Board approves Lincoln Acres community sponsor group after months of requests

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to establish a five‑member Lincoln Acres community sponsor group during its public meeting, creating a formal advisory forum intended to give the roughly 2,000 residents of the unincorporated neighborhood a structured voice on land‑use and planning matters.

County staff told the board that community planning and sponsor groups are advisory bodies that review development proposals, zoning changes and general plan amendments and that sponsor‑group members are appointed by the board and must follow board policy I‑1 and the Ralph M. Brown Act, California’s open‑meetings law. "Community sponsor groups serve a vital bridge between residents and county government," Supervisor Geary said during the discussion.

The board heard about a year of organizing and a large turnout from Lincoln Acres residents. Dozens of speakers—including long‑time residents who described multi‑generational ties to the neighborhood—urged the board to adopt the resolution. "We just want to have a voice," said Antoinette Romo, who identified herself as a Lincoln Acres resident. Several speakers described Lincoln Acres as a small, historic community with narrow streets and a semi‑rural character they wished to preserve.

Some callers and speakers stressed concerns about appointment versus election of sponsor‑group members and the potential for outside influence in selecting representatives. Dorothea Flanagan, who said she had applied previously to other local groups, warned of insular appointments and urged safeguards to ensure broad representation. Staff reiterated that sponsor‑group members for sponsor (not planning) groups are appointed by the board, qualify as registered voters in the area (property owners may also qualify), serve four‑year terms and must comply with ethics and disclosure rules.

Supervisor Aguirre moved to create the Lincoln Acres community sponsor group. Supervisor Anderson seconded the motion. The board voted by roll call with all supervisors present voting yes; the motion passed unanimously.

What the action does: Establishing a sponsor group does not grant the group project approval power. Staff and speakers emphasized the advisory role—recommendations from sponsor groups are forwarded to county staff, the planning commission and the board for consideration.

The board asked staff to support member recruitment, including public notices and outreach; staff said Planning & Development Services can post vacancies on its website and use stakeholder email lists. The resolution takes effect immediately and the board directed county staff to return as needed for training and vacancy support.

Supporters said the group will help preserve Lincoln Acres' character and provide a local forum for early review of projects. Critics and callers asked the board to monitor appointment practices and ensure the sponsor group genuinely represents the neighborhood rather than special interests.

The board did not establish specific candidate names at the meeting. Recruitment and appointments will follow the county’s public notice and application process.