Eden Area Municipal Advisory Council Meeting - July 28, 2026

The Eden Area Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) held a regular meeting on July 28, 2026, at the San Lorenzo Library. The meeting included an informational update from AC Transit on its budget and service outlook, and an action item on a proposed Taco Bell drive-in restaurant. The council also approved the June 9, 2026 minutes and heard public comments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of June 9, 2026 Minutes: The minutes were approved with 4 ayes, 1 abstention (Councilmember Marumahoka was absent), and 1 excused (Vice Chair Aston-Nielsen). No public comments were made on the minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Fire Department Update (Non-Agenda Public Comment): Aaron Penfelio, Alameda County Fire liaison, reported May 2026 call statistics: 743 total calls (54 fire, 455 EMS, 10 non-fire, 18 service, 97 good intent, 38 false alarms, 71 other). No questions were asked.
• Taco Bell Item (Public Comment): A community member, Randy, spoke in support of the Taco Bell, citing convenience, economic development, and the loss of previous nearby Taco Bells. No other public comments were made on this item.

Discussion Items

• AC Transit Budget & Service Update (Informational): Murphy McCalley (AC Transit Board Vice President), Diann Castleberry, and Owen Christofferson presented on AC Transit's financial challenges. Key points:
  • AC Transit operates a $606 million operating budget (capital separate), serves ~141,000 weekday riders, and provides 30,000 student trips daily.
  • A projected $200 million deficit over four years (annual gap of $50 million starting in 2027) could force up to 16% service reductions and 300 layoffs.
  • A state bridge loan of $55 million closes the current gap but must be repaid.
  • The Connect Bay Area Act (November 2026 ballot) would impose a half-cent sales tax in five counties, giving AC Transit ~$52 million annually to avert cuts.
  • A contingency service plan proposes frequency and span reductions on lines 9, 97, and neighborhood routes, but would only take effect if the measure fails.
  • Council members asked about fare increases (25 cents on July 1, 2026, approved three years ago), student trip subsidies, Easy Pass programs, and coordination with development. Chair Cushman noted paratransit dependency and encouraged public awareness.
• PLN2025-00203, Taco Bell Drive-In Restaurant (Action Item): Christine Greene (Planning Department) presented a proposal for a 1,600 sq ft drive-in Taco Bell at 20200 Hesperian Blvd. The project is CEQA-exempt (Class 3). Key aspects:
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily; a condition requires limiting delivery hours to 8-11 a.m. and 2-5 p.m. to reduce noise.
  • Noise mitigation: sound wall on rear property line, speaker facing away from residences, signage encouraging quiet.
  • Parking: 9 spaces (exceeds required 5).
  • The site is within the Hesperian Boulevard Drive-In Policy (amended 2025) allowing up to 5 drive-ins; this is the first application.
  • One letter of opposition from a neighboring business (traffic/noise concerns).
  • Council discussion centered on residential impact, privacy, and traffic. Councilmember Taylor proposed a motion to approve with conditions: a 12-foot fence (instead of proposed 6-foot) and restricted delivery hours. The motion passed unanimously for both the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and the Site Development Review (BZA) components.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: June 9, 2026 minutes approved (4-0-1-1).
• AC Transit Update Received: Informational; council encouraged community input on the contingency plan and the November ballot measure.
• Taco Bell Approved: Both the Conditional Use Permit and Site Development Review were approved unanimously (5-0, with Vice Chair excused). Conditions include a 12-foot fence and delivery hours limited to 8-11 a.m. and 2-5 p.m.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 11, 2026.