Community and Neighborhood Services Committee Meeting - March 16, 2023
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Community and Neighborhood Services Committee Meeting - March 16, 2023
The Community and Neighborhood Services Committee of the San Diego City Council met on Thursday, March 16, 2023. The meeting included approval of prior committee actions, public testimony, discussion of the Opportunity Fund Council Policy, and consideration of the 2023 committee work plan. A quorum was present, and the meeting was televised and livestreamed.
Consent Calendar
- The committee unanimously approved the committee actions of February 16, 2023. No public comments were received. The motion was made by Councilmember Campillo and seconded by Council President Ilo Rivera (identified in one transcript instance as "Sean Elo").
Public Comments & Testimony
- Non-agenda public comment:
- Lakendra Adams, a new San Diego resident, said she and her family (including a Navy SEAL) feed homeless people. She stated that homelessness is a crisis with over 3,000 homeless people in San Diego, affecting neighborhood environments and property values. She urged the city to address the issue rather than move people from place to place.
- Robert Moreno, executive board member of Teachers Local 542 representing nearly 9,000 members, spoke about District 4's lack of tree canopy, benches, and bus stop shelters. He recommended tree canopies and shaded walkways to reduce heat, improve air quality, and create safer pedestrian paths.
- Blair Beekman (virtual) reported on the first Privacy Advisory Board (PAB) meeting, saying it went well and that the board prioritized developing bylaws before addressing smart streetlight technology. He expressed hope for a thorough study process over the summer.
- Joyce Sanyata (District 3, virtual) quoted the City Attorney's statement that "most services are siloed" and read an email from library director Misty Jones calling for collaboration. She urged everyone to "come out of our silos."
- Item 1 public comment:
- Michelle Anderson, from the San Diego Parks Foundation, expressed strong support for the Opportunity Fund policy. She noted the foundation's accomplishments (planting 311 trees, installing Wi-Fi, creating programs) and acknowledged the policy's challenges, praising staff for their work.
- Item 2 public comment:
- Joyce Sanyata praised the work plan's language "strengthening and empowering all who live, work, and play" and supported items on parks, the child and youth master plan, and youth commission updates.
- Blair Beekman emphasized including older adults in technology discussions and bridging the digital divide.
- Ruby Meltor raised a concern about the slow process of securing wheelchairs on buses, causing her to miss buses.
Discussion Items
-
Opportunity Fund Council Policy (Item 1)
- Staff presentation: Sari Razo, deputy director of the citywide recreation services division, presented the policy. The fund was established under Council Resolution 313898 to support equitable programs in communities of concern as identified by the 2019 Climate Equity Index. The department held 11 workshops (one per council district) with 83 attendees; surveys showed demand for STEM activities, gymnastics, early education, sports, and other programming. The proposed policy uses a scoring system based on low recreation center fund balances, low budgets, and location in or service to communities of concern. An evaluation committee will review proposals. The fund was originally projected at $1 million but is now expected to reach about $500,000 due to fee adjustments and rain cancellations. Staff identified a $1.4 million funding gap for programs serving communities of concern. In the past two years, $1.8 million per year was allocated to programs such as Come Play Outside, Parks After Dark, and Learn to Swim. The FY24 outlook would bring recreation center fund balances up to $84,000 each, with some centers receiving over $100,000 when grants are included. Staff noted census data is 13 years old and a new parks need index is being developed.
- Committee discussion: Councilmember Campillo praised the policy and asked about demand for education and child care. Staff cited day camps, early education programs (e.g., tiny tots), and staffing challenges as factors. Council President Ilo Rivera discussed equity, using the Stockton Recreation Center as an example of a center with a $200 budget without the fund, which would rise to $84,000 with it and over $100,000 with a grant. Councilmember Whitburn thanked staff and the Parks Foundation.
- Motion by Councilmember Campillo, seconded by Council President Ilo Rivera. The motion passed unanimously.
-
Community and Neighborhood Services Committee Work Plan 2023 (Item 2)
- Information item; no staff presentation. The work plan was posted online and displayed on screen. Chair Campbell highlighted upcoming topics: parks master plan, library master plan phase two, child and youth master plan, code enforcement, and veteran and senior services.
- Committee comments: Councilmember Campillo reiterated commitment to child care and family-friendly policies; Council President Ilo Rivera focused on youth and seniors, noting senior homelessness and social isolation; Councilmember Whitburn stressed the age-friendly San Diego initiative, creating more senior centers, and supporting seniors on fixed incomes. No motion was required.
Key Outcomes
- The committee unanimously approved the consent calendar (committee actions of February 16, 2023).
- The committee voted unanimously to support the Opportunity Fund Council Policy, sending it to the full council next month.
- The 2023 work plan was received as an information item; no vote was taken.
- The next committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 1 p.m.
Meeting Transcript
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