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All right.

Good evening, everybody.

Thank you for your patience while we got through those technical difficulties.

We will go ahead and get started.

And we'll move to a roll call.

Good evening.

We'll start with Council Member Chu here.

Council Member G.

Present.

Council Member Howard.

Here.

Councilmember Padilla is absent this evening.

Council Member Sturkin.

Here.

Vice Mayor Aiken.

Here, Mayor Martinez Savos.

Here.

Thank you.

Thank you, everyone.

And we'll move to the Pledge of Allegiance.

And Vice Mayor could you lead us on the pledge?

Please join me in saluting our flag.

I pledge allegiance to the fly of the United States of America.

And to the Republic for which it saves you under God.

But because it is not applicable this evening, we have all council members who are participating in person.

Basically, this is a program where they learn about their leadership skills and develop them a little bit more, and are able to learn about uh public speaking, interview skills, all of that fun stuff that is necessary in the real world, obviously.

Um, and yeah, I'm super proud of them.

They made it through.

Jesus was actually our finalist for both East Palo Alto Clubhouse and the Forest, so we were able to move on to regionals.

Um, and unfortunately he didn't make it after that, but we are super proud of him.

Thank you.

Thank you, Sandra, and congratulations to all of you for being here for this great recognition.

And we have some certificates for you all, and we'd love to take a photo.

Thank you.

Thanks again, everybody, and congratulations.

Our next recognition this evening is for the American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month.

A time to celebrate the significant contributions, history, and resilience of our Muslim communities.

And I'll read a few excerpts from the proclamation.

Whereas freedom of religion holds a distinction as a cherished right and a fundamental value upon which the law and ethics of the United States are based.

And whereas over 15,000 Muslims live in San Mateo County and make an innumerable contributions to the political, cultural, and economic fabric and well-being of California and the United States.

Whereas Dion Yet, Silicon Valley, Itrogul, Ghazi Masid, established this year by Bay Area residents from Turkey with the support of the Turkish American Religious Foundation, will serve as a vibrant center for worship, education, and community engagement to foster unity, cultural connection, and mutual understanding among Muslims and the broader community.

And whereas the City of Redwood City acknowledges the importance of local government in promoting harmony and understanding that Muslims everywhere deserve to live in peace and safety.

And now therefore be it resolved that I, Elmer Martinez Abos, mayor of Redwood City, on behalf of the City Council and the residents of Redwood City, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month to acknowledge the rich history and contributions and guiding virtues of Muslims and to commend all Muslim communities for the lasting positive impact they have made towards the advancement of our city and our country.

And I'd like to now welcome members of the Dionette Uttargul Ghazi Masid, Silicon Valley Islamic Community Mosque, which is located right here in Redwood City, as well as Musa Tariq, policy coordinator for the Council on American Islamic Relations, to the podium to accept the proclamation and share some remarks.

Thank you all for being here and welcome.

Sorry, and if uh anybody would like to make a remarks, I think Musa was gonna be here, but if there's uh another representative, we'd be happy to give you the floor.

Please, thank you.

Okay.

Good evening, esteemed mayor and council members.

I'm Hibba Sleem with the Council on American Islamic Relations, and we want to thank you for recognizing 2026 American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month.

This proclamation is especially meaningful as our Muslim communities have faced an unprecedented and unrelenting wave of Islamophobia and discrimination over the last several years.

2025 saw powerful public officials try to tell Muslim Americans that American freedoms come with conditions, that they must look, speak, and worship in their approved ways, or they do not belong.

Today's proclamation is an important step in celebrating the Muslim community whose contributions continue to strengthen Redwood City's civic, cultural, and economic life.

Thank you.

Thank you, Musa.

And before you take back your seat, we have a proclamation and would love to take a photo with you and the other representatives.

Thank you, I think.

Thank you, everyone.

It's always great to start these meetings with a piece of recognition and a celebration of community.

So with that, we will move on to item six, our public comments on the consent, the public comment section of the agenda.

We're now taking public comment on the consent calendar, matters of council interest, as well as items that aren't listed on tonight's agenda.

We welcome speakers providing public comment, but please be advised that this is a limited public forum.

As such, speakers must address matters within the subject matter jurisdiction of the city.

If speakers do not, they'll be warned, and if they continue to disregard city rules, their opportunity to speak will be limited.

If you're attending in person, please fill out a speaker card and submit it to the city clerk here at the Dais.

If you're attending virtually, feel free to raise your hand on Zoom at this time or press star nine if you've joined by phone.

Once we've gathered all the speaker cards and raised hands and have begun public comment, no additional speakers will be allowed to queue up to speak.

Thank you, Mayor.

At this time we have three speaker cards.

So last call to the audience for anyone else who'd like to speak on general public comment tonight.

Okay, we'll begin.

Our first in-person speaker will be Matthew Aurales, who will be followed by Tom Aimer.

Come to the podium.

There's a timer on the podium.

Orange blinking light is the 30-second warning, and the red light with the beep means your time is up.

Thank you.

Good evening, Mayor and Council members.

My name is Matt Arous.

I live on Hastings Avenue along with my wife and my two young kids.

I'm joined here by a number of my neighbors, and we represent even more neighbors who were not able to make it tonight.

For the past four years, the property next to ours, 3050 Hastings Ave, has been the site of a full-time short-term rental property.

And uh last week that property was the site of a violent shooting.

This has obviously shaken our small cul de sac pretty pretty heavily.

So for the past four years, the neighbors have filed many complaints with the city regarding violations of city ordinance governing short-term rentals, particularly that the owners do not occupy the residence.

They have never lived in that house, that they rented more than the maximum number of rental days per year, and that we do not have the contact information of a local responsible party in case of emergencies.

We believe this is a safety concern in our neighborhood.

I have brought with me a handout that covers the basics of this as well as the past history of complaints that we provided.

But most importantly, it has my contact information.

We have been trying to navigate city bureaucracy for years, and we could use some help.

If anybody is able to help us, please reach out to me.

Thank you for listening to our concern.

Thank you, Matt.

Our next speaker is Tom Amer, who will be followed by Allison Bow.

Good evening.

Thank you very much for having us here, and I appreciate the forum.

I've never really done anything like this before, spoken in front of a group or a public group.

But uh name is Tom Imer, my wonderful wife, Maria, and I.

We've lived at 3074 Hastings Avenue in Redwood City for almost over 22 years.

We're at this meeting.

Uh this we were here this evening to advocate and to seek the city council's assistance with enforcement and accountability of the short-term rental uh regulations that are outlined.

I think there's a we've got a page in the city charter or whatever it is that says state's regulations.

The property next door, 3050 Hastings.

I live this property is between Matt's and my house, our house, uh, was sold in early 2022.

And just prior to the closing, my wife and I we were fortunate enough to meet the alleged new owners, a young couple expecting their first child.

The couple indicated a great excitement that they're going to be moving into our little quaint neighborhood.

It's a it's a really nice uh cul-de-sac area with several families with killed children.

Several weeks later, several weeks after the meeting uh uh them, uh, we noticed moving bands and crews were staging the home.

And I'm I'm recently tired or have been retired and was home at the time and was able to speak to the managing supervisor of this moving company, and I asked, What do you what are you doing?

Oh, we're staging it for a Airbnb.

I mean, that was so it was very interesting because after this encounter, it was hey, wait a minute.

I don't I think we got deceived here.

I don't think these people ever hadn't intended to move in.

Uh and it it just really dashed our hopes of having another young family move into the call fact because I very much enjoy the interaction I have with my neighbors and their small children.

We realized again, this nice young couple wasn't ever gonna move in.

Since that time, a parade of strangers staying at the property has caused us, our neighbors, the kids, you know, a little stress, anxiety, and safety concerns, as Matt had mentioned earlier.

And as Matt had also indicated before me, over the last 40 months, there have been numerous documented issues inconsistent with the city's regulatory requirements for such an enterprise.

It is my opinion that the shooting event of March 25th is a direct product of the deception and certainly the catalyst for our tenants tonight and a request for enforcement action.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you for your consideration.

Thank you, Mr.

Imer.

Our next speaker is Alison Bow.

Welcome.

Hi everyone.

My name's Alison Bow.

I'm a Bahria native, and I have two young children, five and eight.

My husband, David, and I have raised our children on Hastings Avenue alongside five other kids on the street, and most of which you see the families here today.

This short-term rental is located directly across our home, across the street.

We can see it from our our living room window.

And for years we felt unsafe in our own neighborhood due to the revolving door of strangers that it brings every week.

The worst case scenario happened last week, as you heard.

Two people were shot just several hundred feet away from our home.

Two people were shot just several hundred feet away from our home, within minutes of our daughter and her friend playing in the front yard.

Both girls are five and under.

We've always had concerns about this property, and this latest incident has pushed us to get in front of you today, and we seek your help.

We are strongly aligned with our neighbors who you just heard from, and respectfully asked the city to review the operation of this property under the short-term rental ordinance and ensure that it complies with all applicable requirements.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Thank you, Alison.

Mayor, I don't have any raised hands on Zoom, so I'll turn it back to you.

Thank you.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to make public comment today.

It's all Patrick handed over his business card.

Thank you for doing that.

Um with that, we will move on to the consent calendar.

Items on the consent calendar are routine in nature and are approved by one motion.

Are there any items on consent from which council members are recused?

Not seeing any.

Are there any items on consent that council members would like to pull for discussion?

Not seeing any either.

Could I get a motion, please?

Councilmember Howard.

Motion to approve the consent calendar.

Second.

Thank you.

That was a motion from Councilmember Howard, a second from Councilmember G.

Could we get an electronic vote, please?

Motion passes with six votes.

Councilmember Padilla is absent.

Thank you.

Thank you, everyone.

And with that, we move on to item eight, beginning with item 8A, recommendation from the City Council ad hoc committee on special events to adopt resolutions.

One reaffirming the city's commitment to civil liberties, social justice, and a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all, and two, affirming the city's authority to regulate and control the use of city property and facilities.

Before we begin this item, I'd like to announce that we do have Spanish interpretation available this evening.

I'd like to quickly turn it over to our interpreter to give instructions on how to hear the meeting in Spanish.

Thank you.

Thank you, Gonzalo.

And Michelle Posh Flarity will kick off the presentation this evening before turning it over to members of the ad hoc committee on special events.

Thank you, Michelle.

Thank you, Mayor.

Good evening.

Could you move to the next slide, please?

Thank you.

So this item is a recommendation from the ad hoc committee on special events.

Therefore, staff will present a brief background on the formation of the committee and its recent activities before turning the presentation over to the committee members who will speak to the city's diversity and commitment to equity before presenting their specifics of the committee's recommendations.

By way of background, Mayor Martina Saballos formed the ad hoc committee on special events on February 23rd of this year and appointed council members Isabella Chu and Marcella Padilla to join him in serving on the committee with the intention of convening the committee through the autumn of 2026 to plan for special events anticipated throughout the summer months in Redwood City.

The committee's first three meetings were held on February 26th, March 12th, and March 26th.

Anticipated special events include activities associated with the FIFA World Cup football competition scheduled for June 11th through July 19th, during which time one over 100 matches will be held at 16 cities worldwide, including Levi Stadium in Santa Clara.

Watch parties, special entertainment, and social events are expected to be held throughout the region in conjunction with World Cup.

In addition, Independence Day celebrations are expected to be larger this year, coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

And of course, throughout the war warmer months from spring through autumn, Redwood City regularly hosts events like music in the square, pub in the park, movie nights, and more.

The ad hoc committee has discussed a range of approaches to supporting special events, including the need for organizational preparedness in cities' hosting duties, the responsible enforcement of municipal authority, and the city council's leadership role in civil civic discourse and reflecting neighborhood culture.

The committee discussed the importance of Redwood City's role as a welcoming community when considering community events, and with support from staff, developed proposals to recommend to the City Council the adoption of two resolutions this evening.

So I'll now turn it over to the members of the committee to present their recommendations.

Thank you, Michelle.

As um the chair of the ad hoc, I'll go ahead and get us started.

Um these resolutions are shaped by community concerns and feedback regarding how Redwood City's shared values are really being tested in the current national policy environment.

So we thought it'd be appropriate to start from the recognition that Redwood City is a diverse community, and our city government has a proud history of commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Unfortunately, Councilmember Padilla is unable to be here tonight, but I know Councilmember Chu is prepared to join me in speaking on behalf of the committee.

So, Councilmember Chu, would you please speak to the next segment of the presentation?

Yes, thank you, Mayor.

Our immigrant neighbors are an established part of our community fabric.

According to the most recent census data, about a third of our city's residents were born outside of the United States.

Nearly half come from Latin America, over a third from Asia, 13% from Europe, and more from Africa, Oceana, and other parts of North America.

The national conversation about immigration not only affects immigrants themselves, but their families and people who share identities with immigrant communities.

Redwood City is rich in cultural identities and diverse backgrounds.

As of 2022, census data indicates 36% of our residents are Latino or Hispanic, 17% of our residents are Asian, and about 39% of the city's population is white.

With these facts and figures for context, allow me to turn now to our values.

Redwood City's leadership has a history of demonstrated commitment to inclusion.

I was proud to learn these values date all the way back to December 15th, 1941, when following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the city's council passed a resolution stating in part whereas the United States of America is now engaged in an all-out war against Japan, Germany, Italy, and their allied nations, but not against loyal and patriotic citizens whose antecedents come from those countries.

And whereas our government guarantees safeguards of law to all racial groups, the very foundation of American liberty being tolerance for all races and creeds as long as they are loyal to this nation.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the City of Redwood City hereby urges citizens to be tolerant, fair, and just in their attitude toward and treatment of these racial groups.

Today we see Redwood City's commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging deeply embedded in our vision to become a community where people of all backgrounds and income levels can thrive.

Our mission of building a welcoming Redwood City through collaboration, responsiveness, and excellence, and our strategic plans foundational foundational guiding principle that Redwood City would put equity first, urging a collective restart so that policies serve the entire community.

We also see it in the decision by the city's workforce to continue to lift up integrity and to add inclusion to our core values.

Recent results from the 2025 community survey confirm the alignment of these sentiments with Redwood City's community values.

Survey respondents reported positive perceptions of inclusivity and engagement in Redwood City, including 78% rating the city highly for valuing and respecting residents from diverse backgrounds, 76 for openness and acceptance, and 73% for making residents feel welcome.

Residents also report positive perceptions of city governance, including ratings for treating residents with respect and acting in the best interests of the community.

Overall inclusivity and community engagement in Redwood City exceed national benchmarks.

Sorry, just want to make sure gathered in Courthouse Square to honor the death of George Floyd and demand that black lives matter.

In the days that followed, the Redwood City Council adopted a resolution reaffirming the city of Redwood City's commitment to racial equity.

In the days that followed the Redwood City Council adopted a resolution reaffirming the city of Redwood City's commitment to racial equity, it read in part, we believe in the values of equity, equal justice and equal opportunity, and are dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and equal justice as core parts of who we are and what we stand for.

We recognize that we can always do better, and it is the responsibility of government to serve and protect all residents and uphold their civil rights so that all members of our community feel safe.

And we will have the conviction that we are all equal, practicing equal treatment of others on a daily basis and having the courage to oppose bigotry when we see it.

And with that, Mayor, I'll turn it back over to you to discuss the proclamations before us tonight.

Thank you, Councilmember.

With these community values in mind and in the tradition of Redwood City Council to reflect those values through our words and our actions, the ad hoc committee proposes that the City Council lift up its voice once again to reaffirm the city's commitment to civil liberties, social justice, and a welcoming, inclusive, and safe community for all.

So I'd like to read a few excerpts from the proposed resolution.

Whereas the City Council has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to equity and civil rights, including through resolutions recognizing the importance of equal justice, diversity, and inclusion, and expressing solidarity with communities of color and historically marginalized populations.

And whereas Redwood City values the historical and ever-evolving diversity of its residents, business owners, and employees, and recognizes that people of all backgrounds contribute to the social fabric, cultural richness, and artistic beauty, neighborhood character, entrepreneurial spirit, and economic vitality of the city, and is committed to ensuring that all community members feel safe, accessing public service, participating in civic life, and reporting crime without fear strengthens community trust and public safety.

And whereas the City Council of the City of Redwood City believes it's important to reaffirm that Redwood City is committed to being a welcoming city where all people are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness under the law.

Whereas public service is a public trust that demands honesty, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to ethics, fairness and respectful civil excuse me, respect for civil liberties in both the establishment of public policies and the bias-free delivery of public services to all members of the community, regardless of their immigration status.

And as President Theodore Roosevelt said, the welfare of each of us is dependent fundamentally upon the welfare of all of us.

And President Abraham Lincoln reminded us, quote, the cause of civil liberty must not be surrendered at the end of one or even one hundred defeats.

President Ronald Reagan said, quote, peace, freedom, and justice are not things that were won for us 200 years ago or 40 years ago.

They must be won again and again by each successive generation.

And President Barack Obama stated, because for all of our differences, we are one people, stronger together than we could ever be alone.

That's always been our story.

We are big and vast and diverse, a nation of people with different backgrounds and beliefs, different experiences and stories, but bound by our shared ideal that no matter what you look like or who you are, how you started off, or how and who you love, America is a place where you can write your own destiny.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Redwood City reaffirms its commitments to civil liberties, due process of law, equal justice as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California.

Be it further resolved that we reaffirm Redwood City's commitment to being a welcoming, inclusive, and safe community where all people are treated with dignity and respect.

Be it further resolved that Redwood City will continue to ensure that all community members have access to city services and programs consistent with applicable federal and state laws and the city's mission of building a welcoming Redwood City through collaboration, responsiveness, and excellence.

Be it further resolved that the City Council of Redwood City reaffirms its commitment to social justice, valuing diversity, pursuing equity through policies, processes, resource allocation, service provision, democratic governance and empowering culture, promoting dignity for all and welcoming all people to play a role in the political, economic, and social life of our community.

Be it further resolved that consistent with the Constitution of the United States and the values that have long guided this community and this nation, the City Council of Redwood City reaffirms that civil liberties, dignity, and equal justice under the law apply to all people, and that the strength of our community is rooted in welcoming diverse members and ensuring that every person has the opportunity to live, work, and participate fully in the civic life of Redwood City, be it finally resolved.

That the City Council of Redwood City calls upon all members of the community to continue working together across cultures, backgrounds, and experiences to uphold the principles of dignity, civil liberties, and mutual respect that defined Redwood City and strengthen our shared future.

And I know I was talking a lot, so I'm gonna summarize the second resolution and save some time.

But the second resolution recommended by the committee affirms the city's existing authority to regulate and control the use of city-owned property and facilities.

And I'll summarize by stating that this proclamation is speaking to the importance of safety, security, and the well-being of our community, and confirms that any unauthorized use of city property and facilities is prohibited.

And the city manager and the city attorney and their respective designees are authorized to enforce these prohibitions through including through legal action.

And with that, we will now take public comment and then return to the council for discussion.

Thank you, Mayor.

At this time I have two in-person speakers and three raised hands on Zoom.

So I'll give it a minute for anyone else who wants to speak on this item tonight to fill out a speaker card or raise your hand on Zoom because once we start calling for public comment, the speakers' list will be closed.

Okay.

We will begin with Bill Newell, who will be followed by Veronica Scamez.

Um, first of all, I want to thank um the ad hoc committee for um your hard work and the leadership that you've taken um in this process, and I would thank all the council tonight for your foresight and sensitivity to um what's going on right now in our country and how it impacts our local communities.

And um I, for one, have been involved in um uh much more volunteer support in mutual aid to members of our community who um cannot always feel safe in their community.

I appreciate what you've done here to reaffirm that.

I think it's also um notable that you historically noted that uh this council has a real history going back to times of World War One, uh World War II, I'm sorry, and uh sensitivity to what happened to our Japanese people who were interned and reaffirmed at that time uh the importance of being sensitive to people in our own community of different races, just necessities, despite um what was going on with the war at that time.

Um, I further want to just note that today immigrant neighbors are an established part of our community fabric with approximately one-third, as you it's already been stated, I think, of city residents born outside the United States.

Redwood City's leadership has a history of demonstrated commitment of inclusion, as I've already noted, um, and also the council passed a resolution stating in part that the council urges citizens to be tolerant, fair, and just in their attitude uh toward treatment of all racial groups.

On February 13th, 2017, this council passed a resolution stating in part city values, the contributions of all members of our community, including newcomers and immigrants.

With these and other historical commitments by past councils, these two resolutions I were uh created tonight, and I want to just pass along my full endorsement and support for what you've done and fully support the two resolutions that um are under consideration tonight.

Thank you.

Thank you, Bill.

Our next speaker is Veronica Escamez.

Good evening, mayor and city council, good evening, everybody.

As the founder and executive director of Casa Circular Cultural, and on behalf of the children, families, and seniors we served, I want to thank the City Council for taking time tonight to consider this resolutions that reaffirm Redwood City commitment to being a welcoming city for everyone.

At Casa Circulo Cultural, we offer a variety of community programs.

We provide after the school programs for students in the Redwood City School District, our programs for seniors and women at the Maguayer facility and programs from Caron among others.

We also organize community events such as Dia de los Muertos, Dia de los Niños, and more.

Everyone is being welcome.

We have had visits from Consul Generals from Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala.

In 2024, we also perform and host a dinner for Redwood City Sisters Aguililla, Colima, Ciudad Guzmán, and Shuhai.

Everyone who visits Redwood City shares that they feel welcome.

Many want to bring programs here as and become part of our community.

Our families, community members are here with me tonight to support the city council, and I ask them to stand up and please show your support for these resolutions.

Thank you, Consul.

You have my support and the support of our families.

Muchas gracias.

Thank you, Veronica.

We'll now turn to our Zoom speakers.

Our first speaker will be Sarah Matlin, who will be followed by the Multicultural Institute.

And you can unmute yourself and begin speaking.

Welcome, Sarah.

Good evening.

My name is Sarah Matlin, and I'm a Redwood City homeowner, a small business owner, and a very concerned community member.

Thank you for proposing resolutions in an effort to make our city's community spaces safer.

I ask for your yes vote on these resolutions to protect our community.

I've spoken with neighbors whose lives have been destroyed by immigration enforcement.

A mother of three afraid to take the bus to work or volunteer in your children's schools because she's afraid she'll be deported.

A third generation business owner can't bid on many new projects because his employees are afraid ICE agents might raid their job site.

And food bake clinic clients go hungry because they're afraid to stand outside a school to pick up food.

Last week I gave a workshop to local nonprofit organizations about protecting their staff and clients in case of an immigration raid.

I proudly explained that San Mateo County's strong ordinance that protects our community and our resources clearly restricts county using county resources, staff time, and property to cooperate with immigration authorities to detain or kidnap our immigrant neighbors.

So county staff can't help immigration agents with traffic control, and immigration agents can't use county property for staging raids.

I also explained that South San Francisco passed a resolution clarifying that their city resources can't be used for civil immigration enforcement.

ICE can't enter or use city property or facilities without a judicial warrant.

I was envious that Redwood City didn't have a strip similarly strong resolution.

The proposed Redwood City resolutions are a good step in the right direction.

I wish they were as strong as the counties in South San Francisco's.

I wish they prohibited using any city resources to help immigration agents kidnap our neighbors.

I wish they clearly restricted immigration authorities from entering city property without a judicial warrant.

And I wish they provided clear protocols for city police, staff and community partners about how the city would respond if immigration authorities attempt to use city property.

Our community is suffering, and you can take steps to protect it.

For now, please vote yes on these resolutions.

And in the future, please do more to protect our community.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Sarah.

Our next speaker is the Multicultural Institute.

Good evening, Honorable Mayor and Council members.

My name is Mirna Cervantes, Executive Director of the Multiculture Institute.

I'm here today in strong support of these two resolutions.

For decades, our organization has worked alongside immigrant, low-income day labor and domestic worker communities across the region, including many families who live, work right here in Redwood City.

Every day we see how local policy decisions shape whether people feel safe seeking work, accessing food, enrolling in classes, or simply participating in community life.

The resolutions before you tonight send a clear and necessary message that Redwood City is committed to upholding civil liberties, advancing social justice, and remaining a welcoming and inclusive community for all residents, regardless of where they come from or what language they speak.

Equally important is the city's affirmation of its authority to regulate and manage its own property and facilities.

This is about ensuring that public spaces remain places of safety, trust and accessibility for the entire community.

When residents trust their local institutions, they are more likely to engage, contribute, and thrive.

And that benefits all of Redwood City.

At a time when many of our community members are experiencing fear and uncertainty, your leadership matters.

These resolutions don't just have to be symbolic.

They are a commitment to dignity, belonging, and the well-being of all who call the city home.

We urge you to adopt both resolutions and to continue to stand with communities that make Redwood City strong and to consider to continue having conversations to strengthen these resolutions to provide more direction in case that something does happen in our city.

Thank you for your time and thank you to the committee for the intentionality and commitment to these resolutions.

Thank you.

Our final speaker is Jay Lafer.

Welcome, Jay.

Good evening.

My name is Jay Lafer.

I'm a Redwood City homeowner for the past 13 years, a San Mateo County resident for 18 years, and a Bay Area resident for 28 years.

This is our community, my community, and I care immensely about every member of it.

I want to start by thanking the city, its staff, and the council members, for bringing these resolutions tonight.

Their meaning is not lost on me, and I urge the council members to vote yes on them.

In recent years, we have seen an unprecedented assault on communities like ours, an assault being carried out by our own federal government.

Resolutions like these and an important signal that our community stands in opposition to these attempts to terrorize us, to terrorize the community I care about so very much.

That being said, I ask that you please look to our neighbors in South San Francisco and our county leadership and the supervisors, that they have passed similar resolutions, stronger resolutions.

I asked the city and the council to do more.

This resolution is a starting point, not a destination.

Thank you for your time this evening.

Thank you.

And that concludes public comment mayor.

Thank you to our city clerk, and thank you to the members of public who joined us in person and have joined us online to share their thoughts on the resolutions this evening.

Thank you, especially on a Thursday night out of our regular schedule.

So it means a lot to have this much participation.

Um we'll now take uh council discussion on these items.

Um before we begin that, I did just want to clarify.

I think because we have two different resolutions, it makes sense to offer questions and comments to the first resolution.

All of us will be able to provide comments and then we'll move on to the second and repeat the process before we start entertaining motions.

So just to be super clear about the process tonight.

Um with that, I will open it to my colleagues if anyone has any questions on the first resolution or my ad hoc, my fellow ad hoc committee member.

If you have any other thoughts, um, we could start with you too.

Um so uh to a great degree this this first resolution is just restating core American values.

If we think about the very foundational documents of our country, the Declaration of Independence, it says we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

And um, our hope is that we are just reaffirming that that is what we are committed to.

Um, on a personal note, half the people I love, who I, you know, my family who I worship with, who I work with, and my neighbors are either uh immigrants themselves or the children of immigrants.

Immigrants are what make our country great, they're what make our country rich and dynamic and exciting.

Um, and we are just reaffirming um that we are one out of many is one.

And uh, we are just reaffirming core American values.

Uh, and I'm really encouraged to see the great support uh that we're getting from the community for these resolutions.

Thank you, Councilmember Chu.

And I'll just quickly add on that um as we were looking at this first resolution.

It was really important for us to um really pinpoint that.

Yes, we are diverse, and that's always been a part of our DNA in Redwood City.

Um before incorporation, we were an incredibly diverse community.

After incorporation, it just continued on that track, and we built from there.

Um but it was really important that we highlighted that um that these are constitutional rights that we're all given, and that regardless of your background, regardless of whether you were born here or not, that you're protected under these same constitutional rights.

You have these same legal protections, whether you're a citizen or not.

And so we're we were really thoughtful about including that language, including quotes from presidents during different times, different eras where you had similar challenges coming up.

So um just wanted to offer that extra context and I'll open the floor for my colleagues.

I'll go to council member Howard.

Thank you.

First of all, I'd like to thank you, the mayor and council member Chu and Councilmember Padilla who couldn't be with us this evening.

But I wanted to thank the three of you as well as our city staff.

Thank you so much for taking the extra time to really make a thoughtful uh presentation that we can all get behind and support.

I I really appreciate the history you brought into it, because I think it's so very important that people who don't know about the history of Redwood City understand that this is a reaffirmation of behavior that was in the 40s, and I'm very proud of Redwood City for taking that stand.

It must have been a very difficult one to take at that time.

So I I just wanted to say thank you for your work.

Really appreciate that.

And knowing that we have a history of commitment to civil liberty, social justice, welcome being a welcoming and inclusive community who offers a safe haven for us because we support each other.

We just really I've always felt that since moving from the East Coast here 40 years ago.

I I felt always very welcomed in Redwood City, and I didn't know a single soul at that time.

But I always found people were pleasant and helpful and always willing to take the time to support you or talk to you about what you were interested in this community, and it's what kept me here for 40 years and will keep me here forever, because it's just a wonderful community to live in.

So this evening we're being asked to reaffirm what the city council in 1941 voted for with the same policies, the same values.

And I I'm very proud to say I will pledge to take that reaffirmation and commit to keeping Readywood City safe for all, to listening to all and working together to find peaceful solutions.

So thank you for being here and listening to us, and I hope to be able to work with all of you so that we can keep our community, continue to keep our community safe for all.

Thank you.

Thank you for getting us started, Councilmember.

Who would like to go next?

Go to Councilmember Stirkin.

Thank you, Mayor, and thank you to the ad hoc committee as well for your hard work.

Uh Councilmember 2, Councilmember Pidia, who's not here tonight, and of course you, the mayor.

Um very supportive, firstly, of both of the resolutions.

I want to start with that and appreciate the community coming out and speaking as well, uh, both online and in person.

Um just want to highlight some things that I heard um about the importance of public spaces remaining safe for everyone.

That definitely resonated with me very much.

And I also um echo my colleagues that these resolutions are intended to reaffirm our values as a city and as a community, and to um reaffirm our uh current uh stance and position.

Um addition to that is you know, it wasn't too long ago that we had a conversation similar to this uh about a year and a half ago, and we had a lot of support uh for the city to do something.

Um well over 40 speakers from community organizations, including City Color, um at that time.

And so it only makes sense that we adopt these resolutions tonight uh to send that signal uh and message to the community that we heard you loud and clear, and that we are doing something uh to respond.

Um but in hearing some of the public comment tonight as well.

I hope that in the future we can consider strengthening these resolutions to further respond to the input we received, not only tonight, but uh back then a year and a half ago, following the lead of some of our neighbors possibly.

Uh so with that, in summary, I'm very supportive of both the resolutions and thank again the ad hoc committee for your hard work and the community for participating and supporting uh your city.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember Councilmember Chimney.

Thank you, Mayor, and my thank you too to number one appointing the ad hoc and to the members of the ad hoc, councilmember Chu and Councilmember Padilla, and for all the community members that have spoken, not just tonight, but as Councilmember Stirkman said over the past several years.

And yesterday the Supreme Court was hearing arguments on birthright citizenship.

Gives sort of the context in which we are trying to navigate this complex world we live in.

As I look at at resolution number one, it's a reaffirmation and it's a foundation principle for the city of Redwood City.

If you know, I remember I can't remember if it was last year's retreat or the one before, where we were all asked by the facilitator, name one of Redwood City's greatest strength.

And it's hard for any of us to say diversity isn't one of our greatest strengths.

If it is not the greatest strength of our community.

I mean, we just celebrate the diversity of our community.

And that what makes Redwood City special.

And that's what resolution number one is all about.

And you know, it was interesting to see the um the thought in the presentation, the Japanese internment, because it reminded me through one of my nonprofits last year we brought the film Kinsakuru, which was about the Japanese interment.

It was about lives in Redwood City.

It was actors and actresses from Redwood City talking about the stories and the suffering that they went through with the internment.

And we can't forget.

I mean, the story is, and was waiting for the other quote that we need to remember our past so that we don't repeat it.

This is about going forward and making sure everyone hears our message that everyone here in Redwood City is welcome and that we support each other.

Doesn't mean we have to agree, but everyone here is welcome to be part of our community.

And I have my full support of resolution number one.

Thank you to the ad hoc.

And it's our responsibility to walk the talk as our past councils have, and as our future councils will, to make sure everyone is welcome and safe in Redwood City.

Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you, Councilmember G.

I mean, I just have comments for both.

So if people are going to talk about the second one.

Okay.

Great.

Does anyone have any other wrapping thoughts on the first resolution?

If not, we'll move on to the seconds.

Um I'll just before we do that, I'll I will add that um this first resolution was just so important for us to be able to speak about this about this issue that's impacting us in so many different ways.

And I think it was so important that we included the resolution from uh 1941, where I mean that passed days after you know Pearl Harbor and what launched us into that war.

So it was um it was a very special feeling to know that you know, in times of historic injustice, our council, Redwood City stood up and made a statement, and it was about the safety of everybody, not just one group.

So I'm really grateful for my colleagues, uh, those who've made comments so far in support.

Um this is gonna be a loud and clear message.

Um voting on them together.

So together, but at the end of our discussions here.

So with that, we will go on to the second resolution.

And who would like to get us started?

I support it.

Great.

Thank you, Councilmember Councilmember G.

Um, I'll try to do a little bit more than Councilmember I support it also.

But um, I think this is an important message that we are giving our city manager and a city attorney the authority to enforce our our policies and our laws on the use of public facilities to make sure our community is safe.

You know, I used the word earlier that we live in a complex world, and as we look at our celebrations, whether it be you know the summer concerts, our festivals, more people are coming.

But that also creates opportunity for those that want to do not good things.

And so I want to make sure that our leaders here and our public safety have the authority in their power in their hands to make sure that everyone in this community is safe when they come, attend an event, host an event, participate in an event, that they know that they will be kept safe to the extent we can control everything.

We're not can't control everything, but we can control what we can control.

And so I have the full support of resolution number two.

And as some speakers have suggested, this is a beginning.

I don't see this as the destination and destination as the world changes.

We will need to continue to look at the changes that we need to make to make sure our community stays safe.

So thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember.

Any other comments?

Go to Councilmember Chu.

Um, you know, uh certainly uh agree with uh both Councilmember Howard and Councilmember G.

Um, I think our own property is one of the areas where we have the most ability to assert our values.

Um so these two these two resolutions are really you know two sides of the same coin.

Um, and there are many cases where we need to reaffirm the ability to sort of set boundaries on our property uh in order to protect and support uh all kinds of of events um our our citizens and to keep our citizens safe.

Uh you know, there's there's not a whole lot more to say about it, but um I I really believe that this is sort of the implementation of the first uh resolution uh and a very important step towards helping to keep our community safe.

Thank you, Councilmember Chu.

Who would like to go next mayor?

You go right ahead.

No, I'll anyway.

Okay.

So thank you.

I just was gonna save my comments for both resolutions, and I having read both resolutions, I'm fully supporting both.

I do feel the second resolution gives the city attorney uh and the police uh authority to protect all our citizens on all our property, and I'm very proud of that.

And um I I also just uh I just really want to celebrate, as others have said, our diversity and um the history.

I my head has been reeling since I learned on Tuesday that Redwood Cities Council, eight days after Pearl Harbor issued a resolution in support of its Japanese neighbors.

And uh I want to give some historical context, if I may.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Japanese immigrants recognized that Redwood City was the perfect climate to grow chrysanthemums.

Although the alien land laws prevented them from owning agricultural land, they could lease it for three years, and their American-born children could own land.

In 1915, with the help of newly invented refrigerated train cars, Redwood City's chrysanthemums were shipped to New Orleans for the All Saints Festival.

The flowers were such a hit that Redwood City became known as the chrysanthemum capital of the world.

On October 23rd, 1927, Paramount Pictures came to Redwood City to film a newsreel highlighting its famous chrysanthemum industry.

So by 1941, these Japanese farming families were an integral part of the Redwood City community.

The Chrysanthemum Growers Association of California was a powerful community organization with many Redwood City members and leaders.

The chrysanthemum farming community were Japanese, many, many Japanese.

It's in this historic context that community leaders like council members, Granger, McNutley, Werder, Anderson, and Redwood City Mayor L.

C.

Christensen signed this amazing amazing ordinance embracing Redwood City's diversity just eight days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Another example of Redwood City's leadership and diversity is from this time is from banker J.

Elmer Morish, who safeguarded many of the lands of Japanese families and chrysanthemum grow growers when they were forced to leave their land to live in internment camps.

Mr.

Mr.

Morish took care of these farms and made sure he was a banker, and he made sure that these farms were returned to the Japanese families in 1945.

The Moorish collection of letters and notes from 1942 to 1945 is housed at the Redwood City Maine Library.

I I just want to take another note, personal note.

And uh happened to be talking to him last night, and so I mentioned what Redwood City had done.

He couldn't get over it.

He he was a newspaper reporter in this town for 60 years from the 1940, 50 years, from the 1960s until the early 1990s.

And he was dealing with the uh consequences of what happened in 1941 for decades after.

And uh they he he he said, you know, Redwood City handled it better than my town did.

You you must be very proud.

And I said, I I am.

And I I just want to end by saying that um there's a mural at Roosevelt Plaza that was funded by the Parks and Art Foundation of Redwood City and opened, I think in maybe 19 uh 2020.

It's an amazing mural, and it honors the August history of Redwood City's chrysanthemum farms and um Japanese families.

I I do believe that the second um ordinance that we're passing tonight uh provides powerful tools for our um Redwood City attorney and Redwood City police and all Redwood City staff to protect our citizens to the full extent of the law, and I am in full support Thank you, Vice Mayor.

Not seeing anyone else's hands up, um I will provide my comments.

I am really grateful for everybody taking the time to really dig into this resolution.

Our staff are helping us create it, working alongside the ad hoc and my colleagues on the ad hoc committee, Councilmember Chu and Councilmember Padilla, who isn't here today, but um both who provided time to talk about these resolutions and make them better.

So I appreciate that work.

Um the second resolution is really important.

This is uh city power, like so many people have mentioned.

It's uh an authority the city already has that we hadn't completely defined a process for.

Um and so the power of the ad hocs proposal is that this authority for our city manager for our city attorney to pursue a C Synthesis order or to take other legal actions quickly without hesitation, right?

Without having to pull us all together to have a conversation about what the direction is is so valuable because time is everything in this moment.

Um and it is going to help us just be ready should anything ever occur.

So like so many people who had mentioned today, this is just a start, and this is going to be an issue that's going to continue, but one that we're gonna keep close track of and uh make sure that we remain ready and remain in a position where we can take care of the community.

So that is the power of this second resolution.

And with that, I will entertain a motion.

So moved.

Yeah, second.

Oh, yes, okay.

Um I would like to make a motion to approve the staff recommendation from the city council ad hoc committee on special events to adopt a resolution.

Um screen, please.

Or the resolution, okay.

Affirming the city's authority to regulate and control the use of city property and facilities.

And can we do both in one motion?

Or is it one at a time?

You can do both at once.

Yeah.

Okay, great.

Um, do I shall I read the other one as well?

Okay.

Um excuse me while I bring that up again.

And secondly, may we also please bring it back on the screen for the audience as well.

And a resolution reaffirming the city's commitment to civil liberties, social justice, and a welcoming, inclusive and safe community for all.

Second.

Thank you.

That was a motion from Councilmember Sturkin, a second from Councilmember Chu.

Could we get an electronic vote, please?

The motion passes with six votes.

Councilmember Padilla is absent.

Thank you, colleagues.

Thank you.

Thank you, everyone.

Thank you again, colleagues.

Um, thank you for everyone's support this evening.

I did want to just wrap up this item by saying the ad hoc committee will continue to meet in support of the many special events planned in 2026, and we'll return to the city council with any future policy recommendations the committee may develop.

And with that, we'll move on to the next item on tonight's agenda.

Thank you, everyone.

We'll go on to item nine, matters of council interest, beginning with 9A's, City Council reports of meetings and conferences attended.

And we'll start with Councilmember Sturkin.

O'Mair, may I give a committee report beforehand?

Apologies.

Uh a um from the rethink waste.

Yes, please.

Sorry, I missed that.

Okay.

So a briefly um rethink waste board of directors met last week, and uh one uh project of note that we um gave feedback to staff on is um a redevelopment of the outdoor education center.

Uh so for folks who have not yet been to uh the Shoreline Environmental Center uh that's open to the public, it's an educational center.

There is a an outdoor meeting area that is often used not only by uh you know classes that are visiting uh the and taking a tour of the recycling plant, but also by uh the employees there as well for their breaks, and it is currently in bad shape and very susceptible to the weather.

So um staff uh presented a project to redevelop it.

That is quite beautiful.

Um, and the board appointed an ad hoc committee to assist with the design.

Uh so it's a very exciting project, and I look forward to updating you once it is complete.

And secondly and finally, um, there is an Earth Day celebration at Rethink Waste as well on April 26th, excuse me, 25th, Saturday, April 25th from 10 to 1.30 p.m.

Uh at the Shoreway Environmental Center.

That's 333 Shoreway uh Road in San Carlos.

And uh there will be you know reuse uh cracks, there'll be uh plant swaps and low waste streets, so uh it's fun for the whole family to enjoy and you can learn more and save your spot by registering in advance at rethinkwaste.org/slash earth day 2026.

And that is my report.

And then I'll think I said, Thank you, Council Member before we uh go to committee reports.

I think we have one other councilmember report.

Oh, just matters of council interest, and I'm glad the city attorney is back.

I I just um I'm uh bringing this up now because it's relatively early and we're going to be having a lot of late night meetings when I won't have will won't do matters of council interest, but I'm going to do it again when we start having early meeting endings because I don't have all the bells, legal bells and whistles, but I want to bring it up now anyway.

So the law of the state of California, which is why I'm glad the city attorney is here, that is that if you are standing in a crosswalk, um, you have a right to cross the entire road, and the cars have to wait until you have gotten to the other side.

I live near uh Woodside Road, and it's takes a long time to cross it.

It's a lot of lanes.

And I see pretty much every day, cars will stop for a pedestrian when the pedestrians in maybe the first or the second lane of traffic.

But as soon as the pedestrian has mosied on by and is maybe into the third lane of traffic, the car that's in the first lane of traffic will say, Well, pedestrians, I'm not gonna, you know, pedestrians long gone, and start to go.

And that's a violation of the law.

The cars have to wait until the pedestrian is completely off of the um uh pedestrian crosswalk and safely on to the sidewalk before that car goes.

Um and I'm going to bring back later this year like the exact statute number and the details, but I I wanted to highlight it.

Um did I get it right, City Attorney?

Okay.

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

And we'll go to Councilmember Sturkin with our first committee report.

All right.

The Climate Action Subcommittee comprised of Councilmembers Chu, Chi, and myself met on Wednesday, March 18th.

And the San Mateo County Sustainability Staff presented on the heat pump water heater permit streamlining pilot project and on the edible food recovery program.

Uh Recology Samato County staff presented an update on SB 1383, monitoring and compliance that has to do with composting, and then engineering and transportation staff presented on developing safe and walkable pathways, including a wayfinding signage.

And finally, the committee received and discussed these presentations, provided their comments to the presenters.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember Sirkin.

And we'll go to Councilmember G next.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

The governance subcommittee met and comprised of Mayor Martinez and Bayos, Vice Mayor Aiken myself met on Tuesday, March 31st.

Seems like a long time ago, but that was just this week.

The city's legislative consultant Dane Hutchings from California Public Policy Group, CPPG, provided a legislative update, which included a 2026 legislative state of play, overview of legislative timing, update on the vehicle license fee, VLF shortfall, details on the city's current position legislation, and information on new legislation affecting Redwood City.

In accordance with our 2026 legislative platform, the committee discuss and confirmed the city's position on key bills.

The committee will be recommending to the full council that the city take a position on SB 1216, authorized by State Senator Cabadon related to planning and zoning law.

The next governance subcommittee meeting is scheduled for April 20th.

Thank you, Councilmember G.

We'll go to Councilmember Chew next.

The subcommittee on homelessness comprised of Councilmembers Howard, uh Stirkin, and myself held its initial meeting on March 27th.

The subcommittee elected myself as its chair and received presentations from staff on the subcommittee's duties, data regarding homelessness in Redwood City, the initial implementation of the Hopeful Horizons ordinance, and potential funding to increase the number of shelter beds in Redwood City.

The subcommittee will meet quarterly with its next meeting on June 26th at 1 p.m.

at City Hall.

Thank you, Councilmember Chu, and we'll go to the Vice Mayor next.

Thank you, Mayor.

The Redwood City School District.

Oh, oops.

On Friday, March 13th, Barbara Pierce, Redwood City's representative on the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency, also known as Bosca, presented on their activities, which included the 2025 Regional Water Demand and Conservation Study and the 2050 Strategic Plan.

City staff also presented on the following topics.

Recycled water policies and programs, which include the resident residential recycled water fill stations.

So we we really need to raise awareness with our homeowners.

And the subcommittee also received and discussed all of these items.

Excuse me, construction.

The project team also updated the committee on the overall project progress and outlined the next steps for the project.

And we will next be meeting on April 21st.

And with that, I will pass things over to the city manager.

Thank you, Mayor.

Just a quick update.

So April 7th at 10 a.m.

the county will be hosting a uh press conference regarding the VLF shortfall at our downtown uh fire station.

So the county's been putting out some some uh calls for service.

So if any of the council members are interested, you could either RSVP yourself or you could uh run it through me or or our city clerk and we'll get you RSVP'd there.

But um should be a well-attended event and appreciate any support.

Thank you.

Thank you, City Manager.

And with that, the Redwood City Council will now convene to close session regarding anticipated litigation as identified on the agenda.

Before we convene the closed session, I'd like to ask the city clerk if there's any public comment on the closed session items.

Thank you, Mayor.

No public comment at this time, but we do have some folks online.

So anyone who'd like to give some public comment.

Looks like no one left online, so no public comment, Mayor.

Thank you.

All right.

We'll now adjourn to closed session.

If there's a reportable action as a result of the closed session, we will return to the days for reportable action.

In the event that there is no reportable action, the council will adjourn immediately following closed session and will not return back to the days.

Thank you all for joining tonight's city council meeting.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13th.

Wishing you all a great week and uh a great evening ahead.

Thanks, everyone.

All right.

Hello, everyone.

We are back.

It is 9 13.

April 13th.