Public commenters urge transparency and raise corruption allegations during San Diego County meeting

During the public comment periods at the June 9, 2026 San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting, multiple speakers criticized the county’s handling of funds and demanded greater transparency.

At the start of public comment on item 20 (the CalFit resolution), an in-person speaker identified as Audra said the county "cannot be trusted with money," accused officials of negligence and mistreatment of vulnerable people, and urged funds be diverted to people and organizations that care for residents rather than those who profit. A phone caller identifying themself as "Guello" asked detailed questions about the proposal: why another investment authority is necessary, how much county money is already invested, what management and administrative fees apply, and who benefits financially. Treasurer-Tax-Collector Larry Cohen addressed governance and liquidity questions during the item presentation but did not provide an itemized fee schedule in the meeting record.

Another caller using the name "Truth" accused the county and named officials of corruption, said Cohen was 'unqualified' because he was appointed rather than elected, and alleged misuse of a special events trust fund in prior events. Those allegations were presented as claims in public comment and were not substantiated in the meeting record; the board did not provide documentation or a formal rebuttal during the session.

During the non-agenda and closed-session public comment periods, callers raised additional concerns: requests for stronger accountability and tracking of funds, calls for increased public participation in unincorporated-area decisions, objections to possible increases in marijuana storefronts and cultivation in unincorporated areas, and criticism of reductions to youth and early-intervention funding. Several callers referenced ongoing litigation or wrongful-death claims and questioned the monitoring of jail detainees.

Board officers reminded speakers when comments pertained to closed-session items and then recessed into closed session; any reportable actions from closed session were scheduled to be reported the next morning during the land use session.