The San Diego Community Coalition publishes this email bulletin to keep our members informed about important Council and Planning Commission hearings. City Hall reopens this week after a 3-week legislative recess for the holidays.
First, a word about Balboa Park parking fees and non-agenda public comment:
The outrageous new fees to park in Balboa Park are on the City Council’s political front burner right now. But they aren’t on any of the Council’s agendas this week – which means the public can raise that issue during the non-agenda public comment at every Council meeting.
Council President Joe La Cava, who strongly supported the new fees, needs to hear a loud message from a lot of constituents: City Hall must live within its means. Stop spending money irresponsibly and then demanding that taxpayers cover your losses. La Cava won’t like having his meetings slowed down by non-agenda comments on Park fees. But he can’t interfere with our right to make those comments.
Monday, January 12: City Council, 2:00 p.m.
Items include: Public Utilities FY 2027-2031 Five-Year Financial Outlook
Why it matters: Last year, the Council fought over a proposal to increase water rates by 63% through 2029 and wastewater rates by 31% in the same period. The final 5-4 vote approved less draconian hikes of 14.7% and 14.5%. A year later, public furor over bait-and-switch trash fees and erratic Balboa Park parking fees will make utility rate hikes even more contentious.
Tuesday, January 13: City Council, 1:00 p.m.
Three consent agenda items are included:
Vote on ordinances passing College Area and Clairemont Community Plan Updates and Community Enhancement Zone Ordinance.
Why it matters: These are the final votes on these three items and will enact the College Area (+320% increase in housing density versus existing housing units) and Clairemont Community (+59% increase in housing density versus existing housing units) Plan Updates.
Vote to authorize the Mayor to amend a procurement contract with Nokia of America for public safety communication.
Why it matters: The increase raises a not-to-exceed $3 million threshold to a not-to-exceed $8 million. That $5 million raise for Nokia seems significant to extend a 5-year contract for an additional 2 years. How can a cash-strapped city government justify such largesse?
Vote on adopting the 2025 California Fire Code and the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Why it matters: This code would require owners of properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones – 82 percent of all land in San Diego – to eliminate all flammable materials within five feet of residences, including plant material, wood fences, and decks. Rental properties are expected to comply immediately upon passage. Existing properties have one year to comply.
Wednesday, January 14: Land Use and Housing Committee, 2:00 p.m.
Items include: Preservation and Progress Package A
Why it matters: “Predation and Privateering” would be a more accurate name for this plan to scuttle San Diego’s historic preservation program so developers can bulldoze treasured structures to build large ugly boxes. For background, read Rag commentaries from SOHO on January 9 and Michael Stepner and Mary Lydon on December 12. A huge turnout of community leaders is critical here.
In-person: Council, 202 C St.
To participate via Zoom and submit written comments, click on the meeting agenda and look for the links.
If you’d like to receive this bulletin via email, send a message to OBRagBlog@gmail.com and put “Coalition Roster” in the subject line.
I wish to personally thank Kate Callen for putting this bulletin together for the rest of us.
Ditto! Thank you, Kate.