National City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in National City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Library programming and event publicity
Heritage month celebrations and the returning Hallowtacular event on October 24 drew strong community participation, and the library was invited to table at an October 30 community festival at the Art Center.
Library patron suspension policy
Staff plan to bring a formal suspension letter next meeting for patrons who repeatedly break library rules. Suspensions could run a month to six months, backed by incident reports, with an appeal process.
Closed-session litigation exposure
The council planned to meet behind closed doors about one case that could expose the city to significant legal liability. The public won't learn details unless or until the city discloses an outcome later.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 City Budget
The city faces a $12.7 million deficit next year even after $3.5 million in cuts, and reserves will shrink to roughly $500,000. Council restored $235,000 for senior meals and pledged to keep working on the budget starting in August.
Capital Improvement Program On-Call Consultants
Three-year on-call consultant agreements totaling up to $3.8 million across three firms would support the city's capital improvement projects like streets, parks, and facilities.
Police Portable Radios via Federal Grant
A $27,226 federal JAG grant would buy portable radios for the police department's radio communication system, improving officer communication and public safety.
Business License Tax Reform Advisory Committee Direction
The council was asked to clarify its direction to the committee studying reform of the city's business license tax — the tax local businesses pay, which affects city revenue and business costs.
Beer and wine service at new Korean BBQ on Highland Avenue
Nearly all new housing built in National City last year was an accessory dwelling unit — 49 of 51 units. But the city's 2021 ADU rules are now outdated against laws like SB 1211, which allows up to eight detached ADUs on multifamily lots. Updating the code could make it simpler and cheaper for homeowners to build them.
Blue Curb Disabled Parking Spaces
Three new blue-curb disabled persons parking spaces were scheduled at residences on C Avenue, F Avenue, and Salot Street, improving accessibility for residents with disabilities and their caregivers.
El Niño Local Emergency Proclamation
Forecasters predict a very wet winter, and the January 2024 flood devastated parts of National City. The city is clearing storm drains, distributing sandbags October 24, training EOC staff, and mailing flood warnings to roughly 1,000 flood-zone parcels — though speakers demanded outreach in Tagalog and more languages, not just English and Spanish.
Pending ~$7 million encampment resolution grant
The city, county and Chula Vista jointly applied for over $7 million to fund homeless outreach along the I-5 corridor and one street inland; an award decision is pending.
Environmental Policy and Industrial Development
SDSU finished its EPA-funded study of potentially contaminated vacant sites in National City — concentrated on the West Side — and now hopes the city will pursue cleanup grants for city-owned parcels. A new EPA-funded 'BREW' program will train 100 local residents for environmental jobs over five years, starting in January.
Union Tower affordable apartments completion
The 94-unit Union Tower complex for households earning 30–60% of area median income will hold its ribbon cutting November 10; it includes housing for 24 formerly homeless veterans.
Six city-owned development sites
Council asked for more analysis of developer proposals for six city-owned sites back in May; that work is done and the proposals will soon return for a public decision.
Personnel Change
The firefighters' union president praised the fire department's 2% vacancy rate but warned that HR has cycled through four directors in five years and retention is a citywide problem.
Library as election voting site
The library will be a full voting site for the upcoming election, closing Saturday through Monday for setup, with secured ballot drop boxes installed.
Loss of dedicated library security
The library has gone several months without dedicated security, though police have been responding quickly when called. Board members raised questions about safety.
Councilmember Rodriguez Degree Controversy
Speaker after speaker demanded Councilmember Jose Rodriguez resign, withdraw from the mayoral race, or face censure after his campaign acknowledged he did not earn the SDSU degree listed on city applications in 2016 and 2019. The council took no action on the matter during the meeting.
Youth Marijuana and Vape Protections
Several speakers urged the city to act on new state laws — AB 2249 on kid-friendly marijuana packaging and AB 762 banning disposable vapes — and to go further by removing marijuana billboards and banning single-use marijuana vapes, citing youth health risks and hazardous waste costs.
Business License Tax Reform (Gross Receipts Tax)
A twelve-member ad hoc committee is working toward a business license tax reform recommendation by late November, hoping to place a measure on the 2027 ballot. The Chamber of Commerce complained it's been sidelined despite being told it would lead the process, and the city manager will seek council clarification October 20.
City Towing and Impound Service Contracts
New agreements with Cortes Towing Enterprises and Tony's Auto Center were up for approval to handle the city's towing and impound needs for three years starting October 2026.
New public comment rules under SB 707
State law now lets residents comment on any agenda item right up until a motion is made, and speaker slips are no longer required. The clerk is visiting all boards and commissions to explain the changes.
Manila Bistro liquor and live entertainment permit
Manila Bistro on South Harbison Avenue asked the council for final approval to serve beer, wine, and spirits with live entertainment. The Planning Commission already reviewed the request, and the council was scheduled to hold the required public hearing before deciding.
Ambulance service contract extension
The city was set to extend its agreement with American Medical Response for basic and advanced life support ambulance transport for another year, keeping existing emergency medical transport in place through August 2027.
Litigation cost increase for Cummins v. National City
The council was set to raise the spending cap on its outside legal counsel for the Cummins appeal by $75,000, bringing the total not-to-exceed amount to $250,000.
Online police complaint form
The police department is still building an online complaint submission form with attachment uploads, and promises something to show at the next meeting.
Conflict-of-interest concerns raised over Council Member Bush's legal representation
A resident alleged that Council Member Bush's recently retained attorney is related to a principal of Calimoda LLC, a party suing the city, and asked Bush to recuse himself from the case.
BCD LLC v. City of National City
Another active lawsuit against the city was discussed in closed session; no action was announced.
Residential parking pressure near new developments
Two new permit districts were created on E and F Avenues, driven by apartment density and a clinic whose employees aren't using their garage. Council members warned this fight is only beginning as state law limits parking requirements.
City leadership turnover ends with permanent hires
After roughly ten city manager transitions in four years, the council finally hired a permanent city manager and city attorney — speakers from labor, business, and the dais all welcomed the stability.
South County Lighthouse homeless shelter
The Rescue Mission reported strong two-year outcomes from National City's first permanent homeless shelter, including a paid work pilot. Council praised it but pressed on an El Cajon deal sending unsheltered people here.
Tidelands Avenue Electric Truck Hub
The Port of San Diego presented its 70-truck electric charging hub at 19th and Tidelands. Most speakers supported it for cleaner air and union jobs; Mayor Morrison pressed hard on lithium battery fire risk and the site being upwind of the dense Westside. Formal council action is expected June 30.
Meeting of Styles Mural Event and Graffiti Abatement
The Vision Culture Foundation wants to bring the international Meeting of Styles event to the 18th & Wilson corridor July 19, turning a chronically tagged wall into world-class murals at almost no cost to the city. The council was enthusiastic; a TUP comes back in two weeks.
Veterans Recognition
The incoming commander of American Legion Post 255 asked the city to sponsor Memorial Day and Veterans Day events and reopen the Wall of Honor plaque program.
Overdue FY 2024-25 Audit Report
A resident pressed again for the long-delayed annual audit, which is past its March 31 deadline and needed to answer budget questions.
Tobacco and Marijuana Enforcement
Several speakers urged aggressive enforcement against shops selling illegal flavored tobacco, kratom and intoxicating hemp, noting big fines in nearby cities — and called for more health warnings on marijuana products.
Air Pollution and APCD Representation
Multiple speakers blasted Councilmember Bush's May 14 vote against starting an indirect source rule to cut warehouse truck pollution; he defended the vote, citing staff analysis, legal risk and delays to National City's own air filter program.
Estate of Brian Umana lawsuit against National City
The city faces a federal lawsuit brought by the estate of Brian Umana and individual plaintiffs. The Council gathered privately with legal counsel to discuss the case's status and strategy.
San Diego Unified School District litigation
The Council was also briefed on a Superior Court case, San Diego Unified School District v. City of San Diego and others, in which the city is involved. Details of the discussion remain confidential.
Bayfront development plan approval
National City's waterfront is getting a massive makeover! The California Coastal Commission has approved the Bayfront development plan, meaning big changes are coming to the coastline.
Land Use Decision
National City council just said 'no' to a new biofuel transfer facility. They're apparently not looking to bring that kind of industry into the city right now.
Biofuel Depot Permit
National City Council said 'no way' to a proposed biofuel depot. After a lengthy discussion, they voted against the project, meaning it won't be built.
Environmental Protest
National City residents are pushing back against a new fuel transfer station, fearing it'll pollute their neighborhoods and pose safety risks. They're staging protests to get the city council to reconsider before it's a done deal.
Police Response to Mental Health Crises
National City police are facing scrutiny over how they respond to mental health crises. This comes after some hefty civil rights settlements, raising questions about whether the department is adequately addressing these sensitive situations.
Public Safety and Prostitution
Daytime prostitution is making National City residents feel unsafe, and the mayor is fed up. State laws are making it tough for police to crack down, tying up officers and letting the problem persist.
Public Transportation
National City and Carlsbad are making it easier to get around with new, free electric shuttle services. These on-demand rides are a game-changer for local travel, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate your city.
Lowrider Cruising Ban Repeal
National City is bringing back lowrider cruising for good! If you love classic cars and the cruising scene, get ready to hit the streets and enjoy this cultural tradition.
Election Results
National City's elections just got a shake-up! Filipino-American voters and candidates played a huge role, potentially changing the direction of local government. Expect new leaders and fresh ideas.
Lowrider Cruising Ban
National City is one of the few places still banning lowrider cruising, even though other California cities have lifted similar restrictions. Residents are asking why the city is lagging behind and what's taking so long to reconsider the ban.
Streetscape Beautification Grants
Get ready for prettier streets in National City and El Cajon! Both cities are scoring a $5 million grant to add more trees, public art, and general upgrades, making the areas more attractive.