West Sacramento City Council Meeting - May 20, 2026
West Sacramento City Council Meeting - May 20, 2026
The West Sacramento City Council held a regular meeting on May 20, 2026, beginning at approximately 6:01 PM. The meeting included public comments, several proclamations, a presentation on mosquito control and the Youth Empowerment Summit, and a key vote on a policy limiting city interactions with federal immigration authorities. The council also heard reports on homelessness, transportation, and other regional issues.
Consent Calendar
- Items 8 through 15 were approved unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Albiona Newberry (resident, artist) introduced her new nonprofit, Delta West Artist Alliance Foundation, and requested the city note its creation, consider future partnerships, and repair the rooftop terrace at the community center for a planned September 18, 2026 arts fundraiser.
- Guy Stevenson expressed concerns about unlicensed food vendors, alleging non-compliance with health and tax regulations, and urged the city to address a fentanyl crisis—citing four deaths under age 50 in one building. He recommended that all city employees who deal with the public carry Narcan.
- Patience Silva (public comment on agenda item 17) opposed the proposed policy on interactions with federal immigration authorities, arguing that the city should collaborate with federal agencies and that the policy seemed like an emotional attack. She asked the council to vote no.
Proclamations and Presentations (Non-Consent)
- National Police Week & Peace Officers Memorial Day – Councilmember Roscoe presented a proclamation recognizing May 11–16, 2026 as Police Week and May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Police Chief and Sergeant Huddleson spoke, thanking the council. Councilmember Guerrero raised questions about the abrupt departure of a deputy chief and pledged to investigate.
- Retirement of Sergeant Lou Cameron – The council honored Sergeant Cameron’s 22+ years of service with the West Sacramento Police Department. Mayor Guerrero proposed naming an investigation room after him. Cameron thanked the council and stressed the importance of serving his hometown.
- Yolo County Youth Empowerment Summit (YES) – Registrar Jesse Salinas presented data showing the ninth annual summit will be held September 24, 2026 at UC Davis. He reported that 48 of 141 attendees were from West Sacramento. Pre- and post-surveys showed dramatic increases in understanding of local government (strongly agree up 557%), the voting process (284%), and confidence in elected officials. Council members praised the program and encouraged expansion into schools.
- Sacramento Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District – The district reported that West Nile virus season had begun early, with the first positive mosquito samples detected that day in Tahoe Park. West Sacramento had low West Nile activity in 2025 (1 sample, 2 dead birds), but invasive mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue are growing. The district’s Sterile Insect Technique pilot reduced mosquito populations by 40% in South Natomas and will be expanded. They offer free home inspections, mosquito fish, and repellent wipes for community events.
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month – Councilmember Roscoe presented a proclamation to Alexis Vitinkle, a recent UC Davis law school graduate and community volunteer. Council members celebrated the contributions of the AAPI community and discussed themes of unity and visibility.
- Mental Health Awareness Month – Robert from Yolo County Health and Human Services accepted the proclamation. The council emphasized reducing stigma and expanding crisis response services, noting that 934 West Sacramento residents (ages 1–96) received 21,504 mental health services in FY2024-25.
- National Public Works Week – Mayor Pro Tem Silpizio Ho presented a proclamation and announced that the city’s Public Works Department won a Cal Cities 2026 Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Award (safety category) for the HSIP traffic safety and signal improvement project, which upgraded 20+ locations including Jefferson Boulevard and Sacramento Avenue.
Discussion Items
- Agenda Item 17: Resolution 26-32 – City Interactions with Federal Immigration Authorities – Deputy City Manager Doug Drose presented the policy, which prohibits city employees from sharing immigration status information, detaining individuals for civil immigration enforcement, or allowing use of city facilities for such operations, except where required by law. The policy builds on previous council actions supporting SB 54 and declining 287(g) participation. Council members voiced strong support, citing civil rights concerns and a desire to protect all residents. Mayor Guerrero read a statement from the U.S. Conference of Mayors criticizing ICE practices. Public commenter Patience Silva opposed the policy. The council voted unanimously (5-0) to adopt the resolution.
Council Reports and Staff Updates
- Councilmember Early reported on Yolo Transportation District (YTD) budget discussions, noting a potential $312,000 cut to West Sacramento’s LTF dollars that could affect VIA microtransit services. She also reported on the Capital Area Region Tolling Authority (CARTA) hiring a new executive director and discussions on I-5 expansion.
- Councilmember Alcala reported on the May 7 Commission to End Homelessness, sharing the 2026 Point-in-Time Count: 912 homeless countywide (358 in West Sacramento, up 24% from 2024). West Sacramento has the highest sheltered population (159) due to local investments. Unsheltered homelessness rose from 184 to 199. She also updated on the Yolo Habitat Conservancy (new executive director, annual report) and the Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Agency fee study (city’s annual contribution rising from $40K to $48K).
- Councilmember Orozco noted upcoming meetings (SACOG, air quality budget committee) and encouraged constituents to reach out to council members.
- Mayor Guerrero reported on the Yolo County Animal JPA meeting (requested a presentation on operations JPA) and his trip to Washington, D.C. with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, advocating for federal housing legislation (Senate’s 21st Century Road to Housing Act and House’s Housing for the 21st Century Act) and opposing proposed cuts to CDBG and other housing programs.
- City Manager Report – The city manager announced the resignation of Community Development Director Andrea Aus (effective end of May). Desmond Corley will serve as interim director. Council members thanked Aus for her nearly five years of service.
Key Outcomes
- Unanimous adoption of Resolution 26-32 (policy on interactions with federal immigration authorities) – 5-0 vote.
- Unanimous approval of the consent calendar (items 8–15) – 5-0.
- Multiple proclamations recognized National Police Week, Sergeant Lou Cameron’s retirement, AAPI Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, and National Public Works Week.
- Award presented to Public Works Department from Cal Cities for the HSIP safety project.
- Staff direction: Mayor Guerrero asked to work with the police chief on improving communication regarding the deputy chief’s departure.
- Community Development Director transition: Andrea Aus resigning; interim director appointed; recruitment to follow.
- Future agenda item: The council acknowledged receipt of the West Sac Local Guide (dining and attractions pocket guide) from the February retreat.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, I think we also didn't want to do that first, but I agree. And there was a third of the money. Now that all the council members are present, I call to order the May 20th meeting of the city of West Sacramento City Council, the West Sacramento Redevelopment Agency and Finance Authority. And we will begin with the land acknowledgement. We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we live, work, learn, and commune is the original homelands of the indigenous people of West Sacramento who have stewarded this land throughout the generations. We acknowledge and we thank the original inhabitants who have occupied, maintained and secured this place and who still exist on this land. We respect and celebrate the many diverse indigenous people still connected to this land on which we gather. This evening, Mr. City Attorney, do you have a report? Yes, ma'am. The council that in closed session, no reportable action was taken. Alright, thank you. And we would like to invite our guests to join Council and Staff in the pledge. And Sergeant Travel Huddison will be leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Please come to the podium and lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you. Briefly salute. Be with me. I pledge allegiance to the project of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you so much, Sergeant. As is noted on our agenda, City Council is prohibited by state law from discussing or taking any action on items that are brought under item one for public comment, but it provides an important opportunity for a public forum. The public is given an opportunity at this time to address city council and items not listed on your standing on the agenda. Do you need something? Sorry, I was standing. I thought you were calling me to not yet. Not yet. Sorry. It's okay. We do ask that anyone wishing to address the council on this or any other item this evening to please fill out a request to speak card and return it to the clerk. Um, once the staff report has been read and we open the item up for public comment, the clerk will announce your name. That's when you come up. Um, for you to walk to the podium to speak. Now, in front of the clerk, there is a timer to ensure that everyone has a chance to be heard, and we ask that all comments be limited to three minutes. Also, in front of the clerk is an analog flip chart, which indicates which agenda item the council is currently considering. We also recognize that for some speaking in public can cause anxiety, so we request that there be no applause, booze, cat calls, or other demonstrations. Furthermore, so that we may maintain a civil discourse here in the chambers. We ask that those in attendance and those who address the city council abide by the code of conduct, posted and not speak in loud, threatening, offensive, abusive or the disrespectful language that disrupts disturbs or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the meeting. Now this brings us to item one presentations by the public on matters not on the agenda within the jurisdiction of the council. Madame Clerk. Yes, ma'am. Albionna Newberry. Good evening, Mayor Carero and members of the City Council. My name is Albiona Newberry, and I live at 408 Alameda Boulevard in West Sacramento. I have been a resident here for over 12 years. I am a paying active member of the West Sacramento Art Guild. I was recently accepted into the fine arts competition at the California State Fair this year, and currently have artwork showing at Gallery 1075 of our community center. I recently filed for 501c3 status for the Delta West Artist Alliance Foundation, a new public service organization. The specific purpose of the corporation is to support and promote the arts through fundraising. Educational programs, community outreach, and charitable initiatives that advance artistic expression, cultural enrichment, and access to the arts for the public benefit.
openpublica.com