City of San Diego may eliminate virtual comments for public meetings

UPDATE: City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, who chairs the city’s Rules Committee, decided to postpone a vote on his proposal to remove virtual comments from public meetings. After two hours of hearing other agenda items, Elo-Rivera said he wanted to move the proposal to the committee’s next meeting in September to avoid rushing discussion.

The city of San Diego may end its yearslong practice of allowing residents to speak virtually at its public meetings.

The City Council’s Rules Committee on Wednesday will consider a proposal to remove virtual public commenting through phone calls or internet streaming, such as Zoom.

Virtual speakers have regularly participated in city meetings, an option that became increasingly popular after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down in-person operations.

Council President Sean Elo-Rivera’s office proposed the amendment, according to a staff report. 

Elo-Rivera told inewsource in an emailed statement his office made the proposal “in the spirit of balancing our responsibilities as a Council, so San Diegans can be confident business is done with the pace and efficiency they deserve.”

He said accessibility and transparency are among his top priorities, and the “City Council will continue to value and uphold all requirements for open and public meetings ensuring access for all constituents.” 

Citizens can still submit written comments to the city clerk and email councilmembers.

David Loy, legal director at the First Amendment Coalition, said agencies should increase transparency and opportunities for public participation. Cutting off the virtual comment option is a disservice to people who are unable to attend public meetings due to conflicting work schedules, caregiving responsibilities, disabilities or other reasons, he said. 

“We certainly disagree with anything that reduces opportunity for the public to observe, monitor, and engage with their elected representatives,” Loy said. 

It’s not known how many public agencies have stopped virtual participation after the pandemic ended. But Loy said he’s heard of changes across California.

In the city of Los Angeles, for example, officials voted to strip the virtual public comment option from City Council committee meetings last year. And as inewsource previously reported, the San Ysidro School District hasn’t livestreamed or allowed virtual participation since returning to in-person meetings.

While local government officials have pointed to a rise in racist comments and incivility at public meetings — sometimes by anonymous callers — Elo-Rivera said the amendment is unrelated. 

The proposal would need to go to the full council for final approval.