City of San Diego Retired Employees Association
September 14, 2021
General Meeting Minutes
Meeting held via Zoom
President Dick Wilken reported that the Board has not determined whether to hold the annual Holiday Party; a decision will be made in October and will be based in part on the impacts of the Delta variation of Covid. The Board is expecting to hold our November meeting in-person at the War Memorial Building; attendees will be asked to provide proof of vaccination and to wear masks. However, if the pandemic gets worse, we may hold the meeting via Zoom.
He also called members’ attention to our new community volunteer program, coordinated by Stacey LoMedico, the purpose of which is to match REA members with various community service programs in San Diego.
Cynthia Queen of SDCERS reported that the new SDCERS Board members are very engaged in their positions and are asking questions after presentations to increase their knowledge and understanding.
Gregg Rademacher of SDCERS reported that staff and the Board are still working remotely.
PROGRAM
The program was Michelle Brega of the SD County Regional Airport Authority, who spoke about the impacts of the COVID pandemic on airport operations and about the future of SAN. Before COVID, travelers through SAN brought $12 billion to the region. Covid saw passenger levels in March 2020 drop to 5% of the levels in March 2019; levels are now up to 27% of pre- pandemic levels. Overseas flights are gone, but Airport Authority officials are hoping to regain service to North America, Asia, and Europe.
She also spoke about the replacement of Terminal 1, which will provide a new building with 30 gates, new access roadways and parking, and improved security screening areas. Construction could begin as soon as November 2021.
Ms. Brega later provided answers to questions she was unable to address at the meeting; those answers are on REA’s website.