San Diego Rules Committee Meeting – December 8, 2021

On December 8, 2021, the San Diego City Council Rules Committee held a virtual meeting (via Zoom) to conduct the second review of a proposed ballot measure for the November 2022 general election. The measure, called “Safeguard San Diego,” would amend the city’s contracting policies to repeal the 2012 ban on project labor agreements (PLAs) and bring the city into compliance with state law. After a brief recess to resolve technical issues, the committee heard a staff presentation, 11 public comments (mostly in support), and debated the item before voting 4–1 to forward the measure to the full City Council. The meeting also included non-agenda public comment.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of October 27, 2021 Committee Actions: The committee voted unanimously (5–0) to approve the minutes from the previous meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nephi Hancock (retired electrician, IBEW 569) – Expressed full support, calling the existing ban an “injustice” that puts communities at risk of losing infrastructure funds and local jobs.
• Lori Saldano (retired AFT teacher, former union carpenter) – Supported the measure but urged the city to review equal opportunity goals, noting that women and people of color are often left behind in construction trades. She called for inclusive PLAs with firm diversity requirements.
• Matthew Laba Gonzalez (San Diego Building Construction Trades Council) – Stated it is imperative to remove the PLA ban to comply with state law and avoid losing state infrastructure funding.
• Javier Alvarado (San Diego Laborers Union Local 89) – Supported the measure, urging protection of taxpayers and workers.
• Gretchen Newsom (IBEW 569) – Urged full support, highlighting that the measure restores the city’s ability to use PLAs for local hiring, adds public disclosure, accountability, and oversight. She also noted the importance of recruiting more women into the trades.
• Hector Meza (new journeyman electrician, IBEW 569) – Supported the measure, stating it means more quality work opportunities for local workers and the ability to mentor apprentices.
• Carol Kim (Business Manager, San Diego County Building and Construction Trades Council) – Argued that the city’s outdated contracting rules risk losing millions in state funding ($64 million in 2019, tens of millions in 2020). She emphasized that the measure includes taxpayer accountability tools, a citizens oversight board, and non-discrimination clauses. She refuted claims that PLAs discriminate against women or people of color, stating that overturning the status quo is the best way to create equity.
• Jennifer Wilson (Navy veteran, electrician, IBEW 569) – Supported the measure, stating it is urgently needed to protect San Diego’s share of state infrastructure funding.
• Christina Marquez (IBEW 569 apprenticeship graduate, environmental organizer) – Supported the measure, noting that unions ensure equal pay for women. She invited Lori Saldano to attend a women’s committee meeting.
• Sean Kioni Ellis (Political Organizer, United Association Local 230) – Strongly supported the measure, stating unions built the middle class and that PLAs uplift vulnerable communities. He argued that opposition means wanting to keep more money in their own pockets.
• Calvin Barrios (Director of Government Affairs, Laborers Local 89) – Supported the measure, quoting the presentation’s provisions for local hiring, apprenticeship opportunities, and equitable access for women and minority-owned firms.
• Adam Paraies (Marine Corps veteran, United Association Local 230) – Supported the measure, citing his personal experience with PLAs providing a living wage for his family. He called for the measure to preserve state funding for neighborhoods, roads, and jobs.
• Eddie Spreco (AGC San Diego chapter) – Opposed the measure, calling the premise that funding is at risk a “bold face lie.” He argued that the city council is siding with powerful special interests (building trades) and that the measure would overturn a citizen’s initiative. He urged a “no” vote.
• Richard Marcusen (Western Electrical Contractors Association) – Opposed the measure, stating that the risk of lost state funding was created by the state building trades council in response to voter‑approved Measure A. He argued that Measure A already includes escape clauses for state/federal funds and that the measure is unnecessary and would overturn voter decisions.
• Derek Phillips (Field Rep, Laborers Union) – Supported the measure, urging protection of taxpayers and workers and putting the measure on the ballot for voters to decide.

Discussion Items

• Presentation by Councilmember Campillo and Staff:
  • Councilmember Raul Campillo (Vice Chair) introduced the item, explaining that the ballot measure would repeal the 2012 ban on project labor agreements (PLAs) and update contracting policies to comply with state law (SB 922 and SB 829). He argued that PLAs protect taxpayers, eliminate costly delays, and promote local jobs. He noted that the state has a large surplus and that San Diego risks losing millions in infrastructure funding if it does not act.
  • Justine Murray (Chief of Policy for Councilmember Campillo) and Cody Vieira (Deputy Chief of Staff for Council President Pro Tem Whitburn) presented details: The city received $64 million from the state in 2009 but could have received more if policies were updated. The Pure Water Project nearly lost $140 million in state funding and required special state legislation. Other major California cities (Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco) allow PLAs. The measure includes priority local hiring, apprenticeship opportunities, a citizens oversight board, expanded public disclosure, stricter audits, and best value contracting.
  • Cody Vieira noted that Chula Vista’s Measure E passed with 67.5% support in 2020, and recent polling shows 63% of San Diegans support this policy.
• Councilmember Comments:
  • Councilmember Campillo (mover) – Thanked staff and public speakers. He moved to direct staff to continue working with the city attorney to finalize language and forward the item to the full council for consideration on the November 2022 ballot. He requested a specific section (22.4403) be reverted to original language to better reflect state law.
  • Council President Pro Tem Whitburn (seconder) – Thanked colleagues and staff. He emphasized that putting the measure on the ballot respects the will of voters, and that the measure will help secure state funding for infrastructure improvements.
  • Councilmember von Wilpert – Supported the measure, noting that PLAs include worker safety protections, pay equity, and non-discrimination clauses. She cited successful PLAs on the Pure Water Project and the San Diego Airport Terminal One project. She thanked the presenters and public speakers.
  • Councilmember Chris Kate – Opposed the measure. He argued that there is no actual ban on PLAs (citing the Pure Water PLA), that state laws SB 829 and SB 922 were enacted after Measure A was passed, and that in seven years on the council he has not seen any denial of state funding due to Measure A. He acknowledged the measure is likely headed to the ballot and said he would vote no.
  • Chair Campbell – Supported the measure, disagreeing with Councilmember Kate. He noted that lawsuits delayed the Pure Water Project and required state intervention, costing the city millions. He argued that the measure helps secure revenue without raising taxes and promotes local jobs.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Motion: The committee voted 4–1 to approve the motion to direct staff from Districts 7 and 3 to continue working with the city attorney’s office to finalize the ballot measure language and forward the item to the full City Council for consideration for the November 2022 ballot.
  • Ayes: Campillo, Whitburn, von Wilpert, Campbell
  • Noes: Kate
• Next Steps: The measure will go to the full City Council for further deliberation before being placed on the November 2022 ballot.

Non-Agenda Public Comment

• Lori Saldano (retired teacher) – Commented on the city’s equal opportunity hiring, citing a recent economic development committee report showing that women and people of color are underrepresented in technical and innovation work, including the Pure Water Program. She urged the city to add equity components to any hiring agreements and fund additional staff to review equal opportunity guidelines.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:30 PM.