Good afternoon.

Welcome to the Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting of October 8th, 2025.

Our committee liaison, Sarah Jordan will provide information and instruction for the public to participate in today's meeting.

Thank you, Chair Campio.

While members of the public are able to attend the meeting in person, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website, and the council administration will continue to make arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform.

Members of the public who wish to provide virtual testimony must send to the virtual queue by raising their hand before the virtual queue closes.

This queue will close when the last virtual speaker finishes speaking or five minutes after in-person testimony ends, whichever occurs first.

This will allow for better meeting management between the two platforms and ensure the committee is able to manage and conduct city business business.

We appreciate the public's cooperation.

Chair.

Thank you.

I will now call the meeting of the Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee to order.

I'll now call the role.

Vice Chair Foster.

Council President Pro Tem Lee.

Here.

And I am also present.

Also present with us, Noah Fleischmann Fiscal and Policy Analyst from the Office of the IBA, Deputy City Attorney Kate Malcolm from the Office of the City Attorney.

And Chris Ackerman Avila, policy advisor from the Office of the Mayor.

Sarah, please continue with public comment instruction.

If you're in person, please complete a speaker slip located at the entrance of chambers and place it on the tray indicated at the front of the room.

Please do so in a timely manner to ensure proper meeting management.

In-person testimony will conclude before virtual testimony begins.

Members of the public can join the webinar by computer, tablet, or smartphone by accessing the link which is listed online in the preamble language of the agenda on the city's webpage.

To join the Zoom webinar by telephone, please dial 1669-2545252, inputting webinar ID 160-324-0614 pound.

This information is also available on the agenda and will appear on the screen during the public comment period for each agenda item.

Please note that if you're watching via City TV 24 or online, there may be delay.

Please participate via the audio on your phone and mute your TV or computer when it is your turn to speak.

And if you wish to speak to a particular item, please wait for that item to be called and then raise your hand to speak by tapping the raise your hand icon, or if you're a calling participant by pressing star nine on your phone.

If you raise your hand during a non-comment period, your hand will be lowered.

Chair.

Thank you, Sarah for reviewing those instructions.

A quorum now being present will take up non-agenda public comment.

Council members respect and appreciate the public's input and are fully committed to protecting every participant's free speech rights at council and committee meetings.

Sarah, let us proceed with non-agenda public comment.

Thank you, Chair Kempio.

Per rule 2.7 non-agenda public comment is an opportunity for members of the public to comment on items that are not on the agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of this committee.

Each speaker will have two minutes.

We will begin with Bob Lehman.

If you can please approach the lectern, you will have two minutes.

Someone who recognizes both the economic and social impacts of arts and culture on San Diego's well-being.

Jonathan Glus was that advocate.

His leadership and the city culture plan lay the groundwork for a more vibrant and equitable equitable cultural future.

His departure is a real loss.

But the progress he inspired can continue with the right leadership in place.

Someone who understands the needs and realities of San Diego's creative community, who has built trusted relationships with artists, organizations, and cultural partners who bring the strategic insight needed to strengthen our creative economy.

We need a leader who can connect policy with practice, vision, and with resources in the city's cultural goals with the people doing the work every day.

Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony.

I'll begin the five-minute timer for all those in the virtual queue to indicate if they wish to provide non-agenda public comment at this time.

Beginning testimony with Becky Rapp, please unmute and begin.

My name is Becky Rapp, and today I wanted to bring to your attention the governor's recent signing of AB8.

This bill closes loopholes by banning highly addictive intoxicating hemp products, commonly known as Delta 8 and Delta 9, from being sold at local tobacco retailers, smoke shops, and convenience stores.

This news brings hope to communities as these products are blatantly sold to minors all around our city.

This is a critical step forward for public health, but it also raises a very valid question about enforcement here in San Diego.

For the past 18 months, California has had an emergency ban on these same intoxicating hemp products.

Yet there has been little to no enforcement.

Nearly half of all smoke, vape, and convenience shops across the city continue to sell them illegally, often right next to candy, energy drinks, and flavored vapes that appeal directly to teens.

Two shops within one mile of my home have been worn multiple times, but continue selling as if there are no consequences.

We're seeing an increase in youth using these products, showing up in schools and even emergency rooms with symptoms of intoxication and psychosis.