By Patty Ducey-Brooks
This past week, I saw direct comments from a staff member of City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn that shocked and upset me more than I expected. Though I had been reviewing previous emails on various topics, after seeing the comments from this staff person, communicating rather rudely to a member of the community, I had to respond.
What I am observing and learning is that the staff of our elected officials (mayor and down), have a growing tendency to speak in a derogatory manner to their constituents. And if you don’t agree with them, you become the enemy. Unfortunately, this appears to be the direct result of a “movement” being led by many elected officials throughout the state of California.
It appears to be associated with the YIMBY movement that has become very radical. If you don’t agree or side with their philosophy, you are the enemy. There is no middle ground. It’s also counter to providing a civil and neutral environment for quality discussion and outcomes, perhaps outcomes that can benefit most of the public at large.
In a civil society, our elected officials would focus on creating a respectful, non-judgmental space where all participants feel safe to contribute. This means encouraging and soliciting active participation and dialogue and offering neutral facilitation techniques that focus on the process rather than a specific outcome.
Unfortunately, as we are experiencing daily throughout the City of San Diego, it is just the opposite, which is why the city is in a dire situation and protests, rallies and lawsuits are the new norm for those residing here.
As a point of reference, here are some of the issues that San Diegans have addressed with no cooperation from their elected officials:
- SB79, which gives more power to the state to take control of land use issues and allow builders to create apartment buildings within a mile of transit corridors in all residential communities. Reality is that investors are doing a land grab to take home ownership out of the realm of possibility for San Diegans, especially families. This means more San Diegans will face rental increases that may price them out of the market. And land values continue to rise because of this.
- Solid Waste Collection Fee proposed by the city that has doubled in less than a year with funds to be used for purposes other than trash collection. 15 plaintiffs are a part of a lawsuit to oppose the trash fee as proposed because it charges for services not rendered. On October 10, 2025, the judge presiding over this case will hear from the attorneys representing the plaintiffs and attorneys representing the city.
- City of San Diego Lawsuits on the rise due to lack of review and action by elected officials and city staff:a.Litigation due to one of its dams being rated in poor condition by the State of California.
b. 2024 Flooding Litigation. The city is still facing lawsuits and has filed countersuits related to the extensive flooding that occurred in January 2024, with some residents alleging the city’s storm drains were not properly maintained. The city is now counter suing and blaming the residents for their home damage.
c. Eight people who have been living at San Diego’s safe sleeping sites designated for homeless people alleged in a lawsuit filed this month. The complaint filed in San Diego federal court seeks a court- ordered remedy for “inaccessible and inhumane conditions” at the two safe sleeping lots near Balboa Park. The lawsuit names the city of San Diego as a defendant, along with Dreams for Change and the Downtown San Diego Partnership, which help operate the lots.
- Rise in Utility Bills: Utility costs are rising in San Diego for residents, with significant increases in water and proposed increases for electricity and gas from SDG&E. Proposed water rate hikes could exceed 60 percent by 2029 to cover infrastructure costs.
The purpose of sharing all of this is to make a valid point about the state of affairs in our city, which is dire and dismal. That’s probably why staff members are quick to react negatively to those not in step with their way of thinking and actions.
In the business world, we show respect for those who we are here to serve. Our elected officials should “own” what they are responsible for creating and be ready and willing to act accordingly, giving us due time to meet with them as needed on important local issues that impact the lives of many.
It’s time for our local government officials to stand with its people rather than treating us like the enemy. Successful collaboration is possible with cooperation and respectful dialogue.
Now wouldn’t that be a refreshing change! :))
There’s an old saying that I heard my grandfather often say which validates what occurs on a daily basis in San Diego: “The fish rots from the head down.” ‘Nuf said.
Please kindly take two minutes & email your local representatives
STOP THE 820 FT. STOCKTON HIGH-RISE ABOMINATION!
A 12-STORY, 120-UNIT PRE-FAB FACTORY-BUILT TOWER IS SLATED TO BREAK GROUND ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2025, AT THE CORNER OF GOLDFINCH & FT. STOCKTON IN MISSION HILLS.
120 tiny apartments, each 300–500 square feet.
ZERO parking for 120 units in a neighborhood already suffering severe parking shortages.
St. Vincent’s Church and children’s school just one block away—this reckless project puts kids and adults in real danger!
ONLY TWO AFFORDABLE UNITS out of 120, in blatant violation of affordable housing laws.
Fast-tracked approval with ZERO meaningful community involvement or transparency—NO public forum held.
The developer is exploiting density bonus loopholes and ignoring neighborhood character and safety.
Where will all these cars park? How long before someone gets seriously hurt or worse? Stop signs are routinely ignored here—this is a recipe for disaster!
HOW YOU CAN HELP TO STOP THIS MADNESS:
Use this letter below to URGENTLY REQUEST A STOP WORK ORDER from San Diego city leadership. The project threatens public health, violates zoning laws, and breaches affordable housing rules:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Date: September 13, 2025
Mayor Todd Gloria, Acting City Manager
City Administration Building
202 C Street, 11th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-236-6330
Email mayor@san-diego.gov
Instagram: @toddgloria
Twitter: @MayorToddGloria
City Attorney Mara W. Elliott
1200 Third Avenue, Suite 1620
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-236-6220
Email: cityattorney@sandiego.gov
Instagram: @sdcityattorney
Subject: URGENT REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE STOP WORK ORDER
Project: 820 Fort Stockton Street High-Rise
Dear Mayor Gloria and City Attorney Elliott,
I am a concerned resident of Mission Hills regarding the reckless approval of the 12-story, 120-unit residential project at 820 Fort Stockton Street.
I hereby request an immediate Stop Work Order pursuant to San Diego Municipal Code §121.0309 to halt construction scheduled for September 18, 2025, based on:
Violation of Land Development Code and zoning—the project provides no parking in a zero-parking area, severely impacting neighborhood livability and safety.
Improper exploitation of affordable housing density bonuses—only two units are designated affordable out of 120, violating the City’s mandates.
Fast-tracked approval with no adequate community review or transparency, undermining public trust.
Potential failure to comply fully with environmental and permit review laws (CEQA and others), risking significant community and environmental harm.
These violations endanger residents, disregard neighborhood character, and erode public confidence in City governance.
I urge immediate action to protect the safety, character, and democratic process of Mission Hills.
Please confirm receipt of this request and advise on your next steps.
Respectfully,
[Your Full Name]
ACT NOW! Share widely. Email Mayor Gloria and City Attorney Elliott. Demand your neighbors do the same.
This project must be stopped before irreparable damage occurs. Mission Hills deserves better than secretive and dangerous development.
Thanks for calling this out, Patty. You set standard by focusing on issues.
I am also aware of very unprofessional and disrespectful behavior coming from the staff of both Chris Ward’s office and Steven Whitburn’s office. Sadly, it it appears to be a byproduct of how polarized the Democratic Party has become under the influence of the YIMBY Dems. I don’t recognize my party anymore.
This is yet another example of politics for power and not politics to work through the issues for the people. IMO the job of an elected is to a)listen to and respond to all constituents questions and b) to use the power of convening to bring interested parties together and c) use the power of public meeting to discuss and negotiate IN PUBLIC and not to decide in advance behind the scenes in response to the Mayor or anyone else. We appear to have largely lost the purpose of politics to resolve issues – not to create new ones that purposely divide people. And not to merely shovel public resources to ‘them that brung them.’ There used to be good will downtown – back in the day – some of days prior to adopting the “strong mayor” system that unjustly removed the Mayor from the City Council and all public hearing for any debate or having to listen through public testimony. I could wave and magic wand and change one thing – it would be to reverse key aspects of that change – mainly putting a professional City Manager back in control of the bureaucracy and putting the Mayor back on the City Council. There is currently zero accountability to the general public as we live through giveaways to developers and increased taxes and fees to feed muni unions to the tune of hundreds of millions of things we could not and cannot afford. Isn’t there anyone up for recalling any of these folks???
I completely agree that we need to go back to the City Manager form of government. With only one party being represented on the city council, we lose some checks and balances. The current city council rubber stamps anything the mayor wants. And, he doesn’t want to hear any dissension to his ideas and goals. This city, as well as this state, is going to hell in a hand basket.
My 8.15.25 email to Mayor TG and all of City Council / County after attending the OB Planning Meeting:
It was rather unfortunate to see how smug, dismissive, not present, and superior Todd Gloria’s representative was at the OB community planning group last night. There was no connection whatsoever with the community, no discussion about the concerns of the community, and what appeared to be total disregard for very valid rationale behind the basic requests being made. Of course Todd Gloria didn’t bother to show up. No one bothered to show up from several offices. The monarchy culture that has been established is so far from “community” and “public service” it’s heartbreaking, but also infuriating.
“The Party”, San Diego Democratic Party hand selected these candidates and crushed any detractors in the primaries. “The Party” has no intention of ever representing constituents again. The Party is supposed to bend to the will of the people, they don’t need to, and will never need to again. Especially if we foolishly acquiesce power to incumbent politicians to draw their own districts. I cannot believe the gullibility in those stumping to “trust” these Oligarchs.
Mateo – what can we do collectively to change this? Is it beyond a recall of Todd Gloria? Do we have to recall or propose a new structure ? This is reaching a point of national embarrassment – what has transpired should be used as an example for every city in CA, as to how NOT to run their city. I want to participate in actual change. For the better.
We passed national embarrassment status when The Gloria Hole was being lampooned (the first time) for wanting to evict all San Diegans in “The Onion.”
Prop 79 passed, & Newsom will greedily sign immediately into law with no regards to any Californians.
The California Coastal Commission is now doomed with Paloma Aguirre ready to follow Newsom’s marching orders. Aguirre’s silence and absolute abdication of her responsibilities as a Coastal Commissioner have been on full display in a middle finger to San Diegans in the face of the 23 story high rise in Pacific Beach.
Newsom’s hyper-gentrification ticket to a very undeserving run for the presidency is nearly complete now. The only thing needed is to secure prop 50 because Newsom cannot carry his own state in the primary, nor in the general election without gerrymandering and the State Dems knows it. Newsom does NOT have the Progressive votes.
If Newsom signs SB79 into law; Californians must rebuke this pseudo State government (oligarchy really) and flat out reject proposition 50 altogether.
Locally, the only thing that can be done is to pull Damien’s ticket and recall him. Simultaneously, we should recall Joe LaCava, & Sean Elo-Rivera too.
My Politics as of Present Day are as follows:
Independent
Apolitical
Over 15 Years of Executive Leadership driving tens of millions of dollars into the city and county of San Diego through my various roles as Marketing Director for W Hotels, Environmental Lights, Fashion Director for 944 Magazine. Small Business owner of Hard Cover High Gloss in Little Italy, who opened FIT Athletic, Royal Maui Jewelers, Luz Fine Jewelry, Marriott Del Mar, and many more. Host hotel sponsorship for SD Pride, Mamas Kitchen, Child Help, The Jenna Druck Foundation, All Film Festivals, all major NYE and Halloween Events. Interstate and feeder market tourism co ops and travel packages encouraging the support of our local small business owners and economy. Presented a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the Columbia district to Blackstone on behalf of Starwood Hotels. Participated in initiatives to secure Comicon and not lose that contract.
My Political Experience is as follows:
Auditing what appears to be a RICO Enterprise, to identify the key participants, roles, money routing, and continuously reporting these individuals, with clear, credible, and valid supporting evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, while presenting and sharing this information with my friends and neighbors and fellow San Diegans, as I’ve been so blessed to call this my home for 25 Years. And exposing this directly to the people who are doing it, at city council, county meetings and SANDAG. My goal is to eliminate the outrageously out of control corruption taking place; and empower people with transparency and the tools they have available to them to understand the information, individuals, and participate in governing their own employees; our city and county leaders.
Andrea you are my hero. What a resume!
Proclaim your independence from both parties and consider a run for office as an Independent. Platform for Open Primaries and throw all your support behind Rank Choice Voting. Shake things up by shaking your RICO knowledge stick at those that have it coming; every chance you get. Andrea you may or may not be able to win an election as an Independent; but you can get the ball a hell-of-a-lot closer to the goalline for yourself and the next San Diego Idealists that should be considering running for positions of elected leadership. Thank you for your selflessness.
But maybe my most important qualification, is surviving the complete and total abandonment, by my tax payer paid employees, who were supposed to serve and protect my family and me in the time of crisis. And the subsequent, and SEVERE consequences they attempted to isolate and silence me with as a result of my speaking up and out. It grew a new level of bravery and fearlessness I never realized existed within me. So I can thank them for that, from their former office, where I would like to operate out of, to ensure this never happens to any man woman or child in San Diego; ever again.
Wow – thank you so much. I am so inspired, and even if it’s a run to share the truth with the people and get an opportunity to educate our community on how and where they can find the info they need to better understand the dynamics behind our community decision marking , help everyone understand how to follow the money, and put on notice anyone who thinks they can keep pulling the wool over the eyes of our residents, that those days are coming to an end. It shouldn’t be about the money, or the politics, or the pension – the positions we elect for should be about bringing the power back to the people and not running this place like a monarchy. We need so much better than this, and it’s up to us to make those changes. I’m really glad we met here on OB Rag, I enjoy your point of view and comments. I did meet with the Director of Elections recently; and she encouraged me to run. I expressed my concern that I’m not a popular vote among some of the people in office, and she assured me that it’s not their decision to make. It’s up to the people, and if the people elect me, those in office who don’t want me; don’t have a say as to whether or not I can participate. Of course we all know there is a strategy in place to literally plant the agenda’s selected candidates in their role, and by force or other measure, such as malicious prosecution etc. they try to remove candidates as well. But there are too many open minds and eyes on this now for that to happen, at least easily, this coming election. I’m really feeling this and I thank you for the kind words
“Kings” in your municipal government.
They have forgotten that they are our DULY elected
officials. I was a Democrat for many years;but over the last few years I’ve lost faith in their ability to lead.It seems that they’re sometimes trying to imitate the rude Trump tactics.
Tonight the city council is having a live-streamed meeting tonight in regard to metered parking. What a foul way to deny use of our public park to the tax-paying public!
I’m strongly in favor of recall of Mayor Gloria who seriously misled San Diegans & the council members who voted for the metered parking.
This appears to verge on the edges of corruption.
Thank you, Patty, for expressing what we’ve all been feeling these past four years dealing with city officials and their staff members, but have been too polite to speak out publicly about it. Starting with our University Community Plan Update Subcommittee meetings, I and many others have experienced staff members talking down to and criticizing us merely for being homeowners who care about our neighborhoods. Rather than asserting our rights and expressing our views, we essentially let them beat us into submission. We’ve chosen to take the high road. What’s become abundantly clear is that city staff are simply following in step with their bosses and emulating them rather than showing respect and maintaining some manners. Like my neighbor likes to say, “The fish rots from the head down.” There’s never been a more clear case of that.