The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board interviewed all four of the candidates in the San Diego City Council District 7 race ahead of the March 3, 2020, primary election in which the top two vote-getters will advance to a runoff election in November. Below is the transcript of our Nov. 5, 2019 interview with Noli Zosa, who is running to succeed Scott Sherman in a district that represents Allied Gardens, Del Cerro, Grantville, Linda Vista, Mission Valley, San Carlos, Serra Mesa and Tierrasanta. This interview was transcribed using the digital transcription service Temi and checked for accuracy by a staffer. To call any errors to our attention or to ask any questions about our interviews, please email matthew.hall@sduniontribune.com with the subject line “election interviews.”
Union-Tribune: So thank you for joining us. Tell us why run for city council this year?
Noli Zosa: This year. Wow. Well, it’s, it’s just a, um, a continuation of my community and public service that I’ve been doing for almost 30 years. I mean, I went to college and law school at the University of San Diego and gotten involved in serving the community and geez, after 30 years, I mean, it’s just kind of a, let’s take my community and public service to the next level. Um, I just, I’ve seen what’s... I’ve been so disappointed on just how polarized our political system has been both nationally and locally.
And, um, I like to bring it back and hopefully I can play a part and really, um, go back to a time when city council members to look on each other as Republicans or Democrats, but really look towards solutions for San Diego. And you know, I just feel that there also needs to be a balance on city council. Right now it looks like it’s going to be a Democratic mayor whether Todd Gloria or Barbara Bry. And there’s a super majority for the Democrats on city council. And I want to be a voice for small business and a voice for communities. Um, and I think better governance is... A balance of voices leads to better governance.
Meet the other candidates in this race below:
The candidates our editorial board interviewed for San Diego City Council District 7 are Raul Campillo, Monty McIntyre, Wendy Wheatcroft and Noli Zosa.
Q: So you said... your community service. Can you tell us a little bit about your background? You know... What specifically...
A: Yes, sure. Um, so I started off as, uh, president of my homeowners association. Um, well going way all back to my undergrad days. Uh, I was one of the founding members of the Filipino organization at the University of San Diego and the umbrella organization called United Front. Um, and Todd Gloria actually was part of that United Front, so I know Todd Gloria all the way back to our college days and mentoring Filipino youth back back during those days. And I continue that in law school where I was the student director for a housing resource center that served the housing and legal needs of low income individuals in San Diego. And that’s where I got my passion for community work. And, um, through the time I got appointed and joined 17 different boards and associations and commissions. And here we are. Um, I’m on the city of San Diego Parks and Recreation Board... the city of San Diego mobility board, the parking advisory board. I’m chairman of my local planning group, Linda Vista planning group, uh, Mission Trail systems advisory council, the YMCA Mission Valley board. Uh, it just, it’s funny once you, um, get appointed to something and to a board and you’re good at it and you’ll do it for free, you’ll just get, keep getting appointed to more and more boards. Um, and that’s what’s happened and I’ve loved every minute of it. And so here we are and I just was encouraged run for city council because people saw me as a good leader. And, um, I just think I have something to add to this city.
Q: What are people telling you are their biggest concerns when you go door to door?
A: When I’m going door to door, I’d say two thirds of the people say homelessness is... the big issue is homelessness. In District 7, it is the impact of housing that’s going to be, um, that’s going to be coming into Mission Valley and Allied Gardens. The, they’re concerned about the density and the traffic that’s going to be generated from the, uh, from the new housing that’s going to be added to the, to the, to the communities. Uh, public safety. In my community of Linda Vista, we’ve had an uptick in a gang violence. Um, so people want to have a safe place to raise their families and people are concerned about the traffic is in the roads.
“I want to be a voice for small business and a voice for communities.”
— Noli Zosa
Q: On homelessness... it’s kind of an interesting dynamic... Kevin Faulconer is increasingly getting praise... from state and national media. But yet here it feels like our letter writers are not impressed with what we’re doing and it doesn’t feel like we’re making progress. What’s your take?
A: Well, uh, it is, it’s a combination... people see in your neighborhoods and they see homeless people in their neighborhoods. That’s all they see. Perception is reality, right? So if the numbers might indicate that, um, the number of homeless might be going down. But if you see homeless people and everybody... Homelessness is, is, it’s taken, it’s data-driven, but everybody has their personal story, their own experience with homelessness. And, uh, if they see somebody that’s homelessness... that’s experienced homelessness and in their, in their neighbor particular neighborhood, they’re going to say that, geez, this is a, homelessness is not getting any better. So it’s just each person’s individual, uh, reality of what their encountering in their own particular neighborhoods.
Q: Well, what do you think of what Faulconer has done with the tents, etc.?
A: Uh, in regards to like his Housing First initiative? I think it’s a, it’s a good start and it’s a part of the, the issue. I have a unique perspective when it comes to, to homelessness because I had a friend that, um, I tried to help that was homelessness. I let him live with me for, for two years off and on, on, on weekends and got him a job and, and uh, let him stay with me. And I knew that there was some issues going on with him internally... he had mental issues. And I, he never admitted that he had drug issues, but you can see somebody that, uh, when they’re, when they have drug issues and he just, his person, his persona got darker and darker and eventually all the help that I can give... I tried to give him... a job and a house and a place to stay... it just didn’t do the job. And eventually, um, I couldn’t help him anymore because his inner demons, um, wouldn’t allow him to keep a job and, um, and just our personal relationship just fell apart because of, of his internal demon. So you have to treat the root causes of why each individual person is, is homeless and it requires a lot of intervention. I’ve, I’ve visited Solutions for Change and, um, the Alpha Project and Father Joe’s and trying to figure out what the best solutions are. Um, and it is complex. It’s multifaceted. It is... Um, there’s a lot of reasons, there’s no single reason why people are homeless, but, um, it’s going to take a lot of work. And, um, but getting to the root cause of why each individual person is homelessness... Is homeless, is experiencing homelessness. Um, and treating people as a real human being and not a statistic and a data and part of data is, um, is what we have to do.
Q: Do you have specific proposals or ideas to make homelessness, uh, less of an issue... To help homelessness...
A: Yeah. What breaks my heart when I’m going around and I see homeless... People that are homeless ...is we’re not doing them any favors by letting them lay in the streets. Um, and we have to... We have to get... sometimes have to force them to get the help that they need, that they need. Um, because, uh, whether we have to start enforcing laws like vagrancy or trespassing or public urination or public indecency, but getting them the help that they need and getting them off the streets and making sure that our neighborhoods, we can’t let them, let people experiencing homelessness get comfortable in neighborhoods, um, because it becomes a lifestyle, um, after a certain period of time. Um, and I want to continue to help them and get them the help that they need. Um, and uh, getting them to, um, shelters and services where they are, they’re going to need the help. Is, is the key.
Q: Earlier this year, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals threw out a law in Boise, Idaho, that criminalized sleeping outdoors. Dozens of cities and counties across California signed on to amicus curiae briefs, siding with Boise’s appeal of that. But San Diego did not, unlike Los Angeles. Should San Diego have joined in appealing the decision that says such laws are unconstitutional?
A: I think they should join in on the appeal because it is... If we don’t get a handle on our homelessness problem, we are on the verge of turning into Los Angeles or San Francisco or Seattle. And sometimes these answers are going to be tough. Um, and it’s going to seem cold hearted and not... But I think it’s cold hearted by letting people continue to sleep on the streets and...
Q: What do you think about conservatorship?
A: Pardon me?
Q: Conservatorship? Are you familiar with that concept?
A: No, please tell me.
Q: This is when the government comes in and takes people off the street. People who have been subject to 5150 holds, which many people have shown, uh, you know, issues with addiction and mental health.
A: Right.
Q: Um, San Diego is one of three cities in the state... counties, I’m sorry... that have pilot programs potentially to put in place to enact something like this. Some people say it’s helpful to take them off the streets... some people say, well, it infringes on their rights.
A: Yeah. I think, uh, I think I would be for that and it’s just... You really got to take hold of people’s lives and help them, um, that, um, you got to help them to make sure that people can help themselves. And if we don’t help these people, um, that are so afflicted by their inner demons, um, and get them to realize that they need the help that they need to get them the help that they need. Um, then if we have to, uh, take, uh, measures like that and take, um, I’m all for that.
“I think a lot of solutions can come from the business community and they’re partners... should be partners in solving our issues in the city.
— Noli Zosa
Q: Do you think that business owners can or should play a special role in, um, in tackling homelessness. Like we’ve heard proposals about businesses putting their own money towards the cause to help it in their area. What are your thoughts on that?
A: Yes, absolutely. So since I’ve been serving on all these different, uh, community groups, the one thing I’ve been a very big advocate of is public private partnerships and not just always government solutions, the business community... My business and other businesses, whether it be developers or contractors or any businesses coming into communities, they have... a role in... and they have to be partners in communities. Um, I’ve been lucky enough to, um, in Linda Vista where my community is to have a great institution like the University of San Diego and using the resources to benefit our lower income communities and tackle issues like homelessness and to invest in communities. You know, there has to be... It doesn’t have to be, but it helps to have a benefit for, for businesses. So why not? Why not have businesses have something like adopt a neighborhood? You know, we have adopt a highway. Why don’t we adopt a neighborhood where businesses, um, um, can take part, take a, take a, a possession of a particular street or... a particular neighborhood and work on homelessness on that issue, clean up the weeds and, uh, on the streets, fix the sidewalks, but, and allow them to, I mean, in the sense they get to advertise and have a, you know, this street adopted by Dirty Birds... you know, so, um, these are, uh, solutions that I work on because there’s a, the government can’t do everything. I think a lot of solutions can come from, um, um, the business community and they’re partners... Should be partners in solving our issues in the city.
Q: You’re a business person. What do you think about the focus of California Democrats on using affordable housing subsidies as the main response to the housing crisis? Given that they only help a tiny fraction of the people and what they call affordable housing... the average is over $400,000 a unit?
A: Yeah. Yeah. I think the emphasis should be on workforce housing. There is a lot, uh, affordable housing ... in Linda Vista where we demand that there’be affordable housing in, in any developments that come into, into our community. And we’ll take the dollars from the San Diego Housing Commission to... if, if all those other communities don’t want to build them on site, uh, we’ll take those dollars and build them in Linda Vista because we’re a working class community. So, but uh, and that’s... But affordable housing is very heavily subsidized. Um, but we’re forgetting that big middle of our working, um, our working class of, uh, nurses and teachers and people that work in restaurants, um, that, that drive our city. And I think there should be more emphasis on a middle-class density bonuses where that missing, um, housing elements that’s not being built in this city.
Q: There’s a lot of focus on these ADUs... These units.
A: Accessory dwelling units. Yes.
Q: And yet there doesn’t seem to be nearly enough awareness of the fact that we could use prefab housing on a massive scale... that prefab housing is way cheaper and way stronger than it used to be. You can buy a $90,000 unit on eBay. In London, they’re doing this. In England and in Japan. And yet it doesn’t seem to ever be like an upper tier approach. It’s brought up as like, “Oh, we should try these cute little smart houses.” Well, why not try prefab?
A: I love it. In Linda Vista, where since I’m chairing the Linda Vista planning group, we were one of the few communities that have big lots that can take these accessory dwelling units. And when I’m going around walking in Linda Vista, ... I’m seeing a bunch of accessory dwelling units being built ... in back of ... homes. But the big concern with accessory dwelling units is the density and the parking because then, uh, that’s not being afforded to these new accessory dwelling units, and so these neighbors are unhappy. When I was on the parking advisory--, I was an administrative hearing officer for the city of San Diego for nine years. And the biggest, uh, pain in the butt ticket that people got was parking in front of your own driveway. So when I was on the parking advisory board, um, I advanced, um, the, uh, ability to park in front of your own driveway. And so with, um, working with Toni Atkins’ office, we found a section of the California vehicle code that allows municipalities to set up a system where people can park in front of their own driveways. Uh, if they set up a permit system where you prove that your car is registered to the property owner and um, so you’ll apply for a permit and display that your car is registered to the property owner. So that is one solution that I came up with that is an issue for accessory dwelling units, but I’m all for that... I’m all for coming up with out of the box solutions like that, especially with this new, um, transit oriented development that is eliminating parking requirements. And we have a lot of people that are going to be upset about -- People are still going to own cars. Just because there’s no parking, uh, provided, there’s still going to be ... uh, some people are still going to have cars and then they’re concerned about ... those tenants ... parking in their, uh, in their neighborhoods. And this is one solution that would help alleviate that.
Q: Senate Bill 50 was scrapped in the appropriations committee in May. It would have allowed four or five story condos or apartment buildings to be built in the areas where job centers are near mass transit. It’s kind of to me like the litmus test. Are you serious about trying to solve this problem or are you a closet NIMBY. Not you, just in general. So what do you... What was your view of SB 50?
A: SB 50. Uh, we, uh, as a planning group opposed it... I believe that, uh, local control is best and what’s best, the policies in San Francisco and, um, L.A. or Sacramento or any-- don’t necessarily fit in San Diego. So you have to have community input on making sure that, um, any new development fits within the community character, and communities have involvement on what type of development gets built.
Q: But in 2017 the legislative analyst’s office put out a report that says the main reason we have, or one of the main reasons we have, a housing crisis in California is precisely because of local control. Because NIMBYs and unions and so many different groups can get involved and block projects, even [those] that seem completely logical and thoughtful, so, how do we solve a problem if we retain local control?
A: Sure. So there needs to be a ... In my community, I’m trying to be the forefront on what... being forward thinking ... when it comes to development, and Linda Vista, it’s one of those prime communities that’s ripe for development. So I’ve advocated for a proactive approach when it comes to development in communities. So I put together a Linda Vista economic development tour where we packed ... and there’s a lot of NIMBYs in Linda Vista, but we encouraged my, um, my planning group to get behind a Linda Vista economic development tour. We packed a busload of developers and investors and architects and bankers to come in and show off our community in Linda Vista, um, and show ... the available properties and um, investment opportunities in our community. And um, but the one thing that I insisted is if you’re going to invest in our communities, be partners in our community, invest here in our community. Help us with our Boys and Girls Club, our rec center, our library. And if developers would commit to truly being partners and helping us with our community assets, not just, uh, um, investing in the infrastructure, which is important, but invest in our community assets. Um, it’ll go a long way to building a partnership between the city developers and the community. And you get that grassroots [inaudible]. And I talked to the BIA [Building Industry Association] about, “You know what? You guys are losing the information battle when it comes into the communities. Because I sit on a lot of these community groups whether the community planners committee or as chairman of my planning group and I’ve attended a lot of other planning groups and they, the people at the grassroots, these community leaders, do not realize how hard it is to build in the city or why we need to build in this city. So you need to send out a representative, probably someone younger, maybe a millennial, someone that doesn’t look like a develope, not an old white guy that looks like, that typifies a developer. But comment on why we need to build.” Why? Because our students can’t afford to live here. Our working class, um, can’t afford to live in this city. We can’t afford to have a city full of rich people. And that’s it. I hear a lot of the NIMBY arguments. Well, if you can’t afford to live in this city, you might as well ... Well, too bad. I want a $10 million house in La Jolla. Well, you know, too bad. But that’s the mentality of a lot of NIMBYs: “If you can’t afford to live here and then move somewhere else.” But they don’t realize that, uh the people that drive the city are the working class, people that make, uh, you know, less than six figures.
Q: One of the biggest complaints I get, uh, through our letters is that community groups like yours aren’t actually listened to once it gets up to the city council level. Is that the impression you get? And if so, what is the point of having community groups if the next stage of any development is on city council where everything gets approved?
A: Yeah. It’s, um... I think they do listen to us. Um, we’ve been able to stop a few projects in our community. There was a 7-Eleven that was going into our community that would have had a detrimental impact on the community. Um, and I think they do listen to us. I just think that there needs to be... there’s a view that can be planning groups aren’t representative of the general community that they represent. Um, I think there’s a view that community planning groups, um, are just a rubber stamp. You know, they’re just going to say no to any type of development. But what I’ve seen is the developments that have been successful in our community, they’ve come in early, they’ve met with community leaders, they’ve said, you know what, “We are committed to improving this community. We want to be a partner in this community. We’re going to invest in this community. And how can we be a part of your community?” Um, there’s a view that with, um, with a lot of NIMBYs that, you know, these developers, they live in La Jolla or Rancho Santa Fe, they just come in, they build and they can go home. They don’t have to deal with the traffic and the density that their projects in our community are going to ... that’s going to result out of their projects. So, um, we have to make developers invest in these communities and be partners with community planning groups and form a true partnership. Um, because it’s harder to yell at somebody at, um, city council if you’ve met with them, if you went into their living rooms and developed a relationship. “How can we help? Uh, how much density, how many units will you take in your community?” Not will you take, but how many will you take. If they just say no, we won’t take any, well, you know where they’re coming from and they’ll never be satisfied. But once you start opening the dialogue and meeting people one on one, I’ve seen it go a long way towards people changing the view of development and communities.
“What I’ve seen is the developments that have been successful in our community — they’ve come in early, they’ve met with community leaders, they’ve said, you know what, ‘We are committed to improving this community. We want to be a partner in this community. We’re going to invest in this community. And how can we be a part of your community?’”
— Noli Zosa
Q: Your neighborhood... I don’t know what you call the neighborhood below Linda Vista down in Morena area. But that’s a prime example of a community that has built up without necessarily replacing all the parking that it’s taking. How is that working out? Are people taking the trolley? Are people taking mass transit? Are they biking?
A: Well, you’re talking about the Morena corridor project? That’s um, that’s very controversial. Those people up in Overlook Heights, um, and Bay Park, uh, don’t like the project and there’s a lot of NIMBYs that live in that area.
Q: Well, I’m talking about its precursor right there at Friars Road, at the bottom of the hill...
A: Oh sure. Yeah. At that, uh apartment complex. Yeah. Right there on Linda Vista and Napa. Yeah, that’s... It’s been, um, it’s been minimal. I haven’t seen a lot of people taking that the trolley from ... that area. But, um, it’s funny because when economic times are good, what do people buy? They buy a car. They don’t take transit. So my concern is ... ridership has been going down. Um, so that’s my concern is, I mean we’re spending, what, $2.1 billion on the Midcoast trolley. Um, and is the ridership going to be there? But with the new development that’s going along Morena, the Morena corridor project with the Jerome’s and the Toys R Us, and uh, the other project closer to Tecolote Canyon and further down, I think that is a ripe opportunity for people to take the trolley.
Q: Um, do you feel our transit policies are rational? Because I don’t think they are. Everything is focused on this idea that we’re New York City or Chicago or a dense area where transit works. California by and large is not a dense area, and yet we seem to have as our operating viewpoint, the idea that we can be like New York City.
A: San Diego wasn’t built around, you know, to be built around transit. But there are opportunities for development. Mission Valley, the community plan update in Mission Valley, there is going to be 4,300 units going in at the Riverwalk golf course, and the Millennium project, SDSU West, uh, Grantville, uh, we’re looking at up to 8,000 units there, right next to the trolley station. So in order for people to take trolley, it has to be practical and useful, and, um, efficient, uh, for people to use and get where they need to be. And, uh, this is a great opportunity for us to increase the ridership, but, um, there has to be a balanced transportation plan because people are going to take their cars. There’s, you know, autonomous vehicles and drone technology and these things are going to be coming online within probably the next 15, 20 years. People are still going to drive their cars.
Q: But yet the city expects 18% of commuters in large parts of the city to use bikes. No one’s ever achieved that anywhere outside of the third world where you can’t afford, you know, anything but bikes. It gets back to the question of: is this a religion or is this a public policy?
A: That’s a good way to put it with religion. It’s almost, and also like when people talk about climate change, you know, it’s like when you have rational debates, it’s... there’s no way to convince other people of engaging in a debate as it becomes a religion. You can’t, you can’t have a logical discussion. But, um, you know, there needs to be a balance. We need a plan, but right now 1% of commuters, uh, ride bikes. It’s, um, it’s just illogical and it’s almost social engineering where people were trying to force people to take certain modes of transportation, change their behaviors. My belief is you innovate and people will follow. Um, you know, let’s invest in, uh, more apps where people can order shuttles. In Mission Valley, we’re having privately funded shuttles around. And Civita is funding a shuttle course much like Fred and the Millennium Project is going to be, um, funding a shuttle. So is the Riverwalk development. So let’s get people to use these apps so they can get to that last mile to trolleys. Um, but that’s not gonna be a, um, a net loss in revenue, a net loss in operating like the FRED [shuttle] is down here in Downtown, but these are privately funded. Um, so it’s, um, you know, I just want to be realistic when it comes to the future of transportation.
Q: So let me ask you, you said rational debates and then you mentioned climate change. Just to be clear, do you believe in climate change...
A: Yes, yes.
Q: ... and that it’s caused by humans?
A: Right. Yes.
Q: And what did you mean when you said, when you were talking about rational debates and you invoked climate change?
A: Sure, yeah. What I’m concerned about is the, um, move towards, uh, renewable sources of energy. It is more expensive as our SDG&E bills are higher because of our move towards renewable energy. And who does that impact? That impacts our working families here in San Diego. And that’s what I’m most concerned about is let’s move to renewable source of energy but at the same time, let’s not make it so aggressive where, um, families and Linda Vista or Barrio Logan or Logan Heights, that, um, where a $50 dollar bump up in their electricity bill, um, is going to have an impact on how they feed their families. Higher energy bills, renewable energy, the move toward, is not going to impact families in La Jolla that can put up solar panels on their roofs. Um, but that’s what I’m most concerned about is our move towards, uh, our Climate Action Plan, our goals that were set, let’s not forget the impact, the economic impact, it has on our working families.
Q: Ok. Thank you.
A: Yeah.
Q: Scooters. Evil, not evil?
A: Um, they are a part of our micro-transportation network. I think that the companies have more responsibility, um, for the impact that it has on neighborhoods. I, you know, am on the mobility board for the city, and I asked, um, you know, I asked, well, “What are the scooter companies responsible for?” They’re supposed to put them out in the morning and then at night they’re supposed to corral them in. Why isn’t there somebody that is going around during the day into these neighborhoods like the coastal areas and in Downtown corralling them and making sure that they’re properly stowed ... in these areas where the scooters are supposed to be. So, um, what I see when I’m going, when I’m walking along the coast or Downtown, they’re just everywhere. And I think people are annoyed by that. They just, they’re just littering our streets. So I think they owe more responsibility to make sure that, um, they’re not littering our streets, but you know, um, it’s when they first came in, it was just a free for all. But I’m all for the regulations, you know, geofencing and, and um slowing down the, uh, the speed limits in certain areas. But regulations are important. But, um, the, the scooter companies owe more of a responsibility to make sure that they don’t have as much of an impact on neighborhoods as they are.
Q: In summer of 2018, the city council approved comprehensive rules on short term vacation rentals. Then the opponents got a ballot measure qualified and three months later, they backed off. Should they have backed off? It seems inevitable it’s going to end up a ballot fight no matter what.
A: Yeah, I think they shouldn’t have backed off. I think that we need regulations of Airbnbs. I’m all for Airbnbs, but the impact in neighborhoods in my district, the neighborhoods where when I was walking in the neighborhood, they point to this house and just they say that at all hours people are coming in and just destroying the community, the neighborhood character of, um, of their particular neighborhood. But, um, you know, I’m a free market guy and I believe that it’s contributor to our economy, but they need to be, um, there needs to be a sort of like a code of conduct or just guidelines where if, if whenever a homeowner or property owner rents to a client they need to sign or there’s a curfew at 10 p.m. And if there’s any violations of those laws, then they will be taken off the sites and, uh, be not allowed to operate a, uh, short term rental at that, at that particular property. I’m all for severe penalties and fines for any violations of the operating guidelines.
Q: So you’d allow them beyond the established areas in Mission Beach and Pacific Beach?
A: Um, those areas are good. Maybe, I would allow them in certain areas, but like I said, operate under tight guidelines.
Q: Because [former councilwoman] Lorie Zapf in Bay Ho, near where you’re from, was the leading critic of the idea that they should be accepted throughout the city. She said that neighborhood after neighborhood in Bay Ho had been affected by them.
A: Sure. And they have. They have. But I don’t believe in destroying a part of our economy that contributes to TOT taxes and, and, uh, there are homeowners that use that as a source of revenue. Um, but they have to be heavily regulated and to make sure that they don’t destroy the character of neighborhoods. And if they’re going to rent out their house, they better sure as heck makes sure that they don’t negatively affect the neighbors that have to live next to the house that they’re renting. And if they violate those rules, then, uh, their right will be taken away.
Q: What do you think of the job that Chief [David] Nisleit has done at SDPD?
A: Um, I think he’s done a good job. He’s increasing the amount of police officers right now. I think we’re above 1,800 police officers. That’s been a big emphasis of his, uh, I would love to get to 2,200, uh, police officers, which is full staffing. Uh, when I went on a police ride along, I was just amazed about how they just don’t have the resources to do any kind of proactive policing to keep neighborhoods safe. They have to be reactionary and, um, go by the list of priority calls and they can’t respond to traffic violations. So, you know, they’ll see a car, and I was sitting there and the car just ran a red light and they said, “We can’t respond to it because we just don’t have the resources.”
Q: Yet an argument can be made that San Diego is the safest large city in the history of America, not just now. There’s never been a city this big that’s had this few crimes. I hear people talk about public safety funding, and I just say, why isn’t there a correlation between our outcomes and our budget? If our low budget, low number of officers is producing this result? What’s the problem?
A: Well, it’s uh... Don’t tell it to my neighborhood in Linda Vista where we’ve had a lot of shootings recently, um, in my community and it’s ... we’ve had an uptick in gang violence. Um, but I think that, um, you know, going back to the question of Chief Nisleit, I’m for more community policing. I’ve seen more police officers getting out of their police cars and getting onto, uh, bikes and being ... And you know, the community relations officer has been so good in our community where, um, they’ve established good relationships with community leaders, um, and people feel safe reporting crime. Um, which has led to, uh, lower crime statistics. But, um, you know, I think Chief Nisleit has done a good job.
Q: How about there are communities of color who might disagree with that? Tasha Williamson is running for mayor, obviously saying, “He’s the wrong guy for the job. We should get a new police chief.” There’s the SDSU traffic study that shows black and brown, uh, drivers pulled over at a greater rate than, uh, white drivers. As a council member, how would you kind of reach out to those communities and rebuild trust and make them feel better?
A: Absolutely. So I’ve established a really close relationship with, um, a lot of the community leaders in District Four, in Monica Montgomery’s district. I’m with an organization called BAPAC, Black American Political Association of California. Um, and really, I’d meet with, uh, Dr. Willie Blair, who’s, um, the state chairman of BAPAC and a respected leader that goes all the way back to the Maureen O’Connor days and when she was mayor. And, uh, really listening. I’ve attended so many meetings, um, for BAPAC. Last Friday, I attended a celebration for Dr. Shirley Weber for passing of, uh, AB, uh, 359, I believe.
Q: The use of force bill. [Editor’s note: It was Assembly Bill 392.]
A: Yeah, the use of force bill, um, and really listening to what the concerns are. And we don’t want African American deaths or, uh, young African Americans or Latinos being pulled over in higher rates. Um, investigate why that’s happening. But I’ve always had an open door and willing to learn. God gave me two ears and one mouth for a reason and willing to always be accessible and, um, and willing to learn what their issues are. Um, because I come from a different experience as people who live in District Four, but I’m there a lot and listening to their concerns and how I can be a better representative because I’m just one vote on city council, but I represent all of San Diego. Um, and that is a community that feels, um, harassed and abandoned by our police force. And, um, it’s something that I’m committed to is learning why the statistics are the way they are.
“I’ve always had an open door and [I’m] willing to learn.”
— Noli Zosa
Q: Today the council is actually taking up, um, subpoena power for the citizens advisory board. Where do you stand on that ballot measure concept?
A: Yeah. That is looking at the spending up to $2.1 million to create the new powers um, with this new investigator--, uh, giving new investigatory, new subpoena powers. I mean, the cost is the biggest thing for me. That $2.1 million can go into hiring more police officers, into giving them better benefits, uh, investing in new technologies to fight crime. They have a, uh, the current system. I think we’ve turned a corner. I know that the San Diego Police Department ... A lot of police departments have been corrupt, and, um, you know, one of my best friends from college is David Fizdale, the [former] head coach of the New York Knicks. And he told me stories of growing up as a young African American male in South Central Los Angeles, and how it was in the late ‘80s and ‘90s. Um, so there’s no doubt that African Americans and young African Americans, um, have been harassed and mistreated by police. Um, but ... when we’re looking at being good stewards of our city budget, I’m looking at $2.1 million that is going to be spent on, um, expanding the, uh, board, and saying that I think there’s a better use of resources, um, for that money.
Q: Fizdale came out against load management for NBA players yesterday. He ripped players who want to get rest all the time. Any opinions on that?
A: Yeah, that’s, yeah. I mean, we’re paying as fans to come out and see, um, the stars play. Uh, I just feel bad for my man, Fiz. He’s having a hard time in New York.
Q: He’s got a horrible owner.
A: He’s got a horrible owner, but he should’ve waited a year and most likely he would’ve been the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, my team. But he’s guaranteed $20 million in his contract, so it’s hard to turn down and, and coaching in the Mecca of basketball at Madison Square Garden, so...
Q: How about a couple other measures, ballot measures, out there. Um, the convention center proposal, you support that?
A: Yeah. Yes I support that.
Q: The affordable housing measure, the Housing Federation bond measure.
A: Please tell me more about that one.
Q: This is the $900 million affordable housing, uh, bond.
Q: Quotes around affordable.
A: Quotes around affordable, depending on what the definition of affordable is. Um, I’d have to look more about that one because, uh, you know, like you said, I would like to see what the definition of affordable and whether our emphasis on just affordable housing is the right... is the smart strategy. Like I said, I want to invest more in our middle-class housing and workforce housing. That’s where I want the emphasis to be, but I would need to know more information about that.
Q: And then we talked about transit a little bit. Uh, MTS [Metropolitan Transit System] is putting a ballot measure forward. SANDAG may put a ballot measure forward. Obviously no one has seen those. But theoretically in concept, do you support one or both of those measures or do you have reservations?
A: I have reservations. Um, it is frustrating in how hard it is to live in this city where every single time the city wants to do something, tack another tax on something, put another tax on our citizens of San Diego where it’s just, really really, it’s so hard to live in this city. I want to look for other sources to fund these projects. Let’s try to increase revenues in other ways. Uh, let’s increase advertising, um, on MTS and, um, you know, let’s look at our public utilities or are not public utilities, our public recreation facilities or public parks, and see if we can get businesses involved and maybe advertise or let’s see if we can allow businesses to operate in, you know, having a coffee shop at a park or, um, a little burger joint and people want to get something to eat, uh, at a park. But let’s look at it and be creative on ways we can increase revenue in the city and not just always think that every single solution to the city is adding another tax, and thinking outside the box, because I think it’s harder and harder to live in this city and the state because of the tax burden we have on our citizens.
Q: Has it occurred to you that you sound a lot like [councilman] Scott Sherman?
A: Um, no.
Q: Because that’s kind of a Scott Sherman answer there.
A: Really? Yeah. Okay. Uh, oh, Scott Sherman, me and Scott are quite different. Um, he hasn’t endorsed me, um, because I am not sure if you guys know that. He’s the guy that I’m looking to take over for, but, um, I’m independent minded. We went head to head over this whole Skateworld issue where, um, it was something that was... There was an asset that was important to my community. It was important to the region. It kept kids off the streets. Um, and it was located in the area that had a lot of minority owned businesses, right? Adjacent right here in Linda Vista. And putting a Target, um, at that location without any kind of community input? The state governing documents had, um, the mandates for extensive community input for any, uh, liquidated properties. That didn’t take place. And Scott Sherman and I went to bat over that. And um, and that just shows that, you know what, at the end of the day, I’m going to make the right decision for our city and for our communities. And it’s not about partisan politics because I was looking for Scott Sherman’s endorsement. I was looking for the mayor’s endorsement. Chris Cate’s. You know, the people that are aligned on my side of the aisle. But at the end of the day, I just I made a decision, I took a risk, on what was best for my community and I can... Because everybody was telling me, “That’s a done deal. That’s being sold. That we followed the government guidelines on how this property is going to be sold. And um, it went to the highest bidder. Pacifica Companies, uh, had the highest bid. It’s a done deal.” But I wasn’t going to settle for that and, um, incurred a lot of, uh, blow back from people from my side of the aisle. But it was the right thing to do. And I did it. And that’s how I’m going to move forward if I’m fortunate to get elected to the city council.
Q: Does that mean he won’t endorse you, you think? Or...?
A: I don’t know. I don’t know. Um, it is... Endorsements are not, you know... Endorsements are nice, but at the same time, you know, I’m going to go and make my decisions and the good thing about me is I have a record. We can talk about all these things I believe in, but I’ve a long record of my community service, um, and public service and serving on these different boards and commissions. And talk to the people that sit on these boards with me. Talk with elected officials, to Toni Atkins or Shirley Webber or Jen Campbell, the people that are not on my side of the aisle. And, um, I’m sure that you’ll see that I’m a good guy that they can work with. Um, and I met with people like Vivian Moreno and Monica Montgomery because I want to learn and work with them. The makeup of our city council and the government, that’s one of the reasons why I’m running is just I got so frustrated with what was going on nationally, what was going on locally, that I want to return to the politics where people establish real relationships. Um, back almost to the days of [Former House speaker] Tip O’Neill and [President] Ronald Reagan where they would go at it and they would just ... you know, go at it hard when it comes to arguing policy but when they stepped outside those chambers, they were friends.
Q: So you wouldn’t condition the offering of city grants on people eating at your restaurant?
A: Uh, that’s, that’s a good idea, but unfortunately, um, I want to stay out of prison. [Laughter] It’s not worth... My freedom is not worth the high business, and I try to keep my separate business from my campaign and you know, it’s nice to have, you know, a small business owner that has that experience and will offer that voice for small business, um, when we have deliberations because we got to have a thriving small business community here in San Diego and to have a successful future in San Diego. And we’re not going to have that when, when [Councilman] Mark Kersey gets termed out, when Scott Sherman gets termed out, [Councilwoman] Barbara Bry is running for mayor. I don’t think...
Q: If split roll passes...
A: Split roll. Gosh, I’m not, uh, do you think it’s going to pass?
Q: I don’t think so, but it’s going to be close, I think.
A: Yeah, I think it’s going to be passed, it’s going to get harder and harder to do business in the city and there needs to be a voice for that small business. Just balance on that city council. That’s what I’m looking at is with, uh, with, uh, Todd Gloria or Barbara Bry as mayor, and the continued supermajority on city council. And that’s been my message to independent and Democrats, you know, is, um, I’m a good guy that they can work with. I can work with everybody. I have a relationship with Todd Gloria that goes back a long time. Um, I’ve been meeting and working with the other city council members and our other elected officials and, um, and letting them know that I’m someone they can work with and I’m going to make the right decisions at the end of the day. And it’s not about political party.
Q: You mentioned the national political scene and your frustrations. What do you think of our president?
A: You know what? I think it’s so toxic. The whole thing. I can’t watch national news nowadays. The last straw was that government shutdown where they continued to receive paychecks, um, but all those government workers, um, didn’t receive their paychecks. And so what did I decide to do, I put together a dinner with, um, a church in Tierrasanta and, uh, put together a dinner for effected government workers. Um, that’s something that I can do locally. I can’t control what [President Donald] Trump says or does or any of anything that’s going on, [House Speaker Nancy] Pelosi or anything that’s going on at the national scene. And I’m not running for Congress because it’s frustrating. Um, and what I can do, what I can get involved with, is affecting policy and issues that affect people every day here in San Diego. And that’s what I wanted to do. Um, it’s frustrating where we have good leaders, especially on my side of the aisle. They think, “Oh, I’m too good to run for city council. I run a company. Uh, I’m going to run for Congress.” And we have good people that run for Congress and higher offices. But, you know, we need good people to run for school board and city council. Um, you know, I think I have that experience that I can have something to contribute to this city.
“I’m not running for Congress because it’s frustrating. And what I can do, what I can get involved with, is affecting policy and issues that affect people every day here in San Diego.”
— Noli Zosa
Q: Why do you think a Republican isn’t running for mayor? [Editor’s note: Scott Sherman subsequently entered the race.]
A: Because they look at the demographics of this city. Um, Trump has not been helpful to California, to California Republicans. Um, this registration is going the opposite way. Uh, in my district, I just got the most recent, um, numbers. It’s, um, plus 13% Democratic registration now, and that’s an uphill battle for Republicans. And, um, it’s unfortunate is that we don’t have that, um, that competition to keep people honest right now, like, and I think good centrist policies are good for the city. And, um, I’m a centrist. I’m a moderate. Um, but if there’s nobody that’s running on the other side of the aisle talking about the issues that concern business or, um, or those issues, no one is talking about or, uh, advancing those policies. We just have two democratic mayoral-- and I’m listening to the debate, I went to Polifest and it was like, they’re just speaking to a Democratic electorate. And not even talking about the 25% of registered Republicans in the city. We’ve had Republican mayors going back, all the way back, for decades. Um, and it’s a shame that we don’t have a Republican running for mayor, just for the dialogue and just advance the issues, um, just for that sake. Um, because it is going to be hard to elect Republicans in this city. Um, it’s an uphill battle for me, I realize that. But, you know, my seat has been held by a Republican 32 of the last 36 years, Judy McCarty, all the way back to the days of Judy McCarty to Jim Madaffer and, uh, Scott Sherman. Um, so, and I’m in Linda Vista, which is a very Democratic community. Um, but I’ve gotten the respect of the people in my community for the work in my community, what I’ve done. It’s not about the political ideology. I’m not running for political ideology. I want to get something done in the city. And my 30 years of, um, devoted community service and public service proves that. Um, it’s not about politics for me. It’s about doing something that’s good for this city.
Q: How did you vote on SDSU and SoccerCity?
A: I didn’t like either of them, honestly. I think they should have forced themselves into a room, not given any water or any daylight, and said, “You know what, I don’t want a winner and a loser. You guys need to work together and come up with the best plan because this is too important for our city.” I think we could have had the resources of SoccerCity, the financial resources, and obviously the great institution that SDSU West is, um, and force them to work together. Uh, because now there’s all this uncertainty and trying to come to a price and everything else. And I don’t like, you know, ballot box initiatives, um, and planning by initiative. There needs to be community input. I don’t like... I’m not a fan of that because it takes away that community input. Um, but that’s, um, I saw weaknesses in both plans. And if I was on city council, I would say, “You know what, you guys need to work together and figure this out. I understand you guys have very different interests and certain things are no go, but this is way too important for our city and we could... The city, it ultimately can be the big winner if you guys work together.” I know that may mean I’d be idealistic. Um, but this was way too important to let them just walk away from the table.
Q: So you did vote no on both?
A: I voted no on both. Yes, but our planning group ... was the first to endorse SDSU West. Um, you know, and I’m happy to work with SDSU West, uh, on the place. Right? It’s a very important project in Mission Valley. But let’s move forward. Um, we can’t look back, but I had reservations about both. Uh, but mostly just because I don’t like, um, planning by initiative. Community planning groups like mine, the public, needs to have a say in the planning of our city.
Q: What do you think of the way that the city has negotiated that to date?
A: Um, well I’m glad they didn’t take SDSU West’s first offer. So, um, can someone tell me why we didn’t just on the initiative.... OK. You know what? “We’re going to put the price tag at let’s say $100 million. That’s what we’re voting on.” But this whole fuzzy, oh, we’ll determine what the market rate is for the... I mean, now we’re arguing what is market rate, you know, back in 2017 or is it now? Are we going to have some offsets for the river park? You know, now we’re in this mess. Why didn’t we come up with a price tag? Does anybody know that? Why didn’t we have a price tag right from the beginning?
Q: State law. State law says you can’t sell assets for less than their value.
A: Okay.
Q: But the city of San Diego is letting San Diego High School with a sweetheart deal. I can’t get anyone to agree with me that it’s logically incoherent to play hardball with San Diego State University, but not San Diego Unified.
A: Hmm. Good point. Good point.
Q: Um, any last questions?
Q: What was it like managing a guava tree ranch?
A: That was something that I enjoyed. I enjoyed being a farmer for about a week, um, because the people that work for me, they started me at the very bottom, which is pulling weeds. And, um, it was a hard, hard workout smack in the middle of Valley Center, but it was something that every single person that’s a good business owner, you have to be able to do every job in the business. And in the restaurant industry, you have to wash dishes and, and bus tables and, um, on a farm you got to get out there. But it was, it was cool. The guavas are not real popular with Caucasians, but very popular with the Asian community. So we had our little niche, and we were able to cut down a lot of avocado trees, which was good because it saved us a lot of water. Um, but it’s a tough business being a farmer. So I enjoyed it. I also love planning weddings. We had -- Somebody brought that up.
Q: Yeah, I saw it on your site.
A: So yes, I’ve planned almost 200 weddings in my lifetime, so I planned every wedding except my own. So... But weddings are a great business because you really... People are really, really grateful for putting together a beautiful day. So it’s one of the most rewarding businesses that I ever had.
Q: Let me ask you about the pay for being a council member. Would you have run if the pay hadn’t, uh, essentially doubled?
A: Absolutely. Absolutely. I haven’t been getting paid for all these different community groups, which has been almost a full time job with just being on all these planning groups and community boards. So, hey, getting paid at anything is a step up. So this city is too important. I love this city, and I just want to continue to serve it in the capacity of... Um, so pay wasn’t a consideration. I was in before that even was voted.
“I’m committed to working with everybody and my record shows that.”
— Noli Zosa
Q: Well, thanks for coming in and give us your elevator pitch, your closing pitch to voters.
A: My closing pitch to voters is that, you know, you have someone in me that is a small business owner, a successful small business owner, that has survived at a tough industry. Restaurants are a tough industry and we see businesses closing left and right, but we continue to thrive. But we also have someone that is active in the community and um, has learned how the city operates, um, what it does right and what it does wrong, um, that has taken the time to, uh, to learn and, um, learn about this job and get involved with the city. So we have someone that’s a small business owner and then someone that has been a community advocate. Um, it’s important for someone like that to be in city government, to be that voice, to have a diversity of voices in our city government because I think that leads to better governance in our city. And I’m committed to working with everybody. Um, and, um, my record shows that.
Q: Thanks for coming in.
A: Yeah, thank you. I had a good time.
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