8-19-2026 County of San Diego Board of Supervisors Meeting - AM Session

The County of San Diego Board of Supervisors held a meeting on August 19, 2026, which included extensive public engagement and discussion on several key issues. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the socially equitable cannabis program (SECP), including certification of the program's environmental impact report (PEIR), amendments to zoning and regulatory codes, and the establishment of licensing and permitting procedures. The board heard from numerous public speakers both in support of and opposition to the program, with concerns raised about environmental impacts such as odor, groundwater use, and public safety, as well as the social equity goals of the program. The board discussed the program's potential economic and social benefits, including addressing past cannabis criminalization impacts, while also considering the significant and unavoidable environmental effects identified in the PEIR. The board ultimately voted to approve the staff recommendation to move forward with the SECP, with a 3-2 vote. Additionally, the meeting included a detailed presentation on wildfire preparedness efforts, highlighting investments in fire stations, staffing, equipment, and aerial firefighting capabilities, including a $3.75 million grant secured for helicopter acquisition. The board unanimously received the wildfire preparedness presentation and discussed ongoing and future capital and operational needs to enhance emergency response and community safety.