Public Meetings - San Jose, California

The San José City Council convened on September 22, 2026, at 1:30 PM in a hybrid meeting to discuss ceremonial recognitions, routine consent items, and several major reports. Key topics included the 2026 Summer Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Report, the status of open audit recommendations, an employee turnover audit, and the stormwater management annual report. A robust debate occurred over a resolution to restore local land-use control, ultimately adopted 9-2 after a substitute motion failed 4-7. Ceremonial Items - Rhonda Berry, Executive Director of Our City Forest, was honored for 30 years of service. Under her leadership, over 80,000 trees and 20,000 shrubs were planted, mobilizing more than 175,000 volunteers and 35,000 students. The city saved an estimated net $75 million in tree-planting costs. - MLV NorCal (NorCal Rumble), a new professional women’s volleyball team, was welcomed with a proclamation. The team will play at Tech CU Arena starting in 2027. Heather Vaughn, President, emphasized the brand’s connection to Northern California’s natural landscapes. - The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center was recognized for its 45th anniversary. CEO Gabrielle Antalovich highlighted the center’s volunteer-run model and ongoing challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community, including attacks on trans women. - A proclamation declared September 2026 as International Literacy Month. Councilmember Kamei noted that only 54% of Santa Clara County third graders read at grade level, while the San José Public Library hosted over 8,100 literacy programs reaching nearly 170,000 participants. Consent Calendar - Councilmember Candelas pulled Item 2.9 (Amendment to Funding Agreement with East Side Union High School District for a Community Wireless Network), highlighting that the agreement provides free internet access to 200,000 students and families at Overfelt, Evergreen Valley, and Silver Creek high schools. Councilmember Doan also thanked library staff for including digital equity efforts at Yerba Buena and Andrew Hill high schools. The consent calendar, including all routine approvals, was adopted unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Brian (speaker) expressed appreciation for audit work and raised concerns about police overtime spending and the need to focus on state-level issues. - Jordan Muldaur (District 3) urged the city to conduct regular employee engagement surveys and follow up on results, citing his private-sector experience. - User one (Michael Censini) complained about trash piles on Speake and Luchessi avenues (District 9) and urged better coordination with Valley Water for flood preparation, noting that the city’s electrical grid and sewer system are not ready for growth. - Betsy spoke during Open Forum about her brother’s homelessness and banishment, criticizing the city’s policies. - Additional speakers during stormwater and turnover audits offered brief supportive comments. Discussion Items - 3.3 – 2026 Summer Intergovernmental Relations Report: - Emily Lamb (Director of IGR) and Han Kang (Chief IGR Officer) presented the report. Key achievements included securing approximately $6.2 million in federal earmarks for mobile home repairs, fire equipment, and park improvements; $21 million for transportation infrastructure; $3.3 million for seven firefighter positions to open Fire Station 32 in Little Saigon; and state funding for homeless housing assistance (HHAP). - The city successfully advocated for two bills now before the governor: SB 1375 (CEQA exemption for Diridon Station modernization) and AB 1941 (anti-copper wire theft). E-bike safety bills were also shaped (SB 1167 and AB 2346), and a Superior Court ruling protected 3,000 cardroom jobs. - Mayor Mahan thanked the IGR team and highlighted the city’s proactive stance on data centers, emphasizing that local standards will go beyond state regulation. - Councilmembers Casey and Candelas introduced a memo calling for the city to support a League of California Cities resolution to restore local control over housing and land use. Councilmember Tordillos offered a substitute motion to instead direct staff to return with recommendations for providing flexibility to pro-housing cities while retaining enforcement tools for bad actors. After debate, the substitute motion failed 4-7 (with Kamei, Cohen, Tordillos, and Campos in favor). The underlying motion to adopt the IGR staff recommendation and support the Casey/Candelas memo passed 9-2 (Kamei and Tordillos opposed). - 3.4 – Status of Open Audit Recommendations: - City Auditor Joe Royce reported that 102 recommendations were tracked; 29 were implemented since the last update, leaving 73 open. Over 10 years, 90% of all recommendations have been closed. Of the 12 priority recommendations, three were implemented (vacant land reporting, SEQA guidelines, procurement handbook), and two new ones were added (police overtime monitoring and encampment abatement outreach protocols). - Mayor Mahan and Councilmembers Campos, Doan, and Vice Mayor Foley engaged: The administration committed to closing the remaining seven priorities within six months. Eric Sullivan (Housing Director) confirmed that outreach and BSJ databases are now aligned, and the Bell Properties contract will implement a work-order system for interim housing maintenance, saving an estimated $900,000 over six months. - The report was accepted unanimously. - 3.5 – Employee Turnover Audit Report: - Joe Royce and Michelle Millary presented the audit. Non-sworn annual turnover averaged 8.7% (including retirements) from FY 2022-2025, well below the public-sector average of 18%. Two key findings: (1) limited employee sentiment data hinders retention efforts; (2) inconsistent succession planning practices across departments. Four recommendations included: provide guidance on stay/exit interviews, re-establish a citywide employee survey, share workforce analytics with departments, and develop succession planning guidance. - Ram Kayum (HR) noted the administration has already started work and expects to implement recommendations within the fiscal year. Councilmember Campos underscored the importance of acting on survey results, citing San Diego’s example of a child-care subsidy. The report was accepted unanimously. - 6.1 – Stormwater Management Annual Report FY 2025-2026: - Jeff Provenzano (ESD), Reggie Nair, Garrett Hurdle (Public Works), and Olympia Williams (PRNS) presented. The city met the critical December 31, 2025 deadline for 100% trash load reduction, a result of 15 years of investment and installation of 40 small trash capture devices last year. 30 miles of no-encampment zones were established, 3.4 million pounds of trash collected, and bio-waste services provided to 2,600 lived-in vehicles. The total stormwater program investment was estimated at $88 million, down $34 million from the previous year due to the completion of interim housing facilities. - The current permit is expected to be extended through June 2028. Councilmembers Mulcahy and Kamei raised issues about jurisdictional coordination with Valley Water, particularly regarding woody debris and flood preparation, and the need for a public dialogue. The report was accepted unanimously. - 8.2 – FY 2025-2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER): - Councilmember Ortiz highlighted successes in East San Jose: 725 door-to-door visits, Somos Mayfair’s leadership program reaching 170 residents, and Vivo serving 182 residents (nearly double its goal of 100). The report was accepted unanimously (with Councilmember Tordillos absent). Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously. - IGR Report (3.3): The council adopted the staff recommendation and supported the Casey/Candelas memo directing the city to advocate for restoring local land-use control. Substitute motion failed 4-7; underlying motion passed 9-2. - Open Audit Recommendations (3.4): Accepted unanimously; administration to prioritize seven remaining recommendations by next report. - Employee Turnover Audit (3.5): Accepted unanimously; HR to implement all four recommendations by end of fiscal year. - Stormwater Report (6.1): Accepted unanimously; city to continue coordination with Valley Water and regulators on creeks and flood preparedness. - CAPER (8.2): Accepted unanimously.

The San Jose Planning Director hearing convened via Zoom at 9:00 a.m. and adjourned at 9:34 a.m. Hearing Officer Sylvia Doe presided, acting on behalf of Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Christopher Burton. The raw transcript identifies the hearing date as September 9, 2026, while the date supplied for this summary is September 18, 2026. The only agendized matter was a planned development permit at 5601 Great Oaks Parkway. No deferrals were requested. Deferrals - No items were proposed for deferral; the public hearing on deferrals was opened and closed with no speakers. Consent Calendar - Item 3A, File No. 25-027, Planned Development Permit for 5601 Great Oaks Parkway, was the sole consent calendar item. After a public commenter asked to speak, Hearing Officer Doe moved the item to the public hearing portion for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Jordan Mulnow, a San Jose resident, expressed concern about the removal of mature trees along the pedestrian pathway. He understood the stated need for access to the tank farm and Building 06 parking lot, but questioned whether the new roadway had to run all the way through; he suggested considering a road in only two of three segments and preserving the pedestrian path in the densest tree area. - Lillian (last name not provided) agreed with Mulnow and opposed the removal of mature trees. She criticized the loss of mature trees and said replacement box trees and gallon trees can be easily removed, urging the city and planning commission to stop such removals and preserve existing mature trees. Discussion Items - Planning Project Manager Rina Shah reported that the proposed PD permit would authorize modifications to vehicle circulation, pedestrian pathways, landscaping, stormwater control plan, site lighting, a 64-square-foot utility shed, and the removal of 41 trees. The work is on an approximately 5.7-acre portion of an approximately 142-acre Western Digital industrial campus and includes no vertical construction or new buildings. The 142-acre parcel is the remainder of a 157.4-acre parcel approved with Tentative Map 2026-006 on August 12, 2026. The site is bounded by Carl Road, Great Oaks Boulevard, Highway 85, and Perimeter Road, with residential, park, and highway uses nearby. It is in the IPPD Planned Development Zoning District and is consistent with the General Plan Industrial Park designation. Outreach included an on-site sign posted June 15, 2026, and notice within 500 feet. Staff determined a CEQA exemption under Guidelines Section 15301 and recommended approval. - Applicant representative Jason Victor, joined by David Curry of Western Digital, described the campus context, including the 2005 downsizing of the campus and new headquarters buildings. He said Western Digital identified about 15 acres on the western perimeter to make available to another industrial user, and that a separate data center permit has been submitted for planning review. The PD permit under consideration would update circulation along the campus edge and add pedestrian enhancements, pickleball courts, expanded garden and outdoor areas, and landscape screening. - Victor said 41 trees will be removed, most in the pedestrian and emergency service corridor. He said 90 trees exist in that corridor and about half will be removed. He stated that a continuous circulation loop was studied and determined necessary for service access, tank farm access, parking lots, and emergency vehicles. Replacement planting would include Chinese elms and oak species such as fork oak and California live oak. - Rina Shah responded to public concerns by citing San Jose Municipal Code Chapter 13.32 tree removal findings. She said the arborist report found structural issues in some trees, including uneven canopies, multi-trunk and co-dominant stems, and lack of structural stability. She stated the total replacement requirement as 132 15-gallon-equivalent trees, citing 26 ordinance-sized non-native trees requiring 104 15-gallon trees and 13 non-ordinance-sized trees requiring 26 15-gallon trees. The project plants 69 24-inch box trees and 61 15-gallon trees, exceeding the stated replacement requirement. - Hearing Officer Doe asked about replacement species. Victor explained that many existing canopies along the corridor would be retained, and new trees would include faster-growing Chinese elms and native oaks with larger canopies that have proven successful on campus. Key Outcomes - Hearing Officer Doe approved the Planned Development Permit for Item 3A, File No. 25-027, as recommended by staff and in accordance with CEQA. The environmental exemption was based on CEQA Guidelines Section 15301. - Doe found the project consistent with the General Plan and planned development zoning, and noted that the proposal is limited to site landscaping, circulation, and outdoor amenity improvements for the existing industrial campus. She cited the larger 24-inch box trees being planted from the outset, the faster-growing, native, large-canopy replacement species, and preservation of existing healthy mature trees to the extent possible. - The approval will be final when the permit is signed and mailed unless appealed. Permit actions are appealable under Title 20 of the San Jose Municipal Code; environmental review determinations are separately appealable under Title 21. - The hearing was adjourned at 9:34 a.m.

This hearing, presided over by Hearing Officer John 2 on behalf of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Director Christopher Burton, convened via Zoom. The agenda included a deferral period (none requested), approval of three consent calendar items, and one item moved to public hearing due to a public comment. The meeting adjourned after action on all items. Consent Calendar - Item 3A (PD 25-001 & ER25-004): Plan development permit for retaining walls up to 5.5 feet in height at 5480 Country Club Parkway. Approved unanimously. - Item 3C (SP26-013 & ER26-090): Special use permit for a banquet hall in an existing commercial building at 1654 Bretad Drive. The applicant proposed minor plan changes (removal of bicycle parking, addition of accessible seating, updated plan date) which were accepted as clarifications. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3B (SP26-012 & ER26-080) – Rolling Glen Court retaining wall: A caller (phone number ending in 313) expressed concern that the proposed five-foot retaining wall could cause cracking to their swimming pool and foundation damage due to soil liquidity. They requested that their concern be recorded. Applicant Edic Lazar responded that the retaining wall is located 70 feet from the neighbor’s property and on the south side, not the north side. He cited a soil report (Section 7.4) showing no evidence of landslides and noted that the wall would reduce the natural slope from 14% to 6.5%, improving stability. He stated the engineering firm reviewing the plans had confirmed safety. Discussion Items - Item 3B moved to public hearing: After a member of the public requested to speak, the hearing officer moved this item from the consent calendar to the public hearing. Staff presented the proposal: a special use permit for a retaining wall up to five feet in height in the side yard of a proposed single-family residence at Rolling Glen Court. The project complies with zoning, has geological hazard clearance from Public Works, and is exempt from CEQA under Section 15303. The hearing officer acknowledged the public’s concern and explained that the permit includes conditions requiring further engineering review by Public Works before construction can begin, ensuring compliance with state and city standards. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar Approvals: Items 3A and 3C were approved as part of the consent calendar (no vote tally recorded, but approved unanimously). - Approval of Item 3B: After public testimony and applicant response, the hearing officer approved the special use permit (SP26-012) for the retaining wall, finding the conditions sufficient to address safety concerns. - Next steps: The applicant must obtain a grading permit from Public Works before construction, which will involve further engineering review.

The Rules and Open Government Committee (ROGC) and Committee of the Whole met jointly on September 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM for a 20‑minute hybrid session. The committee reviewed upcoming council agendas, approved four consent calendar items, and directed staff to study self‑checkout safety standards. All votes were unanimous (4‑0, with one member absent). Consent Calendar - Public Record (Sept 3‑10, 2026): Received and filed unanimously. - Free Use of Janet Gray Hayes Rotunda (Nov 19, 2026): Approved for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors (SCCAOR) Fall General Membership Meeting, sponsored by Council District 9. The item was placed on the October 6, 2026 City Council agenda for action. - Retroactive Approval – Santos Family Car Show (Sept 5, 2026): Sponsored by Council District 4, approved retroactively and placed on the September 22, 2026 Council agenda. - Retroactive Approvals – Council District 5 Events: Six events (Back to School Bash, National Night Out, Lowrider Day, Mexican Independence Day El Grito, Mexican Flag Raising, and Tower/Rotunda Lighting) were retroactively approved and placed on the September 22, 2026 Council agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - E‑Comment Functionality: A commenter (Brian) noted the absence of e‑comment on the city calendar and asked for either an agenda update or restoration of the feature. - Consent Calendar – Rotunda Use: A caller criticized providing free use of city space to the real estate association, calling it “corporate welfare” while parking meters remain broken. - Self‑Checkout Safety Standards: - Yvonne Savedra (UFCW Local 5, 35‑year Lucky’s employee) thanked the council members for addressing self‑checkout issues. She stated that technology must support workers and customers, and that one employee should not be expected to monitor several stations, assist customers, respond to machine issues, unlock merchandise, and confront theft simultaneously. She emphasized that adequate staffing is a tool to combat retail theft. - Chris Bontan (UFCW Local 5, 36‑year Lucky’s employee) presented data: self‑checkout machines have a shrink rate of 3.5% (16 times higher than traditional lanes at 0.21%); roughly 33% of retail transactions occur through SCO; San Jose’s grocery/retail/pharmacy sales are between $2.6‑$3.1 billion. He noted that in California, sales tax does not apply to certain items (e.g., baby formula, cooking wine, energy bars). - Call‑in speakers described unsafe conditions at a Safeway on Almaden and Cherry Avenue, citing a homeless encampment, aggressive panhandling, overwhelmed workers, and locked‑up merchandise. One speaker asserted that retail theft and lack of enforcement make shopping difficult for law‑abiding customers. - Open Forum: A commenter expressed concern about the fairness of upcoming elections. Another called for removal of red‑light and speed cameras, and requested street sweeping of leaf piles on Cherry Avenue. Discussion Items - Self‑Checkout Safety Standards for Grocery and Drug Retail Stores (Item C‑1, 26‑324): Co‑authored by Council Members Candelas and Cohen. Council Member Candelas introduced the item, explaining that seniors in his district find self‑checkout frustrating and that retail theft is a growing concern (citing a nearly 14% increase in shoplifting in California in 2024, 50% higher than 2019). The memo calls for: (1) directing the City Manager to review policy approaches (including elements from ordinances in Long Beach, Costa Mesa, and Santa Ana) and return with options before the FY2027‑2028 priority‑setting process; (2) engaging the County of Santa Clara’s Office of Labor Standards Enforcement on worker safety partnerships. The committee moved the item to workload analysis, with a return to the Rules Committee in two weeks. Key Outcomes - Approval of Future Council Agendas: The September 22, 2026 final agenda and September 29, 2026 draft agenda were approved unanimously (4‑0) after public comment. - Consent Calendar Approval: All four items were approved as a block by a 4‑0 vote. - Self‑Checkout Directive: The motion to direct the City Manager to analyze self‑checkout staffing and safety standards, and to partner with the County, passed 4‑0. The item will return to the Rules Committee in two weeks. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 2:20 PM.

The San Jose City Council met on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, starting with a closed session at 9:30 AM and the regular session at 1:30 PM. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, a detailed annual performance review of council focus areas, an updated plan to reduce unsheltered homelessness, several land-use decisions, and unanimous approval of a temporary moratorium on detention facilities. Key votes were unanimous across all items requiring a vote, with the moratorium requiring and receiving nine affirmative votes. Ceremonial Items - Commendation for Ivan the Angelfish: Councilmember Mulcahy presented a commendation to Evan Johnson, founder of Ivan the Angelfish, a student-led nonprofit that provides therapeutic aquariums and workshops to clinics, schools, and senior centers, now with 40 chapters across 24 countries. - Proclamation – Mexican Independence Day: Councilmembers Ortiz, Campos, and Candelas proclaimed September 16, 2026, as Mexican Independence Day. Consul General Pérez Gonzalez and Kiara from Viva Cultura Collective spoke. - Proclamation – Hispanic Heritage Month: Councilmembers Candelas, Ortiz, and Kamei proclaimed September 15 through October 15, 2026, as National Hispanic Heritage Month. Christopher Cobillas, president of Los Bomberos of Northern California, accepted the proclamation. - Proclamation – September 11th Remembrance: Councilmember Doan proclaimed September 11, 2026, as September 11th Remembrance and National First Responders Day, honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the 2001 attacks. Consent Calendar - The Consent Calendar, including approval of minutes, ordinances, committee minutes, travel requests, contract amendments, and financial reports, was approved unanimously by voice vote. A single public comment was made by Roland, who urged the council to work with Councilmember Casey on a community benefit agreement regarding a nearby project. Public Comments & Testimony - Consent Calendar: Roland spoke about a community benefit agreement and fireproof equipment. - Council Focus Area Annual Report (3.4): Several speakers addressed the report. Brian expressed concern over rising traffic fatalities. User one criticized subsidies for luxury housing and speed cameras. Dashiel (Sierra Club) urged transparency on data center projects and questioned the city's partnership with PG&E. Jordan Moldow called for a mobility and climate focus area and more traffic safety projects. - Updated Functional Zero Model (3.5): Many unhoused residents and advocates testified. Lori described trauma from encampment sweeps and lack of case managers. Albert feared exiting shelter without permanent housing. Shannon (SVCN/Real Coalition) demanded equitable shelter with appropriate services. Dizzy reported complaints about Motel 6 conditions. Grateful read a statement about evictions and mandatory programs. Other speakers highlighted inadequate mental health services and the need for permanent housing. - Glider Residential Project (10.2): Supporters included Oak Grove School District staff and teachers, who cited $26.6 million needed for schools, declining enrollment, and safety issues at the vacant site. Opponents (neighbors) raised concerns about density, privacy, construction noise, traffic, and requested a lower density alternative, larger setbacks, and no Saturday construction. - Temporary Moratorium (3.3): Numerous speakers supported the moratorium, including Raymondosa (Amigos de Guadalupe), Ashley (Eastside resident), Sean Baker, Rania Mosin (Rep. Licardo’s office), Dashiel (Sierra Club), Jeremy Baruze (IPEN), and others, citing threats to immigrant safety and the environment. One speaker opposed, arguing the city should cooperate with federal enforcement. - Open Forum: Multiple speakers criticized the city’s Flock ALPR cameras after a sworn officer was found to have abused access to stalk a domestic violence victim. They demanded independent oversight, an audit, and termination of the Flock contract. Discussion Items - City Manager Report (3.1): City Manager Maguire reported on Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, noting a 13% increase in 988 awareness and a tenfold increase in 911-to-988 call transfers. - Council Focus Area Annual Report (3.4): Staff presented a 20-minute report on progress across five focus areas: Increasing Community Safety, Reducing Unsheltered Homelessness, Clean Up Neighborhoods, Growing Our Economy, and Building More Housing. Highlights included: safety perceptions up 5 points, 116 new police recruits, 10x increase in 988 transfers, record 707 shelter units added, 60% reduction in oversized/lived-in vehicles, 1.8% decline in illegal dumping tonnage, 6,500 jobs retained/expanded, and 3,053 housing units added via incentive programs. Council members discussed lessons learned, red light camera effectiveness, regional homeless flow, and prevention strategies. The report was accepted unanimously. - Updated Functional Zero Model and Homelessness Work Plan (3.5): Housing Director Eric Sullivan and Assistant City Manager Lee Wilcox presented a shift from building shelter capacity to managing system flow. Key points: unsheltered population estimated at 3,702 via new dynamic model (down from PIT count), 30% shelter rejection rate, need for regional accountability, and exploration of length-of-stay and program participation policies. Councilmember Casey moved to approve the amendments with an additional charge to review city-housing authority agreements to expand shelter investment. The motion passed unanimously. - Multifamily Housing Incentive Program – 3896 Stevens Creek Blvd (8.1): Staff presented a request to approve a tax and fee waiver of up to $6,934,618 for Phase 1 (311 units, 16 affordable at 50% AMI). The applicant noted construction would begin in October 2026. Councilmember Kamei moved approval, citing redevelopment of a blighted area. Unanimously approved. - Glider Residential Project – 80 Single-Family Homes (10.2): Staff explained the project is a Builders’ Remedy application on a former school site. The EIR found significant unavoidable VMT and GHG impacts, requiring a Statement of Overriding Considerations. The project includes 11 deed-restricted low-income homes, a 0.68-acre public park, and a $4 million VMT offset fee. Public comment was divided. Councilmember Casey made the motion, acknowledging the developer’s cooperation with the community. Unanimously approved. - Temporary Moratorium on Detention Facilities (3.3): Council considered an interim ordinance banning applications for detention/custodial facilities on private property for 45 days. The mayor’s “blue memo” directed staff to also analyze applicability to public land. The ordinance requires nine affirmative votes. All council members expressed support. Unanimously approved (11-0). Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously. - Council Focus Area Annual Report: Accepted unanimously. - Updated Homelessness Work Plan: Approved with added direction to review housing authority agreements by January 2027. - MHIP Tax Waiver for 3896 Stevens Creek Blvd: Approved unanimously. - Glider Residential Project: Approved unanimously, including certification of the EIR, Statement of Overriding Considerations, vesting tentative map, and site development permit. - Temporary Moratorium on Detention Facilities: Approved unanimously (exceeding the required nine votes). Staff to return on September 29, 2026, with an updated ordinance addressing public land. - All votes were voice or electronic, with unanimous support on each item requiring a vote.

The San Jose Planning Commission met on September 9, 2026, at 2:30 PM to consider a consent calendar and a general plan amendment early consideration hearing. The commission unanimously approved the consent calendar and voted to recommend allowing continued processing of a privately initiated general plan amendment for a proposed private high school at 525 Race Street. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved by a unanimous vote (9-0, with one commissioner absent). Items were considered routine and no speakers or commissioners requested removal. Discussion Items - General Plan Amendment GP 26-002 (525 Race Street): A privately initiated request to change the land use designation from Industrial Park to Combined Industrial Commercial to facilitate the conversion of an existing 72,744 square foot office building into a private high school (Basis Independent School) for up to 800 students and 10 staff, plus a 16,000 square foot gym addition and outdoor play area. Staff recommended allowing continued processing. The applicant (Basis Independent Schools) presented plans for adaptive reuse, traffic queuing on-site, and community outreach. Commissioners expressed support for the educational use but raised concerns about traffic impacts on Race Street, loss of employment land that could generate sales tax, and the lack of public benefits such as scholarships. Commissioner Bickford asked about the use of union labor and the applicant indicated it is expected but not yet finalized. The commission voted unanimously (10-0) to recommend to City Council that the general plan amendment be allowed to continue processing, with a potential final hearing in late 2027 or earlier if a second cycle is added. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (9-0). - General Plan Amendment GP 26-002: Motion to recommend continued processing passed unanimously (10-0). The item will proceed to City Council for a decision on whether to allow the amendment to move forward to full environmental review and permitting. - Staff Reports: The commission was informed of recent City Council actions (weed abatement agreement, denial of a nightclub conditional use permit, and direction to modify child care zoning policies) and that the September 23, 2026 meeting is cancelled.

The Rules and Open Government Committee (ROGC) and Committee of the Whole met on September 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM in a hybrid format. The committee reviewed the final agenda for the September 15, 2026 City Council meeting, the draft agenda for September 22, 2026, approved the consent calendar, and discussed a referral to evaluate policy options regarding Council transparency and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Consent Calendar - Approved three items: The Public Record for August 27 – September 3, 2026 (received and filed); the Auditor’s Office Monthly Report of Activities for August 2026 (approved); and a request to authorize travel for Mayor Mahan to attend a Bloomberg Center for Cities convening, to accept travel payments, and to excuse the Mayor’s absence from the September 29, 2026 Council meeting (approved). The motion carried 5-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Brian (in-person): Spoke on multiple agenda items. He noted he had sent an email containing concerns about the agenda and consent calendar items and requested guidance on how the public should submit emails (by topic vs. single email). He expressed general support for transparency, stating that distrust of government is unhealthy and that transparency helps build trust. He also supported the NDA policy discussion, saying the more transparent government is, the better. - Jordan Mullen (virtual): Commented on the NDA item. He suggested the policy should apply not only to council members but also to their staff and senior city staff. He also asked whether previous NDAs could be released retroactively or a database compiled. He questioned why the policy should be limited to council members when all city staff should be covered. Discussion Items - Council Transparency and Private Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) – Referral (Item C-1, ROGC 26-315): - Councilmember Ortiz introduced the memorandum, co-signed by Councilmembers Cohen, Candelas, Campos, and Casey. The memo seeks to direct the City Manager’s Office, in coordination with the City Attorney’s Office and City Clerk’s Office, to evaluate and return with policy options that would: (1) prohibit Council members from signing NDAs concerning projects subject to City approval; (2) prohibit persons/entities seeking City action from conditioning access to project information on signing an NDA; and (3) establish a City process to review confidential information without requiring individual Council members to sign NDAs. - Councilmember Ortiz stated the intent is to give residents confidence in government transparency, noting that even though only one recent incident (the Google decision) involved NDAs, perception matters. He referenced other municipalities (Franklin Township, Indiana; multiple cities in Wisconsin, Missouri, Ohio, Alabama) that have been asked to sign NDAs, particularly regarding data centers. - Vice Mayor Foley questioned whether a policy is necessary since she had never been asked to sign an NDA. Councilmember Ortiz explained that the policy would codify common sense and address potential future perception issues. Vice Mayor Foley also asked whether the policy should apply to chiefs of staff and staff members; Ortiz indicated openness to that suggestion. - Chair Cohen noted that early project discussions can be candid and not yet public, but once a project is formally before the Council, all proceedings are public. He supported the memo as a way to document existing practices in light of public skepticism. - Assistant City Manager Lee Wilcox confirmed the item would go to workload analysis, with timing likely for the September 30 ROGC meeting (or possibly the next week). - The committee voted to approve the referral subject to workload analysis. Motion carried 5-0. Key Outcomes - Agenda Reviews: Approved the final agenda for September 15, 2026 (4-0) and the draft agenda for September 22, 2026 (4-0). No changes were made to the agendas. - Consent Calendar: Approved all three consent items (5-0). - NDA Referral: Approved the referral to evaluate policy options on Council transparency and NDAs, subject to workload analysis. The policy options will be brought back to the ROGC on September 30, 2026 (or earlier if possible). - No Open Forum: No items were raised under Open Forum.

The hearing, presided over by Hearing Officer Ruth Cueto on behalf of Planning Director Christopher Burton, addressed a site development permit (H26013) for a 100% affordable 168-unit multifamily residential building at 275 feet south of East San Fernando on South Second Street (Council District 3). The project includes a state density bonus law application and extended Saturday construction hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Staff recommended CEQA exemption (Section 15332, infill development) and permit approval. After public testimony and discussion, the hearing officer approved the permit with modified conditions, including a later Saturday start time for non-concrete work. Consent Calendar - Item 3A (the affordable housing project) was initially on the consent calendar but was moved to the public hearing portion after several attendees raised hands to speak. No other consent items were discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - Caprice Scarborough (condo owner at the 88): Expressed support for affordable housing but requested a pre-construction condition survey of the 88, vibration monitoring during excavation/shoring, and protections for Central Place (no truck queuing, maintain access). - Ami (owner at the 88): Emphasized concerns about vibrations and noise, specifically questioning the need for Saturday work and requesting earlier construction hours be reevaluated. - Peter Ollman (downtown resident, 30 years): Supported housing but criticized ground-floor dead space along South Third Street and Paseo de San Antonio. Urged enforcement of objective zoning standards under SJMC Chapter 20.90, noting SB330 limits subjective design guidelines but not objective metrics. - Raul Aldana (resident at the 88): Requested construction start at 8 a.m. rather than 7 a.m. and raised concerns about noise, vibration, and access to Central Place parking. - Kirk Pennington (resident at the 88): Requested a 24/7 construction coordinator phone number prominently posted, expressed concern about Central Place used for staging/idling, and noted that weekend 7 a.m. starts allow only 4 hours of sleep after late-night entertainment zone noise. - Kathy (resident at the 88): Supported a 9 a.m. Saturday start as a compromise, and requested future meetings allow chat/visibility of attendees. - Corey Bridges (resident at the 88): Asked for documentation justifying the 7 a.m. Saturday start and pointed out inaccuracies in the applicant’s presentation (referencing "Hammerhead Theater" instead of "Hammer Theater" and calling the 88 "apartments" instead of condos). - Caprice Scarborough (second round): Restated her request for specific construction management protections for Central Place. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation (Jacqueline Guerrero, project manager): Summarized the project review under General Plan, Downtown Design Guidelines, CEQA, and state density bonus law. Noted public comments received regarding construction hours, permit compliance, and removal of accessible parking spaces. The environmental team confirmed the project meets Section 15332 criteria (urban infill, no endangered species, mitigated impacts). - Applicant Presentation (Lauren Alexander, Pacific West Communities): Explained the project’s modular construction, which reduces noise and timeline. The 24-month schedule includes foundation/podium concrete pours requiring continuous work (7–10 Saturdays starting at 7 a.m.). After concrete, module placement (1.5 months) may need extended hours, but most work is interior/exterior finishes. Committed to coordinating with the 88 HOA on construction updates. - Environmental Team (Court Hitchens, supervising planner): Detailed permit conditions for noise/vibration: a construction noise disturbance coordinator available during working hours, a site-specific vibration assessment before demolition/grading, measures to reduce impacts (smaller equipment, avoid dropping, distance from sensitive structures). Concluded impacts would be less than significant. - Hearing Officer: Asked about vibration protections and the possibility of a 9 a.m. Saturday start. Staff noted they had already explored a 9 a.m. start with the applicant. The applicant agreed to limit Saturday extended hours to concrete pours (approx. 7–10 days) and start other Saturday work at 9 a.m. The hearing officer also requested voluntary consideration of ground-floor activation along Paseo de San Antonio (e.g., murals, rotating art gallery). Key Outcomes - Approved: Site development permit and CEQA exemption (Section 15332), with conditions. - Modified Condition: Saturday construction hours for non-concrete activities shall start at 9 a.m. instead of 7 a.m. Extended 7 a.m. starts are limited to concrete pours (approx. 7–10 days); the applicant will coordinate specific dates with the 88 HOA and neighbors. - Other Conditions: Vibration assessment and monitoring during excavation/shoring; construction disturbance coordinator available during all work hours; contact information posted and provided to neighbors; Central Place access maintained with no unnecessary truck queuing/idling. - Next Steps: The applicant plans to submit a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit application by September 8, 2026. Construction is expected to commence June 2027 if credits are awarded.

The committee met to review the draft agenda for September 15, 2026, and to approve consent calendar items. Public comments were heard on various topics. Consent Calendar - Public Record for August 20-27, 2026: Received and filed. - Infrastructure Financing Tools for Economic Development Study Session: Set for Friday, October 2, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and approved the study session agenda. Both items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Akkos (in-person): Requested repeal of the blanket prohibition of pedestrians from expressways (City Code 1130-70). Referenced a 1989 council vote to repeal a similar prohibition on bicyclists and argued that the current ordinance is used by county highway staff to justify destroying sidewalks, endangering pedestrians. Also noted that council members have directed him to the county, but county counsel states the city has jurisdiction. - Blair (virtual): Commented on two public record items: missing middle housing, expressing support for a humble, neighborhood-focused approach; and surveillance technology, urging more openness and accountability. Also raised concerns about the data center project at Harry Lane, questioning the adequacy of the public process and suggesting the area may be poisoned. - Caller user one (virtual): Criticized the Parking Commission meeting for being Zoom-only with poor audio, called the meeting an embarrassment. Opposed proposed parking charges and compliance expansion, stating it would harm downtown. Also noted a pile of leaves at Speak and Luchese that remains unremoved. Discussion Items - Review of Draft Agenda for September 15, 2026: The committee reviewed the agenda including closed session at 9:30 a.m., regular session at 1:30 p.m., consent calendar, strategic support, temporary moratorium on detention of custodial facility on private property, council focus areas report, transportation, community economic development, and land use items. The agenda was approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - The draft agenda for September 15, 2026, was approved. - The consent calendar items (public record and study session) were approved. - No other votes or decisions were made. The meeting adjourned at 2:08 p.m.