San Diego City Council Meeting: Port Update, Dam Contracts, Alley Naming (March 2, 2026)
San Diego City Council Meeting: Port Update, Dam Contracts, Alley Naming (March 2, 2026)
The San Diego City Council met on Monday, March 2, 2026. The meeting began with an invocation and land acknowledgement before recessing into closed session. The council reconvened at 2:00 PM for the regular agenda. Items included the annual update from the Port of San Diego Commissioners, a presentation and vote on the city's dam safety program and design contracts, the naming of an alley in the Serra Mesa community, and non-agenda public comment. Council President Joe LaCava presided.
Port Commissioners Update (Item 200)
The annual update was presented by Port Commissioners Michael Zucchet (Vice Chair), Sid Voorakkara, and Danielle Moore.
Parks and Open Space:
- Freedom Park: A 10-acre veterans park under construction at Burnham Navy Pier, scheduled for completion by Veterans Day 2028.
- Cesar Chavez Park Improvements: A project in preliminary design adding a splash pad, lawn space, a perched beach, and shade structures. Construction is hoped for fall 2027.
- East Harbor Island Park: A proposed 10-acre park alongside a Top Golf and entertainment/restaurant district.
Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS):
- Raised approximately $250 million in state and federal funds over the last five years to electrify port operations.
- Achieved a 30% decrease in nitrogen oxides and a 46% decrease in diesel particulate matter from port-related activities in a five-year period.
- The 10th Avenue Marine Terminal is being electrified and powered by a solar microgrid.
Economic Development and Activation:
- Seaport San Diego: Mixed-use project under environmental review; completion anticipated later in 2026.
- 1220 Pacific Highway: Redevelopment of Navy office buildings to be presented to the Port Board on March 10, 2026.
- Harbor Drive 2.0: Modernization project to reduce emissions and improve safety; environmental analysis expected in fall 2026.
- Blue Economy Incubator: Added 13th startup (Lux Blue) for bioluminescent lighting.
Cruise Industry:
- The port rebounded to 107 cruise calls and 389,000 passengers in the current season, compared to 75 calls and 260,000 passengers in the 2024-2025 season.
- Cruise industry is expected to generate $157 million in economic impact this fiscal year.
Port Public Comment:
- John Stump expressed support for the port's environmental goals but requested strict carbon accounting for each activity.
- Andrea Ebbing supported the development plans and suggested exploring drone shows over fireworks for the Big Bay Boom.
- Joyce Yata thanked the port for its clean air strategy, military honors, and cruise port recognition.
- Hector urged the port to expedite the veterans park.
- Kathleen Lippett appreciated the park plans but expressed concern over commercializing Mission Bay Parkland.
Councilmember Q&A on Port:
- Councilmember Elo-Rivera inquired about the cruise rebound (attributed to local demand and the maritime team's engagement) and the status of the Pond 20 wetlands mitigation bank, which is navigating an interagency review process.
- Councilmember Moreno thanked the commissioners for their focus on Harbor Drive 2.0 and Cesar Chavez Park community outreach, and requested a future committee hearing on Pond 20.
- Councilmember Von Wolpert praised the port's sustainability leadership and raised the $400 million convention center maintenance backlog, requesting port partnership in leveraging Measure C funds. Commissioners agreed.
- Council President LaCava highlighted the port's recovery from COVID and its electrification leadership.
Dam Safety Program Update and Design Services Agreements (Items 201 & 202)
Staff from the Public Utilities Department (PUD) presented a joint update.
Dam Safety Context (Item 201 - Informational):
- PUD oversees 11 dams and 2 water tanks regulated by the California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD).
- Local reservoir water costs roughly $400 per acre-foot, compared to $2,600 for imported water.
- DSOD has water level restrictions on five reservoirs. The city team has grown to 110 members.
- Estimated $3 billion needed over coming decades for all improvements.
- The city has secured $1.7 million in grants and applied for ~$322 million in external funding.
Action Item (Item 202 - Vote):
- PUD proposed two 10-year as-needed dam design services agreements with HDR Engineering and Stantec Consulting, each up to $75 million.
- Needed for critical safety repairs at dams including Murray, Sutherland, and Lower Otay, and for risk reduction measures at the state-rated "unsatisfactory" Lake Hodges Dam.
Public Comment on Dam Safety:
- Rhonda Ferrar (Friends of Lake Hodges) stated the dam is in the worst condition of any in California and urged the council to expedite design and construction to meet a state-ordered 2029 deadline.
- Monique Lesher supported a new dam, calling the lake at 16% capacity an environmental tragedy.
- Steve Lisher highlighted cascading costs including property tax increases and insurance difficulties for nearby residents.
- Robert Dudley argued the 2025 Palisades and Altadena fires demonstrated an increased existential threat from wildfire.
- John Stump raised concerns about Chollas Lake Dam and stakeholder outreach.
- Kathleen Lippett criticized the city for deferred spending on water infrastructure.
Council Q&A on Dam Safety:
- Councilmember Whitburn confirmed contracts are as-needed. Staff stated that failing to act could prompt DSOD to mandate draining reservoirs, potentially increasing fire risk by removing a water source.
- Councilmember Campbell moved the staff recommendation.
- Councilmember Von Wolpert expressed frustration over timeline delays for Lake Hodges alternatives analysis (pushed to Dec 2026) and poor communication. She requested a legal opinion on the San Diego County Water Authority's refusal to pay 50% for a replacement. She seconded the motion based on commitments for improved engagement.
- Council President Pro Tem Lee supported the motion, noting council retains budget authority.
- Council President LaCava confirmed construction contracts will return to the council.
- Vote: The motion passed 7-1. Councilmember Foster voted no. Councilmember Campillo was absent.
Alley Name Change (Item 203)
- Presentation: Staff proposed naming a 0.4-mile alley in Cabrillo Heights (Serra Mesa) to "E Tai Way".
- Process: A petition from 85 property owners/tenants received 25 signatures (29% support), exceeding the minimum threshold but requiring a full council vote. The Serra Mesa Planning Group voted 6-0-1 in support.
- Public Comment: Residents spoke in favor, citing difficulty for emergency responders to find addresses.
- Costs: Street signs will be funded by the General Fund.
- Council Action: Councilmember Von Wolpert moved approval. Councilmember Campbell seconded. Council President LaCava expressed heartburn over the General Fund cost but noted the public safety benefit. The motion passed 8-0 (Campillo absent).
Non-Agenda Public Comment
- Christina Garibay Taylor requested street resurfacing for the 1000 block of Granger Street, noting it hasn't been repaved in over 30 years.
- Anthony Ralphs thanked the council for the Empty Homes Tax but expressed concern about Flock license plate readers, citing court documents revealing ICE data use targeting activists.
- Terry Ann Skelly cited a JAMA study linking adolescent cannabis use to serious mental health conditions, urging reduced visibility for marijuana promotions.
- Francine Maxwell called for community updates on the Community Police Partnership's attorney status.
- Madison raised concern over adolescent inhalant use (nitrous oxide), urging enforcement and retailer education.
- Andrea Ebbing shared a personal story of family court failures and alleged opioid dealers retaining contracts, urging accountability.
- Joyce Yata questioned the San Diego County Water Authority's cost-share obligations for Lake Hodges.
- Bob Kazuski criticized the city for using third-party services (Constant Contact, Highland Cloud) for official communications.
- Becky Rapp cited an MRI study showing heavy marijuana use reduced brain activity in 63% of young adults.
- John Stump criticized hidden subsidies for the Zoo and SeaWorld.
- Judy Strang cited a Kaiser study linking early cannabis use to later psychotic disorders.
- Barbara Gordon urged the city to address rising nicotine pouch (Zyn) use among youth.
Meeting Transcript
All right, good morning. I will now call the City Council meeting of Monday, March 2nd, 2026 to order. Clerk, please call the roll. Thank you, Council President. Councilmember Campbell. I'm here, thank you. Councilmember Whitburn. Councilmember Foster. Here. Councilmember Von Wolpert. Council President Pro Tem Lee. Here. Councilmember Campio. Councilmember Moreno. Present. Councilmember Elo Rivera. And Council President Lacava. Present. Also attending the meeting our city attorney Heather Ferber, independent budget analyst Charles Matica, and myself, your city clerk, Deanna Fuentes. All right, thank you, City Clerk. The 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 Foster. 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 Kumeay Nation are the original inhabitants of the unceded land now known as San Diego. Despite enduring the horrors of genocide and colonization, the Kumiyai 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 Kumiai Nation, connected to our past and committed to a thriving future. Please face the flag, hand over your heart and begin. For a maximum of three minutes if three or more items are on the agenda. If you'd like to speak to these items, please be sure to submit a speaker ship to the front of the room. If you're participating virtually, now's a time to raise your hand. I would want to be too cool. I would really like to know what it's called. I want you to know that I re-wrote and re-roll and re-roll my comment. Finally this morning I decided to get into my car. So I'll take it. Thank you so much for listening to the beautiful game. Thank you. That does conclude public comment on the closed session agenda. Thank you, Council President. Alright, thank you. With that, we will now recess into closed session and reconvene council today at 2 PM or shortly thereafter. And bring me life eternally. No time for more than got no time. No time for more. So I don't mind all my first inside. Just when I was low, feeling short of stable All the chin tins gives inside on the label Shees, she's a shame can she take before Can I be a friend? We'll forget the past for maybe I'm not able to break in the bend here and now Will we air because I have found all that shimmers in this world is shown to fade away to dream ship dreams horizontally white paper Lavender and cream builds up a flight reality escape says that's for rules of all the life I'm somewhere between never late now until I from a savior Shall I bring it up now will we ever be again all that shit and this world is short to fade away to the world too far out far out away to fire away to the fire makes you loud to five gotta be a so down I gotta be a soul down the stories getting old now yeah But I just looked in the mirror two things I'm looking so good I'm looking gonna fall in a soul gets Mr. Five Now you know Yes Mr.
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