San Diego City Council recesses into closed session on Mary Brown litigation; no reportable action

San Diego City Council President Lacava called a special May 20, 2026, meeting to order and recessed into closed session to confer with legal counsel about existing litigation identified as Mary Brown et al. v. Jolakava et al., citing California Government Code §54956.9(d)(1).

Before the council left open session, two members of the public addressed the council during the allotted public-comment period. John Stone said he had observed hearings before Judge Oliver in Department 75 and urged the council to settle the matter, saying, “I think there’s a very good chance that the plaintiffs will prevail in this matter.”

Joy Sunnata told the council the dispute involved a ballot measure and fee-setting, arguing the city should “honor the factual part of it” and “apply the spirit of the law,” and said a fee set later was higher than what she said was on the ballot.

Council President Lacava recessed the meeting into closed session to allow the council and legal counsel to confer on the pending litigation. The clerk paused the Zoom webinar while the council met behind closed doors.

When the council reconvened for a report out, Lacava asked whether the city attorney had any reportable action. City Clerk Diana Fuentes stated there was “nothing to report out.” The special meeting was then adjourned; Lacava announced the next regular council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

No formal motions or votes on the litigation were recorded in the public session, and the council provided no public direction or outcome during the open meeting.