Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The San Diego City Council met on Monday, October 19, 2026, reconvening from closed session at 2 p.m. The council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Bethany Bizak as Chief Operating Officer, approved two $50 million state revolving fund loans for critical water and sewer infrastructure, and voted on litigation strategies stemming from the January 2024 flooding and a national assault weapons case.
Item S400: Confirmation of Bethany Bizak as Chief Operating Officer Mayor Todd Gloria presented the appointment, stating Ms. Bizak had earned his "highest confidence" by delivering results in previous roles leading the Stormwater, Transportation, and Performance and Logistics departments. Bethany Bizak stated her priorities would be strengthening city operations, supporting employees, and maintaining infrastructure. The Office of the City Auditor and the Director of Personnel praised her cooperation and commitment to accountability. Councilmembers broadly praised her knowledge, blunt communication style, and focus on execution. Councilmember Foster questioned her on plans for equity, transparency, and clearing the backlog of audit recommendations, while expressing broader reservations about the administration's culture. Councilmember Elo Rivera discussed the COO's operational authority over homelessness and efforts to improve community volunteerism. Councilmember Moreno asked for her top three priorities, which Bizak listed as listening to field teams, monitoring the FY27 budget, and delivering near-term milestones like Midway Rising and storm preparedness.
Items 200 & 201: State Revolving Fund Loans
To be ready. When storms hit, minutes mattered. Be prepared. Stay informed and stay safe, San Diego. All right, good morning. I will now call the City Council meeting of Monday, October 19th, twenty twenty-six to order. Deputy Clerk, please call the roll. Councilmember Campbell. Councilmember Whitburn. Councilmember Foster. Councilmember Von Wilbert. Present President Pro Tem Lee. Councilmember Campillo. Here. Councilmember Moreno. Present. Council Member Eloh Rivera. And Council President Locava. Present. Also attending the meeting are City Attorney Heather Ferber, independent budget analyst Charles Monica, and myself, your Deputy City Clerk, Kevin Smith. All right, thank you, Deputy City Clerk. We will be a quorum is now present. We will begin this morning with an invocation by Deputy Clerk Smith, followed with the land acknowledgement and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Pro Tim Lee. Today they carry their legacy forward, ensuring that their traditions continue to thrive in gratitude and strength. We stand with the Kumeay Nation, connected to our past and committed to a thriving future. If you'll join me in facing the flag. Ready to begin. Deputy Clerk, please go over how the public can offer their testimony. I would like to highlight the slide on the screen. The order can be found in the agenda summary or at the table in the back room in the back of the room. If you are in person, please complete a speaker slip located at the entrance of chambers and bring it to the front of the room. No further in-person testimony will be taken once the council begins virtual testimony. For better meeting management purposes, each speaker will have one minute per item per person up to a maximum of three minutes if there are three or more items. All right, Deputy Clerk, please read the closed session items into the record. Conference with legal counsel, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to California Government Code, Section 54956.9 D2. CS1, pre-lit claim 464, Prospect La Jolla, HOA. CS2, prelit claim, San Diego Cast and Electric. Conference of Legal Counsel, initiation of litigation, amicus curate participation, pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9d4. CS3, Caperto Viramontes et al. versus Cook County, Illinois et al. Conference with legal counsel, existing litigation pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 D1. CS4, Megan Whitney Hosang versus City of San Diego et al. CS5, Roger Hubbard versus City of San Diego, CS6, January 22nd, 2024, flooding litigation. All right, with that, as a reminder, um, when you're speaking to an item, you have to speak to the item that is actually docketed, not agenda public comment as the opportunity to speak on more freely on things within the city of San Diego. So with that, Deputy Clerk, please proceed with public comment. Thank you, Council President. We