National City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in National City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lowrider Cruising Ordinance
Get ready to see some seriously cool cars! National City is bringing back lowrider cruising after a 30-year ban. It's a win for car culture and a boost for local businesses.
Lowriding Ordinance
Get ready to see some classic cars cruise again! National City is considering lifting the ban on lowriding, bringing back a beloved part of the city's culture.
Cruising Ordinance
National City is thinking about bringing back cruising, which is basically driving around a set route over and over. Some folks see it as a cool tradition, but others are worried about more traffic jams and noise.
Affordable Housing Acquisition
National City is on the verge of acquiring affordable housing properties. This move could significantly expand housing choices for residents struggling to find affordable places to live within the city.
Mayor's Salary
National City's mayor won't be getting a pay bump anytime soon. The City Council shot down the proposed salary increase, meaning the mayor's paycheck stays the same.
Eminent Domain
National City might be using its power to seize private property more than it should. The Institute for Justice is digging into whether the city is overstepping its bounds when it takes land for public projects.
Sex Offender Residency Restrictions Lawsuit
National City is being sued over its rule that bans registered sex offenders from living near places kids frequent. This legal challenge could shake up how the city enforces public safety measures.
Public Safety Investigation
National City police and the FBI are asking for the public's help to identify individuals responsible for making fake bomb threats. If you have any information, please come forward to assist with the investigation.