By Rag Staff
The San Diego Community Coalition publishes this email bulletin to keep our members and the general San Diego public informed about important Council hearings and other city public meetings.
Monday, October 19: City Council, Closed Session, 10:00 a.m.
Item CS-6: January 22, 2024 Flooding Litigation
Why it matters: Two years later, as 57 civil cases against the city move slowly forward, and Southeastern San Diego victims are still struggling to rebuild, we have to ask: Is City Hall better prepared for flood control when the new massive El Nino arrives?
Monday, October 19: City Council, 2:00 p.m.
Item S400: Confirming Appointment of Bethany Bezak to Position of City Manager (Chief Operating Officer)
Why it matters: Will the long-overdue naming of a COO somehow inoculate the city from the impulsive decisions of a strong mayor with no executive experience? We can only hope.
Tuesday, October 20: City Council, 10:00 a.m.
Item 100: Manatt, Phelps & Phillips Federal Lobbying Contract
Why it matters: When a cash-strapped city government pays $840,000 to a high-powered D.C. firm for a five-year lobbying contract, you have to wonder: How do San Diegans benefit?
Wednesday, October 21: Budget and Government Efficiency Committee, 9:00 a.m.
Item 2: Rescind Council’s Approval of ALPR (Flock) Policy
Why it matters: D3 Councilmember Stephen Whitburn’s sudden decision to oppose the use of Flock surveillance cameras means the Council has the votes to block the practice. Mayor Todd Gloria, who favors Flock technology, has veto power.
Wednesday, October 21: Community and Neighborhood Services Committee: 2:00 p.m.
Item 6: Amendments to the Short-Term Residential Occupancy Ordinance
Why it matters: Proposed changes would address ongoing problems in residential neighborhoods by strengthening license application requirements, license issuance and renewal procedures, and improving content and complaint responses.
In-person: Council, 202 C St.
To participate via Zoom and submit written comments, click on the meeting agenda and look for the links.
Sure makes me wonder what Whitburn’s motivation is? Especially since the public is not happy there are not more police officers on the streets, even the Mayor is supportive of Flock along with the Chief of Police. I know Whitburn is a Spanish speaker, and I think I remember he lived in Mexico a part of his life, and a part of his D3 covers a large Hispanic population. When I see the protests against the Flock cameras, most are people of color. Since he terms out in 2028, is he lining up his options to run for something else and needs the Hispanic vote to attain his goal? Makes me wonder what devious plan he has.
And no, I don’t have an axe to grind with people of color. My grandkids are 1/2 Mexican and I married a Black man. And I’ve taught my kids, grandkids and great grandkids, the only thing we judge anyone by is, do we like them, and do they treat us nice. Makes life much more simple that way. Consequently they have friends of all races, and religions.
If we don’t pay $840K for lobbying, might we be able to use that Money to keep our beach restrooms open in 2027?