City Notices: Council Rules Committee Session and Coastal Safety Advisories

City Council Rules Committee Meeting

The San Diego City Council’s Rules Committee is scheduled to meet today, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, starting at 9:00 a.m. This session is particularly critical as it addresses how the public interacts with local government and how future fees are presented to voters. The committee will review proposals led by Councilmember Raul Campillo designed to increase transparency and accountability in city governance.

One of the primary items, Item 2, involves amendments to Council Policy 000-21. This proposal aims to ensure that any ballot measures initiated by the City—including those from the Mayor’s office or independent departments—that could lead to new property-related fees are accompanied by a comprehensive cost-of-service study. This measure is intended to provide voters with a clear understanding of the financial impact of their vote before they head to the polls. Additionally, Item 3 seeks to establish a formal policy for noticing public hearings and conducting Proposition 218 proceedings to avoid future disputes over fee increases.

The committee will also hold an informational hearing on Item 4, which details necessary updates to the Rules of Council to comply with the California Ralph M. Brown Act (Senate Bill 707). These updates are expected to modernize how public comments are handled, particularly regarding the practice of ceding time and making group presentations. The goal is to provide equitable treatment for residents attending in person and those participating virtually.

Weather and Coastal Safety Advisories

San Diego residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution today as significant weather conditions continue to impact the region. Following a morning of intense storm activity, which included a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Northwestern San Diego County, the National Weather Service (NWS) has maintained several active advisories:

• High Surf Advisory: Effective through 10:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026. Today is expected to see the peak of the surf event, with breaking waves ranging from 6 to 10 feet and occasional sets reaching 12 feet. There is a high risk of dangerous rip currents and minor coastal flooding during peak tides.
• Post-Storm Precautions: While the local Wind Advisory is set to expire at 8:00 a.m. today, residual impacts such as fallen tree limbs and debris may still pose hazards on local roads. Public works crews are monitoring high-crash areas for safety compliance following the heavy rainfall.

Housing and Community Service Updates

The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego (HACSD) has issued a final notice regarding the closure of several housing program waitlists. Residents seeking assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, the Public Housing Program, or the HOPWA Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program must submit their applications by this Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. After this deadline, these waitlists will be closed to new applicants until further notice due to current federal funding projections.

Furthermore, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is releasing its updated surveillance bulletin today. This weekly report provides essential data on gastrointestinal health concerns and asthma trends, specifically for residents in the South Region. In park news, the Tecolote Canyon Golf Course remains temporarily closed to the public as crews continue work on a major infrastructure project. Residents are encouraged to check the City’s Parks and Recreation department updates for information on the eventual reopening schedule.