All right.

Good evening, everyone.

If everyone can take their seats, we're gonna go ahead and get started.

Thank you for joining us for our regular city council meeting of August 14th, 2026.

After a short break, we're back and happy to be back in action.

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

Attendees who have joined us by Zoom will be called to speak after the in-person comments have been given.

Detailed instructions for public comment will be provided on the screen when the time for public comment begins.

And with that, I'll now turn it over to our city clerk to call the roll.

Good evening.

Councilmember Chu.

Here?

Councilmember G.

Present.

Councilmember Howard.

Here.

Councilmember Padilla.

Present.

Councilmember Sturkin.

Here.

Vice Mayor Aiken.

Here, Mayor Martina Sabayos.

Here.

Thank you.

Thank you, everyone.

And with that, we'll move into the Pledge of Allegiance.

Councilmember Sirkin, could you lead us?

Please rise if you like for the uh pledge of allegiance, thank you, Councilmember Stirkin.

And we have all members of the Council participating in person today, so we will move through item four and go into item five for our first recognition item this evening.

If you are new or returning BCC member, please make your way to the front of the dais for the ceremony, and I'll now turn it over to our city clerk to administer the oath of office.

Welcome everyone.

And the Constitution of the State of California.

Against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

That I will bear true faith and allegiance.

To the Constitution of the United States.

And the Constitution of the State of California.

That I take this obligation freely.

Without any mental reservation, or purpose of evasion.

And that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I'm about to enter.

Congratulations.

One last quick thing.

If you have not already signed an oath of office certificate, uh, please see Julie in the lobby, and she'll give you a copy.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you to our city clerk.

And again, thank you to all of our new and re-sworn commissioners who have joined us this evening.

We really appreciate your time, your passion, and the energy you're giving in service to your community.

So thank you again, everyone, for being here.

And with that, we will now move to item 5b.

Our next recognition item this evening is rooted in the city council's top priorities of children and youth.

International Youth Day is recognized annually on August 12th and serves as a global platform for awareness, dialogue, and youth-led action.

On behalf of the City Council, I'm pleased to present the following proclamation of which I'll read a few of the whereas.

Whereas International Youth Day, observed on August 12th of every year and observed by many countries, is recognized and endorsed by the United Nations as a day dedicated to raising awareness of the potential of young people as bringers of peace, shapers of our future, and agents of change.

Whereas the 2026 theme places particular attention on young people living in least developed countries or LDCs, landlocked developing countries, LLDCs, and small island developing states or SIDS, uh, who have often experienced overlapping challenges linked to poverty, climate change, geographic isolation, limited economic opportunities, and unequal access to digital technologies.

At the same time, these young people continue to demonstrate resilience, leadership, and innovation in advancing sustainable development within their communities and beyond.

And whereas the City Council is committed to amplifying endeavors that provide opportunities for young people to ensure that they embody their true potential as bringers of peace and positive change.

And whereas Redwood City Together employs active youth promotores at ages 14 to 18 dedicated to uplifting their community through weekly outreach, local nonprofit tutoring, professional development, and internships.

These young people gain the skills to become strong civic leaders.

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 proclaim August 12th, 2026 as International Youth Day, and express its its sincere appreciation to Revit City Together's Robentores team for actively taking part in the endeavor to focus our younger generation to make meaningful positive change for years to come.

And with that, I'd like to welcome Redwood City Together's executive director, Rafael Avendano and the team to the podium for remarks, and uh welcome everyone.