Public Safety Committee Meeting Summary - March 11, 2026

The Public Safety Committee of the San Diego City Council met on March 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The meeting was chaired by Councilmember Sarah Von Wilpert and included members Councilmember Raul Campillo (Vice Chair), Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, and Councilmember Stephen Whitburn. The committee considered a consent item, four action items, and one informational update. Key items included electric bicycle safety regulations, contracts for alarm permit software, firing range rental, and property management software, as well as an update on the No Shots Fired violence intervention program. All votes were unanimous 4-0.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1: Approval of Minutes from January 30, 2026 – Approved unanimously after public comment. A member of the public requested that data retention center discussions be included in future public processes. Another speaker urged equitable prosecution of hate crimes and opposed ghost gun regulations.

Public Comments & Testimony

Non-Agenda Public Comment:

• Paul Scott, a participant at Lot B safe sleeping site, complained about a care coordinator issuing write-ups for minor tent infractions and alleged a dog-stealing scheme. He requested intervention.
• John, representing Conservante Valve, presented a patented device to prevent water loss from damaged fire hydrants, urging the city to adopt it.
• Derek Baker, a participant at safe sleeping lot B, stated he received a termination letter for storing belongings (including a walker) outside his tent, alleging ADA violations. He requested investigation.
• Blair Beekman urged the city to adopt best practices for safe sleeping sites and to reconsider Flock ALPR technology, citing Oakland's approach.
• Catherine Rhodes highlighted that police department expenses increased from $533 million (2022) to $719 million (2025), a 35% rise, and questioned budget monitoring. She also noted the city budgeted $144 million for underground surcharge but spent only $44 million.
• Becky Rapp opposed the SEED program (Social Equity and Economic Development) for marijuana retail, arguing it contradicts substance use prevention efforts.
• Madison warned about 7-hydroxy mitragynine (7-OH), a psychoactive compound sold in gas stations and vape shops, urging stronger protections.
• The original DRA (caller) criticized safe sleeping sites run by Dreams for Change, alleging neglect and ADA compliance issues, and called for Councilmember Whitburn to act.
• Francine Maxwell requested a budget review and presentation from the Community Policing Program (CPP), noting staffing changes and the need for updates.
• A caller (phone ending 8700) thanked the committee and raised concerns about the audit committee's discussion on emergency medical response, urging clearer focus on ambulance services.
• Terri Ann Stelly supported e-bike safety regulations and opposed marijuana sales, citing impaired driving risks.
• Peggy Walker urged a ban on marijuana billboards and opposed the SEED program, citing normalizing effects on youth.
• Judy Strang shared personal experience with marijuana-related health issues and opposed expanding marijuana retail.

Public Comment on Specific Items:

• Item 5 (E-bike safety): 19 in-person speakers (including Girl Scout Troop 4343) and 13 virtual speakers. Supporters included Girl Scouts who described their "Walk Your Wheels" campaign, Mandy Havlik (Peninsula Community Planning Board), Ross Tritt (representing Assemblymember Tasha Berner), and Deborah Adams. Opponents included Leaf Gensert, Zach Sturgeon (citing San Jose State study), Harry Bubins, Arya Grossman (Circulate San Diego), and Ian Hembry (San Diego County Bicycle Coalition), who argued the ordinance targets the wrong bikes and lacks data on class 1/2 e-bike incidents.
• Item 2 (Alarm permit software): Blair Beekman and Joyce (supportive, with workforce diversity notes) spoke; the original DRA criticized the permit system.
• Item 3 (Firing range rental): Blair Beekman questioned contract cost increases; Joyce supported the training; the original DRA and ConSola criticized spending and gun control.
• Item 4 (Property management software): Blair Beekman commented on Flock and data sharing; the original DRA raised data privacy concerns; Joyce noted workforce diversity.
• Item 6 (No Shots Fired): Blair Beekman praised Oakland's approach; the original DRA argued for addressing root causes of violence; Joyce expressed compassion for gang members; ConSola criticized the program as incremental gun control.

Discussion Items

Item 5: Electric Bicycle Safety Regulations (AB 2234) – Presented by Carrie Shaw (Councilmember Campillo's office). The proposed ordinance would prohibit children under 12 from operating class 1 and class 2 e-bikes, establish an education-first enforcement model, and reinforce existing state laws. Data showed e-bike injuries among children increased over 300% from 2019 to 2023. The pilot program requires a 30-day public information campaign before enforcement. Several cities in San Diego County have already adopted similar ordinances. The committee voted to direct Council District 7 to work with the City Attorney to draft code amendments and forward to City Council. Motion by Vice Chair Campillo, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, passed 4-0.

Item 2: Alarm Permit Software Contract (PMAM Corporation) – Presented by Lt. Dan Hall. The contract for $946,383 over 10 years (5+5) would replace the current system (CRIWOOF) with a software-as-a-service platform to manage alarm permits, false alarms, fee collection, and appeals. The current system is being discontinued. Motion by Councilmember Campbell, seconded by Councilmember Whitburn, passed 4-0.

Item 3: Firing Range Rental Contract Amendment (POWA Weapons and Gear) – Presented by Capt. Mike Ramsey. The amendment increases the not-to-exceed amount by $1.1 million to $4.1 million for five years of exclusive use (now five days/week) due to the continued closure of the Home Avenue range. The contract runs through September 2027. Motion by Vice Chair Campillo, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, passed 4-0.

Item 4: Software Licensing for Property and Inventory Management (File on Q) – Presented by Joseph Schneider. The amendment extends the contract for up to 10 years and increases the not-to-exceed amount by $650,000 to $1.3 million. The software supports evidence tracking (Evidence on Q), sexual assault kit tracking (SART on Q), and asset management (Quartermaster). Motion by Vice Chair Campillo, seconded by Councilmember Campbell, passed 4-0.

Item 6: No Shots Fired Intervention and Prevention Program Update – Informational presentation by Bishop and Amanda. They reported on the cost of violence study (by the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform), which found each homicide costs an estimated $4 million and each non-fatal shooting $1.3 million. The program targets high-risk gang-involved individuals, serving 40-50 participants in a gun diversion program, and reported 97% of participants were not rearrested within six months. They also described their work with the Hillcrest pellet gun hate crime incident, partnering with San Diego Pride for restorative justice. No action required.

Key Outcomes

• All action items (Items 1-4) were approved unanimously (4-0).
• Item 5 (e-bike safety) was forwarded to the full City Council for consideration.
• Item 6 was received as an informational update.
• The next regular Public Safety Committee meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM.