Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council Meeting - May 19, 2026

The Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) met on May 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM to discuss a California Highway Patrol annual review, a proposal for a new Office of Unincorporated Communities, and the county budget. The meeting included public testimony on pedestrian safety, school issues, and sidewalk maintenance. Councilmembers unanimously opposed the Office of Unincorporated Communities proposal and approved a motion to send a representative to the Unincorporated Services Subcommittee.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the April 20, 2026, meeting were approved despite discussion over brevity. Councilmember Devini noted the minutes were less than a page and half for a long meeting, but Vice Chair Mulgrew supported summary style. The roll call vote passed with some members expressing hesitation (Chair Moore initially voted no but then corrected).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Aaron Pantilio – Introduced himself as the new division chief for Alameda County assigned to the unincorporated area.
• Saljon Sivron – Recounted a tragic incident on April 13, 2026, where his dog was struck and killed by a truck at the crosswalk of Redwood Road and Mabel Avenue. He criticized the unprotected left turn design and called for a protected left signal, speed bumps, and other safety measures. (Councilmember Mota later stated the incident occurred on April 15; the date discrepancy was noted.)
• Livia Thomas – Neighbor of Sivron, described pedestrian safety concerns and listed specific improvement requests including decoupled left-turn signals, school zone speed reductions, flashing crosswalk lights, and increased police presence.
• Daniel Jackowitz – Introduced himself as a 20-year resident, former CHP officer, and announced his candidacy for Castro Valley Unified School District Trustee Area 3. Raised concerns about school safety, water filters, bullying, restroom access, and lack of tennis courts.
• Darryl Ray – 40-year resident and member of Eden Area Indivisible, reported sidewalk trip hazards at 3483 Castro Valley Boulevard, noting that complaints to public works had not been addressed since August 2025.
• Public comment on CHP presentation: Michael (Cherryland) commended Officer Pabs and noted the upcoming Meekland Bridge closure will increase traffic pressure on Castro Valley.
• Public comment on Office of Unincorporated Communities:
  • Tara Clancy – Supported the office, citing difficulties residents face navigating county departments and delays in agenda scheduling.
  • Ann Carboni – Opposed, calling it "another layer of government" and arguing Castro Valley's needs differ from other unincorporated areas; suggested instead improving department communication and advocacy.
  • Juliana Weiser Leon – Supported, noting the burden on community-based organizations to coordinate county services and the need for systemic solutions to poverty.
  • Kelly (online) – Opposed, argued the proposal is a result of overloaded D4 staff and questioned budget transparency, referencing past unsubstantiated budget claims.

Discussion Items

1. California Highway Patrol Annual Review – Officer Jen Pabs

Officer Pabs presented statistics comparing 2024 to 2025 (citations slightly down, crashes slightly up). Highlights:

• A maximum enforcement period on April 28, 2026, yielded 514 speeding citations and over 800 contacts; CHP led the state in enforcement contacts.
• A pedestrian safety operation on May 7, 2026, in memory of Lana Carlos, issued 42 citations for drivers not yielding in crosswalks within two hours.
• Noted the difficulty of reducing jaywalking and vehicle-versus-pedestrian crashes, and discussed side show enforcement task force with local police.
• Provided a list of current traffic complaint locations and e-bike safety education efforts. Councilmembers expressed condolences to Sivron, shared concerns about pedestrian safety, e-bike danger, and asked about parking lot enforcement and coordination with public works radar trailers.

2. Office of Unincorporated Communities – Brienne Gala (Consultant)

Ms. Gala presented research and recommendations for a three-year pilot Office of Unincorporated Communities, to be housed in the county administrator’s office with a three-person staff. Core functions: cross-agency coordination, communication hub, budget advocacy, MAC support, and strategic project management. She cited fragmented governance, coordination challenges, and communication breakdowns as root causes.

Councilmembers questioned authority, cost, effectiveness, and whether the office would address Castro Valley’s specific needs. Concerns included lack of direct authority over departments, absence of cost estimates, and fear of additional bureaucracy. Councilmember Devini argued for more D4 staff instead. Councilmember Mota noted unclear authority and measurable outcomes. Councilmember Thomas doubted the office would improve business permitting. Vice Chair Mulgrew criticized the internally-focused success metrics and suggested forming cross-departmental customer units.

After public comment, the council voted unanimously to recommend the Board of Supervisors not approve the proposed office. A separate motion to appoint a MAC representative to speak at the Unincorporated Services Subcommittee also passed unanimously.

3. Unincorporated Services Area Budget Update – Information Item

Melanie from the County Administrator’s Office presented the county budget outlook, highlighting a $91.4 million funding gap, reliance on state/federal aid, Measure W allocations (30% proposed for unincorporated areas), and long-term capital needs. A requested rehabilitation of the old Castro Valley Library is included if approved. Councilmembers asked about Measure W return-to-source and the proposed CDA unincorporated area manager. No action was taken. Councilmember Devini requested a follow-up after the budget finalization.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes from April 20, 2026, meeting.
• Motion to recommend that the Board of Supervisors not approve the Office of Unincorporated Communities passed unanimously (7-0).
• Motion to appoint a Castro Valley MAC representative to the Unincorporated Services Subcommittee to convey the MAC’s position passed unanimously.
• Budget update received with a request for a follow-up presentation after the budget is finalized.