Stockton Planning Commission Meeting - January 22, 2026

The Stockton Planning Commission met on January 22, 2026, at 5:32 PM, adjourning at 7:20 PM. The meeting included approval of the consent calendar, public comments, interviews for six vacancies on the Cultural Heritage Board, and discussion of the 2040 General Plan implementation, particularly a map of certain retail establishments. The commission recommended five candidates for the Cultural Heritage Board and agreed to schedule a future presentation on the general plan map.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the April 10, April 24, and May 8, 2025 Planning Commission meetings (Motion 2026-01-22-0301). Vote: 4-0 (Commissioners Hernandez and Oakes abstained as they were not present for those meetings and had not watched the recordings).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mary Elizabeth (Stockton resident) requested that the city develop a map identifying locations of mini markets, gas stations, fast food restaurants, check cashing establishments, tobacco stores, and alcohol retail locations as called for in the 2018 General Plan. She also stressed the importance of the Cultural Heritage Board and asked commissioners to prioritize preservation when appointing members.
• David Rajkovich (President, Stockton Maritime Museum) introduced plans for a permanent museum at 321 West Weber (former Castaway restaurant site), including restoration of a historic minesweeper and construction of a reproduction of the Colbert Boatyard building. He noted the need for Cultural Heritage Board approvals and encouraged reinstatement of the board.
• Phillip Merlo (member of the Cultural Heritage Board, Executive Director of the County Historical Museum) endorsed incumbent applicants for the CHB, citing their expertise and consistent attendance. He also highlighted multiple museum projects in Stockton and advocated for adoption of the Mills Act to provide tax incentives for historic property preservation.

Discussion Items

• Cultural Heritage Board Interviews (Item 6.1): Staff presented that there are six vacancies on the nine-member Cultural Heritage Board due to term expirations, resignations, and removals. The commission interviewed five of eight applicants who attended (Cynthia Boyd, Matt Holmes, Robert Holzer, William Maxwell, Leon Bach). Three applicants (Richard Sleezak, Geneva Morad, Denise Sanders) did not appear. After deliberation, the commission learned via the policy manual (3.02.010.F) that absent applicants must be removed from consideration. A motion was made and seconded to recommend the five present candidates to the City Council (Motion 2026-01-22-0601). The motion carried unanimously (7-0). Commissioner Oakes noted that the three absent may have had legitimate reasons, but policy required their removal.
• Planning Commissioner Academy: Staff announced the academy will be held March 11–12, 2026, requiring flights and hotel. All seven commissioners confirmed attendance. The March 12 Planning Commission meeting will be canceled.
• Commissioner Comments:
  • Commissioner Amen requested a presentation on notification distances for alcohol/tobacco establishments (300, 500, 700 feet) and notification of occupants. Staff agreed to provide an informational update at the next meeting.
  • Commissioner Crowder requested a map of alcohol and tobacco establishments, broken down by district, including citation history. Staff noted this would require coordination with multiple departments.
  • Chair Sanguinetti and Commissioner Oakes raised Mary Elizabeth's repeated requests for the General Plan map of mini markets, etc. Staff explained the map is tied to a broader ordinance effort and has resource constraints. The commission decided to schedule an informational presentation on the general plan implementation and map at a future meeting to address public concerns and transparency.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar Approved (4-0).
• Recommended Five CHB Members (Cynthia Boyd, Matt Holmes, Robert Holzer, William Maxwell, Leon Bach) to the City Council for approval (Motion 7-0).
• Future Presentation on General Plan Map: The commission will receive an informational item on the status of the map and related implementation efforts.
• Planning Commission Academy: Scheduled for March 11–12, 2026; the March 12 regular meeting is canceled.