Good evening, everyone.

It is five o'clock, so we'll go ahead and get started.

Thank you for joining our special city council meeting of May eighteenth.

We hold meetings in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation available.

And members of the public may provide comments as follows.

Please be sure to indicate the agenda item number you wish to speak on.

Attendees who have joined us by Zoom will be called to speak after in-person comments have been given, and detailed instructions for public comment will be provided on the screen when the time for public comment begins, and with that, I'll turn it over to our city clerk to call the roll.

Thank you, everyone, for your patience.

We're gonna go ahead and get started.

Close session has concluded and there is no reportable action.

So we'll now reconvene open session and begin with presentations and acknowledgments.

And as tonight we're acknowledg excuse me, we're conducting interviews for the city's boards, commissions, and committees.

It's especially fitting to recognize two of our longstanding BCC members for their leadership and dedicated service to our community.

First, we recognize Alma Montalvo, member of the Housing and Human Concerns Committee for the past twelve years, and I'll read a few excerpts of the proclamation.

Whereas the city of Redwood City recognizes the invaluable contributions of dedicated community leaders who work tirelessly to advance housing equity, tenant protections, and the well-being of residents.

And whereas Alma Montalvo's dedication, leadership, and advocacy have strengthened the city of Redwood City's commitment to equity, inclusion, housing stability, and community well-being.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Elmer Martina Sabayos, mayor of Redwood City, on behalf of the city council and the people of Redwood City, do hereby recognize and honor Alma Montalvo for her outstanding service, leadership, and lasting contributions to the community, and extends sincere gratitude and appreciation for her many years of dedicated service.

Congratulations, Alma.

And I now welcome you to our podium for remarks and to accept the commissioner.

Thank you.

Just I just wanted to say thank you.

I mean, it's I've learned a lot.

It's been very meaningful.

I'm really happy to be a part of this, and to the rest of my committee members that are here, and to everybody else, I just encourage everybody to try to get involved and roll.

Thank you very much.

And Alma, we have a proclamation.

We'd love to take a photo with you and the full city council here.

Okay.

Great congratulations, and thank you, Alma, for your service.

We are very grateful.

And with that, we'll go on to item six B.

Our next recognition is for another Housing and Human Concerns Committee member, Kate Adams Heaster.

Kate has led countless initiatives to advance the city's important work, important housing work that will benefit the community for decades to come.

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

Whereas Kate has served as a member of the Housing and Human Concerns Committee, HHCC, for nearly a decade, contributing thoughtful leadership and steadfast commitment to addressing housing and community challenges in Redwood City.

And whereas Kate has served with distinction as both chair and vice chair of the HHCC for two years each, helping guide the committee's work through collaboration, advocacy, and strategic leadership.

And whereas Kate has served as the chair of the tenant protection ad hoc subcommittee, playing a key role in the development of the city's anti-displacement strategy and the subsequent tenant protection ordinance, supporting protections and stability for tenants throughout the community.

And whereas during her service on the HHCC, Kate contributed significantly to the major city initiatives, including the anti-displacement strategy development and implementation, the RV safe parking program, the housing element, and the tenant protection ordinance.

And whereas Kate's dedication to public service and her advocacy for equitable housing policies have made a lasting and meaningful impact on the residents of Redwood City.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Elmer Martina Savallos, Mayor of Redwood City, on behalf of the City Council and the people of Redwood City to hereby recognize and honor Kate Heaster for her outstanding leadership service and commitment to advancing housing equity and community well-being and extend her our sincere appreciation for her many contributions to the city of Redwood City.

Congratulations, Kate.

And please come to the Cook podium for a few words, and we have a proclamation for you too.

I didn't prepare either, so but thanks, Alma, for taking that one.

Um yeah, I also just want to uh thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to um be part of this this process and learn so much.

Um I think when I was interviewing when I was in this group a couple of times, um I just was it was such a pleasure to be able to share the things that I had been learning, and I knew that that wasn't why you didn't appoint me because I got to learn, but uh it really has made such a big difference in my understanding of how our community works.

Um and I'm so grateful to be able to know so many more folks in the community and understand how um how we can work together to make it a better place.

And so thank you so much for that.

Thank you, Kate, and let's take a quick photo.

You're gonna get your steps today.

Thank you to both of our commissioners again.

Thank you so much for your work in the community and being a part of the Redwood City team.

And with that, we'll move on to item 6C.

Each year in May, the city celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month to honor the centuries of history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans.

Throughout the month, our public library highlights Jewish literature for both adults and children, sharing stories of Jewish American history and leadership that has shaped our community today.

And I'll read a few excerpts.

Whereas the Jewish American experience is a story of faith, fortitude, and progress.

It is a quintessential American experience, one that is connected to the key tenets of American identity, including our nation's commitment to freedom of religion and conscience.

And whereas the city of Redwood City recognizes both the continuity, excuse me, of the Jewish people and the intergenerational responsibility we have to heal the community for our children.

And whereas the Jews during Jewish American Heritage Month, we honor the Jewish Americans who, inspired by Jewish values and American ideals, have engaged in the ongoing work of forming a more perfect union.

Now, therefore be it resolved that I, Elmer Martina Sabaios, Mayor of Redwood City, on behalf of the City Council and the people of Redwood City do hereby proclaim May 2026, and each year thereafter as Jewish American Heritage Month in Redwood City, and encourage all members, all people to observe this month in honor of the invaluable contributions Jewish Americans have made to our community and to our nation.