Fairview Municipal Advisory Council Meeting – July 8, 2026

The Fairview Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) met on July 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Castro Valley Library. The meeting covered traffic enforcement updates, public comments on a proposed housing development and regional transit funding, an informational presentation on the Unincorporated Urban Forest Plan, a detailed briefing on AC Transit’s financial crisis and potential service cuts, and the election of a new chair and vice chair. All votes were unanimous except for the excused absence of Chair Anglin.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Officer Jennifer Papst (CHP) reported on June enforcement: 28 traffic citations, 6 non-injury crashes, 1 injury crash, 1 DUI arrest, and 1 other misdemeanor arrest. She highlighted zero fatal crashes during the 4th of July enforcement period and noted speed limit changes in the area. Upcoming events: National Night Out (August 4), Start Smart classes (July 16 and 30), and an Age Well Drive Smart class (August 20).
• Bruce King (Friends of San Lorenzo Creek) expressed concerns about a proposed 21-unit housing development on D Street. He stated that two ephemeral streams (wetlands) cross the property, that previous permits were never completed, and that the project was pulled back until water board, fish and wildlife, and Army Corps of Engineers agree on permit status. He questioned why the planning department presented plans without proper permits.
• Mimi Dean spoke as a board member of Oro Loma Sanitary District, thanking Turner Communications for helping transition to district elections. She also noted as a private citizen that efforts to save the former Sky West golf course are progressing and a deal is expected soon, emphasizing the importance of accessible parks.
• Brenda Clark urged residents to report fireworks violations under the new ordinance, noting that Hayward issued 41 citations this year. She also thanked the community for supporting Sky West.
• Kelly Abrew referenced San Francisco Chronicle articles on discretionary grants (noting disparities between districts) and on Bay Area housing production, stating that only 14% of planned units have been built in the first three years of the eight-year cycle, projecting about 37% overall.
• Public comment on May minutes: Kelly Abrew noted that the county counsel clarified that minutes are the official record, and that a directive had been issued for skeleton action minutes, which he argued reduces transparency.
• Public comment on Urban Forest Plan: Bruce King supported the plan, noting the need for a tree inventory to enforce planting requirements, and urged canopy protection. Mimi Dean emphasized selecting the right trees for the right places and ensuring proper maintenance.
• Public comment on AC Transit: None.
• Public comment on chair/vice chair elections: Brenda Clark questioned the timing of announcing a vacancy (Todd Anglin’s resignation) and the reorganization, but staff clarified the resignation was accepted by the Board of Supervisors on July 6.

Discussion Items

Unincorporated Urban Forest Plan Project

• Allie Albers (Planning Department) presented an update on the Calfire-funded $685,000 Urban Forest Plan project for Ashland, Cherryland, Hayward Acres, Fairview, San Lorenzo, and Castro Valley. The project includes a street tree inventory (starting in San Lorenzo, expected completion fall 2026), a canopy equity analysis, policy assessment, and a workforce development program (Growing Futures) in partnership with HARD, Merritt College, and the county. A community tree advisory group is being formed. The plan is targeted for adoption by February 2028.
• Council members asked about conflicts with Calfire, the scope of the inventory (public right-of-way only, not private property), existing hazardous tree ordinances, and protections for trees on private property. Albers clarified that the inventory does not include private trees, but recommendations could emerge for future ordinances. The canopy analysis uses existing LIDAR data. The council expressed concerns about fire risk and community input, and Albers confirmed that Fairview input is welcome and that the plan will address fire risk through analysis and potential recommendations.

AC Transit Deficit and Service Reduction Plan

• Murphy McCauley (Board Director), Diane Castleberry (External Affairs), and Owen Christofferson (Transportation Planner) presented a briefing on AC Transit’s financial challenges. The agency faces a projected $200 million deficit over four years, with an annual funding gap of $50 million starting in 2027. Causes include the end of federal pandemic relief, flat sales tax revenue, and increased costs (fuel up 28%, parts 14%, new buses 35%). A contingency service plan would reduce service by up to 16% and lay off up to 300 employees if no new funding is secured by December 2026.
• For Fairview, line 95 (D Street corridor) would see no changes, but adjacent lines 28, 60, and 93 would face frequency reductions to 60 minutes and reduced hours. The plan preserves the primary route network. A public hearing is scheduled for October 14, 2026; the board will vote on December 9, 2026, with changes effective June 13, 2027 if the Connect Bay Area Act (SB 63) is not approved. SB 63 would generate $980 million annually for Bay Area transit, with AC Transit receiving ~$52 million per year.
• Council members asked about route labeling, the public hearing process, and the impact on underserved communities. Vice Chair Rhodes noted that Fairview is already underserved and that cuts would exacerbate inequities. The presenters encouraged community engagement and coalition-building with schools and community organizations to advocate for long-term funding. McCauley mentioned interest in microtransit for less dense areas when finances allow.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of May Minutes (Action): Motion to approve the May 2026 minutes passed unanimously (4-0, Chair Anglin excused) after public comment.
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair (Action):
  • Councilmember Sally Higgins was nominated and elected as Chair (4-0, excused absent).
  • Councilmember Vanessa Rhodes was nominated and elected as Vice Chair (4-0, excused absent).
• Staff announcements: Ashley (staff) announced an Eden Area senior town hall (July 10), a Healthy Living Festival (Sept 24), and a vacancy on the Fairview MAC due to Todd Anglin’s resignation. Applications are being accepted.

Other Items

• Vice Chair’s Report: Noted the start of East Bay MUD’s Zoro cluster pipeline replacement (six-month project on Modoc Road and other roads), the fireworks ordinance with fines up to $1,000, and unresolved issues with stop sign and road striping on D Street.
• Council Member Comments: Sally Higgins mentioned the 2nd Street sidewalk project, and promoted a Veterans Day event (Nov 8) at Lone Tree Cemetery. Beth Farmer had no comments. Chris Philbin briefly noted a housing element subcommittee meeting but was reminded that subcommittee updates require prior agenda placement.

Meeting adjourned.