San Diego City Council Meeting – April 21, 2026

The San Diego City Council convened on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (reconvening after a noon recess at 2:00 p.m.) to consider a full agenda including multiple proclamations, consent calendar items, and several quasi‑judicial and legislative actions. Key decisions included renaming Cesar Chavez Day to Farm Workers’ Day, renaming Cesar E. Chavez Parkway to Chicano Park Boulevard, approval of a gas station project at 1606 Market Street, a right‑of‑way vacation on Harvey Milk Street, and adoption of the FY2027 HUD Annual Action Plan. All votes were 9‑0 on consent and most contested items, with specific recusals noted.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• Denim Day (April 29, 2026): Councilmember Campbell and colleagues recognized Denim Day to stand with survivors of sexual assault and reject victim‑blaming. The San Diego Family Justice Center was commended for its work.
• Dining Out for Life 20th Anniversary (April 23, 2026): Councilmember Campbell, joined by Councilmembers Whitburn and Von Wilpert, proclaimed the day in support of the San Diego LGBT Community Center’s HIV/AIDS services. Testimony noted the event’s impact on prevention and care.
• Chinese School of San Diego 100th Anniversary: Council President Pro Tem Lee and Councilmember Lacava presented a proclamation honoring the school’s century of cultural and language education. Several speakers, including Sally Wong Avery, highlighted the school’s role in preserving heritage.
• Sally Wong Avery Day (April 21, 2026): Council President Pro Tem Lee and Councilmember Lacava recognized Sally Wong Avery for decades of leadership, pro bono legal work, and contributions to Chinese‑American institutions.
• Walden Family Services 50th Anniversary: Councilmember Campillo and Council President Lacava proclaimed April 30, 2026 as Walden Family Services 50th Anniversary Day, noting the organization’s foster care and homelessness prevention programs.
• Linda Vista Multicultural Fair & Parade 41st Anniversary: Councilmember Campillo recognized the event, which started in 1985 to welcome migrant neighbors.
• National Fentanyl Awareness Day: Councilmembers Von Wilpert and Campillo proclaimed the day, emphasizing that fentanyl remains the leading cause of overdose deaths in San Diego County and highlighting that prevention efforts are bending the trend.
• One San Diego Day (May 12, 2026): Councilmember Campillo recognized the Burnham Center for Community Advancement’s coalition promoting regional collaboration.
• Darrell Malone Memorial Poker Run Day: Councilmember Von Wilpert honored American Legion Riders Chapter 365 and their annual fundraiser for veterans.
• Angel Castro Day: Councilmember Campbell and others paid tribute to Angel Castro, a parks and recreation employee who served 45 years and recently passed away.
• Mr. Enrique Lopez Day (April 21, 2026): Councilmember Moreno recognized Mr. Lopez’s 70th birthday and his contributions as a baker and community supporter.
• San Diego Council on Literacy Day (May 1, 2026): Council President Lacava proclaimed the day, noting youth literacy rates ranging from 22% to 91% in San Diego and the council’s distribution of over 500,000 new books.
• Resolution Approving Proclamations: Moved by Councilmember Moreno, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, and passed unanimously (9‑0).

Consent Calendar

• Items 50–57, 100–108, S505, S507, S508 were approved unanimously (9‑0). Items 106 and 107 were pulled and heard separately. Public comment from Blair Beekman, Stephen Prescott, Tony, John Stump, and Bob Kazuski addressed topics including floating restrooms, equity reports, contracting, and pension oversight.
• Item 106 & 107 (Airport Authority related): Councilmember Von Wilpert recused due to her service on the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Both items passed unanimously 8‑0 with Von Wilpert recused.

Discussion Items

Item 330 – Renaming Cesar Chavez Day to Farm Workers’ Day (Ordinance)

• Presentation: Deputy Director Lucero Maganda presented the mayor’s proposal to rename March 31 from Cesar Chavez Day to Farm Workers’ Day, following troubling allegations against Cesar Chavez reported by the New York Times. The change aligns with state Assembly Bill 2156 (signed March 26, 2026).
• Public Testimony: Blair Beekman supported the change, citing a learning process. Tony and others also expressed support, noting the local history of Chicano Park.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Moreno moved approval, stating the movement belongs to the farm workers, not one individual. Councilmember Campillo seconded, stressing the ongoing struggle of farm workers. Councilmember Ila Rivera emphasized accountability and the multiracial nature of the farmworker movement. Council President Lacava noted the connection to Denim Day’s theme of standing with survivors.
• Vote: Passed unanimously (9‑0).

Item S510 – Renaming Cesar E. Chavez Parkway to Chicano Park Boulevard

• Presentation: Lucero Maganda presented the ordinance to rename the 0.8‑mile stretch from Commercial Street to Crosby Road as Chicano Park Boulevard. Outreach included meetings with the Chicano Park Steering Committee, Barrio Logan Association, and Barrio Logan Planning Group (unanimous support).
• Public Testimony: Multiple speakers – including Donacina Sanchez (daughter of community leaders), Sylvia Enriquez, and members of the Chicano Federation – urged approval, describing Chicano Park as a globally recognized cultural landmark. Petitions with door‑to‑door signatures were noted.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Moreno moved approval, calling Chicano Park “sacred land.” Councilmember Campillo seconded. Councilmember Ila Rivera praised the city’s defiance of federal intimidation and the community’s decades‑long movement. Updated signs are expected by mid‑June, with Caltrans coordination for freeway signs later in fall.
• Vote: Passed unanimously (9‑0).

Item 333 – 1606 Market Street Gas Station (Planned Development Permit)

• Presentation: James Alexander and Kelly Rasmus from Development Services presented a gas station expansion at 1606 Market Street in East Village. After an earlier environmental appeal (July 22, 2025), staff and applicant resolved driveway issues. The project reduces total driveway length by 66 feet, adds sidewalks, relocates a bus stop, and upgrades public right‑of‑way. Deviations from curb‑cut standards are substantial but represent an improvement over existing conditions. Staff recommended approval if findings are made.
• Applicant Statement: Robin Madaffer thanked staff for collaborative work and requested approval.
• Public Testimony: Blair Beekman expressed concerns about pedestrian safety and suggested reducing the number of gas pumps. Another speaker (Hector) urged the city to refund permit fees and send city vehicles to the station.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Whitburn moved approval, emphasizing the project improves the site and reduces curb cuts. Councilmember Campbell seconded. Council President Lacava voiced opposition to drive‑throughs and noted the Downtown Community Planning Group had recommended denial; he found the deviations inconsistent with pedestrian‑oriented goals. Councilmember Ila Rivera also opposed, citing pedestrian safety and climate goals.
• Vote: Passed 7‑2 (Council President Lacava and Councilmember Ila Rivera voting no).

Item 332 – Public Right‑of‑Way Vacation for a Portion of Harvey Milk Street

• Presentation: Jose Bautista presented a proposal to vacate an 11‑foot‑wide, 100‑foot‑long strip of Harvey Milk Street in Hillcrest, adjacent to 3912 Center Street. The strip was never used for public purposes; the vacation does not affect sidewalks, parking, or traffic. The Uptown Community Planning Group recommended approval (7‑4‑1). Staff recommended approval.
• Public Testimony: Blair Beekman offered brief support, noting the street name’s importance.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Whitburn moved approval, noting the city sheds maintenance liability. Councilmember Campbell seconded. Councilmember Von Wilpert recused due to campaign contributions from a party to the vacation (over $500 under the Levine Act).
• Vote: Passed 8‑0 (Von Wilpert recused).

Item S511 – FY2027 Annual Action Plan for HUD Programs

• Presentation: Melissa Villapondo and Nadine Hassoon from the Economic Development Department presented the FY2027 Annual Action Plan, covering CDBG ($13.8M), HOME ($31.5M), and ESG ($969,322) allocations. CDBG funds will support economic development ($2.3M to 11 organizations), nonprofit capital improvements ($2.3M to 4 organizations), and public services ($1.26M to 8 organizations). HOME funds ($30M) support rental housing production and first‑time homebuyer assistance. ESG funds support shelter and homelessness prevention. Allocations are slightly decreased (2‑3%) from last year. The public comment period runs through May 7, 2026; submission to HUD by May 15.
• Public Testimony: Speakers Vanessa Ruiz (Promises to Kids), Blair Beekman, Hassan Abdurhman (Somali Family Service), Tony, and Joy Sanyata urged support, emphasizing the programs’ role in serving low‑income communities.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Campillo moved approval, noting the committee’s unanimous support. Councilmember Ila Rivera requested earlier council input in future cycles. Councilmember Foster asked about technical assistance for unsuccessful applicants; staff confirmed one‑on‑one debriefs and a cure period for missing documents. Council President Lacava noted the city’s strong affordable housing work despite funding challenges.
• Vote: Passed unanimously (9‑0).

Items 331 & FA1 – Sewer Revenue Bonds 2026 Series A and B and PFFA Authorization

• Presentation: Yoti Pantlu, Kevin Werner, and Deputy City Attorney David Powell presented the preliminary official statement for $226M in new money bonds (Series A) at 4.43% true interest cost, and $30M in short‑term Series B bonds for liquidity. Refunding of 2015 and 2016A bonds will yield net present value savings of ~11% (about $3M annually through 2039). Ratings: AA from S&P, AA with negative outlook from Fitch (due to increasing capital needs). Underwriters syndicate includes Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Academy Securities, and Siebert Williams Shank. The bonds are expected to close May 27, 2026.
• Public Testimony: Blair Beekman linked cybersecurity to bond value; Joy Sanyata raised concerns about the CIP gap.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Moreno posed standard disclosure questions (all answered affirmatively), then moved approval. Councilmember Campbell seconded. Councilmember Von Wilpert confirmed the sewer debt ratios are separate from general fund debt.
• Vote on Item 331 (City Council): Passed unanimously (9‑0).
• Vote on FA1 (PFFA): Passed unanimously (9‑0).

Key Outcomes

• Renaming Cesar Chavez Day to Farm Workers’ Day – Ordinance approved unanimously.
• Renaming Cesar E. Chavez Parkway to Chicano Park Boulevard – Ordinance approved unanimously.
• 1606 Market Street gas station – Planned development permit approved 7‑2.
• Harvey Milk Street vacation – Right‑of‑way vacation approved 8‑0 (one recusal).
• FY2027 HUD Annual Action Plan – Approved unanimously, to be submitted by May 15.
• Sewer Revenue Bonds 2026A and B – Authorized unanimously (both council and PFFA).
• All proclamations adopted unanimously.
• Adjournments in memory of Coach Tony Devon Jackson and Angel Castro.
• Next meeting scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.