Fairview MAC Meeting Summary - March 4, 2026

The Fairview Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) met on March 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM to discuss a presentation from the East Bay Regional Park District, consider a proposed fireworks and social host ordinance, and address routine business. The meeting included public comments on various local issues and a unanimous vote to recommend the fireworks ordinance to the Board of Supervisors.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (February 3, 2026): Councilmember Higgins noted that his comments regarding the six-cycle housing element were not included in the draft minutes. Staff explained that future minutes will be action-only, with the video serving as the transcript. The minutes were approved unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rolando Gonzalez (East Bay MUD Community Affairs Representative): Announced that residents may receive letters from SLWA Insurance Services offering optional exterior water service line coverage. He clarified that the program is optional, no customer data was shared, and East Bay MUD receives a brand fee to support its Customer Assistance Program (CAP).
• Jennifer Pabst (CHP Officer): Reported on February enforcement: 10 traffic citations, 4 non-injury crashes, no stolen vehicles. Noted ongoing issues at Fairview/Oaks (stop sign running) and Fairview Elementary School (drop-off/pickup traffic). Mentioned that speed bumps on D Street have helped. Upcoming enforcement period on April 28-29 focusing on speed. Six new officers reported to Hayward in February, with 12 more in April.
• Bruce King (Friends of San Lorenzo Creek): Raised concerns about Don Castro Reservoir: heavy siltation, lack of fish stocking, illegal fishing downstream, and the failed June 2025 flood control measure. Urged East Bay Regional Park District to use its influence on flood control issues and support the planned San Lorenzo Creekway connector.
• Dale Silva (Fairview Resident): Complimented Director Waspey for representing the area and urged progress on the Llama Lane trail, which was planned to open in 2024 but remains delayed. He encouraged the MAC to advocate for trail completion.
• Mimi Dean (Save Sky West): Promoted the preservation of Sky West, a 126-acre former golf course in Hayward, citing its importance as habitat for Western Pond Turtles and monarch butterflies (ranked #4 in California). She emphasized its flat terrain and accessibility for people of all abilities and its role in climate resiliency.
• Dale Silva (on Fireworks Ordinance): Expressed strong support for the proposed ordinance, thanking Sgt. Imperial, Supervisor Miley's office, and community advocates. He highlighted the value of the evidence provision that allows residents to submit photographic/video evidence and statements.
• Vanya Taylor (Phone): Asked about anonymous reporting methods and whether people who drive into Fairview to set off fireworks can be cited. Sgt. Imperial responded that calling dispatch is the best way to report in real time, and that license plates can lead to investigations.
• Brenda (Phone): Noted that safe-and-sane fireworks have been illegal in Fairview for 40 years but lacked enforcement. She stated that surrounding jurisdictions already have similar ordinances and urged adoption.
• Fran Krug (Phone): Thanked the Sheriff's Department and Sgt. Imperial for their work, emphasizing that the ordinance is needed to address ongoing fireworks issues.

Discussion Items

• East Bay Regional Park District Update
  • Director Dennis Waspey (Ward 3) presented the district's plans, covering 73 parks, 126,000 acres, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 30 million annual visits. He discussed the new District Plan (master plan update), balancing recreation and preservation, climate resiliency, wildfire protection, and efforts to increase community access and equity.
  • Questions from the MAC focused on: Don Castro Reservoir fishing and siltation (Waspey explained that dredging is prohibitively expensive and complicated by environmental regulations), the Llama Lane trail (design wrapping up, construction expected in late 2026 with public opening in spring/summer 2027), eucalyptus abatement and wildfire risk (mentioned a $5 million goat grazing contract and carbonizer technology for biochar), and visitation tracking (no per-park breakdown, but overall visits estimated at 30 million).
• Fireworks and Social Host Ordinance (Action Item)
  • Sgt. Kurt Imperial presented the proposed ordinance, which would ban all fireworks in unincorporated Alameda County and establish a civil penalty structure. Fines: $750 for first violation, $1,500 for second, $2,500 for third or subsequent. Enforcement would rely on observe-and-report techniques, video evidence, and property owner liability (social host). The appeals process goes through the Board of Zoning Adjustment and then the Board of Supervisors.
  • Timeline: Presentations to other MACs through March, Unincorporated Services Committee on March 25, Board of Supervisors consideration in April-May, potential enactment by June before July 4th.
  • The MAC discussed public education (PSAs, media), anonymous reporting (dispatch), and enforcement plans (patrol training, use of body cameras and county-issued phones).
  • Motion to recommend adoption to the Board of Supervisors passed unanimously (5-0).

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: February 3, 2026, minutes approved with understanding that future minutes will be action-only.
• Fireworks Ordinance Recommendation: The MAC voted 5-0 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors adopt the proposed draft ordinance. Next steps include presentations at the remaining MAC meeting (Castro Valley on March 16) and the Unincorporated Services Committee on March 25, followed by full Board consideration in April-May.
• Community Concerns Referred: Issues raised but not on the agenda (D Street speed bumps lacking striping, trash accumulation on Windfelt, traffic enforcement at Fairview Elementary School, and 2nd Street speeding) will be referred to public works and the Sheriff's Office for follow-up.
• Upcoming Events: CHP Start Smart class for young drivers on March 31; maximum enforcement period April 28-29; Veterans Day celebration on November 8 at Lone Tree Cemetery.