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 26: City Council, Closed Session, 10:00 a.m.
CS-2: Victoria Hayes, et al. v. City of San Diego
Why it matters: The horrific December 23, 2023 accident resulting from a high-speed police chase that killed two young brothers was a major factor in the creation of a police oversight board. It’s hard to imagine why the boys’ mother is still waiting for a resolution of her civil suit.
Monday, October 26: City Council, 2:00 p.m.
Item S400: FY2026 Year-End Financial Performance Report
Why it matters a lot: This is a bleak picture. The Independent Budget Analyst (IBA) notes that:
— “Revenues ended the year $22.3 million below budgeted amounts.”
— Projected emergency reserves show a “balance of negative $4.7 million, necessitating a draw on the General Fund Stability Reserve for the first time in recent history.”
— “Risk reserves declined by $20.8 million from adopted budget projections.”
— The Development Services Department, which is supposed to be self-sustaining, has ended the year with a negative balance.
The IBA concludes, “The importance of fiscal restraint in future budgets will be critical.” Let’s put that another way: If City Hall does not take drastic actions that would begin with reducing the city workforce and raising developer fees, San Diego is headed for fiscal insolvency.
Tuesday, October 27: City Council, 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Item S510: Temporary Moratorium on Data Center Development
Why it matters: While this is largely performative (and politically safe), it’s good to see a city that’s always hunting for new revenue streams take a stand against the big money lure of destructive data centers.
Item 330: Proposed Adjustments to Water Rates
Why it matters: The new unitary rate structure imposed to comply with court rulings is likely to pass, but a new law (AB-2180) enacted last month could restore the practice of giving discounts to customers who conserve water.
In-person: Council, 202 C St.
To participate via Zoom and submit written comments, click on the meeting agenda and look for the links.
