San Diego City Council Meeting: Crime Briefing, Appeals, Speed Limits – March 16, 2026
San Diego City Council Meeting – March 16, 2026
The San Diego City Council convened on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. for a full-day meeting. The agenda included a crime briefing for 2025, an appeal of an environmental determination for a streetery at 710 Garnet Avenue, a speed management plan update, closed session items, and non-agenda public comment. The meeting was recessed into closed session in the morning and reconvened at 2:00 p.m. Technical difficulties affected virtual public comments during the closed session period.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Closed Session Items (CS1, CS2, CS3): Several callers spoke on flooding litigation, cybersecurity, and Brown Act issues. Blair Beekman urged cooperation on flood litigation and criticized the city's counter-suing. Another caller (presumably Joyce Sunyata) emphasized the need for transparency and care. A speaker (original DRA) echoed concerns about infrastructure and technology insecurity.
- Crime Briefing (Item 200): Multiple community members spoke in support of the police department's work. Pastor Sandoval, Robert Ontiveros, and others highlighted the role of credible messengers and gang prevention programs. Scott Chipman praised the chief but noted the 10% officer vacancy rate. Bob Kazuski shared an experience of being unable to report a crime. Virtual speakers included Catherine Douglas (support), Joy Sunyata (support), and others expressing mixed views on enforcement and tent city issues.
- Appeal of 710 Garnet Streetery (Item 202): Opponents (including condo residents, Crystal Pier Hotel owner) described decades of noise, safety issues, and parking loss. Supporters (including business owners, patrons, and community groups) cited the bar's community contributions, compliance with noise regulations, and the streetery's economic benefits. Blair Beekman urged a cooperative approach. The appellant (Scott Chipman) argued the CEQA exemption did not apply due to unusual circumstances and cumulative impacts.
- Speed Management Plan (Item 201): Nearly all speakers supported the plan. Aria Grossman (Circulate San Diego), Ian Hembry (Bike Coalition), and others emphasized that lower speeds save lives. Some asked for additional infrastructure and enforcement. One speaker opposed, arguing enforcement alone is needed.
- Non-Agenda Public Comment: Topics included flock cameras, pension issues, glider port management, cannabis regulation, behavioral health, and diversity in SDPD. Several speakers criticized council members' conduct.
Discussion Items
- Item 200 – City of San Diego Crime Briefing 2025: Chief Scott Wall and crime analyst Jordan Penckhauser presented. Key statistics: overall crime down 6.3% (fourth consecutive year), homicides down 25% (lowest since 1968), vehicle thefts down 22%, hate crimes down 32%, nonfatal shootings down 63% since 2021. Clearance rates near 49% for crimes against persons (above national average). Councilmembers thanked staff and asked about training, overtime reduction, technology (ALPRs), prostitution enforcement, and hate crime data. Councilmember Campillo requested future data on case outcomes. Councilmember Von Wolpert emphasized privacy and transparency. No motion was required.
- Item 202 – Appeal of Environmental Determination for 710 Garnet Avenue Streetery: The appellant (Scott Chipman, representing neighbors) argued the CEQA categorical exemption (infill) did not apply due to unusual circumstances (noise complaints, mediation history), cumulative impacts, and coastal access. The applicant (Scott Slaga, owner of 710 Beach Club) defended the project, citing 36 years of operation, noise mitigation investments, and community work. Staff recommended denying the appeal, noting the appeal form lacked supporting evidence. Council President LaCava moved to grant the appeal, citing substantial evidence of unusual circumstances and cumulative impacts not addressed. The motion passed 8–1 (Councilmember Campillo opposed). The project will require further CEQA analysis and permitting.
- Item 201 – Speed Management Plan / Vision Zero Update: Staff presented the plan to reduce speed limits on approximately 680 miles (20% of the network) using AB 43 authorities. Categories include safety corridors, pedestrian/bicycle generators, business activity districts, and school zones (15 mph when children present). Implementation requires $2.4 million in FY27 for 3,000 new signs. Councilmembers supported the plan, emphasizing school zone prioritization, enforcement, and pairing with infrastructure improvements. Councilmember Whitburn moved to adopt the staff recommendation; seconded by Councilmember Campillo. The motion passed unanimously 8–0 (Councilmember Moreno absent).
Key Outcomes
- Vote on Item 202 (Appeal): Motion to grant the appeal and set aside the environmental determination passed 8–1. The project will undergo a new CEQA review and must obtain additional permits.
- Vote on Item 201 (Speed Management): Motion to adopt the staff recommendation (approve the speed management plan) passed 8–0. The plan will be implemented in FY27 contingent on budget approval.
- Closed Session: No reportable actions.
- Next Meeting: The council adjourned to Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Meeting Transcript
Very deeply that because we did that, it was a catalyst for San Diego being chosen to be the unveiling of lawriders. I would like to acknowledge a few people, some who are here, some who are not here, but I think they're instrumental in the development of lawrider here in San Diego. For example, Richie Burgos from the Latin Lawriders. Landlord as being one of the pioneers, probably the oldest lawrider car club here in San Diego. In our research, we found that there were other car clubs prior to the land of lawriders. But we gotta think in terms that most of those clubs were mixed. Mixed meaning it was a mixture of lawriders, customs, hard rocks, and so forth. Just the fact that in the 50s and 60s, the fact that you had a car, you were already cool. But the evolution of law riding that started developing, particularly in the 60s here in the late 60s, the land lawriders was a pioneer club that actually brought it to light. Some of those pioneers are here with us. I know Victor Perez is here from Land Lawyers. Our recognition and respects to that. Some that are not are people from Brown Image. One very special person that I like to acknowledge is Teddy, Teddy Egypto, who was actually the founder of Brown Image Car Club, the first president, and also the developer of the plaque. He designed that plaque for Brown Image back in 1969, 1970, somewhere in that arena. Once again, our compliments to those folks. Other folks that are not here with us, unfortunately. Chacho Amesqua from the classics also was instrumental, at least for us in the SAPA, uh, was an icon. And the names goes on and on. Few people though, few people, a handful of people that I could say in my 50-something years of being a lawrider as somebody that has never left. There's many people that were active in the 70s, they disappeared for 34 years, then they come back. And that's finally we welcome with open arms. But there's very few people that have stood that have been consistent throughout the years. Some of those folks, some of our here, some are not. I know that I wish Massa was here. Steve Wade Massa, he's here was a he's been a consistent uh lawrider for more than 50 years. He's in the hospital right now with Wishamara Love and his recruit operation for health. Uh David Aguilar, I know he's around here someplace. He's been consistent. He's another consistent person that has been here, never left, always was here. And the names could go on and on. I apologize for not mentioning everybody. I would like to acknowledge every single lowrider that brought their cars here today. For me to name them, we'll be here all night, but there were they are 22. Now actually 20 because two didn't make it, unfortunately. Two cars didn't make it, the cars were coming from out of town, and we have programmed 22 cars to be here, but we got 20. To all those 20 people, thank you. Thank you for being here. Thank you for supporting. In the lawriders, I still todavía. Aquí estamos y no nos vamos. Gracias. I hope you enjoy this privilege, it's honored to be recognized at this level by the United Postal Service. And behalf of all the lawriders here in San Diego and throughout the world, muchas gracias. Now you're here for something truly special. These are students who are remarkable. They've done a couple events for me for the community. And there are you can hire them for Kitcheneras, weddings, divorce parties. I'm kidding. All right.
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