By Paul Krueger
I can remember when Sean Elo-Rivera, my city council representative, didn’t turn his back on me when I greeted him, when he didn’t talk over me and joke with his colleagues while I testified at council meetings, and when he didn’t leave the council chambers during my public comments.
Shortly after taking office in 2021, Elo-Rivera met with a group of Talmadge/ Kensington residents concerned about the emergence of multi-story apartment buildings in residential areas (branded as “Bonus ADUs”).
To his credit, Elo-Rivera was honest and unapologetic about his intentions. He told us he had no interest in helping us secure even modest reforms to the controversial ADU program. He saw no reason to include minimal requirements for landscaping, off-street parking, setbacks from adjoining homes, and basic design standards.
He did pledge to help make sure the developers complied with building codes and other requirements. But, as we warned him, they didn’t — and he did nothing to stop them.
In the five years since that initial meeting, Elo-Rivera has abandoned any pretense of representation for constituents who disagree with his views, criticize his policy choices, or complain about his behavior.
He’s made it clear that those of us who, in his words, “live north of El Cajon Boulevard” do not deserve his respect or even the basic constituent services of his non-partisan council office.
Elo-Rivera shows a special disdain for those of us who are — in his words — old, white, and “implicitly racist” homeowners. (No matter that Elo-Rivera himself now owns property north of his chosen El Cajon Boulevard battleline.)
A recent Facebook post by my friend and colleague Marty Graham plumbs the depth of Elo-Rivera’s animosity towards those who fail his political litmus test. Marty transcribed a portion of Elo-Rivera’s June 11th comments to a friendly group of supporters and journalists who gathered for a Voice of San Diego podcast recording.
“You want to put repealing a trash tax that would tank the city’s finances on the table?” Elo-Rivera asked rhetorically. “Get out of my office. And you are no longer welcome at City Hall, because you are demonstrating a complete lack of concern for the people of San Diego. And if you continue [with this effort], your meetings at City Hall will be over forever.”
Podcast host and Voice editor Scott Lewis pushed back ever-so-gently against Elo-Rivera’s politics of exclusion. He asked the Council Member if he had a “list of people not allowed in your office.”
“It’s in here,” Elo-Rivera responded, tapping his head with his forefinger.
So the extent of Elo-Rivera’s enemies list remains, at least for now, unclear.
Does it include anyone who collected signatures for a ballot measure to repeal the trash fees? What about people who only signed the petitions? Or those who spoke out publicly in support of the repeal? Or anyone, like myself, who had any connection with the lawsuit that sought to invalidate the fee?
In fact, the outcome of the trash fee dispute is a model of how we use debate, dissent, legal action, and compromise to settle legitimate policy differences.
Voters approved, by less than one-percent, the 2022 ballot measure that imposed the new monthly trash fee on single-family homeowners. But a City Council majority led by Elo-Rivera and Council President Joe LaCava added additional services and more city employees to the proposed collection program. Those unnecessary extras almost doubled the estimated fee specified in the ballot measure summary.
The public revolted. The conservative/ pro-business Lincoln Club funded a signature drive for a ballot measure to overturn the inflated fee. Attorneys Mike Aguirre and Mia Severson filed a lawsuit challenging its legality.
Faced with overwhelming opposition to the trash fee and the possibility of a courtroom defeat, Elo-Rivera and his colleagues approved a compromise.
The trash fee remains, but the scope and cost of the program has been reduced. The lawsuit will be dismissed, and the ballot measure is off the table. (And in a big win for all residents, the council also agreed to end Balboa Park parking fees in January.)
No one got everything they wanted, but everyone got something. It was a contentious and imperfect process. But we’ve been using it since the dawn of democracy, and I’m not aware of a better way to avoid political and civil chaos.
Though he took part in those negotiations and approved the compromise, Elo-Rivera continues to stoke public fury against enemies that live rent-free in his head, including constituents like me. And his anti-democratic actions — which run totally counter to his duties as an elected official and public servant — are harsh:
- We are not allowed in his office.
- We are not welcome inside the City Hall that our tax dollars maintain.
- We are not worthy of his respect — or even basic civility — when we speak at public meetings.
- We will not receive information, guidance, and assistance from his staff, whose salaries, benefits, and pensions we pay for.
That’s totally unacceptable in any form of representative — and especially non-partisan –government.
My Council Member owes me — and everyone whose views he disagrees with — an apology, and a promise to open his doors to all San Diego residents, and especially his District 9 constituents.
In his resignation speech to the nation, the humiliated ex-president Richard Nixon acknowledged that when you hate your perceived enemies, “then you destroy yourself.”
Please give that some thought, Mr. Elo-Rivera.
Krueger is a freelance journalist, Rag writer, community activist, and Talmadge resident. He was one of 15 plaintiffs in the lawsuit challenging the trash fee. He had no role in legal strategy in that case and received no payment or benefit for his participation.
You know what, I abhor the element, from the people on the lawsuit side, I should be grateful for an incomplete outcome. After all, part of that service promised was recycling every week. And yet, the city got the first year fees scot free from the settlement, and we have to wait another year for what we are paying for now. The difference is, buying another bin, when it the past it was free for recycling and greenery. Should I really care if recycling hits the trash can instead?
And when will Elo come save all of us with beach bathroom closures? They are undermining the poor from his neighborhood who want to go to the beach after all. We are destined to get another hepatitis outbreak from this. As well as a possible lawsuit for sanitary conditions from the facilities left that are open.
This is America’s finest city?
Thanks Chris for bringing up the forgotten hepatitis outbreak in the city due to unsanitary conditions for the public (Including the homeless). The city was forced to put up wash-up stands around SD so people could wash their hands. NOW they want to close restrooms, which are probably a small amount of city expenditures and which greatly enhance public health. I feel that in the last 8 years we SD citizens are always in an adversarial relationship with our mayor and city council.
As an old privileged boomer white male, Ive learned the best way to handle those who call you out for being such is to just say “It’s good to be the king”. If they have it in for you, might as well have some fun with them.
If Elo-Rivera deigned to attend community meetings, he’d see just how diverse the opposition to him really is. That’s exactly why he avoids them; it exposes his bs narrative. Elo-Rivera’s campaign contributions are almost entirely from wealthy developers (this is a matter of public record). He only serves those who butter his bread. What a rude, slimy, disingenuous, power-hungry little man. How many times has he simply not bothered to show up for public meetings so he doesn’t have to listen to constituents? And so he can pretend it’s just a bunch of “old racists” anyway, when the very neighborhoods that are being exploited by him and his financiers are, in fact, those where the highest percentage of POC are homeowners. But he’ll happily push them out so his developer buddies can slap up overpriced apartments, and he can try to leverage his way to higher office. His power trip needs to end here. This man does not deserve to hold office.
Concur ?. No responsible, authentic elected official would disparage and demean their own constituents in the manner Elo has since he was elected to represent D9. Not surprised to learn deplorable Elo has an enemies list in his head. Plenty of room for it in his otherwise empty head.
Yep, the “Progressives “ on our city council are totally selling out to developers intent on trashing the CEQA and height limits.
Doesn’t it then follow that they’re not really “progressives”? Need to re-calibrate your political understandings or maybe the quotation marks signified a deeper understanding.
I could be wrong, but I took FPC’s quotation marks to imply “progressive in name only.” Certainly Elo-Rivera and many of our current local leaders are skilled at co-opting progressive language for their own self-serving ends.
Agreed.
This says the whole thing in a few words.
You forgot or forgave the ying or Yang of the Democratic sell out – Labor Unions
You can hear Council Member Elo-Rivera’s comments about refusing to meet with those who opposed the trash tax on the VOSD Podcast, starting at 37:00 minutes. He also discusses a possible run for mayor, at 1:03:30 on the podcast.
Link: https://voiceofsandiego.org/2026/06/12/vosd-podcast-sean-elo-rivera-live-from-soda-bar/
Thanks for your honest, well-written commentary about Councilmember Elo-Rivera, Paul. He has let so many residents of his district down, and supported legislation that’s led to San Diego’s overall demise. I’ve witnessed his hostile behavior toward speakers at dozens of council hearings — his total lack of respect and compassion. He embodies everything that’s wrong about our sycophant city officials: They only care about fulfilling Gloria’s wishes in order to enrich themselves. The one exception is Councilmember Campillo, who exemplifies the qualities of a good political representative and leader. If only the other councilmembers were like him.
In CD2 I do not see the member raising any health concerns about the closed bathrooms.
As a medical doctor you would assume she might see this action as unhealthy ?
But then she would need to fully present.
Or care.
Elo-Rivera is not the only questionable public servant in my opinion.
Absolutely when the community needs representation from MIA Jen.
Thank you Paul for this article. Time and time again Sean Elo-Rivera has exhibited a “divide and conquer” strategy and a “we against them” approach.
He’s constantly pitting homeowners against renters, business owners against the unhoused and putting a wedge between ethnic and other groups. We are all one community and a leader would find ways we can unite to solve our issues and create an equitable and livable society for all.
In his first year in City Council, he told me that the priorities of his constituents were not necessarily his concern, he had other priorities. We did not elect him to achieve his priorities, we elected him to represent us-his constituents.
I have spoken at City Council and seen him literally turn his back to me during my speech, I have seen him scowl when we make eye contact. We may disagree but I will always listen respectfully, he does not.
Sean is not a leader, he is not a representative and he is a divisive influence on our community.
Trump through the looking glass. Just another fringe politician serving only the radicals. Get used to it, somehow we live in a society that rewards this nonsense. Example? Is there actually a member of the San Diego City Council that is up for a promotion to the US House of Representatives? Sadly the answer is Yes.
“Radicals” Norman? What radicals? He does speak radicalspeak and feigns to the left whenever he can grandstand on an issue that never comes before him at council, yes, and he has fooled a whole segment of San Diego’s left into thinking he’s one of us, but it ain’t so, Joe.
Public office requires maturity, humility, and respect for all constituents. When a council member consistently appears belligerent toward critics, treats disagreement as a personal affront, and refuses to engage respectfully with those holding different views, it reflects a failure of leadership rather than a difference in political philosophy. Those are not the qualities San Diegans should expect from their elected representatives.
Public office requires equal representation for all regardless of ideological beliefs and how people voted. It’s determining the best balance for the majority of people. The interjection of “people paying their fair share” is disgusting.
In Council Districts 4, 8, & 9 the main competitive disadvantage for home buyers is the San Diego unified School district’s schools in those Council districts. Even thou Hoover High School is north of El Cajon boulevard and in the Talmadge Kensington neighborhoods, those wealth neighbors promote Hoover HS as a City Heights School, rather than their own. Schools are one of the primary motivators of home buyers, so if the Councilman wants to serve his District he would improve the schools. SDUSD is part of the City Charter and the Council has several strong handles on SDUSD. Additionally, SDUSD routinely needs funding and land agreements with the City, so the Council can get better performance from these schools.
Politicians want to give lip service to Climate Change and Global Warming but they refuse to take the actions necessary to reduce carbon burning. The City continues to support carbon burning by providing commuter employee parking lots, often subsidized or free parking. The SDUSD also encourage far distant commuter employees by providing and maintaining free employee teacher parking. Commuter parking lots should be converted to housing sites.
In my opinion, Ego-Rivera is a pompous, all talk and no action, small minded person, who won’t get re-elected to any political seat in SD. I think he knows that, and has to get all his BS said while he still has public/media attention. He’s done, and probably wondering where he’s going to find a job, since he’s alienated, and chosen to disregard so many tax payers. With his anger issues, he’d probably have a hard time being a Walmart greeter, if he could qualify for the job.
You expect an apology from Ego-Rivera? Today at City Council, after the public spoke and presented extremely informative comments, including videos, slides, etc. on the DR Horton project at the Towers site for 2 hours, Ego-Rivera DID NOT THANK THE PUBIC at all after public comment. He thanked the staff and Foster. And then he haltingly rambled on almost incoherently stringing one thought after another, sometimes in contradiction – making little sense. He did not address any point on appeal, i.e., the purpose of the Council agenda item; he is clearly not the swiftest kayak on the river.
Paul, excellent article, thank you.
And Cindi l….. just wow! Talk about an undeserving public servant.
Hi cindi, I listened to that rambling (gag) and then he tried to shed a tear and couldn’t.
I am glad I have CM Campillo rep’ing me. He is capable leader who I hope becomes Mayor.
Paul like you I have witnessed unbelievable behavior from Sean Elo-Rivera, believe it was July of 2024 when he tried to take away virtual comments, about 250 people showed up to object to this motion. When he realized how many people showed up he pulled it off the agenda. As people shared about this issue for them on the non agenda public comment he scolded at least 30 to 40 people in a row by interrupted them during your testimony. That was probably my most embarrassing moment for San Diego ever. 90% of mom and pops landlords are 55 to 80 years his biased attack on this group of people is unbelievable.He refused to meet with small mom and pop landlords before his devastating tenant protection program. And how it now is taking that away from a next generation of hard working blue collar workers. He insisted on day one protection for tenants. So now it’s basically like if you rent to somebody you owe them a place to live for the rest of your life. Imagine of any small business had to employ somebody after day one for the rest of their life. As city council president he was having his wages garnished for not payment of his rent in an eviction. And he’s been trying to get even with small landlords ever since. If you listen to a story about his housing insecurity as a child it really has to do with his parents more than it has to do with his landlord and he probably needs some therapy over this. His biggest supporters are always labor unions. And he doesn’t have time for the regular San Diego. It’s unbelievable that he would push to spend 65 million dollars on trash cans and then turn around and say oh the poor children don’t have funding for parks and in libraries. I don’t believe anybody’s that stupid I believe there’s got to be a corruption level in this.
“And in a big win for all residents, the council also agreed to end Balboa Park parking fees in January.” How is this a big win for all residents? Seems to me it is a win for those (residents and non-residents alike) that get their parking subsidized by all residents. Residents that don’t drive to Balboa Park are paying for others parking. Doesn’t seem like a win for all to me.
Good point you’ve made here. I do know there are people who support paid parking in Balboa Park as a way to encourage mass transit use and as a part of a larger world view that people who use personal vehicles should pay for the supposed environmental and infrastructure costs for which personal vehicles are responsible.
I don’t agree with that argument, and I think the vast majority of San Diego’s don’t agree either, but I get your point that the return to free parking in Balboa Park shouldn’t be seen as a win for “all” San Diegans.
Climate Change carbon reductions will only occur when free employee parking is removed from San Diego Police Stations and other facilities. The City subsidizes and encourages long distance commuting.
On a state level the fuel tax that need to be raised is the Jet Aviation fuel tax Vehicles pay 10 time the tax that is applied to jet fuel
Support paid parking to encourage mass transit use? First off, the system is a financial loser with deficits that they finally realized to raise the cost to the user. And second, screw the larger world view, it’s not larger based on the actual results when people are driving, need a place to park, because parking has been neglected with development infill. It’s amazing infill requires no parking and will be a problem long after these fools are gone while the city puts up parking meters? You create a problem with policy and solve it with second tier taxes?
I’m sorry it looks like I misunderstood your initial comment. I have long and forcefully spoken out against allowing construction of multi unit 80 use an apartments without sensible amount of Au street parking. I think we agree on this issue and the other points you make.
You cheered a good point that didn’t seem to be so good a point. So hence my response in the way I took to it.
I get what you’re saying but keep in mind we’re also paying to subsidize free parking for tourists, who in turn bring their money here and benefit the city. All these tactics to inconvenience and punish people for driving also make tourists feel like they were nickel-and-dimed to death for their whole visit and they’ll go somewhere they feel more welcome next time.
If our leaders *honestly* want to change public behavior, they need to be more creative about proposing “carrots” rather than “sticks.” However, I don’t think they really care about getting more people to eschew cars or to make less trash, etc. They really want an excuse to collect the fees to make up for their own poor use of funds. If our behavior changed, they’d have to come up with a new source of revenue that would somehow evaporate before it could be spent on under-served schools, parks, libraries, etc.
Agree! I think it’s really bad form for Elo-Rivera to refer to Arizona tourist as “zonies” in a derogatory tone of voice. Those visitors contribute tens of millions of dollars to our local economy every year and we should do what we can to make them feel welcome while encouraging them to spend as much money as possible while feeling good about it.
I have been in council chambers multiple times and witnessed Elo-Rivera’s shameful behavior resembling a petulant two year old. His words and actions scream disrespect for his constituents and all San Diego communities. Please, when he runs for Mayor, don’t forget his ridiculous tax, tax, tax philosophy and lack of respect for all of us.
Does anyone know why SER’s bio claims he passed the California bar in 2014, but if you do a search for attorneys on the State Bar’s website, his name does not come up?
He’s not a practicing attorney?
I have heard rumors about his not passing the bar, but haven’t pursued them. I think it’s best for me to focus on issues related to his lack of representation for those he disagrees with, and his demeanor in public forums and council meetings.
If you do search on the CA bar web site using “Sean Elo-Rivera” or pretty much any variation on that name you get “your search returned no results.” So either he has not passed the bar exam (failed or otherwise) or he took it under another name. Draw your own conclusions.
I’m pretty sure he could have passed the bar exam but never sought admission to the bar to be an attorney licensed to practice in California,
I wonder if there’s a public record of those who passed the bar exam.
Wouldn’t that be a better indication of bar exam passage that where one is a licensed attorney and member of the state bar?
It has been nearly 40 years since I qualified for California bar admission and the tests and rules have changed. There is more to being admitted to the California Bar than just the California Bar examination. One must also pass the additional Multi State examination and the additional Ethics examination. Additionally, the applicant must have a clear criminal record. A DUI or drug use conviction could disqualify an applicant. Some folks just want the academic accomplishment of an LLB or Juris Doctor.
He seems to have adopted Trump’s “us vs them,” punish my enemies syndrome. I agree with the comment about poor leadership skills. Good leaders listen to all constituents and attempt to find compromise.
Ego-Rivera is a hypocrite. Talks about “the under-represented people south of Hwy 8; blah, blah, blah!” Then when he had the opportunity to demonstrate this concern, he votes against the community in support of DR Horton development. Taking away a beautiful property that had been proposed as a public park for the District 4 community. So next time Rivera says he wants to eradicate home ownership by large corporations, call him out on his vote.
SER is a charlatan and the sooner we are rid of him the better before he votes away more public land. For corporate ownership.
Ego Rivera is not a licensed attorney. About that, he said: that when working with the City Heights legal clinic, ” … made me think very quickly that the practice of law was something that I would become fairly frustrated with. … Rather than fight the cases one-by-one, he decided that he could have a greater impact if he entered the political arena and tried to make laws and policies more amenable to people living in poverty.”
He definitely has a personal agenda.
Okay, google’s AI says he passed the exam and is a practicing attorney, but the State Bar does not recognize him as a practicing lawyer.
Elo-Rivera is a clone of the bad policy politicians of the LA City Council. He complains about Trump and no kings, yet locally acts like a king.
Elo-Rivera has put forward one bad policy after another antagonizing business interests, and trumpeting union talking points at the expense of workers because his policies reduce economic opportunity, reduce housing supply (repeated bad housing policy), and hurt small business reducing employment (tourism minimum wage)
He has talked down to constituents and others repeatedly because when your policies are bad debate never serves one’s interests, only ignoring and silencing critics.
For any one on Elo-Rivera’s persona non grata list, make sure to vote and actively campaign against his antics.
He’s been the south end of a horse going north pretty much all of his tenure.