By Councilwoman Jennifer Campell / May 2019 Newsletter
Hello Neighbors!
Here is an update on some of the most prominent pieces of legislation that City Council has passed recently.
First, scooters. On May 14th. City Council followed up it’s previous unanimous approval of scooter regulations with another 9-0 vote on the legislation’s second reading. That means that the new laws regarding scooters will come into effect on July 1st, laws that include geofencing on the boardwalk and bayside walk that will slow scooters to 8 mph.
Even with the new rules many of us are disappointed that there is not a scooter ban on our boardwalks. When the Mayor’s regulations came to Council, for both the initial hearing and the second reading. I was vocal about my support of banning scooters from the boardwalk.
While I voted to move the regulations forward because I believe we need some sort of regulations in place. City staff is to report data to the Council in six months and perhaps then other councilmembers will join me in calling for a ban on our boardwalks.
Also on May 14th, the motion I made for an emergency vehicle habitation ordinance was passed. This ban restricts people from sleeping in their vehicles overnight within 500 feet of residences or schools.
The City will provide another safe parking for those experiencing homelessness who live in their vehicles so that they have access to showers, bathrooms and outreach services.
Jewish Family Services will operate the newest site in the family tailgate lot across from SDCCU Stadium. They have run our current 2 lots and have a 57% success rate of permanently housing those in their lots within 6 months. I hope anyone living in their vehicle as a last resort will take advantage of these resources.
On the other hand, this ordinance also addresses the people who are living in their RVs, who should be parking in an RV campground.
I understand the concern about RVs and vans, sprawled out all over District 2 along the beaches, streets, and parking lots, used all day and all night. There is constant public urination and black water being dumped into the bay. This is not healthy or safe for anyone. Urban camping and the activities associated with it belong in a campground with bathroom facilities, not on our streets.
When casting both of these votes, I listened to the community to give their concerns a voice at City Hall. I believe they are the correct votes to make our beach and bay communities, as well as the City of San Diego, a better place.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Thank you Dr. Campbell for listening to the community and voting as you have. This is such a breath of fresh air from what we had previously in the District 2 seat. Your stance on the boardwalks is right on, the boardwalks are not for motorized vehicles of any kind. Keep up the effort and hopefully the review of how it is working will help finally ban them.