City Heights Area Planning Committee

Minutes - May-July 2021

CITY HEIGHTS AREA PLANNING COMMITTEE

Minutes of July 5, 2021

 

Due to a lack of quorum at the meeting time, Chair Russ Connelly introduced San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephen who wished to speak to the committee and the community. Summer mentioned that her office is always reachable for questions and inquiries about topics her office covers. She then listed several topics of her concern in San Diego County: Opioid Abuse and how the County is dealing with it, a rise in Hate Crimes, Child Crime issues and the topic of “Ghost Guns”. She mentioned a list of services her office provides and invited members of the public to contact her office for more information. Several members of the committee and community asked questions of the District Attorney.

 

Having reached a quorum, Russ called the meeting to order and called roll at 7:15 PM. Jake Banfield-Weir, Francisco Garcia, Asma Abdi, Jim Varnadore, Edwin Lohr, Brian Green-Carson, Maria Cortez, David Nelson, Rahmo Abdi (8:30), Mazda Mehraz, Patty Vaccariello and Russ Connelly were in attendance. Absent were: Rosa Calvario, Scott Anglim, Roddy Jerome, Kenneth Furukawa, Denisse Lopez, Simonei Medina, Krista Berry-Ortega, Andrew Benavides and Randy Torres-Van Vleck.

 

1. After roll call, the sign in sheet was disclosed per Brown Act and Council Policy 600-24 guidelines.

 

2. Minutes were approved unanimously with one date correction.

 

3. Agenda as modified was moved by Brian; seconded by Jake. Passed without opposition.

 

4. Ben Mendoza of Council District 9 discussed a Town Hall featuring the Mayor and CD9 Council member, a cleanup in the Castle neighborhood, CD9 participation in LGBT Pride event on July 11 and a mobility forum on changes to parking regulations on July 14^th. Ben answered audience questions. Allison Woodworth of SANDAG talked about the agency’s upcoming public comment period for their new five year transportation plan and the proposed Purple Line trolley through Mid City.

 

5. Delia Contreras spoke about the need for Spanish translation for CHAPC meetings.

 

Business Agenda:

 

6.1 Marcellus Anderson requested appointment to fill the District 3 2022 seat and gave a background on his interest and qualifications. Patty motioned and Brian seconded to appoint Marcellus to the vacant seat. Vote was 11-0-0 and Marcellus was seated.

 

6.2 Russ discussed absences by Andrew Benavides (Business seat 2022) and his attempts to contact and notify Andrew of the CHAPC bylaw policy regarding lack of attendance. After discussion by the committee David motioned and Francisco seconded to remove Andrew due to absences and vacate the seat. Vote was 12-0-0 and the motion passed.

 

6.3 Delilah Bruzee of MD7 representing T mobile presented on a facility upgrade (684374 PDP/LUP) at 4735 & 4739 Myrtle Avenue. After a brief presentation, the committee asked specific questions and highlighted design concerns. Ms. Bruzee then became verbally combative with a member of the Committee and disparaged the Committee as a whole and any potential action on the item by the group. After further comment, the Chair then clarified for Ms. Bruzee that the body was the correct one to give input on the item, would make up its own mind and give appropriate feedback to the City. David then moved and Brian seconded to Disapprove the PDP/LUP based on the aesthetics of the project as presented. The vote was 9-2-0 with the Chair not voting and the motion to disapprove passed.

 

6.4 Jake as Chair of the Mid Month Subcommittee took the floor and gave a review of the work by the Subcommittee to review the 2019 Community Improvement Program list for City Heights and any proposed changes or modifications to the list. Jake reviewed the 11 items on the list in order and noted that number 3 and number 4 on the 2019 list had been suggested to be reversed to be more in line with community needs. After discussion of the projects and clarifications by Russ, Brian motioned to approve the CIP list for 2021 as recommended by the Subcommittee. Patty seconded the motion. The vote was 11-0-0 with the Chair not voting and the motion passed.

 

7. Chair’s report: Russ mentioned the work by the City on the proposed Parks Master Plan that is being done by the Planning Department. He mentioned several changes and highlights. The plan will be going before the Planning Commission in July. Also discussed was a possible return to live meetings and where they might be held. It was disclosed that the Governor's emergency order on remote meetings carries through September and that an appropriate space would need to be confirmed before resuming regular meetings and if the Committee and community would be accepting of a return to in-place meetings. The Planning Department, through the Community Planners Committee noted that it is up to each group to plan for their own meetings as independent bodies. He also mentioned that there will not be a September meeting due to Labor Day.

 

8. Committee Comment: David on cell projects vs. need to update regulations for them and Police enforcement inequalities. Maria: update on Teralta Park Mural project and change in the celebration date. Francisco discussed the return to in-person meetings. Rahmo offered to talk with the PANA Board about allowing the Committee the use of their facility again for meetings. Brian asked about the need for a Treasurer and potential fundraising for the CHAPC. Francisco asked about funding community projects through a Maintenance Assessment District. Russ gave a brief review of CHAPC expenses in FY2021 and discussed the challenges of forming a MAD.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 8:46 PM. Next meeting: Monday August 2, 2021 6:30 PM

 

 

City Heights Area Planning Committee

 

  Minutes for June 7, 2021

 

 

 

1. Chair Russ Connelly called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. Asma Abdi, Roddy Jerome, Jim Varnadore (6:50), David Nelson, Edwin Lohr, Scott Anglim, Francisco Garcia, Brian Green-Carson, Denisse Lopez, Rahmo Abdi, Patty Vaccariello, and Randy Torres-Van Vleck and Mazda Mehraz were present. Andrew Benavides, Jake Banfield-Weir, Rosa Calvario, Kenneth Furukawa, Krista Berry Ortega, and Simonei Medina were absent. Russ discussed the voluntary sign-in sheet per the Brown Act.

 

 

 

2. Russ turned the floor over to Mayor Todd Gloria who commented on COVID vaccinations, rental assistance programs and the City budget. Questions/discussion from the Committee and Community: Consideration for City to buy vacant lots on Euclid Avenue for housing, completion of the Euclid RAP, mental health spending/clinic in CH, homeless outreach, local park construction, prevention of gun violence, effects of SB9 & SB10 on City Heights neighborhoods.

 

 

 

3. The minutes of May 3, 2021 were accepted as presented.

 

 

 

4. Brian moved and Patty seconded for approval of the agenda. Approved unanimously.

 

 

 

5. Staff Comment: Council member Sean Elo-Rivera discussed rental assistance programs and the City budget. Further questions/discussion on: equity in housing and homeless solutions, community safety issues around Hoover High School, viability of Business Improvement Districts and community engagement. Ben Mendoza with CD9 mentioned a City Budget Survey to discuss priorities and a cleanup in the Castle neighborhood. Julio Garcia of CD9 discussed a summer youth reading program, assistance with low income broadband and how to sign up for the D9 newsletter. Stephanie Estrada of Mayor Gloria’s office said on July10th at 9am there will be a Meet the Mayor with pre-submitted questions that will also feature Council member Sean Elo-Rivera.

 

 

 

6. Off-agenda Public Comment: Russ called for a presentation requested by a community member on sugary beverages. No one stepped forward to present. No other requests were made for public comment.

 

 

 

Business Agenda:

 

Item 7.1 – Appointment to fill the At-Large 2022 Seat

 

Maria Cortez stepped forward and requested appointment to fill the seat for the rest of the term and gave a discussion of her background in the community. Patty motioned and Edwin seconded to appoint Maria to the seat. Vote was 14-0 and Maria was seated.

 

 

 

Item 7.2 – Appointment to fill the District 3 2022 Seat.

 

No member of the community stepped forward and the Chair tabled this to the next meeting.

 

 

 

Item 7.3 - Input on Parking Change – 36^th Street between Wightman and Landis Streets

 

City Traffic Engineering proposal to change the parking configuration to head in parking on the east side of the block. After discussion, Brian motioned and Roddy seconded to approve perpendicular parking on the east side of 36^th street between Wightman and Landis streets. Vote was 14-0-0 with the chair not voting and the motion passed.

 

 

 

Item 7.4 – Unity in the Community-Teralta Park mural update

 

Maria Cortez, Taylor McDonald, Dan Tomsky and Edwin Lohr discussed the current status of the project and the plan for a Grand Opening tentatively set for July 31, 2021.

 

 

 

Chair's Report:

 

Details were provided to the Committee on the changes to commercial parking in transit corridors the City is proposing; details were provided to Community Planners Committee but not to the affected groups. Russ made a CPC motion to stop the process until affected groups can weigh in on the changes. A page on the City’s website has been set up to give updates on the progress of the Fairmount Avenue Fire Station. An update was given on the Euclid Sidewalk project and it’s current progress. The 2021 COW presentation was taking place at the same time as the June meeting so necessary individuals will need to take it electronically. Russ will send the link out again. A Mid-Month Subcommittee meeting will be held on June 21 to discuss CIP Review for 2021. Jake will be Chair of that meeting; agenda and materials will be sent out to the committee.

 

 

 

Board Comment:

 

Randy – Purple Line trolley approved that will go through City Heights, commercial parking review and working group for the Chollas Triangle Park located in the College Planning Area. Francisco – High construction material costs are affecting home prices and availability. Russ mentioned that Andrew Benavides had missed three meetings in a row and a review of his eligibility for his seat will be on the July agenda.

 

 

 

Meeting Adjourned at 7:55 PM. Next meeting: Monday July 5, 2021 6:30 PM

 

 

City Heights Area Planning Committee

 Minutes for May 3, 2021

 

1. Chair Russ Connelly called the meeting to order at 6:33 PM. Jake Banfield-Weir, Rosa Calvario, Asma Abdi, Roddy Jerome, Edwin Lohr, Scott Anglim, Francisco Garcia, Brian Green-Carson, Denisse Lopez, Rahmo Abdi, Kenneth Furukawa, Krista Berry Ortega and Mazda Mehraz were present. Andrew Benavides, Jim Varnadore, David Nelson, Scott Paquette, Simonei Medina, Patty Vaccariello, and Randy Torres-Van Vleck were absent. Russ discussed the voluntary sign-in sheet per the Brown Act.

 

2. The minutes of April 5, 2021 were accepted as presented.

 

3. Edwin moved and Mazda seconded for approval of the agenda. Approved unanimously.

 

4. Staff Comment: Julio with Council District 9: rental assistance applications still available via SDHC, Budget Season - city council approving budgets. 2 options for D9 town meetings available May15th and June 5th. Martha Zapata - forums coming up on the budget process.

 

5. Off-agenda Public Comment: Maria Cortez: Mural in Teralta Park has begun, Planning celebration within the next month or so. Francisco - Survey by the NHM about the San Diego Canyons. Higher number of violent activity at Park De La Cruz issues witnessed personally by him and his family. Rosa - Ocean Discovery Institute still providing meals from 3 to 5pm and summer camp for K-5 students.

 

Business Agenda:

Item 6.1 - Election of Committee Officers for 2021-2022 (votes)

Chair – Russ (14) Winner: Russ Connelly

1st Vice Chair – Edwin (4), Patty (2), Asma (2), Jake (6). Winner: Jake Banfield-Weir

2nd Vice Chair – Brian (13), Patty (0), Rosa (0). Winner: Brian Green-Carson

Secretary - Kenneth (Vanessa resigned from Committee prior to meeting) (13) Winner: Kenneth Furukawa

 

Item 6.2 - Stop Sign Request: Columbine & Quince

Committee was asked to review and give input on requested stop sign to be on Quince Street facing westbound at Columbine. Question was asked about criteria used to make the determination that a stop sign was needed. Not clarified in the email sent to the chair. We don't have the traffic count numbers for the criteria used in this determination. Chair noted that the City already made their decision and this will be implemented in 30 days unless we have concerns then they will stop the process and review the decision. Council Policy 200-08 dictates how stop signs requests are handled.

 

After further discussion, Francisco 1st, Edwin 2nd motion to approve the request for a stop sign. Vote was 11-1-0 with the Chair not voting and the motion passed.

 

Item 6.3 - Input on Speed Limit Change – Fairmount Avenue between 47th & Home Avenue

City Traffic Engineering proposal to increase the speed limit in the area from 35 to 40 MPH pending community input.

Comments included: Traffic calming be implemented before increasing the speed of a vehicle. Higher risks to pedestrians and cyclists. Goes against the Vision Zero Policy of the City. 85 percentile setting this speed is based on drivers, new bill in legislature to change the way speed limits are determined. A neighbor noted that area is very dangerous due to line of sight of hill, radar enforceable is why they are doing this, but over hills can't use radar. Future construction of 3 new housing units with concerns with how to get in and out of that driveway safely and the new Fire Station to be built nearby.

 

Motion by Brian, Second by Jake: Oppose increase in speed limit along Fairmount Avenue between Home and 47th due to safety and sight line concerns. Request to add speed limit signs at Home Ave and 47th street to make it radar enforceable. Vote was 12-0-0 with Chair not voting and the motion in opposition passed.

 

 

Item 6.4 - Presentation on Redistricting Commission

Tom Hebrank, Chairman, Ken Malbrough, Monica Hernandez and Lora Flemming.

 

Tom presented a PowerPoint that explained the commission: Redrawing boundaries for the City Council districts as to who is represented by which area based on population changes in latest census to adjust for density changes and to make each district 1/9 of total population of the City for Equitable services. Items covered: They are here to listen. Actions to be transparent and inclusive process. Result to be fair and effective representation, Preserve identifiable communities of interest and not to protect or advance incumbents. Everything is pushed back to Dec 15th 2021 due to data delays from the Census. September 30th is probably when the state will receive the census data and will push things back even further. City Heights resident Theresa Quiroz was part of the 2010 redistricting commission. 2010 stats: 10% or less population deviation, largest deviation was 4%. Questions: Language opportunities to reach people? Many languages spoken in D9. Ken noted that laws are involved in providing language services. Outreach to the youth to be a part of this process requested.

 

Chair's Report:

Sign in list noted again if someone wishes to run in next years election. Visit from Todd Gloria in June. 30 minute presentation at the top of the meeting. We will have time for questions. COW is still in process from the City as a ZOOM meeting on a Saturday in either May or June. eCOW option available if you can't make it to the live meeting. Russ will distribute the link to new members. Public hearing before hearing officer on - May 12 2021 for the Home Ave Cannabis Outlet Permit at 4337 Home Avenue via ZOOM at 9am. Vacated At-Large position to be on the agenda next month.

 

Board Comment:

Edwin - Covid calamity sculpture in City Heights.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 8:31 PM Next meeting: Monday June 7, 2021 6:30 PM