Public Safety Committee Meeting: Storm Response and Surveillance Approvals, February 14, 2024
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Public Safety Committee Meeting: Storm Response and Surveillance Approvals, February 14, 2024
The Public Safety Committee of the San Diego City Council met on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 10:00 AM. The meeting was chaired by Councilmember von Wilpert and included Vice Chair Campio, Councilmember Whitburn, and Councilmember Campbell. The agenda covered approval of previous minutes, consent items, a detailed presentation on the January 22 storm response, approval of four surveillance technology use policies, and the 2024 committee work plan. All votes were unanimous 4-0.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes (January 17, 2024): Passed unanimously after public comment.
- Item 1 – Agreement with Stonel Inc.: Authorized a five-year agreement for ruggedized tablets, laptops, accessories, and warranty services at a total cost of $3,715,788. Public comment was heard; the item passed unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
(Combined across all agenda items)
- Minutes and Consent: Laurie Saldania urged the hiring of a police chief with a strong track record on sexual assault cases. A virtual speaker criticized the minutes for not reflecting public sentiment and cited infrastructure negligence prior to the storms. Joyce Sanyata and a virtual speaker commented on the consent technology refresh.
- Storm Response (Item 6): Tasha Williamson accused Fire Chief Stoll of racism and mismanagement. Joyce Sanyata praised first responders’ courage. Lori Saldania called for better floodplain management and not pushing homeless into flood-prone areas. Virtual speakers expressed pride in first responders, one claimed weather modification, and another thanked the department and urged proper equipment funding.
- UAS – Fire (Item 2): Joyce Sanyata expressed trust in the process and the Privacy Advisory Board (PAB) collaboration. Catherine Douglas supported the technology and criticized the requirement for nine in-person meetings. The original DRA voiced concerns about data sharing and surveillance expansion. Million Mile Man asked about drone launch locations.
- UAS & DTS – Police (Item 3): Joyce Sanyata reiterated trust. Catherine Douglas supported the technology and recounted a nearby incident. The original DRA questioned data sharing and AI integration. Ike Anyaneru (PAB Chair) thanked the committee and noted that rejected recommendations should be in the use policy to ensure future oversight.
- Helicopter Camera (Item 4): Joyce Sanyata praised the technology and asked for quieter helicopters. Catherine Douglas supported the technology. The original DRA warned of over-surveillance comparing to China.
- Vigilant Solutions Database (Item 5): Joyce Sanyata asked about the “not applicable” responses. Catherine Douglas supported the database. The original DRA cited data breaches and facial recognition concerns.
- 2024 Work Plan (Item 7): Joyce Sanyata requested agenda items on school shootings and ambulance service updates. The original DRA pushed for acknowledging weather modification. Becky Repp and Kathleen Lippett raised concerns about marijuana billboards and youth harm. Other virtual speakers supported cannabis equity and THC caps.
- Non-Agenda Public Comment: Laurie Saldania (no time), Francie Maxwell requested a performance audit of fire department diversity. The original DRA warned against Chinese-based technology. Megan Stewart linked marijuana industry to violence. Terry Best advocated for cannabis market expansion. Peggy Walker and Kathleen Lippett discussed THC potency and child safety.
Storm Response Presentation (Item 6 – Informational)
- San Diego Police Department (SDPD): Captain Julie Epperson and Lieutenant Daniel Meyer presented. On January 22, 2024, SDPD responded to 167 storm-related events (113 rescues, 54 hazards), spending approximately 292 hours. Officers conducted rescues in chest-high water, using paddleboards, kayaks, and other improvised flotation. The Gang Intervention Unit and Southeastern Division Juvenile Services Team organized a donation drive, distributing supplies through February 12.
- San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD): Assistant Chief David Garboth, Lifeguard Chief James Gartland, and Deputy Chief Dan Eddy presented. The storm dropped nearly 4 inches of rain in Southcrest and Encanto (recorded 2.75 inches at the airport). SDFD processed 1,855 calls (normal 600), with 315 calls in the busiest hour (11 AM–12 PM). Over 130 water rescue incidents occurred, resulting in more than 200 rescues. Firefighters and lifeguards worked beyond normal policies; no loss of life was reported. The department needs $150,000 for water rescue equipment (personal flotation devices and gear for each fire company).
- Discussion: Committee members praised the heroic efforts, asked about mental health support (both departments have peer support units), and noted equipment damage (SDPD had 3 cars out of service; SDFD had ongoing repairs). Chair von Wilpert noted that the after-action report is underway. No vote was taken.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) – Fire Rescue (Item 2)
- Presentation: Assistant Chief John Wood and Captain Jeff Ring presented the UAS use policy. The program began in 2018, with FAA certification. Uses include bomb squad, hazmat, fire incidents, search and rescue, and damage assessment. Aircraft are equipped with radiometric thermal imaging. The PAB made 6 recommendations; the department accepted 5 and rejected 1 (supervisor conducting audits). The rejected recommendation was based on existing department policy. The updated policy includes privacy incident definitions and reporting.
- Motion: Councilmember Whitburn moved, Councilmember Campbell seconded. Passed unanimously 4-0.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & DTS – Police (Item 3)
- Presentation: Captain Laura McLean and Sergeant Nick Link presented. The UAS program is reactive only, with a half-mile range. Uses include critical incidents, investigations, mass gatherings, and training. The DTS (DeGero downlink transmission system) is a transmitter/receiver with no cameras or microphones. The PAB made 27 recommendations; SDPD accepted 23, partially accepted 4, and rejected 0. Rejected items were already covered in existing department procedures.
- Discussion: Chair von Wilpert highlighted the thorough PAB process and displayed the department’s response matrix. Councilmember Campio asked about the Chinese manufacturer (DJI): the department stated it continuously monitors for vulnerabilities and finds no current threat. Councilmember Whitburn noted the importance of not limiting drone use to Part I FBI crimes, citing examples like a person openly carrying a rifle on a college campus.
- Motion: Councilmember Whitburn moved, Vice Chair Campio seconded. Passed unanimously 4-0.
Helicopter Camera (Avalex DVR & FLIR 380 HDC) (Item 4)
- Presentation: Sergeant Tom Carline of the Air Support Unit presented. The unit operates four helicopters from Montgomery Field, flying about 8–9 hours per day, 20 hours a day coverage. The FLIR 380 HDC sensor provides color and infrared imagery; the Avalex DVR records audio and video. The department accepted 6 of 8 PAB recommendations, partially accepted 2, and rejected 1 (categorizing video as investigatory or not) due to technical limitations. All recordings are stored on secure hard drives.
- Discussion: Councilmember Campio noted that the technology reduces unnecessary patrol dispatches, citing Chula Vista’s data (14,000 calls, 3,634 dispatches avoided).
- Motion: Councilmember Whitburn moved, Vice Chair Campio seconded. Passed unanimously 4-0.
Vigilant Solutions Database (Item 5)
- Presentation: Captain Jeff Jordan and Lieutenant Eric Portnoy presented. Vigilant Solutions is an ALPR database aggregating license plate data from commercial sources (towing, repossession, parking lots, toll roads). SDPD does not upload its own data; it only queries the database. The PAB made 6 recommendations; the department accepted 4, rejected 1 (partially accepted another). Rejected recommendation: limiting use to Part I FBI crimes, as it would hinder investigations of non-Part I but serious threats (e.g., protests with weapons). The department also rejected a comment about Fourth Amendment rights, stating they follow evolving case law and have clear policies.
- Discussion: Councilmember Campio clarified that the database is used for locating vehicles, not real-time automated checks. Chair von Wilpert noted that the Cartwright court decision (4th Circuit) found no expectation of privacy on public streets.
- Motion: Vice Chair Campio moved, Councilmember Campbell seconded. Passed unanimously 4-0.
2024 Public Safety Committee Work Plan (Item 7 – Informational)
- The work plan was posted online. Topics include towing and impound policy, fentanyl, ghost guns, surveillance technology, mental health calls, and mobile crisis response. Committee members thanked staff and noted upcoming updates on EMS, the Commission on Police Practices, and the unsafe camping ordinance. No vote was taken.
Key Outcomes
- All votes were unanimous 4-0:
- Approval of January 17, 2024 minutes
- Consent agenda (Item 1)
- Approval of UAS use policy for Fire Rescue (Item 2)
- Approval of UAS and DTS use policy for Police (Item 3)
- Approval of helicopter camera technology (Item 4)
- Approval of Vigilant Solutions database (Item 5)
- Informational items (Items 6 & 7): No votes; the storm response presentation and work plan were received and filed.
- Next steps: The after-action report for the January 22 flood is forthcoming. The committee will continue oversight of surveillance technologies through annual reports. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 20, 2024, at 2:00 PM.
Meeting Transcript
All right, welcome everybody. Happy Valentine's Day. Uh Joy, I see you wearing red looks great. Um, a welcome to the public safety committee meeting of February 14, 2024. Our committee liaison Sarah Jordan will provide information and instruction for the public to participate in today's meeting. Sarah, please proceed. Thank you, Chair. 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 testimony via a call in or an internet based service option must enter the virtual speaking queue within five minutes after the conclusion of in-person public testimony or before the virtual speaking queue is exhausted, whichever occurs first. This will allow for better meeting management between the two platforms and ensure that the committee is able to manage and conduct city business. Also attending the meeting today is Laura Easton from the Office of the City Attorney, Bakou Patel from the Office of the IB Day, and Chloe Madison from the Office of the Mayor. If you are located in person, please complete a speaker slip located at the entrance of chambers and place it in the box indicated at the speaker's lectern 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 Zoop webinar by telephone, please dial one six six nine two five four five two five two and one prompted input webinar ID one six one two one five zero three three six pound. This information is also available on the agenda and it will appear on the screen during the public comment period for each agenda item. Members of the public who wish to provide virtual testimony must enter the virtual queue by raising their hand before the queue closes. The queue will close when the last virtual speaker finishes speaking or five minutes after in-person testimony ends, whichever occurs first. Please note that if you're watching via City TV 24 or online, there may be a delay. Please participate via the audio on your phone and mute your TV or computer when it is your turn to speak. 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 are a call and 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 very much for reviewing the instructions for the benefit of the public. A quorum is now present. So we will first start with the approval of the committee meeting committee minutes of January 17, 2024. Sarah, do we have any public comment on the committee meeting minutes? Thank you, Chair. Yes, we do have one speaker here in chambers if Miss Laurie Saldania could please come up to the lector, and you will have one minute. Please find somebody that has a proven track record of supporting survivors of assault, sexual assault, and other types of assault. Um I I've testified recently about a friend. He all of you probably know this person, uh, was recently at the Equality California event that I believe all of you attended. And this person was found with their clothes torn, bloodied, incoherent, in an alley in the rain after being drugged and assaulted. And instead of being medically evaluated, they were sent to the drunk tank where they were even at risk of additional harm because they were never medically evaluated. And they were told when they finally days later be had the forensic exam for a sexual assault case that it could take up to six months to process. San Diego needs to do better. And I don't know what else to say, except when you hire a new police chief, please find some with a better track record on managing these cases than what San Diego has done for so many years. Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. That concludes public testimony here in chambers. So we will move to the virtual queue. I will begin the five-minute timer for all those to indicate if they wish to speak. Our first speaker is the original. Please unmute yourself and provide your comments. You will have one minute. Yeah, when you're recording the minutes, um, it's not really saying what how the people feel about something. It'll just say this is what they talked about. But I think it's important when we're having a record of um a meeting that you are providing how the public feels about certain issues so that the public can see whether or not it's something that there is approval of or not, because the public is who you're supposed to be representing. And if you're putting in how you guys are voting on an issue, but not how um the public feels about what is happening, and you're just writing like key words that needs to be um addressed.
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