Member of the Public Denied Entry to Public Meeting for Refusing to Sign In
- Susan Heavilin
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Chula Vista Councilmember Jose Preciado informs security and a member of the public that legal council will arrive by noon and can respond to legal matters regarding sign-in.| Still frame captured from Chula Vista Live Data video on June 4, 2026.
This transpired at a recent meeting and was captured by Chula Vista Live Data.
"A member of the public was denied entry to a public meeting due to refusal to sign in, citing Brown Act rights. Security cited policy, leading to a discussion with legal counsel about public accessibility and requirements."—Chula Vista Live Data
It's obviously daytime and a 12-noon starting time was stated in the video so I'm not sure what this meeting was. Its rare to have a middle-of-the-day public meeting because most people are at work and could not attend unless its a weekend.
I thought it might be a Chula Vista meeting because City Councilmember Jose Preciado appears in the video. He is listening to what is going down when the private individual pulls him into the conversation.
I've been to Chula Vista Council Meetings. They want ALL your information and your first-born child to enter a meeting. It's all typed into their computer system and its very Big Brother.
Chula Vista wants to know who is in their city and at their meetings. If you think that you will drive your vehicle through incognito, you need to think again. They use ALPR, better known as Automated License Plate Readers. It is definitely a high-tech city and is proud of being a Smart City.
"The City of Chula Vista is leading the international smart city movement with state-of-the-art technology and data analytics tools that improve quality of life and contribute to economic growth. Chula Vista's commitment to smart city innovation is reflected in its detailed strategic plan and numerous initiatives in progress."—City of Chula Vista website
You can watch Chula Vista Live Data's short video and make up your own mind. Along with security, Councilmember Jose Preciado and City of Chula Vista legal counsel are all present and recorded.
It's a fascinating video. It's important to know your rights.
That meeting was the Metropolitan Wastewater Joint Powers Authority (JPA.) It is held in Kearny Mesa at the City of San Diego’s Public Utilities Department’s offices. Strict security protocols have existed at that facility for decades. Yet, access to their large meeting room for public meetings were handled differently.
Councilmember Preciado represents the City of Chula Vista on that JPA. He serves as Second Vice Chair of the JPA.