Meeting Summary
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Starlight Solar Project
- Staff presented a two-phase solar and battery storage facility in the Boulevard community, noting significant visual impacts and proposed community benefit contributions.
- The Board discussed fire safety risks, specifically clarifying that plume modeling must adhere to AEGL-1 standards for short-term reversible effects.
- Additional conditions were added requiring baseline groundwater monitoring and the pursuit of Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariffs through San Diego Community Power.
- The Board voted to certify the Environmental Impact Report and approve the project with these specific conditions.
Agua Caliente Airport Reopening
- The Board directed staff to explore options for reopening the Agua Caliente Airstrip, which was closed in early 2025.
- Staff confirmed that funding would come from the Airport Enterprise Fund rather than the general fund, with repair costs estimated between $500,000 and $3 million.
- The motion authorized the county team to conduct stakeholder outreach, determine infrastructure needs, and prepare documents for reactivation.
Closed Session
- Counsel reported that the Board authorized County Counsel to initiate litigation during a September 15, 2026 session.
- Specific details of the litigation are withheld until formal commencement.
Full summary
Closed Session Report
- The Board received a report from counsel regarding a closed session held on September 15, 2026. The report stated that on Item 26B, the Board authorized County Counsel to initiate litigation by a vote of five to zero. Specifics of the litigation are to be disclosed after formal commencement.
Non-Agenda Public Comment
- The Board opened the floor for public comment on matters not listed on the agenda. Five speakers addressed the Board regarding hazardous businesses in residential zones, smoke-free and vape-free policies, the sale of illegal intoxicating products, and the passage of AB 2249, which bans marijuana products designed to appeal to those under 21. No motions were made or votes taken during this segment.
Approval of Minutes
- The Board considered the approval of minutes and statement of proceedings for the concurrent special district meeting of the Sanitation District for June 24 and 25.
- Motion: Supervisor Desmond moved to approve the minutes.
- Second: Vice Chair Montgomery Stepp seconded the motion.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
No decision 0–0
Consent Agenda
- The Board considered the consent agenda, which includes routine items. Comments were made regarding Item 3 (Spring Valley SEEDS initiative), Item 1 (drainage culvert repair), and other items. Seven speakers addressed the Board regarding consent items, raising concerns about SECA exemptions, easements/right-of-ways, the Climate Communities Program, Sanitation District quick claims, Valley Center Excavation, and the Starlight Solar project.
- Motion: Vice Chair Montgomery Stepp moved to approve the consent agenda.
- Second: Chairperson McGeary seconded the motion.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Item 5: Starlight Solar Project
- The Board held a public hearing to consider the approval of the Starlight Solar Project, a solar energy generation and storage facility, and the certification of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
- Staff Presentation: Staff presented project details for a facility located in the Boulevard community, consisting of two phases: Phase 1 (125 acres, 20 MW solar, 17 MW battery storage) and Phase 2 (375 acres, 64 MW solar, 200 MW battery storage). Staff outlined revisions based on community feedback, including increased setbacks, a wildlife corridor, and increased community benefit contributions ($1 million for Phase 1 and approximately $7 million for Phase 2). The Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions on July 10, 2026. Staff noted that the EIR determined significant and unavoidable impacts to visual resources, requiring a statement of overriding considerations, while other impacts were mitigated to less than significant. Staff recommended the Board certify the EIR, approve the project with conditions, approve the Fire Protection and Mitigation Agreement, and require a defense and indemnification agreement. The applicant requested the Board retain the original Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) location for Phase 2, citing potential EIR recirculation issues if moved.
- Public Comment: Numerous speakers addressed the Board. Supporters cited union labor benefits, property tax revenue, community benefits, grid reliability, and climate change mitigation. Opponents raised concerns regarding fire safety, thermal runaway risks, toxic plume dispersion, proximity to residential areas and schools, water supply and groundwater protection, insufficient community benefit funds, zoning precedents, and cultural resource impacts. Some speakers requested a delay or postponement until county BESS zoning guidelines are finalized or to allow for further review of the EIR.
- Board Discussion:
- Water Quality: The Board discussed community requests for water quality testing. Staff explained that the project proposes to purchase water off-site and does not utilize groundwater, but indicated they could add a condition for baseline groundwater monitoring. The applicant agreed to conduct baseline groundwater testing under the battery area prior to construction and additional testing in the event of a fire.
- Plume Study and Fire Risk: A consultant presented information on BESS fire risks and plume dispersion models. The discussion focused on Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGL), with staff and experts clarifying that AEGL-1 represents short-term, reversible effects, while AEGL-2 represents permanent effects. The AEGL-1 boundary was noted to extend over 2,200 feet from the battery facilities. County Fire confirmed that the county requires plume modeling at AEGL-1 and that a typo in guidelines listing AEGL-2 was being corrected.
- State-Level Alternatives: Staff explained that California law allows certain BESS projects to be approved through state-level pathways, bypassing local jurisdictions and the ability to impose local conditions such as setbacks or community benefit agreements.
- Community Benefit Funds: The Board reviewed the structure of community benefit funds. The applicant proposed a structure where funds are held by a nonprofit entity to ensure an arm’s-length relationship, with a governance model involving needs assessments and community voting on projects.
- Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariffs: The Board discussed using the Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariffs (DACGT) program through San Diego Community Power to provide additional benefits to eligible community members. The applicant expressed willingness to pursue this option.
- Motion and Vote:
- Motion: Supervisor Anderson moved to support the project moving forward with additional conditions. The conditions included:
- 1. Requiring baseline groundwater monitoring and testing of both quality and quantity prior to construction, with further testing and remediation obligations if a fire occurs or unanticipated depletion is detected. 2. Requiring the developer to pursue the Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariffs Program through San Diego Community Power to provide additional benefits to eligible community members.
- Second: Chair Pro Tem Aguirre seconded the motion.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 6: Reopening the Agua Caliente Airport and Exploring Alternative Funding Options
- The Board received public comment regarding the reopening of the Agua Caliente Airstrip. Speakers generally supported reopening the airport, citing its importance for emergency response, recreational aviation, and economic activity. Comments noted that the closure was initiated in early 2025 by requesting the state to revoke the operating permit, and that funding should come from the Airport Enterprise Fund rather than the general fund.
- Board Discussion: Supervisor Anderson and Supervisor Desmond introduced the item, directing the county team to pursue the reopening of the Agua Caliente Airstrip and identify funding sources. Staff confirmed that the Airport Enterprise Fund is the primary source for repairs and that no general fund or realignment funds are anticipated to be used. Staff provided cost estimates ranging from $500,000 for minor repairs to $3 million for a full rehabilitation. The Board clarified that the motion is to explore options and direct staff to conduct stakeholder outreach, determine infrastructure needs, and prepare documents for reactivation, with no immediate fiscal impact.
- Motion and Vote:
- Motion: Supervisor Anderson moved to direct the county team to pursue the reopening of the Agua Caliente Airstrip and identify funding sources, including conducting stakeholder outreach, determining infrastructure improvements, and preparing documents for reactivation.
- Second: Supervisor Desmond seconded the motion.
- Decision: The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment
- The Board noted that the adjournment in memory had already been completed on a previous day by consent. The Board was formally adjourned. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 6th at 9 a.m.