San Diego · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Diego public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
January 22, 2024 flooding litigation
The council approved a wastewater treatment contract and a nearly $4 million stormwater settlement. Speakers warned that aging buried pipes, rising groundwater and sea level rise will keep generating failures and lawsuits unless the city invests below ground.
Police misconduct settlements and accountability
The council approved a $3.1 million settlement in a discrimination lawsuit by an SDPD officer, bringing recent police-related settlements to roughly $45 million since December. Councilmembers Foster and Elo-Rivera pressed for systemic reform and for charging settlement costs to department budgets.
Islamic Center of San Diego shooting response
Council members opened the meeting mourning the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, honoring security guard Amin Abdullah, and condemning hate and violence.
Wildfire resilience at Lake Hodges and San Pasqual Valley
Dam safety spending is being delayed to FY 2028, and the County Water Authority has declined to pay its half of a potential Lake Hodges dam replacement. Councilmember von Wilpert warned the mandated low water level has increased brush growth and wildfire risk in Rancho Bernardo and Escondido.
Due Process and Safety Ordinance
The council made the Due Process and Safety ordinance law, limiting city involvement in federal immigration enforcement and requiring judicial warrants before federal agents enter non-public city facilities. Dozens of advocates testified about fear in immigrant, LGBTQ, and Muslim communities. Speakers also pushed the council to go further, including canceling the city's Flock camera contract.