LaCava named to 2nd year as San Diego City Council president

San Diego City Council Unanimously Reelects Joe LaCava as President Amid Fiscal Challenges

Democrat Engineer-Turned-Politician Navigates Contentious Debates Over Trash Fees, Housing Policy, and Budget Crisis

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava, 71, was unanimously reelected December 9, 2025, to lead the city's nine-member all-Democrat council for a second consecutive year. The licensed civil engineer and three-decade community activist faces mounting fiscal pressures in 2026, having presided over controversial votes implementing the city's first-ever trash collection fee, rolling back housing density incentives, and establishing paid parking at historic Balboa Park to address a significant budget deficit.

SAN DIEGO, California — In a rare display of unanimous approval taking less than five minutes, the San Diego City Council voted 8-0 on Monday to reelect Councilmember Joe LaCava as Council President for 2026, with colleagues praising his "evenhandedness" and "thoughtfulness" during a turbulent year marked by fiscal crisis and heated policy debates.

"Council President LaCava has approached this role with thoughtfulness, integrity and transparency," said Councilmember Kent Lee, while Councilmember Stephen Whitburn added, "I have really appreciated the evenhandedness and grace. This may be the easiest vote we take all year."

The swift reelection contrasts sharply with the contentious 5-4 vote that elevated former Council President Sean Elo-Rivera to a third term in December 2023, when several members described him as "unreliable" and not inclusive.

Background and Political Trajectory

Joseph LaCava, a San Diego native raised in the Logan Heights neighborhood, represents District 1, which encompasses the affluent coastal communities of La Jolla, Carmel Valley, Pacific Beach, Del Mar Mesa, Pacific Highlands Ranch, and Torrey Hills. He is the third La Jolla resident to serve as council president, following Sherri Lightner (2015-2016) and current U.S. Representative Scott Peters (2006-2008).

A graduate of San Diego State University with a degree in civil engineering, LaCava spent over three decades working as a licensed civil engineer and project manager on infrastructure and housing projects before transitioning to community activism. He served on more than 30 civic boards, planning groups and commissions, including as chair of the La Jolla Community Planning Association and the influential citywide Community Planners Committee, where he was recognized for facilitative leadership and raising standards for community engagement.

LaCava first won election to the council in November 2020, defeating Republican challenger Will Moore after prevailing in a crowded primary field to succeed termed-out Councilmember Barbara Bry. He ran unopposed for reelection in March 2024, securing a second four-year term that extends through December 2028, when he will be termed out.

In December 2024, LaCava was unanimously elevated from Council President Pro Tempore to Council President, replacing Elo-Rivera in what was described as a healing moment for the previously divided body.

Democratic Party Affiliation in Officially Nonpartisan Body

While San Diego city elections are officially nonpartisan under California law, all nine current council members ran as Democrats and are registered members of the Democratic Party. LaCava identifies as a Democrat with progressive leanings on environmental and social issues, though he has taken positions that have drawn criticism from both housing advocates and neighborhood preservation groups.

The council president role, created in 2006 when San Diego adopted a strong-mayor form of government, carries significant power: setting the council's agenda, determining committee assignments, leading council meetings, and serving as a key counterweight to Mayor Todd Gloria, also a Democrat.

Contentious Year Marked by Fiscal Crisis and Policy Battles

LaCava's first year as president tested his diplomatic skills as the council navigated several controversial issues:

The Trash Fee Controversy

In a 6-3 vote on June 9, 2025, the council approved San Diego's first-ever trash collection fee for single-family homes, ending a 106-year tradition established by the "People's Ordinance" of 1919. LaCava voted in favor of the fee alongside Councilmembers Sean Elo-Rivera, Jennifer Campbell, Kent Lee, Stephen Whitburn, and Vivian Moreno. Councilmembers Raul Campillo, Marni von Wilpert, and Henry Foster voted against.

The final fee of $43.60 per month significantly exceeded the $23-to-$29 estimate presented to voters when they narrowly approved Measure B in 2022. The discrepancy arose when the city discovered it served 226,495 households rather than the estimated 285,000, forcing costs to be spread across fewer customers.

"If we do not pass a trash fee, we would blow an $80 million hole in that budget," LaCava said before the vote. "Does anybody want to come up with another $80 million in cuts? I know I certainly don't."

Opponents accused the city of a "bait and switch," with Campillo stating, "I believe the final product is not what the majority of the city voted for." A lawsuit filed by five residents alleges the fee violates Proposition 218 by exceeding the actual cost of providing services, essentially functioning as an illegal tax.

The council subsequently voted 7-2 on June 24 to collect the fee through property tax bills rather than creating a separate billing system, a move that saved approximately $18 million in startup costs but raised concerns about potential foreclosures for non-payment. The fee is scheduled to rise to approximately $55 per month by summer 2027.

Housing Density Debate: ADU Rollback

In another contentious 5-4 vote on June 16, 2025, LaCava sided with the majority to impose significant new restrictions on the city's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bonus program. The vote capped ADUs at four units for lots under 8,000 square feet, five units for lots between 8,001-10,000 square feet, and six units for lots exceeding 10,001 square feet.

"We've seen very, very ugly and unfortunate examples," LaCava said, referencing projects with dozens of units on single-family lots. "ADUs are part of our housing solution, but it doesn't mean that it shouldn't be right-sized."

The reforms came after residents in neighborhoods like Encanto, Clairemont, and Golden Hill complained about large-scale ADU developments straining infrastructure and changing neighborhood character. One Clairemont project featured 36 ADUs, while another in Skyline-Paradise Hills included 37 units.

However, the California Housing and Community Development Department sent a warning letter stating the rollback could violate state law and threaten San Diego's status as a pro-housing city. The ADU bonus program had produced 875 permitted units between 2021-2024, with nearly half designated as affordable housing requiring no taxpayer subsidies.

Mayor Gloria criticized the restrictions, stating the ADU program "has helped San Diego build more homes and provide options for families and middle-income residents" without taxpayer subsidies. Housing advocates warned the changes would make housing more expensive and harder to find during a severe housing shortage.

Balboa Park Parking Fees

The council voted 6-2 on September 15, 2025, to implement paid parking at Balboa Park for the first time in the 1,000-acre park's history, with LaCava supporting the measure. After significant public backlash, the start date was delayed from October 2025 to January 5, 2026, and annual pass rates were reduced following negotiations between LaCava's office and mayoral staff.

"We know that this will be an uncomfortable change, no doubt from the testimony we heard today," LaCava acknowledged during the September meeting.

The tiered pricing structure charges non-residents up to $16 per day for centrally located lots, while city residents pay $8. Annual passes cost $150 for residents and $300 for non-residents. The city's fiscal year 2026 budget projected $15.5 million in parking revenue from Balboa Park, though delays and concessions significantly reduced expected income.

"This is not a policy issue. It's a fiscal issue," LaCava told colleagues who proposed modifications. He warned that revenue reductions would necessitate emergency budget cuts to libraries and recreation centers.

Hundreds of park users, particularly seniors in bridge clubs, chess clubs, and lawn bowling groups, testified against the fees. Cultural institutions expressed concern about reduced visitation, with the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater reporting a 20% attendance drop attributed to publicity about the fees.

Budget Crisis Context

The controversial revenue measures stem from a severe fiscal crisis. In spring 2025, the city confronted a $350 million budget deficit, forcing the council to consider painful cuts or identify new revenue streams. The council spent May and June 2025 debating budget reductions before ultimately canceling some of Mayor Gloria's proposed cuts by creating revenue through parking fees and the trash collection charge.

LaCava acknowledged the ongoing challenges: "I'm very honored, and I look forward to probably another challenging year ahead of us. But we'll get the work done."

Environmental and Regional Leadership

Beyond his role as council president, LaCava maintains significant influence on environmental and regional policy. In 2024, he served as chair of the Board of Directors for San Diego Community Power, the state's second-largest Community Choice Aggregator serving nearly one million customers with cleaner energy options.

As chair of the City Council's Environment Committee, LaCava has championed climate action initiatives aligned with San Diego's Climate Action Plan. In an April 2024 opinion piece, he wrote: "Climate action requires a fundamental shift in mindset—one that embraces responsibility, action and collaboration."

Under his leadership, San Diego Community Power partnered with the San Diego Foundation to award over $1.2 million in grants to local clean energy projects in 2024, expanding a program he helped launch in 2023. The grants funded projects ranging from electric vehicle charging stations to solar installations and climate education programs in underserved communities.

LaCava also serves as First Vice Chair on the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board of Directors and chaired SANDAG's Regional Planning Committee in 2024. He was chair of the San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority the same year.

Personal Life and Community Roots

LaCava, 71, has lived in San Diego's District 1 since 1983 with his wife Lorene, a retired kindergarten teacher. They raised two daughters in the Bird Rock neighborhood of La Jolla. His long tenure as a community leader before entering electoral politics included serving as chair of the Live Well San Diego regional initiative and membership on the city's Utility Undergrounding Advisory Committee.

His colleagues acknowledge his tendency toward detailed policy analysis, with LaCava himself apologizing during his reelection for "delving so deeply into issues that council debates run longer than expected." He referenced his "love of workshopping and going into the weeds, which can lead to some late meetings."

Political Connections and Council Dynamics

As council president, LaCava works closely with Mayor Gloria to govern the city, though their relationship has been tested by policy disagreements, particularly regarding ADU restrictions. The mayor's office has the authority to propose legislation, while LaCava controls what reaches the council agenda.

His leadership style has drawn praise for creating space for diverse viewpoints. Councilmember Marni von Wilpert credited him with "ensuring everyone had a right to speak and securing the safety of the council during a time of increasing political violence." Councilmember Raul Campillo praised his "professionalism and ability to docket things he may not agree with in a timely and open manner."

Only two council presidents in San Diego history have served three consecutive years: Scott Peters and Sean Elo-Rivera. LaCava's unanimous reelection positions him to potentially join that short list, though he would need to win again in December 2026 to serve a third consecutive term.

Looking Ahead

LaCava faces several challenges in 2026. Committee assignments, traditionally reshuffled when a new president takes office, are expected to remain largely unchanged. The city continues grappling with budget pressures that may necessitate additional difficult votes on revenue generation or service cuts.

The trash fee implementation proceeds with new containers scheduled for delivery in October 2025 and billing beginning through property tax statements. Legal challenges to the fee remain active. The ADU program reforms take effect amid ongoing tensions with state housing officials. And Balboa Park's paid parking system launches January 5, 2026, with uncertain revenue projections.

At Monday's meeting, the council also recognized Councilmember Vivian Moreno for 15 years of city service, including seven years on the council following eight years as a staffer. LaCava presented her with a commemorative pin, praising her as "an incredible advocate for transparency, equity and leaving a better San Diego for our children."

Moreno, who represents the South Bay communities of Barrio Logan, Otay Mesa, and San Ysidro, said she would spend her final year on the council focusing on "long overdue infrastructure projects" in underserved areas of her district—a reminder of the equity concerns that underlie many of the council's fiscal debates.

Councilmember Jennifer Campbell was absent from Monday's vote, which was otherwise unanimous.

SIDEBAR: LaCava's Balancing Act on Key Issues: La Jolla Independence and Fiscal Crisis

Council President Faces Criticism for Supporting Lawsuit Against His Own District's Secession Effort While Warning of "Very Deep" Budget Cuts Ahead

LA JOLLA CITYHOOD: NEUTRAL STANCE CHALLENGED

Council President Joe LaCava finds himself in a politically precarious position on one of the most sensitive issues facing his La Jolla constituents: the ongoing effort to separate the affluent coastal community from the City of San Diego and establish an independent municipality.

Despite publicly maintaining neutrality on La Jolla cityhood, LaCava voted with the 6-0 council majority on May 12, 2025, to authorize the city attorney to pursue litigation against the San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) over its handling of petition signatures supporting the secession effort. The lawsuit challenged LAFCO's decision to overturn the county registrar of voters' determination that the petition drive had failed to gather sufficient valid signatures.

"I support the integrity of the process," LaCava stated in a May 2025 statement defending his vote, arguing the city needed to ensure proper signature verification standards.

However, his vote drew sharp criticism from La Jolla residents who had signed the petition. Multiple letters to the editor accused LaCava of failing to represent his constituents' interests. "This does not feel like he has our La Jolla community's best interests in mind when so many La Jollans have signed that they want to be a separate entity from San Diego and he votes to challenge our request," wrote one constituent.

The Association for the City of La Jolla, which organized the petition drive, collected nearly 8,000 signatures—exceeding the required 6,536 valid signatures representing 25% of La Jolla's registered voters. After LAFCO initially found insufficient valid signatures, the commission reversed the registrar's decision, prompting Mayor Todd Gloria to call the process "outrageous" and initiate legal action.

Skepticism About Viability

While claiming neutrality, LaCava has expressed considerable skepticism about La Jolla cityhood's prospects. In December 2024, he noted that only one California community—Coronado in the 1800s—has successfully detached from another city. "That speaks to the challenge," he said. "Incorporation is a much different, and easier, process than to detach from an existing city."

LaCava also questioned the feasibility of the effort: "To run a city it takes more than just imagine. There are a lot of details that need to be worked out."

His stance creates an unusual dynamic: as La Jolla's representative and a Bird Rock resident whose own home would fall within the proposed new city's boundaries, LaCava has positioned himself as both facilitator of "objective answers" while simultaneously supporting legal action that could block the effort's progression.

Mayor Gloria has taken a harder line, stating on a Voice of San Diego podcast that "when the residents of La Jolla understand what it is to have to run a city, they will not support secession." He warned the city would not contract services like police and sewage to a newly independent La Jolla, significantly increasing the cost and complexity of separation.

The cityhood effort requires majority approval in separate votes both within La Jolla and in the remainder of San Diego—a dual requirement that makes successful secession extremely difficult even if the LAFCO process advances.

It's About Money - But From Two Very Different Perspectives

Why La Jolla Wants Independence:

Financial Arguments:

Claims of Inequitable Investment: La Jolla independence advocates claim they generate $80 million annually in revenue for San Diego but don't receive proportional reinvestment in their infrastructure. However, this figure is disputed.
Property Tax Reality: According to the Association for the City of La Jolla's own analysis, La Jolla contributes only about $44 million out of $700+ million in citywide property taxes (roughly 6%) - far less than some critics assume given the area's wealthy reputation.
Infrastructure Neglect: The primary complaint is decaying infrastructure - crumbling roads, deteriorating beach boardwalks, neglected parks, and slow emergency response times. La Jolla residents believe they could fix these problems faster with local control.
Control Over Spending: Independence advocates argue they could issue general obligation bonds to raise capital for infrastructure repairs that La Jolla property owners would pay back over decades - something they can't do as a neighborhood within San Diego.
Regulatory Escape: Frustration with San Diego's housing density policies (ADUs) and other citywide regulations that they feel don't fit La Jolla's character.

Why San Diego is Resisting:

Financial Concerns:

Revenue Loss: While the net impact is disputed, San Diego faces losing tax revenue from one of its wealthiest areas during a severe budget crisis. The preliminary analysis suggests San Diego would lose $8.5 million annually.
Budget Crisis Context: San Diego is facing a $258 million deficit (later revised to $88-110 million) with $1.5 billion in projected deficits over five years. Losing ANY revenue stream is problematic.
"Net Neutrality" Requirement: Under California law, La Jolla would likely have to pay San Diego millions annually as "municipal alimony" to ensure the separation doesn't harm San Diego financially. But there's uncertainty about how much and for how long.
Asset Valuation: San Diego owns significant assets in La Jolla - parks, public works facilities, and notably the Torrey Pines golf courses. Mayor Gloria suggests the price tag for these facilities would be "eye-popping" for La Jolla residents.

The Paradox:

The situation is actually more nuanced than wealthy area leaving poor city:

La Jolla's advocates claim they want to HELP San Diego by removing an "old area with old infrastructure out of the mix and loosening up money for the city to spend in areas that desperately need it."
They argue it's "win-win": San Diego would be relieved of La Jolla's maintenance costs (coastline upkeep, aging infrastructure) and could potentially establish revenue through service contracts if La Jolla contracts back for police, fire, etc.
However, Mayor Gloria has stated San Diego would NOT contract services back to an independent La Jolla - meaning La Jolla would need to establish its own police, fire, sewage, and other municipal services from scratch at enormous cost.

The Real Financial Question:

The Association for the City of La Jolla commissioned a preliminary fiscal analysis showing a projected $74.8 million first-year budget with an $8 million surplus. But this is disputed, and LAFCO will commission its own independent analysis.

The key uncertainties:

Can La Jolla sustain itself financially without access to San Diego's economies of scale?
What would starting services from scratch cost?
How much "alimony" would La Jolla pay San Diego?
What's the value of city-owned assets in La Jolla?
Would La Jolla need tax increases to fund everything?

Bottom Line:

It's primarily financial - but it's also about control and priorities as much as raw dollars. La Jolla residents see money they generate being spent elsewhere while their infrastructure deteriorates. San Diego sees a wealthy area trying to opt out of contributing to citywide equity and shared services during a fiscal crisis. The question is whether La Jolla's departure would actually help or hurt San Diego's finances - and that remains genuinely contested.

The Political Calculation:

The city's appears to be delaying and increasing costs for ACLJ rather than actually winning:

The Strategy:

Force ACLJ to spend money on legal defense (they've already filed anti-SLAPP motion, hired attorneys)
Delay the LAFCO review process (every month of delay means more fundraising pressure on ACLJ)
Create uncertainty that might discourage donors or supporters
Even if the city loses, the appeal process could add 1-2 years

ACLJ has already said:

They need to raise $500,000+ for the LAFCO consultant process
"We need money, money, money" - current president Diane Kane
They've only raised $66,000 so far

Every dollar ACLJ spends on legal defense is a dollar they can't spend on the actual incorporation process.

The "Irreparable Harm" Irony:

The city's amended complaint claims proceeding with the LAFCO review would cause "substantial irreparable harm" to San Diego because:

Staff time reviewing the application would be expensive
It would take staff away from "performing their core functions"

But the lawsuit itself:

Requires far more staff time than simply reviewing an application
Takes staff away from dealing with the actual budget crisis
Costs taxpayer money that could go toward the $88-110 million deficit

What City Council Members Think:

Notably, Joe LaCava voted with the 6-0 majority to authorize the lawsuit, despite:

Representing La Jolla (where he lives)
Claiming to be "neutral" on incorporation
His own political future being jeopardized if La Jolla succeeds (he couldn't serve on San Diego City Council anymore)

The vote was 6-0 because three council members were absent. This suggests there wasn't overwhelming council enthusiasm - they may have authorized litigation reluctantly.

The Bottom Line:

the city appears to be:

Spending money it claims not to have
On a lawsuit it's likely to lose (already lost at trial court level)
Pursuing an appeal that could cost even more
While facing a massive budget crisis requiring deep cuts
Using staff time it claims to be too precious (the basis of their "irreparable harm" argument)
Fighting a standard that even the Registrar of Voters now accepts

The most charitable interpretation is that Mayor Gloria and the City Attorney genuinely believe LAFCO overstepped - but the evidence suggests this is really about financial desperation (not wanting to lose La Jolla's tax base) dressed up as concerns about "signature verification integrity."

The less charitable interpretation - which ACLJ and others have stated openly - is that this is "voter suppression" and an attempt to "silence constitutional rights" using taxpayer funds.

Either way, it's hard to see this as a good use of scarce city resources during a fiscal crisis.

STRUCTURAL DEFICIT: "VERY DEEP CUTS" AHEAD

LaCava's leadership as council president has been dominated by San Diego's severe structural budget deficit, driven largely by ballooning pension costs and insufficient revenue growth to match rising expenses.

The Pension Crisis

Three-quarters of San Diego's budget expenses are inflexible, committed to pension and bond payments that must be made and public safety services where significant cuts are politically unpalatable. As pension costs continue rising, city leaders must cut spending in more flexible categories like library hours, recreation programs, and infrastructure maintenance.

In December 2024, as Council President Pro Tempore, LaCava warned colleagues starkly about the fiscal reality ahead: "The Five-Year Financial Outlook makes it clear that projected revenue is insufficient to meet the needs of our city. The takeaway is unmistakable: We must cut expenses, and some cuts will be deep—very deep."

The city's pension obligations stem from decades of underfunding and generous benefit packages. After voters approved Proposition B in 2012 to shift new city employees from traditional pensions to 401(k)-style plans, courts later overturned key provisions, forcing the city to pay at least $80 million to unwind the pension cuts and restore traditional pensions.

LaCava supported restoring pensions in February 2022, arguing it was necessary for recruitment: "Our city is at a critical juncture where we're struggling to maintain baseline services and hire staff, and we cannot expect to provide high quality services to all San Diegans without investing in our city staff. This agreement brings us one step closer to parity with other regional cities."

However, that decision contributed to the city's current fiscal pressures. A Reason Foundation analysis in February 2025 noted San Diego faces "a cycle of rising pension costs for taxpayers and challenging budget trade-offs," with the city forced to choose between raising taxes, cutting services, or pushing more debt onto future taxpayers.

Hiring Freeze and Potential Layoffs

Following voters' narrow rejection of Measure E—a proposed 1-cent sales tax increase—in November 2024, Mayor Gloria announced a hiring freeze and warned of potential layoffs affecting as many as 1,500 positions from the city's workforce of approximately 12,000 employees.

The fiscal year 2026 budget initially projected a $258 million deficit, later revised to between $88.8 million and $110 million after implementing emergency measures. Even with the controversial trash collection fee generating approximately $80 million annually and Balboa Park parking fees projected at $15.5 million (later reduced to approximately $4 million after delays and concessions), significant gaps remain.

"Upon adoption of the FY2026 Budget, I called for early and frequent monitoring of expenses and revenue," LaCava stated in December 2025. "Taking early action can prevent painful and deeper cuts when considering mid-year adjustments."

Limited Options

In a November 2025 interview, LaCava explained the city's constrained position: "We're very limited in terms of what we can do to generate new revenues, so we have to navigate with what revenues the city has at its disposal. In addition, we get hit with new required state and federal government unfunded mandates that we have to deal with."

California's Proposition 13 and related tax limitation measures severely restrict cities' ability to raise property taxes, while other revenue options require voter approval. The city has resorted to increasing parking meter rates, implementing trash collection fees for the first time in 106 years, and establishing paid parking at Balboa Park—all controversial measures that generated public backlash.

LaCava has consistently framed the budget crisis as requiring difficult choices between service cuts and revenue generation: "Our ability to cut expenses is limited. Our ability to raise revenues is also limited by California laws. We have had to make more dramatic increases this year in our fees for things like parking meters, while making cuts in public programming, like reducing hours at libraries and rec centers."

Structural Problems Persist

According to the city's five-year financial outlook, fiscal year 2029 is when revenue and spending projections finally align—but only if the city successfully pays off a large portion of pension debt that year. Until then, the structural deficit persists, with expenses growing faster than revenues even with all the new fees and charges.

The ongoing crisis means LaCava's second year as council president will likely be as challenging as his first. As he acknowledged at his December 2025 reelection: "The city's ongoing budget crisis means the coming year may not be any easier. I'm very honored, and I look forward to probably another challenging year ahead of us. But we'll get the work done."

His approach has emphasized pragmatic fiscal management over ideological positions, though critics argue the repeated fee increases amount to taxation without clearly addressing the underlying structural problems driving the deficit. The tension between maintaining city services, controlling costs, and avoiding unpopular tax increases will continue to define LaCava's presidency through at least 2026.

SOURCES:

"Next hurdle for La Jolla cityhood effort may be legal action by San Diego." The San Diego Union-Tribune, May 20, 2025. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/05/15/next-hurdle-for-la-jolla-cityhood-effort-may-be-legal-action-by-san-diego/
"Guest Commentary: S.D. needs to allow democracy to prevail on La Jolla cityhood." The San Diego Union-Tribune, October 5, 2025. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/10/05/guest-commentary-s-d-needs-to-allow-democracy-to-prevail-on-la-jolla-cityhood/
"Morning Report: Council Prez Fights La Jolla Secession But Remains Neutral." Voice of San Diego, May 21, 2025. https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/05/21/morning-report-council-prez-fights-la-jolla-secession-but-remains-neutral/
"La Jolla cityhood group 'remains committed' despite questions raised by San Diego officials." The San Diego Union-Tribune, December 13, 2024. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/12/13/la-jolla-cityhood-group-remains-committed-despite-questions-raised-by-san-diego-officials/
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"La Jolla Secession Petition Falls Short, But Organizers Get 15 Days to Gather More Signatures." Times of San Diego, May 17, 2025. https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2025/03/17/la-jolla-incorporation-petition-falls-short-15-day-extension-granted/
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Trujillo, Jordan. "Opinion: Why are so many of San Diego's needs going unmet? Extreme pension costs." The San Diego Union-Tribune, February 7, 2025. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/02/07/opinion-public-pension-costs-are-driving-deficits-eating-up-san-diegos-budget/
Trujillo, Jordan. "San Diego's extreme pension costs are forcing difficult budget choices." Reason Foundation, February 17, 2025. https://reason.org/commentary/why-are-so-many-of-san-diegos-needs-going-unmet-extreme-pension-costs/
"City of San Diego faces budget cuts, hiring freeze after voters reject tax measure." KPBS Public Media, December 6, 2024. https://www.kpbs.org/news/politics/2024/12/04/city-of-san-diego-faces-budget-cuts-hiring-freeze-after-voters-reject-tax-measure
"Mayor Gloria Details Actions to Address Budget Shortfall, Structural Deficit." City of San Diego Official News Release, November 13, 2024. https://www.sandiego.gov/mayor/mayor-gloria-details-actions-address-budget-shortfall-structural-deficit
"San Diego mayor announces budget cuts, hiring freeze amid deficit." NBC 7 San Diego, December 4, 2024. https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/facing-258m-deficit-san-diego-mayor-announces-budget-cuts-hiring-freeze/3691582/
"Council President Joe LaCava discusses city fees, budget deficits." Times of San Diego, November 18, 2025. https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2025/11/18/council-president-joe-lacava-discusses-city-fees-budget-deficits/
"All the New Fees Still Not Enough to Cover City Budget Deficit." Voice of San Diego, December 4, 2025. https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/12/04/all-the-new-fees-still-not-enough-to-cover-city-budget-deficit/
"San Diego must pay at least $80M to unwind Prop. B pension cuts that courts overturned." The San Diego Union-Tribune, February 1, 2022. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2022-02-01/san-diego-must-pay-at-least-80m-to-unwind-prop-b-pension-cuts-much-of-it-to-5-000-current-former-workers-court-overturned

Verified Sources and Formal Citations

Garrick, David. "Joe LaCava unanimously named to another year as San Diego City Council president." The San Diego Union-Tribune, December 8, 2025. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/12/08/joe-lacava-unanimously-named-to-another-year-as-san-diego-city-council-president/
"San Diego City Council reelects Joe LaCava as Council President." KPBS Public Media, December 8, 2025. https://www.kpbs.org/news/politics/2025/12/08/san-diego-city-council-reelects-joe-lacava-as-council-president
"Praising 'even-handedness,' City Council reelects Joe LaCava president." Times of San Diego, December 8, 2025. https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2025/12/08/praising-even-handedness-city-council-reelects-joe-lacava-president/
"Joe LaCava swiftly and unanimously reelected as San Diego City Council President." NBC 7 San Diego, December 8, 2025. https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/joe-lacava-unanimously-reelected-san-diego-city-council-president/3942944/
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Garrick, David. "Divided San Diego City Council OKs $44-a-month trash pickup fee, city's first ever." The San Diego Union-Tribune, June 10, 2025. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/06/09/divided-san-diego-city-council-oks-44-a-month-trash-pickup-fee-citys-first-ever/
"San Diego City Council passes controversial trash collection fee." NBC 7 San Diego, June 10, 2025. https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/san-diego-trash-collection-fee-vote/3843904/
"Morning Report: Time to Pay Up for Trash Pickup." Voice of San Diego, June 10, 2025. https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/06/10/morning-report-time-to-pay-up-for-trash-pickup/
Garrick, David. "San Diego approves collecting new trash fee on property tax bills to save money." The San Diego Union-Tribune, June 25, 2025. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/06/24/san-diego-approves-collecting-new-trash-fee-on-property-tax-bills-to-save-money/
Callen, Kate. "Fool Me Once: June 24 Council Vote on Trash Fee Collection." OB Rag, June 27, 2025. https://obrag.org/2025/06/fool-me-once-june-24-council-vote-on-trash-fee-collection/comment-page-1/
"Let Inga Tell You: Still fighting the good fight against new trash fee." The San Diego Union-Tribune, May 27, 2025. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/05/26/let-inga-tell-you-still-fighting-the-good-fight-against-new-trash-fee/
Garrick, David. "On split vote, San Diego council advances nearly $48-a-month home trash pickup fee." The San Diego Union-Tribune, April 18, 2025. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/04/14/on-split-vote-san-diego-council-advances-nearly-48-a-month-home-trash-pickup-fee/
Garrick, David. "San Diego to charge trash customers $65M for new bins, in latest move on controversial pickup overhaul." The San Diego Union-Tribune, July 15, 2025. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/07/14/san-diego-to-charge-trash-customers-65m-for-new-bins-in-latest-move-on-controversial-pickup-overhaul/
Garrick, David. "San Diego reins in controversial bonus ADU incentive." The San Diego Union-Tribune, June 17, 2025. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/06/16/bonus-adu-incentive-rollback-vote/
"San Diego City Council Approves Sweeping Reforms to Accessory Dwelling Unit Program." Gather ADU, June 22, 2025. https://www.gatheradu.com/blog/san-diego-city-council-approves-sweeping-reforms-to-accessory-dwelling-unit-program
"San Diego City Council Reforms ADU Bonus Program." San Diego Real Estate Investment Club, June 25, 2025. https://sdreinvestor.com/san-diego-city-council-reforms-adu-bonus-program/
"San Diego City Council approves rollback of ADU incentives." KPBS Public Media, June 18, 2025. https://www.kpbs.org/news/quality-of-life/2025/06/17/san-diego-city-council-approves-rollback-of-adu-incentives
"San Diego Mayor 'exploring options' after surprise council vote seeking repeal of landmark housing program." KPBS Public Media, February 7, 2025. https://www.kpbs.org/news/local/2025/01/29/gloria-exploring-options-after-surprise-city-council-vote-seeking-repeal-of-landmark-housing-program
"Clarifying the City Council's Bonus ADU Vote." Neighbors for a Better San Diego / OB Rag, June 30, 2025. https://obrag.org/2025/06/clarifying-the-city-councils-bonus-adu-vote/
"San Diego City Council passes affordable housing preservation ordinance." 10News, February 4, 2025. https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/san-diego-city-council-passes-affordable-housing-preservation-ordinance
"San Diego City Council Passes Ordinance to Preserve Affordable Housing." Times of San Diego, February 4, 2025. https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2025/02/03/san-diego-city-council-passes-ordinance-to-preserve-affordable-housing/
"San Diego City Council approves parking fees in Balboa Park." KPBS Public Media, September 17, 2025. https://www.kpbs.org/news/quality-of-life/2025/09/16/san-diego-city-council-approves-parking-fees-in-balboa-park
Garrick, David. "San Diego approves parking fees for Balboa Park, but delays start date several months." The San Diego Union-Tribune, September 16, 2025. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/09/15/san-diego-approves-parking-fees-for-balboa-park-but-delays-start-date-several-months/
"San Diego City Council approves Balboa Park parking passes, event rates." KPBS Public Media, November 18, 2025. https://www.kpbs.org/news/quality-of-life/2025/11/18/san-diego-city-council-approves-balboa-park-parking-passes-event-rates
Garrick, David. "Divided San Diego council reluctantly OKs plan for paid parking passes in Balboa Park." The San Diego Union-Tribune, November 20, 2025. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/11/18/divided-san-diego-council-reluctantly-oks-plan-for-paid-parking-passes-in-balboa-park/
Garrick, David. "Facing public outrage, San Diego scales back plan to charge for parking in Balboa Park." The San Diego Union-Tribune, November 13, 2025. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/11/13/facing-public-outrage-san-diego-scales-back-plan-to-charge-for-parking-in-balboa-park/
"San Diego City Council to once again consider Balboa Park parking fees." KPBS Public Media, September 15, 2025. https://www.kpbs.org/news/quality-of-life/2025/09/15/san-diego-city-council-to-once-again-consider-balboa-park-parking-fees
"San Diego City Council pass Balboa Park parking fees." CBS 8 San Diego, accessed December 9, 2025. https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/san-diego-city-council-set-to-consider-paid-parking-at-balboa-park/509-88b3660d-b2d1-4766-b427-3787fc4e0710
"Reducing parking fees for Balboa Park could come with a cost." The Center Square, July 29, 2025. https://www.thecentersquare.com/california/article_48ae2bbe-b67a-4ea3-8e9f-f80d9c9656e4.html
"City of San Diego – Balboa Park Paid Parking User Fees." City of San Diego Independent Budget Analyst Report, September 2025. https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/25-30-balboa-park-paid-parking-user-fees.pdf
"City of San Diego Establishes Parking Pass Rates for Balboa Park." City of San Diego News Release, November 18, 2025. https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-11/2025-11-18-city-of-san-diego-establishes-parking-pass-rates-for-balboa-park.pdf
"Joe LaCava." The Climate Center, May 19, 2025. https://theclimatecenter.org/about/people/joe-lacava/
LaCava, Joe. "Opinion: Let us reaffirm our collective commitment to protect the planet—starting in San Diego." The San Diego Union-Tribune, April 19, 2024. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/commentary/story/2024-04-19/opinion-let-us-reaffirm-our-collective-commitment-to-protect-the-planet
"San Diego Community Power, San Diego Foundation Partner to Offer $1M in Grants to Climate-Focused Nonprofits." San Diego Foundation News Release, February 26, 2024. https://www.sdfoundation.org/news-events/sdf-news/san-diego-community-power-san-diego-foundation-partner-to-offer-1m-in-grants-to-climate-focused-nonprofits/
"San Diego Community Power, San Diego Foundation, Calpine Award Over $1.2 Million in Grants to Local Clean Energy Projects." San Diego Foundation News Release, August 19, 2024. https://www.sdfoundation.org/news-events/sdf-news/san-diego-community-power-san-diego-foundation-calpine-award-over-1-2-million-in-grants-to-local-clean-energy-projects/
"Joe LaCava – Council President at City of San Diego." LinkedIn, accessed December 9, 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelacava/
"Re-Elect Joe LaCava." Campaign website, accessed December 9, 2025. https://joelacava.com/

This article synthesizes information from official city documents, news reports from multiple sources, and public records to provide comprehensive coverage of Council President Joe LaCava's background, political positions, and leadership during a challenging fiscal period for San Diego.

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County and City of San Diego California