OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Public Safety Committee Meeting on Commission on Police Practices Implementation - June 24, 2021

Public Safety & Livable Neighborhoods Committee — Thursday, June 24, 2021
BodySan Diego, California
SessionPublic Safety & Livable Neighborhoods Committee
DateThursday, June 24, 2021
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:13

Chair, I am gonna open up the webinar to the public.

0:22

And we are live.

0:24

Please proceed.

0:26

Thank you very much.

0:27

Good morning.

0:28

Per executive order in zero eight two one, which suspends certain requirements of the Brown Act.

0:35

The committee members will be participating via Zoom, and no members of the public will be in attendance at the meeting in the interest of public health and safety.

0:44

In addition, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website, and the committee liaison has made arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform.

0:55

We appreciate the public's cooperation.

0:58

I will go over the specifics of how to join the webinar and we'll give details on how the public can offer their public testimony.

1:05

I will now call the special meeting, Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods Committee of June 24th to order.

1:15

Each community committee member is attending virtually.

1:19

Also on the virtual meeting is Laura Easton, Office of the City Attorney, Baku Patel, Office of the IBA, Matt Yagin, Office of the Mayor.

1:29

The public may view the meetings on public television on City TV Channel 24 for Cox Communication and Time Warner Cable or Channel 99 for ATT.

1:41

Or view the meeting online by going to the City Council Committee's homepage at Sandiego.gov and selecting the City TV Live Webcast blue button on the right hand side of the page.

1:53

The committee meetings will be held virtually using the Zoom webinar platform.

1:58

Members of the public can offer public comment on items by accessing the Zoom webinar online using a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, or by calling into the meeting using a smartphone, cellular phone, or landline.

2:13

The link to join the committee meeting webinar by computer, tablet, or smartphone is listed on the agenda on under how to join by iPhone one tap.

2:25

To join the Zoom webinar by telephone, you may dial either 1669-254-5252.

2:34

And when prompted, input webinar ID 160-780-2331 pound.

2:44

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

2:59

When I introduce the item you would like to comment on, which will only be one today, you will raise your hand by either tapping the raise your hand button on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, or by pressing star nine on your phone.

3:12

You will be taken in the order in which you raise your hand.

3:16

You may only speak uh once on a particular item.

3:19

When our committee consultant, Cloy Triplet indicates it is your turn to speak.

3:24

She will call you by name as it appears on the Zoom webinar attendee list, or she will read out the last four digits of your phone number if you have called into the meeting.

3:33

That's how you'll know it is your turn to speak.

3:36

If you have joined the webinar by computer, tablet or smartphone, you will receive a pop-up notice to select and unmute your device.

3:44

If you have called into the meeting by cell phone or landline, press star six on your phone to mute yourself.

3:52

We will review these instructions briefly again when the public comment period is open.

3:58

Please wait until the item you wish to speak has been called before raising your hand.

4:04

When you are announced as the next speaker, please unmute yourself and offer your comments.

4:10

Also, please mute uh the volume on your TV or computer before you begin and speak.

4:17

Okay.

4:17

So now we will take up the discussion agenda.

4:20

Item one, consideration of policy issues related to the implementation of a commission on police practices.

4:28

So the public comment period is open.

4:31

If you have already joined the Zoom webinar online or by phone, please raise your hand if you wish to speak.

4:37

And again, if you are watching on City TV or the live stream online and would like to call into the meeting to speak, please call 1669-254-5252.

4:50

When prompted, input webinar ID 160-780-2331 pound.

5:02

To raise your hand to speak, select the raise your hand button or press star nine.

5:08

So I staff introduce yourself for the record.

5:12

You may proceed.

5:15

Good morning.

5:16

Can you all hear me?

5:18

Yes, we can.

5:20

Great.

5:21

Good morning, everyone.

5:22

Uh, Chair Montgomery Step and members of the committee.

5:25

My name is Chloe Triplett.

5:26

I am the public safety and livable neighborhoods committee consultant.

5:30

I'm here this morning to present the consideration of policy issues related to the implementation of the Commission on Police Practices.

5:38

Next slide.

5:40

Just some background.

5:41

On November 3rd, 2020, the City of San Diego voters approved Measure B to establish the Commission on Police Practices, which supersedes the city's community review board on police practices.

5:52

Measure B amended the city charter to, among other things as sections 41.2.

5:57

Next slide.

5:59

The Charter Amendments took effect on December 18th, 2020, when the California Secretary of State chaptered them.

6:05

Under Charter Section 41.2, the Commission is established as an investigatory body of the city, independent of the mayor and the police department.

6:14

The commission has certain mandatory duties and discretionary powers as described in Section 41.2.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Police Oversight█████████████████████████████████████████████66%
Public Comment██████████15%
Public Safety████6%
Procedural████6%
Community Engagement███4%
Youth Programs█1%
Data Management█1%
LGBTQ Rights█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods Committee Meeting - June 24, 2021

The Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods Committee held a special meeting on June 24, 2021, to discuss policy issues related to the implementation of the Commission on Police Practices (CPP), established by Measure B passed by 75% of San Diego voters in November 2020. The meeting featured extensive public comment and committee deliberation.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Yasmin Obeed (Mid City CAN): Thanked for including two youth seats but requested adoption of the voters' ordinance from San Diegans for Justice, citing vague definitions and lack of community subpoena power.
  • Jerry Hall (public): Urged the committee to return the draft ordinance to the city attorney and direct collaboration with the interim commission.
  • Andrea St. Julian (San Diegans for Justice): Stated the proposed ordinance is deeply flawed and submitted a voters' ordinance as a replacement.
  • Doug Case (CPP Transition Committee): Noted the draft is a good starting point but requires revisions; asked for further deliberation.
  • Hunter Jensen (District 7 resident): Expressed that restricting subpoena power would betray the will of 75% of voters.
  • Brandon Hilbert (public): Emphasized the need for full subpoena power and a community-led nomination process, warning against limitations.
  • Ali Ayoop (Mid City CAN): Thanked for youth seats but echoed the call for the voters' ordinance to maintain investigative and subpoena powers.
  • Julie Hendricks (Del Cero for Black Lives Matter): Asked the committee to consider the voters' ordinance and postpone a full council vote.
  • Navarre Perry (District 3 resident): Opposed the draft, citing betrayal of Measure B, particularly regarding subpoena and investigative powers.
  • Donna Kaiser (Carmel Valley): Opposed moving forward with the draft, citing lack of subpoena power.
  • John Segovia (Mid City CAN): Highlighted need for community-led nomination process and unrestricted subpoena power.
  • Karen Remus (District 5 resident): Directed comments to Councilmember Von Wilpert, urging rejection of the draft and adoption of the voters' ordinance.
  • Micah Townsend (Mid City CAN): Supported subpoena power and community nomination, warning against police union control.
  • Kate Yavendetti (Women Occupy San Diego): Opposed the draft, stating it undermines independence and community involvement.
  • Wedad Schlota (ACLU): Asked Councilmember Whitburn to honor the spirit of Measure B and allow community review.
  • Wendy Galerncher (Take Action San Diego): Called the draft an evisceration of Measure B and advocated for the voters' ordinance.
  • Janine Ericat (Partnership for Advancement of New Americans): Requested amendments to definitions, nomination process, subpoena power, and complaint system.
  • R. Hilton (public): Pointed out data reliability issues in police reports.
  • Ann Elliott (North Park): Supported the voters' ordinance and criticized council members for not supporting Monica Montgomery Steppe for council president.
  • Jen LaBarbera (San Diego Pride): Supported amendments from San Diegans for Justice to ensure an independent commission.
  • Darwin Fishman (Racial Justice Coalition): Disappointed with the draft and urged rejection.
  • Stephanie Jennings (District 3 resident): Warned that passage of the current draft would lead to voter backlash.
  • Larry Stoll (District 2 resident): Asked the committee not to advance the draft and consider the voters' ordinance.
  • Danny Avita (San Diego Downtown Democratic Club): Asked Councilmember Whitburn to support community amendments.
  • Hector Anaya (Mid City CAN): Called the draft a "gutted version" and asked for the voters' ordinance.
  • Matthew Vasilakis (Climate Action Campaign): Supported taking time to get the measure right and adopting community amendments.
  • Ariana Federico (Mid City CAN): Thanked for youth seats but stressed the need for stronger police accountability.
  • Denise Lopez (Mid City CAN Youth Council): Emphasized the need for subpoena power and community voice.
  • Francine Maxwell (public): Asked for postponement and consideration of the voters' ordinance.
  • Kimberly Weinstein (District 2 resident): Confused by the draft's divergence from Measure B.
  • Felipe de la Cruz (District 9 resident): Asked Councilmember Ilo Rivera to adopt the voters' ordinance.
  • Yvonne Elkin (San Diego resident): Noted community input was ignored; asked for time to review the voters' ordinance.
  • Terina Mayan (South Asian Bar Association): Supported Measure B for its subpoena power and criticized the draft for limiting it.
  • Anne Barron (Peace Resource Center): Raised conflict of interest with the city attorney representing the police department.
  • Sally Small (Emerald Hills): Thanked for youth seats, asked to take time and adopt the voters' ordinance.
  • Kylie Bellinger (National Lawyers Guild): Called the draft a "love letter to police" and urged amendments.
  • Tanil Hopper (Del Cerro for Black Lives Matter): Supported independent oversight and urged council members to listen.
  • Justin Joseph (Rise Up San Diego): Warned council members that advancing the draft would prove allegiance to the POA.
  • David Myers (retired sheriff commander): Advocated adopting the voters' ordinance to honor the 75% mandate.
  • Meshgan Afshan (Borderlands for Equity): Thanked for youth seats but called for adoption of the voters' ordinance.
  • Susan Dirkson (volunteer): Supported full subpoena and investigatory powers.
  • Catherine Bonaguidi (attorney): Highlighted flaws: untimely release, conflict of interest, insufficient subpoena power.
  • Michael Brackney (San Diegans for Justice): Questioned why the meeting was not canceled and called the draft a mockery.
  • Chelsea (San Diego resident): Urged amendments from San Diegans for Justice.
  • Jean Wee (Mid City CAN): Asked for adoption of the voters' ordinance.
  • Shay Miller (public): Requested amendments to definitions, subpoena power, and complaint system.
  • Lori Saldania (former state legislator): Warned that ignoring the voters' will could lead to legal challenges and electoral consequences.
  • Sarah Furrow (District 5 resident): Asked for amendments as proposed by San Diegans for Justice.
  • Marisa Talbert (San Diegans for Justice): Uplifted deficiencies in definitions and complaint process.
  • Genevieve Jones Wright (public): Accused council members of gutting subpoena and investigative powers.
  • Layla Aziz (public): Concerned that the draft was written to favor police divisions.
  • Malcolm (public): Supported Measure B and criticized the draft as undemocratic.
  • Sarah Farouk (community advocate): Thanked for youth seats but urged adoption of the voters' ordinance.
  • Air Meet Glass Blake (public): Questioned whether the ordinance was written for the POA or the people.
  • Emily Zaring (North Park): Stressed the need for subpoena power and independence.
  • Ed Chaplin (District 5 resident): Suggested the commission's role should be auditing training effectiveness.
  • Connor Robinson (participatory defense): Urged rejection of the draft and adoption of community amendments.
  • Jane Blount (La Jolla Monthly Meeting Quakers): Asked council members to pause and listen.
  • Amy Cruz (Mid City CAN): Encouraged rejection of the draft and consideration of community input.
  • Marissa Hirsch (District 2 resident): Asked for amendments to definitions, subpoena power, and police union control.
  • Alina Janawabi (CARE San Diego): Supported amendments from San Diegans for Justice.
  • Mary Joe Houseman (public): Asked to not rush and accept the voters' ordinance.
  • Bellin Hernandez (Mid City CAN): Thanked for youth seats but emphasized missing enforcement measures.
  • Ellen Nash (BAPAC): Supported amendments from San Diegans for Justice.
  • Catherine Rhodes (public): Warned that the draft invites lawsuits and does not reflect voter intent.
  • Mary Lati Sbashvili (public): Highlighted that the draft allows only review of internal affairs documents, not independent investigation.

Discussion Items

  • Chair Montgomery Steppe opened the meeting, emphasizing the importance of community input and acknowledging frustrations about timing. She noted that the draft is not final and that further revisions will be made. She made a motion directing the city attorney to: (1) clarify subpoena language, (2) include whistleblower protections, (3) clarify complaint notification timelines, (4) ensure investigatory power extends to discovered misconduct, and (5) include accountability language for council removal of members. She also added item 6 to return the draft to committee for further discussion.
  • Councilmember Campillo (Vice Chair) seconded the motion and offered detailed comments on definitions (e.g., evidentiary standards for "sustained" and "not sustained"), the value of youth seats, concerns about geographic restrictions on commissioner selection, the need for a community nomination process, and the importance of not having "until successor appointed" language. He also noted that subpoena power is in the draft but needs further analysis.
  • Councilmember Whitburn thanked the chair and staff, noted the importance of diversity and including people impacted by the criminal justice system, and supported the motion.
  • Councilmember Von Wilpert expressed support for the motion, acknowledged community concerns, but cautioned against rumors about police union involvement. She clarified that the POA had not seen the draft before release and that meet and confer would occur later. She noted that subpoena power is included in the draft per Measure B, and highlighted positive aspects such as youth seats, inclusion of people with lived experience, and the ban on disqualifying applicants with criminal records.

Key Outcomes

  • The committee voted unanimously to approve Chair Montgomery Steppe's motion, directing the city attorney to revise the draft ordinance based on the specified directives and return it to the committee for further consideration. The motion passed with ayes from all members (Montgomery Steppe, Campillo, Whitburn, and Von Wilpert).

Meeting Transcript

Chair, I am gonna open up the webinar to the public. And we are live. Please proceed. Thank you very much. Good morning. Per executive order in zero eight two one, which suspends certain requirements of the Brown Act. The committee members will be participating via Zoom, and no members of the public will be in attendance at the meeting in the interest of public health and safety. In addition, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website, and the committee liaison has made arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform. We appreciate the public's cooperation. I will go over the specifics of how to join the webinar and we'll give details on how the public can offer their public testimony. I will now call the special meeting, Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods Committee of June 24th to order. Each community committee member is attending virtually. Also on the virtual meeting is Laura Easton, Office of the City Attorney, Baku Patel, Office of the IBA, Matt Yagin, Office of the Mayor. The public may view the meetings on public television on City TV Channel 24 for Cox Communication and Time Warner Cable or Channel 99 for ATT. Or view the meeting online by going to the City Council Committee's homepage at Sandiego.gov and selecting the City TV Live Webcast blue button on the right hand side of the page. The committee meetings will be held virtually using the Zoom webinar platform. Members of the public can offer public comment on items by accessing the Zoom webinar online using a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, or by calling into the meeting using a smartphone, cellular phone, or landline. The link to join the committee meeting webinar by computer, tablet, or smartphone is listed on the agenda on under how to join by iPhone one tap. To join the Zoom webinar by telephone, you may dial either 1669-254-5252. And when prompted, input webinar ID 160-780-2331 pound. This information is also available on the agenda and will appear on the screen will appear on the screen during the public comment period for each item. When I introduce the item you would like to comment on, which will only be one today, you will raise your hand by either tapping the raise your hand button on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, or by pressing star nine on your phone. You will be taken in the order in which you raise your hand. You may only speak uh once on a particular item. When our committee consultant, Cloy Triplet indicates it is your turn to speak. She will call you by name as it appears on the Zoom webinar attendee list, or she will read out the last four digits of your phone number if you have called into the meeting. That's how you'll know it is your turn to speak. If you have joined the webinar by computer, tablet or smartphone, you will receive a pop-up notice to select and unmute your device. If you have called into the meeting by cell phone or landline, press star six on your phone to mute yourself. We will review these instructions briefly again when the public comment period is open. Please wait until the item you wish to speak has been called before raising your hand. When you are announced as the next speaker, please unmute yourself and offer your comments. Also, please mute uh the volume on your TV or computer before you begin and speak. Okay. So now we will take up the discussion agenda. Item one, consideration of policy issues related to the implementation of a commission on police practices. So the public comment period is open. If you have already joined the Zoom webinar online or by phone, please raise your hand if you wish to speak. And again, if you are watching on City TV or the live stream online and would like to call into the meeting to speak, please call 1669-254-5252. When prompted, input webinar ID 160-780-2331 pound. To raise your hand to speak, select the raise your hand button or press star nine. So I staff introduce yourself for the record. You may proceed. Good morning. Can you all hear me? Yes, we can. Great. Good morning, everyone. Uh, Chair Montgomery Step and members of the committee. My name is Chloe Triplett.

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