As the November mayoral race in National City heats up, councilmembers have turned their campaign attacks toward personal finances. Councilmember Jose Rodriguez publicly challenged his opponent, Councilmember Marcus Bush, over a series of financial matters that he says undermine Bush’s claim of transparency and accountability.
Debt and reimbursement allegations
Rodriguez highlighted three specific issues. First, Bush’s home was foreclosed after falling roughly $17,000 behind on his mortgage. Second, Bush allegedly failed to pay a traffic ticket issued in Chula Vista. Third, Bush received $4,015 from National City to attend a Metropolitan Transportation System conference. While the MTS reimbursed the city for the trip, Bush has only returned $500 and says he intends to repay the balance.
“It’s deeply hypocritical for someone to run on transparency and accountability and then to line his pockets with public money,” Rodriguez said at a recent council meeting.
Bush defended his record, framing his own financial setbacks as “lived experience” that connects him with working families. “Getting away from the shame of financial struggle, it’s real,” he told reporters.
San Diego City Council actions
In related local government news, the San Diego City Council approved a flat water rate for all residents, ending the tiered system that charged higher rates to heavier users. The change follows a 2025 court ruling that found the tiered rates were not adequately justified by the actual cost of service. City officials warned that families previously in lower‑usage tiers will see higher water bills.
The vote was 6‑3, with Councilmembers Henry Foster and Kent Lee opposing and Councilmember Marni von Wilpert absent. Lee, who voted against the measure, argued the council should explore more cost‑effective options for residents, noting the city had previously done so for trash services.
Temporary data‑center ban
Also on Tuesday, the council unanimously passed a 45‑day temporary ban on new data‑center construction, with the option to extend the moratorium up to 20 months. The ban gives the city time to develop its own regulatory framework, as current municipal codes do not specifically define data centers. Large‑scale facilities, such as a proposed 400‑megawatt center on Navy land near downtown, require significant water and energy resources.
Councilmember Sean Elo‑Rivera added language urging city lobbyists to ask Congress to block a data‑center project at the NAVWAR facility. Council President Joe LaCava said the city would examine leverage it might have through its franchise agreement with San Diego Gas & Electric. “Federal ownership does not mean San Diegans should be shut out of decisions that will shape our city for generations,” said Councilmember Stephen Whitburn.
County behavioral health leadership change
San Diego County announced a temporary leadership shift in its Behavioral Health Services Department. After the retirement of the interim director, longtime health‑services executive Jennifer Bransford‑Koons will serve as interim leader until October 30, when 25‑year county veteran Dijana Beck takes over. The county plans a national search for a permanent director.
The Morning Report was prepared by Jakob McWhinney, MacKenzie Elmer, Mariana Martínez Barba and Lisa Halverstadt, and edited by Will Huntsberry.
Original reporting: Voice of San Diego — read the source article.
