OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Half Moon Bay City Council Meeting: Immigrant Rights & Housing, February 4, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, February 4, 2025
BodyHalf Moon Bay, California
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, February 4, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

Good evening, everybody.

0:06

Thank you for attending our University Council.

0:09

This Tuesday, February 4th, 2025.

0:13

We will start with a roll call, please.

0:17

Councilmember Johnson.

0:19

Here.

0:20

Councilmember Penrose.

0:22

Here.

0:22

Councilmember Nagengast.

0:24

Here.

0:24

Vice Mayor Reddick?

0:26

Here.

0:26

Mayor Brownstone.

0:27

Here.

0:28

We have a quorum.

0:29

Thank you.

0:30

We will begin with a pledge of allegiance, everybody, please.

0:34

Thank you.

1:10

Okay.

1:12

Um, we approve approval of the agenda.

1:17

So move.

1:19

All those in favor say aye.

1:21

Aye.

1:22

Aye.

1:23

Passed.

1:25

We were going to start with proclamations and presentations this evening.

1:31

And we're going to start with a presentation.

1:36

Um regarding immigrant immigration rights advocacy.

1:44

And Karen will introduce our presentation.

1:46

Thank you.

1:49

Great.

1:49

Thank you.

1:50

Good evening, Mayor Brownstone, Council and Community.

1:52

I'm Karen Decker, Economic and Community Vitality Manager.

1:56

Also in the Economic and Community Vitality Division is Julisa Acosta and Irma Acosta, my colleagues.

2:03

The city and certainly our division work very closely with our local nonprofits.

2:08

I think that's never been truer than the last few years.

2:11

They are valued partners that provide critical safety net services to co-siders who need it the most.

2:17

And together we leverage resources and we acknowledge the unique role that we each play.

2:32

And among the three organizations that you're going to hear from this evening, just among these three, they serve 5,900 individuals a year.

2:40

So their reach is quite extensive.

2:43

Sometimes we collaborate around planned work, like letters of support or grant opportunities or project outreach, but many times we collaborate around situations that require community mobilization.

2:56

The closure of Bay City Flowers, the onset of the pandemic, the CZU fires later that year, our severe winter weather storms, of course, the shooting, and many other examples.

3:09

So all that to say that our staff know their staff, their staff know our staff, we have each other's cell phones, and it's easy for us to activate around community issues that arise in an oftentimes really dynamic situation.

3:22

One of the working teams that made up the Coastide Recovery Initiative, Team Thrive, focused on how to support our existing small businesses and nonprofits who were in face who were facing incredible pivots during and coming out of the pandemic.

3:37

And one of the 15 recommendations from that economic plan is to quote increase and strengthen capacity of coastside safety net providers to connect vulnerable residents to rental, financial, and other public benefits assistance.

3:52

So there's precedent and community-based data-backed recommendations that acknowledge the critical safety net that our local nonprofits provide.

4:01

This evening you'll be receiving an update from three of our local nonprofits, Coastide Hope, Alas, and Puente.

4:08

I believe Rita from Puente got stuck in the floods, and so she's going to be participating via Zoom.

4:15

Um they are gonna hear you're gonna hear um some of their clients' concerns and experiences and how they're manifesting in the community through the point of view of these three executives, specifically around immigrants' rights and fears of deportation.

4:29

As brief background, the last time these fears elevated to this level uh was toward calendar year 2016, and in December of that year, Half Moon Bay City Council endorsed a letter of solidarity with the community after receiving an informal update on the impacts of the 2016 federal election.

4:49

At the state level, the Senate passed SB 54, the California Values Act, and that quote ensures that no state and local resources are used to assist federal immigration enforcement, and that our schools, our hospitals, and our courthouses are safe spaces for everyone in our community.

5:00

And that quote ensures that no state and local resources are used to assist federal immigration enforcement, and that our schools, our hospitals, and our courthouses are safe spaces for everyone in our community.

5:09

At our local San Mateo County level, the Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance in 2023 to restrict the use of county funds for coordination with ICE.

5:20

The Sheriff's Office also does not collaborate or coordinate with ICE.

5:24

And Captain Chichoff is here and on hand this evening should questions arise after the presentation.

5:31

And finally, at its last board meeting of the Board of Supervisors just on January 28th, the board reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and empowering vulnerable communities and referenced the quote challenges posed by discriminatory rhetoric and policies at the national level.

5:47

That concludes my background information on this item.

5:51

And now I'd like to turn the mic over to Judith Guerrero.

5:54

Oh, yes, Mayor Brownstone.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Immigrant Affairs███████████████████████████████████35%
Parks and Recreation███████████████15%
Public Safety██████████████14%
Affordable Housing█████████9%
Procedural████████8%
Transportation Safety███3%
Public Engagement███3%
Parking Management███3%
Housing██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Half Moon Bay City Council Regular Meeting

February 4, 2025, 7:00 PM – The City Council convened a hybrid regular meeting at the Ted Adcock Community Center. The meeting featured a presentation on immigrant rights from three local nonprofits, public comments on several topics, approval of the consent calendar, continuation of a public hearing for an affordable farmworker housing project, and an appointment to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The Council also heard a report from the Parks and Recreation Commission and discussed future items.

Proclamations & Presentations: Immigrant Rights Advocacy

  • Karen Decker, Economic and Community Vitality Manager, introduced the item, noting that the three organizations (Coastside Hope, ALAS, Puente) collectively serve 5,900 individuals annually. She provided background on state (SB 54) and county protections. Mayor Brownstone clarified that San Mateo County is a sanctuary county with comprehensive protections, so a city sanctuary declaration is unnecessary.
  • Judith Guerrero (Executive Director, Coastside Hope) spoke in support of immigrant rights, urging the Council to take meaningful steps to ease fear and ensure safety, dignity, and inclusion. She highlighted immigrant contributions as essential workers, teachers, and leaders.
  • Quique Vasan (ALAS) reported that a rumor hotline received 150 calls in one day, mostly rumors, but also hate calls. He discussed the impact of potential ICE arrests on families and the need for preparation, accompaniment, and resource mobilization.
  • Rita Mancera (Executive Director, Puente, via Zoom) requested that the city designate a person to collaborate with nonprofits to provide clear, factual information to counter rumors. She emphasized past community cooperation.
  • Councilmember Ruddock suggested revisiting a sanctuary city declaration for symbolic support. Councilmember Penrose advocated for understanding community needs and proposed a city bulletin to debunk rumors. Councilmember Nagengast questioned the safety of schools and churches and asked about employer plans. Mayor Brownstone and others supported continued coordination through the nonprofit cohort.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Joaquin Jimenez spoke against Measure A, arguing that county supervisors should not remove Sheriff Christina Corpus, who was elected. He cited crime reduction and her status as the first Latina sheriff in San Mateo County.
  • Brad Johnson discussed legal limits on immigration enforcement and questioned the city’s reliance on county sanctuary status. He also referenced personal grievances with city communications.
  • Hal Bogart raised concerns about the Poplar Street project: a drop-off between curb and walkway creating tripping hazards, and a parking restriction removing five spots on the south side. He requested a review of parking on the north side.
  • Sid Young asked about the Stone Pine property sale (Item 2A), questioning property tax exemption and sewer service implications. He requested backup information for the March 4 meeting.
  • Chuchi (online) called for improved safety at Cowell Ranch Beach after recent drownings, including a father and son in January 2025.
  • Dan Haggerty (online) objected to the beeping timer during public comment and opposed the red curb and no-parking signs, calling them urbanization.
  • Anandita Sharma (Arune Foundation, online) sought city assistance to install life-saving ring buoys and improve signage at beaches, citing the death of a 12-year-old in 2021. She offered to fund stations.
  • Norm Picker (online) expressed concerns about homeless camping near the creek and criticized the downtown streetscape plan, suggesting it could harm the quaint nature. He also praised Sheriff’s Captain Chichoff’s attendance.
  • Carolina Carmachal spoke on Item 2A (see below).

Consent Calendar

  • The Council approved the consent calendar unanimously (5-0). Items included:
    • Waiving reading of resolutions and ordinances.
    • Accepting the Treasurer’s Report for the quarter ending December 31, 2024.
    • Adopting a resolution amending citywide traffic regulations for red curb locations at Court of San Marco, Kelly Avenue, Valdez Avenue, Poplar Street, Main Street, Higgins Canyon Road, and portions of Wavecrest Road.
    • Adopting a resolution approving the Transportation Demand Management Plan “Get There Together: An Action Plan for Transportation Choices in Half Moon Bay and the Midcoast.”

Discussion Items

  • Item 2A: Sale of 880 Stone Pine Road for Affordable Farmworker Housing – Staff recommended continuing the public hearing to March 4, 2025. The project proposes 47 affordable units on a 6.87-acre parcel. Public commenter Carolina Carmachal urged approval, citing the urgent housing need and immigrant tax contributions of $8.5 million. She also spoke about the fear of ICE enforcement. The Council voted unanimously to continue the hearing to March 4, 2025.
  • Item 3A: Appointment to Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee – The Council unanimously appointed James Carniglia to a vacant position on the BPAC.

City Manager Updates

  • Debate Program: A new four-month program for ages 10–15 starting February 24, teaching debate and model UN. Sign-ups have been slow; scholarships available.
  • Parks and Recreation Youth Commission Vacancy: Two seats for high-school-age members remain open. The goal is to fill them by the March 4 meeting.

Commission/Committee Updates

  • Parks and Recreation Commission (John Dowdy reporting):
    • Reorganization: Paul Edison elected Chair, Hillary Stamper Vice Chair. RJ was thanked for outgoing chair service.
    • Summer’s End Festival: Mavericks will not partner this year; event will focus solely on Carter Park, with potential partnerships with Mariners Church and Stone Pine businesses.
    • Grant challenges: State parks grants (e.g., Prop 68) are highly competitive due to Half Moon Bay’s higher income levels and lack of certified housing element.
    • Fundraising for parks: Discussion on whether to create a new nonprofit or strengthen ties with existing groups (Boys & Girls Club, AYSO, etc.).
    • Fourth of July event: Idea of a city-sponsored fireworks show to reduce illegal fireworks was discussed but deemed impractical for 2025 due to time and cost (estimated at $60,000+ with fire department requirements). Drone shows at the harbor being explored.
    • Carter Park improvements: Seeking major donor for stage/audio-visual equipment (~$500,000); playground equipment on hold pending community demand.

Key Outcomes

  • Unanimously approved the consent calendar (all items).
  • Unanimously continued public hearing on 880 Stone Pine Road sale to March 4, 2025 at 7:00 PM.
  • Unanimously appointed James Carniglia to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
  • Directed staff to follow up on Poplar Street curb drop-off and parking concerns raised by Councilmember Penrose.
  • Noted future discussion on potential impacts of federal funding cuts; staff will work through the legislative subcommittee.
  • The Council will convene in closed session after the meeting to discuss real property negotiations for Wavecrest parcels (potential sale to Coastside Land Trust) and the Stone Pine property.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everybody. Thank you for attending our University Council. This Tuesday, February 4th, 2025. We will start with a roll call, please. Councilmember Johnson. Here. Councilmember Penrose. Here. Councilmember Nagengast. Here. Vice Mayor Reddick? Here. Mayor Brownstone. Here. We have a quorum. Thank you. We will begin with a pledge of allegiance, everybody, please. Thank you. Okay. Um, we approve approval of the agenda. So move. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Passed. We were going to start with proclamations and presentations this evening. And we're going to start with a presentation. Um regarding immigrant immigration rights advocacy. And Karen will introduce our presentation. Thank you. Great. Thank you. Good evening, Mayor Brownstone, Council and Community. I'm Karen Decker, Economic and Community Vitality Manager. Also in the Economic and Community Vitality Division is Julisa Acosta and Irma Acosta, my colleagues. The city and certainly our division work very closely with our local nonprofits. I think that's never been truer than the last few years. They are valued partners that provide critical safety net services to co-siders who need it the most. And together we leverage resources and we acknowledge the unique role that we each play. And among the three organizations that you're going to hear from this evening, just among these three, they serve 5,900 individuals a year. So their reach is quite extensive. Sometimes we collaborate around planned work, like letters of support or grant opportunities or project outreach, but many times we collaborate around situations that require community mobilization. The closure of Bay City Flowers, the onset of the pandemic, the CZU fires later that year, our severe winter weather storms, of course, the shooting, and many other examples. So all that to say that our staff know their staff, their staff know our staff, we have each other's cell phones, and it's easy for us to activate around community issues that arise in an oftentimes really dynamic situation. One of the working teams that made up the Coastide Recovery Initiative, Team Thrive, focused on how to support our existing small businesses and nonprofits who were in face who were facing incredible pivots during and coming out of the pandemic. And one of the 15 recommendations from that economic plan is to quote increase and strengthen capacity of coastside safety net providers to connect vulnerable residents to rental, financial, and other public benefits assistance. So there's precedent and community-based data-backed recommendations that acknowledge the critical safety net that our local nonprofits provide. This evening you'll be receiving an update from three of our local nonprofits, Coastide Hope, Alas, and Puente. I believe Rita from Puente got stuck in the floods, and so she's going to be participating via Zoom. Um they are gonna hear you're gonna hear um some of their clients' concerns and experiences and how they're manifesting in the community through the point of view of these three executives, specifically around immigrants' rights and fears of deportation.

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