Sunol Citizens Advisory Council Meeting – November 21, 2025

This regular meeting of the Sunol Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) was held on November 21, 2025, at 9:45 AM. Key topics included public comments on demolition and tree removal, updates from law enforcement and fire agencies, progress on fire safety and downtown revitalization projects, a detailed presentation on downtown wastewater treatment alternatives, a variance request, flood control governance and infrastructure, and amendments to the County General Plan’s Open Space and Safety Elements. Several votes were taken, including approval of the variance and forwarding of both general plan amendments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Andrew Turnbull (self-represented, resident of Sunol for 26 years) expressed concern about demolition of a barn on a neighboring property that may have released lead‑based paint contamination near a school. He noted the Alameda County Health Department issued a cease‑and‑desist, and that code enforcement and the building department are involved. He also mentioned two heritage oak trees were cut down on the same property, with rounds showing no disease.
• During discussion of the Safety Element, a member of the public urged the council to vote on the proposed December meeting cancellation (see below).

Discussion Items

1. Updates from Alameda County Sheriff’s Office & Fire Department

• Sheriff’s Office (Sgt. Landers via phone): Since the last meeting, 32 calls for service, 43 proactive stops, and 74 business checks were conducted. A second motor deputy has completed training and will be back on patrol; full staffing expected after the first of the year. Deputies will be present at the Train of Lights event.
• Alameda County Fire Department (Chief Terra): 27 calls for service, all medical except one canceled en route. The department is transitioning from fire season to winter storm preparation. Chip Pickles (CalFire Santa Clara Unit) reported that on December 8th staffing will drop from 16 engines to 9 for winter preparedness; one Type 3 engine will remain at Sunol station. CalFire completed 178 defensible space inspections along Kilkare Road; 3 homes failed (2 referred to enforcement, 1 due to deceased owner). Next year inspections will cover the entire Sunol SRA area.

2. Progress Reports

• Fire Safety Work Group (Denise Cantromos & Rosemary): After researching emergency notification systems in other California communities, the group is testing a siren system from Genesis. A trial run will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Kilkare Clubhouse parking lot. The test will help determine audibility and community interest. Funding is being explored with Senator McNerney’s office. Additionally, a CalFire grant for tree work along Kilkare Road (using bucket trucks and climbers) is expected to start soon; a separate grant from CalFire will support crew‑based groundwork. Both projects aim to improve evacuation and fire access.
• Tree Advisory (Jim O’Laughlin): 22 trees were planted on the first work day and 5 more on the following week, totaling 27 trees in the park at the creek edge.
• Downtown Revitalization Work Group: The letter for funding has been approved by the board; next steps are being discussed. Signs for home identification are being produced by the Sunol Business Guild as a fundraiser.

3. Council & Staff Comments

• Connie (CAC Chair): Reported that Caltrans responded to a previous letter about bridge flooding, stating that modeling showed the bridge is not the problem—the issue occurs when Arroyo de la Laguna meets Alameda Creek. The council decided to send a follow‑up letter noting that visual observations on flood day do not match Caltrans’ modeling. She also raised concerns about the Sunol Superstop Station conditional use permit: the county staff had indicated water/septic issues were resolved by August 29, but follow‑up revealed they were not. The applicant requested a one‑year extension. The council expressed disappointment and agreed to send a formal letter to the Planning Director. Additionally, two heritage oak trees were cut down on the same property where the barn demolition occurred; the council discussed revisiting a tree ordinance.
• Lindsay (District 1 Office): Announced a Town Hall on On‑Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) on Thursday, December 4, 2025, 6:00–7:30 PM at this location. Over a dozen Boy Scouts filled hundreds of sandbags at the Kilkare Road station; residents may take them freely. A Holiday Toy & Food Drive is set for December 11, 2025, 6:00–8:00 PM at the Farmhouse (Pleasanton Fairgrounds). A three‑month pilot program with CityServe will provide transportation for Sunol seniors to the Pleasanton Senior Center (free lunch included) on Thursdays in February, Wednesdays in March, and flexible call‑in in April. Volunteer drivers are needed.

4. Downtown On‑Site Wastewater Treatment System Project Alternatives

Lilia and Norm from Questa Engineering presented seven alternatives for managing wastewater in the downtown Sunol study area (red outline from Elliston Winery to Tyler Ranch). Key findings: 18% of parcels have up‑to‑code systems; 35% have systems not up to code; 47% have no documentation. Alternatives:

• 1 & 2: No project or a wastewater management program (coordinated upgrades).
• 3 & 4: Add public restrooms at Niles Canyon parcel and Depot Gardens, connecting to existing or expanded leach field.
• 5, 6, & 7: Full community wastewater systems with collection, treatment (either conventional gravity sewer or effluent sewer), and disposal on the Bond Street parcel and Depot Gardens. Treatment options include MBR (tertiary, removes PFOS) or Advantex (secondary). The full project would take at least 5–10 years. Costs will be presented in the next memo (Memo 4, early 2026). A resident asked whether to install a new septic now; staff advised installing a compliant tank that could connect later.

5. Variance – 621 Kilkare Road

Maral Esmaili (Planner) presented a request for a 10‑foot encroachment into the required 30‑foot front yard setback (resulting in a 20‑foot setback) to allow a 220 sq. ft. front addition and kitchen expansion. The existing house (built 1949) is already non‑conforming at 20 ft. Staff recommended approval, noting the addition stays under the existing roofline and preserves green space. Rodrigo Ordoña (Planning Director) explained that setbacks provide rural character, privacy, and open space. The council voted unanimously to recommend approval to the East County Board of Zoning Adjustment.

6. General Plan Amendments – Open Space Element (SB 1425)

Ally Abers (Planning) reported that a comprehensive review found existing General Plan policies already satisfy SB 1425 requirements for equitable open space access, climate resilience, and rewilding. An appendix will compile relevant policies by reference. The project is CEQA‑exempt. The council voted unanimously to forward the amendments to the Planning Commission with a recommendation for adoption.

7. Flood Control Presentation

Lindsay gave an extensive overview of flood control governance in Sunol. Key points:

• Zone 7 Water Agency is the flood control agency for Sunol (dependent special district with its own elected board). It owns 37 miles of flood channels, but none in Sunol. It is funded by 1.68% of the county’s 1% property tax (approx. $100,000/year from Sunol) and developer fees. The county Board of Supervisors has no authority over Zone 7’s decisions.
• Alameda County Flood Control District covers western areas only.
• Caltrans plans to replace the Highway 84 bridge over Arroyo de la Laguna; construction will begin summer 2026 over three summers.
• The County Public Works Agency provides sandbags and maintains roads/culverts.
• A new pilot program will cover permit fees for watercourse work on private property.
• The County Hazard Mitigation Plan will be updated in 2026; community engagement will begin in January. Zone 7 is also updating its comprehensive flood management plan (town halls likely in January/February 2026).
• A resident (Ken) expressed frustration that Zone 7 collects taxes but performs no flood control work in Sunol, and that upstream development increases flood volume and rate. The council acknowledged the need for continued pressure.

8. General Plan Amendments – Safety Element

Ally Abers presented the November 2025 draft. Changes since the February 2024 CAC meeting include:

• Expanded discussion of flood control districts (Zone 7 and Alameda County Flood Control) and a map showing Sunol in Zone 7.
• New policies (P24–P28): empowering property owners with flood risk info; continuing county collaboration with agencies; requiring input from Sunol in the hazard mitigation plan update; urging Zone 7 to engage Sunol residents in its flood management plan; supporting transfer of Chain of Lakes quarry to Zone 7 for water storage/flood detention after mining ceases.
• Updated fire hazard maps per CalFire’s new LRA maps.
• Policy on redundant emergency notification systems.
• The council’s previous three recommendations (creek recognition, annual progress report, inclusion of large public land owners) are maintained. The council voted unanimously to forward the draft Safety Element to the Planning Commission with a recommendation for adoption.

Key Outcomes

• Variance (621 Kilkare Road): Unanimously approved to recommend approval to the East County Board of Zoning Adjustment.
• Open Space Element Amendments: Unanimously forwarded to the Planning Commission.
• Safety Element Amendments: Unanimously forwarded to the Planning Commission (with prior recommendations retained).
• 2026 Meeting Schedule: Approved as presented (no meetings in August or December).
• December 17 Brown Act Training Meeting: Motion to cancel passed 3‑0‑1 (Harrison abstained). The training will be rescheduled for January 2026.
• August 2025 Meeting Minutes: Approved with an amendment to include East Bay Regional Parks’ statement about emergency route unsuitability and water line vulnerability.
• September 2025 Meeting Minutes: Approved with an amendment adding a follow‑up note that a sponsor was found for Wayne Campiati’s transportation and that he has since passed away.