Sunol Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting - November 6, 2025

Note: The meeting transcript indicates the meeting occurred on October 15, 2025, but the provided timestamp is November 6, 2025. This summary uses the specified date of November 6, 2025.

The Sunol Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) held a regular meeting on November 6, 2025. The agenda included public comments, updates from the Sheriff's Office, progress reports on community projects, and a participatory workshop on the Alameda County unincorporated area budget input process. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was adjourned after staff comments.

Public Comments

• Tom Knutson (local resident) raised concerns about the City of Pleasanton's delay (90 days) in notifying Kill Care Road residents about elevated TTHM contaminants in their water, discovered June 10, 2025. He requested an inquiry into the water quality and remediation timeline.
• Kelly commented on the unique advantages of Sunol (small operation, abundance mindset, strong local coordination) compared to other unincorporated areas, asserting that standard budget constraints do not apply here.

Sheriff's Office Report

• Sergeant Patrick Patrini reported that a small shooting range on a nursery property was found to be legal (proper distance and backstop). 34 calls for service, 46 proactive stops, and 64 business checks since last meeting. A deputy completed motor school and another starts next week to address traffic issues.
• Lindsay noted three abandoned vehicles on Pleasant and Sunol Road (including a burned-out RV) and a burned vehicle at Scott's Corners. The sergeant said the parking technician would investigate tomorrow.

Progress Reports

• Jim (Tree Advisory/Depot Gardens) reported the milkweed project nearly complete; 2,300 pots distributed. Upcoming creek cleanup on October 25 (coordinated by Alameda County Resource Conservation District, Cal Trout, and Alameda Creek Alliance). 20 dogwood trees to be planted. He encouraged community participation to promote Sunol and build relationships with resource agencies.
• Benjamin announced that the county board of supervisors voted on the wayfinding sign prototype; final outcome pending. The sign will be a prototype for community feedback before ordering four signs.

Discussion Items

Unincorporated Area Budget Input Process

Claudia Albano (Deputy Chief of Staff for Supervisor Miley) led a workshop. The process aims to give unincorporated residents a formal way to provide input on the county budget. Previous community meetings (urban: 70 attendees, rural: 20 attendees). Next steps: analyze data in November, present findings on December 3 joint meeting.

CAC members identified macro issues affecting Sunol: government regulation/gridlock, political divide, water, climate change, fire/flood danger, aging infrastructure, reduced public funds, housing scarcity, weather, government responsibility, political stress. Then they listed micro-level changes needed: better flood prevention response, agency accountability ("the buck stops here"), better emergency communication systems, more sheriff presence, better response to illegal dumping.

Discussion emphasized that Sunol faces chronic, unresolved issues due to lack of agency ownership and funding. The board of supervisors was urged to prioritize Sunol's special vulnerabilities even with limited population.

Key Outcomes

• The budget input workshop was completed; CAC provided input on macro issues and service improvements. No formal motion or action taken.
• The wayfinding sign prototype decision awaits final outcome from county board.
• Staff announced: Killare Road walkthrough (Oct 22); sandbag brigade by Boy Scouts (date TBD); Highway 84 closure update; Zone 7 Water Wonders event (Oct 18); creek cleanup (Oct 25).
• Main Street pedestrian improvement presentation rescheduled to January 2026.
• Next meeting agenda includes climate change amendments to planning document.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:45 PM.