're piloting right now removes contaminants on the front end of that process, which then will result in a lower amount of contaminants at the end, which is a better compost product to put out in our community. Organic materials when they go to the landfill create both methane and leachate, though, which then we have to control through environmental containment systems and can create air pollution as well as water pollution if not managed appropriately. When we divert organic materials through composting programs like this and other programs around our region, we're able to reduce that amount of methane, capture a viable, reusable resource, and get it back out into the community. Compost can replace chemical fertilizers, which then improve the overall environment that we all live in. It also includes all of your food scraps. So any vegetable, fruit, even your meat and bones, your bread, as well as food soiled paper products. And when I say that, I mean think of a coffee filter with coffee grounds in it, or napkins or paper towels that have been used and soiled, all of that can go in your green bed. So we do not allow plastic bags or compostable bags at our greenery composting processing facility. We're here a lot these days. There's a lot of good things going on down here in this community. In fact, it was exactly two years ago today that we stood on this piece of land, what was then just a patch of dirt to break ground on this project. Two years later, here we are to dedicate and add a hundred new units of affordable housing to our city's inventory of homes that everyday San Diegans can afford. This is difficult work, and the fact that we have people who are passionate about this issue, myself included, is why we're making some progress, and hopefully people start to feel it in their pocketbooks. This is a proud moment, not just for the community, but for the entire city because today we're opening up 100 new affordable homes for families. This is how we address the housing crisis with action, but also with compassion. And today this commitment stands right here in an embodiment at the IRIS. The Iris is more than just a building. It is a bold statement about our values. This is not just housing. This is thoughtful, sustainable, and connected development. The county is dedicated to improving health outcomes, fostering stability, and opening doors for residents to thrive. We're also making investments across the street at Howard Lane Park. I think that's important. When we ask communities to accept more homes in their community, it should not just benefit the new folks who arrive in the community. It shouldn't just help the new folks, it should help the existing people who live in the community. And that's exactly what we're going to do with Howard Lane Park so that they can all feel like their quality of life is being enriched by this new housing, which I believe that it does. This truly is a great day in our city. There we go.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com