San Diego City Council Meeting - March 9, 2026

On Monday, March 9, 2026, the San Diego City Council convened at approximately 9:00 a.m. (with a recess into closed session and reconvening at 2:00 p.m.) to consider a closed session agenda, a climate action implementation plan update, a lease amendment with the San Diego Zoo, and an affordable housing loan agreement. The meeting was chaired by Council President Joe LaCava, with Council President Pro Tem Marni von Wilpert attending remotely due to family health care needs. All eight present council members were in attendance for votes; Councilmember Lee was absent.

Closed Session Items

• The council recessed into closed session to discuss five items: litigation and potential claims (CS1–CS5). Public comment was heard on the closed session agenda before the recess, including comments on the city's wastewater spill (CS4) and Proposition 218 concerns (CS3). No reportable actions were taken; the city attorney stated there was nothing to report.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Closed Session Public Comment (morning):

  • Blair Beekman thanked the council for providing explanations on the closed session items, particularly the significant exposure to litigation regarding the January 2023 wastewater spill (9.9 million gallons).
  • Susie (caller 8700) spoke on items 1–4, urging bicyclists and pedestrians to be their own safety advocates and expressing support for Proposition 218 as a public voice tool, but argued it is time to share the money to meet the city's budget needs.
  • A speaker (original) criticized the council for grouping consent and discussion items together, claiming it circumvents the will of the people. She also opposed Proposition 218 as unconstitutional and faulted the city for failing to maintain roads and for the wastewater spill.
  • Lori Saldaña spoke on CS3, CS4, and CS5. She noted ongoing problems with the city's bin delivery program, including out-of-state contractors. She described the January 2023 sewage spill as an early warning of infrastructure failures linked to sea level rise and urged the council to examine underground infrastructure shifts, as seen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • John Stump urged the council to review city policies on lease and use of city property, noting that several lawsuits could have been avoided if council policies on liability insurance, profit sharing, and capital improvement pre-approval had been followed.

• Item 200 – Climate Action Implementation Plan (afternoon):

  • Lori Saldaña (co-author of AB 32) criticized the lack of local solar generation on city buildings and noted that SDG&E profits are among the highest due to ratepayer costs. She questioned the absence of solar installation goals in the report.
  • John Stump asked the city to stop using visuals that focus on downtown CO2 and instead show city employee efforts. He urged reducing climate impacts at the city's airports and the zoo, and called for changing the SDG&E franchise.
  • Livia Wark Bowden (Coast Law Group, representing SURF) echoed the IBA's call for more transparency. She argued the city's 2025 annual report came late, fails to meet the settlement agreement, and that the 2030 and 2035 goals are unlikely to be met without more candid acknowledgment of shortcomings.
  • Blair Beekman connected closed session items to sea level rise concerns, urging the council to address sea level rise in the climate action plan and to learn from the San Francisco Bay Area's approach.
  • Joyce (caller 8700) thanked presenters and noted that “society” is key to meeting climate goals, acknowledging the difficulty of the work.
  • Bob Kazuski warned that the “panic” over climate change could train AI and youth to believe humanity needs to be exterminated.
  • Jay Powell appreciated the IBA comments and recommended that the city use its representative on San Diego Community Power to create local renewable microgrids, and asked whether the climate advisory board had reviewed the report.

• Item S400 – Zoo Lease Amendment:

  • Numerous speakers (mostly zoo volunteers) expressed strong support for the lease extension, citing the zoo's economic impact, conservation, education programs (e.g., free second-grade field trips), and community benefits. Speakers included Susie Tig, Jennifer Roy, Craig Sanders, Kelly Madden, Marsha Didier, Philip McMullen, Beverly McKinney, Rodolfo Serene, and Ed Fuller.
  • Opposition speakers (remote):
    • A caller (gambler) accused the council of threatening the zoo and questioned the need for a lease extension now.
    • John Stump urged the council to send the item back to committee, citing the lack of discussion about employee demographics, a lungworm infection risk, and the $2 billion value of the deal.
    • Shane Harris raised concerns about the length of the extension and whether the city is receiving fair value given budget challenges.
    • Lori Saldaña asked for more time to review economic details, and noted the zoo's large parking lot has not been covered with solar panels.
    • Joyce (caller 8700) requested updated EOC and workforce reports before approval, and argued the lease should be aligned with current labor and equity standards.
    • Bob Kazuski described a hypothetical scenario of negligence and retaliation, drawing a parallel to the Torrey Pines Glider Port lease.
    • Jay Powell asked for the item to be referred to the climate advisory board, noting the parking lot could be used for solar and rainwater capture.

• Item S401 – Affordable Housing Loan:

  • Joyce (caller 8700) praised the project for 94 affordable apartments, noted the per-unit subsidy of about $70,745, and expressed hope for tax credit award.
  • A caller (8813) accused the project of being part of a UN agenda to control people.
  • Andrea Ebbing expressed neutrality, but questioned the impact on trash fees and highlighted a city employee's high pay.
  • Lori Saldaña supported the project, but urged the city to enforce that all housing units (including short-term rentals) are used for permanent housing to close the housing gap.
  • John Stump asked whether the project is zero-emission (Zembop) and whether it includes subsidized parking, and urged that workers meet city wage standards.

Discussion Items

Item 200 – 2025 Status Update for the Climate Action Implementation Plan (Information Item)

• Staff Presentation (Kelly Stonko, Deputy Director; Andrew Martin, Chief Sustainability Officer):
  • The update uses best available data (2023 emissions) to evaluate progress toward the 2030 goal. Since 2019, emissions are down 19%, but a slight uptick occurred from 2022 to 2023 (3.5% above the linear path to 2030).
  • Over half of emissions come from vehicles; buildings account for 41%. The city has completed or underway 75% of the 190 actions, but many are continuous.
  • Major challenges: federal funding rollback, weakened clean car standards, court decisions favoring natural gas, and tight city budgets. Staff is seeking alternative funding sources.
  • Next steps: Annual progress report in spring 2026; begin CAP update with SANDAG grant.
• IBA Comments (Jordan Moore):
  • Acknowledged progress but noted the 2023 emissions increase. Recommended shortening the reporting window and better attributing emissions reductions to city actions vs. external factors (e.g., SDCP's renewable mix).
• Council Discussion:
  • Councilmember Ela Rivera (Environment Committee Chair) asked about barriers to building electrification (funding, court rulings, costs). Staff noted the Berkeley case and the need for alternative funding. She also asked about lessons for the next CAP update: prioritizing actions within city control and overlapping with highest emission sources.
  • Councilmember Whitburn highlighted transit-oriented housing (e.g., Skylined project in Rancho Bernardo).
  • Councilmember von Wilpert questioned why 2024 data is not yet available (staff cited delays in receiving data from other agencies). She expressed frustration with the lack of granularity in the report, especially on EV charger installations, Zenbop goals, and tree canopy. Staff agreed to provide a written report to committee.
  • Council President LaCava praised staff for integrating climate action across departments despite limited resources and federal headwinds. He emphasized the importance of the ESCO contract and the need for shorter reporting turnarounds.

Item S400 – Second Amendment to Lease Agreement with the Zoological Society of San Diego (Zoo)

• Staff Presentation (Casey Smith, Chief of Housing and Community Development):
  • The amendment extends the lease by 52 years (to 2078) for a total of 99 years. The zoo will pay an annual minimum of $3 million (with 3% escalator starting in 2030) and a 50-50 revenue split from parking (capped at $700,000/year, fixed). The $3 million can be reduced if the city eliminates paid parking in Balboa Park.
  • Community benefits: At least 250,000 complimentary daily admission tickets annually to nonprofits, schools, and children. New provisions include prevailing wage and the city's zero-emission building policy (Zembop).
  • The zoo's economic impact: 3.9 million visitors in 2024, $571 million in guest spending, $925 million total economic impact, 6,500 jobs.
• IBA Comments (Noah, not named in transcript but referenced):
  • Estimated net present value of the lease extension at $98.5 million (over 52 years). Noted risks: revenue dependent on parking policies, lease silent on dispute resolution, and the planned undergrounding of the parking lot for exhibit expansion. Offered three options: approve, send back for further negotiation, or reject.
• Council Discussion:
  • Councilmember Campbell made the motion to approve, citing the zoo's economic and community value.
  • Council President LaCava seconded, noting the $3 million will go into the Balboa Park Paid Parking Program Fund. He also noted that the zoo pays for its own water (unlike other park tenants).
  • Councilmember Moreno supported the motion, but expressed regret over paid parking and noted the zoo's free admission for second graders.
  • Councilmember von Wilpert praised the zoo's volunteers and the recent Elephant Valley opening. She questioned the use of council policy 700-10, arguing 700-04 (Balboa Park) should govern. She also urged the city to complete lease renewals for farmers in the San Pasqual Valley. She confirmed with staff that no appraisal was needed because no rent is charged. She noted the Teamsters represent zoo workers and that the collective bargaining agreement was approved. She supported the motion.
  • Councilmember Campillo asked about the Wounded Warrior program; zoo representative Adam Day confirmed they will work to minimize parking impacts for military members. Campillo supported the motion.
• Vote: Unanimous 8-0 (Lee absent).

Item S401 – Affordable Housing CDBG Loan Agreement with Community Revitalization Development Corporation (Promenade Apartments)

• Staff Presentation (Christine Marcella, Deputy Director, Economic Development Department):
  • The project will provide 94 affordable apartments (1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom) for families earning 30-70% of area median income, plus one manager's unit. Located in Uptown (Council District 3), a high-resource area and transit priority area. Total project cost $60.3 million; city loan of $6.65 million (CDBG) at 3% simple interest, 55-year term, with 55-year affordability covenants.
  • The developer expects to apply for tax credits in May 2026; construction could begin in Q4 2026 and last 26 months.
• Council Discussion:
  • Councilmember Whitburn (district representative) made the motion to approve, noting the project's proximity to transit, grocery, and schools.
  • Councilmember Campbell seconded, praising the building's design and cultural contribution.
  • Councilmember Ela Rivera highlighted the mix of bedrooms (33 one-bedroom, 33 two-bedroom, 28 three-bedroom) and noted the per-unit cost ($635,000) and per-bedroom cost ($326,000) are reasonable. She also acknowledged Councilmember Whitburn's commitment to housing.
  • Councilmember Campillo commended the project for being in a state-designated highest resource area, furthering fair housing. He noted that the developer received bonus points for this location under the Round 6 NOFA. He also noted the depth of affordability (30-70% AMI).
  • Council President LaCava added that the project includes rooftop solar, all-electric appliances, and exceeds Zembop standards (though Zembop does not apply to private projects). He clarified that the city is meeting its RHNA obligations for above-moderate housing and that the affordable units are needed. He supported the motion.
• Vote: Unanimous 8-0 (Lee absent).

Key Outcomes

• Closed Session: No reportable actions.
• Item 200 (Climate Action Plan): No motion required; information item only. Staff will provide a written report to committee on EV charger installations and other metrics.
• Item S400 (Zoo Lease): Approved 8-0. The second amendment to the lease (52-year extension) is executed, with annual payments of $3 million (escalating) and a 50-50 parking revenue split (capped). The zoo will provide free admission tickets and follow prevailing wage and Zembop requirements.
• Item S401 (Promenade Apartments): Approved 8-0. The city will execute a $6.65 million CDBG loan for the 94-unit affordable housing project.
• Non-Agenda Public Comment: Cut short due to loss of quorum; continued at the next meeting on March 10, 2026.