• Implementing Measure D, Strengthening Ethics Commission
• SANDAG Complete Streets Groundbreaking
• D1 Community Corner: Casa and Crypto
• Municipal Employees Association Celebrates 100 Years

In 2024, I collaborated with former City Attorney Mara Elliott and former Ethics Commission Executive Director Sharon Spivak to strengthen the Ethics Commission and increase its independence by placing Measure D on the ballot. Seventy-two percent of voters agreed that the Ethics Commission should control its investigations and resources without political interference.

The Commission must be independent of those it regulates. The City Council’s Rules Committee unanimously supported updates to the Municipal Code to implement Measure D. Further, the Committee supported a number of additional common-sense amendments to bring the Municipal Code in line with current practices.

These proposed reforms ensure it has the independence guaranteed by the voters to provide oversight of City officials and those that run for office.

At my request, the Ethics Commission will consider whether to increase the pool of candidates who are both qualified under the City Charter and the Municipal Code and that are willing to volunteer their time to serve on the Commission. Of late, it has been difficult to recruit new appointees as commissioners step away. There is no timetable for any changes at this time.

Traffic safety is public safety. I led the SANDAG groundbreaking for two Complete Streets projects in the Mid-City communities. The Complete Streets framework includes pavement and pothole repairs, separated bike lanes, and enhanced crosswalks that improve safety, accessibility, and mobility.

As Vice Chair of SANDAG, I will continue to support transit projects across our district, city, and region that prioritize safety for all road users, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

Nationwide, $389 million was lost to Cryptocurrency ATM scams in 2025. These scams rely on the unique aspect of these otherwise legal Cryptocurrency ATMs, which look and function like standard ATMs and allow consumers to carry out cryptocurrency transactions. Currently, there are 113 Cryptocurrency ATMs throughout the City of San Diego and several in D1.  

I joined Casa De Mañana's “Casa Speaker Series” to discuss my new Cryptocurrency ATM warning-label policy. Cryptocurrency is digital currency that is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Commission and difficult to recover or trace, which contributes to the rise in Cryptocurrency ATM scams. To reverse this trend and prevent scams before they occur, my ordinance, once adopted, will require warning labels on all Cryptocurrency ATMs in the City of San Diego. The City would be the first major city in California to adopt this policy to protect consumers. In the upcoming weeks, I will be providing more updates on the development of this scam prevention measure. Thank you to Casa de Mañana for hosting me and providing your feedback. 

Council President LaCava presents a proclamation honoring the Municipal Employees Association 100th anniversary.

For 100 years, the Municipal Employees Association (MEA) has been a vital partner to the City of San Diego, ensuring that the City hires and retains a strong workforce.

This week, I led a proclamation recognizing their centennial anniversary.

City employees are critical to providing the services that San Diegans want and deserve. Simply put, there are no City services without our City employees.

As Council President, I look forward to continuing to collaborate with MEA as we work together to support City staff as we deliver for D1.

MEA, congratulations on your 100th Anniversary!  

Council President Joe LaCava

Councilmember, District 1

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