Public Meetings - San Leandro, California

The San Leandro Human Services Commission met on Monday, August 18, 2026, at 7:01 PM. The meeting included a presentation from the San Leandro Community Food Pantry, an annual data report on the Community Assistance Program (CAP) grant, approval of previous meeting minutes, cancellation of November and December meetings, and commission reports. Consent Calendar - The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the July 2026 meeting. Motion by Commissioner Roby, seconded by Commissioner Lum. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made, and no e-comments were received. Presentation: San Leandro Community Food Pantry - Jesse Cutter, representative of the San Leandro Community Food Pantry, presented an overview of the organization. The pantry is a volunteer-run nonprofit located at Bancroft and 142nd Avenue, serving anyone in Alameda County (and not turning away others). Founded in 2012 by Bethel Community Presbyterian Church, it became a 501(c)(3) in 2017. Key statistics: - Volunteers: January to June 2025: 107 volunteers filled 828 shifts, totaling about 2,090 hours. - Food Rescue: In 2021, the pantry saved about 150,000 pounds of food from landfill; in 2024, that number rose to about 405,000 pounds. - Distribution: Every Thursday, 6–8 PM, with an average of 346 people served per week in 2025 (up from 200 pre-pandemic). - Partnership: Collaborates with SPCA East Bay to distribute pet food; from January to June 2025, 3,246 bags of pet food were distributed. - Commissioners asked about the grant funding the pantry received from the city and the challenges of sourcing dairy and staple items. The pantry noted that the Community Food Services Grant (one-time funding for 2025-2026) helped purchase flexible staples and dairy. They discussed the difficulty of repackaging bulk food due to health regulations and welcomed donations of fresh produce and clean bags. - Jesse Cutter expressed support for a new gleaning program being explored by a group called Forrester, which would connect residents with extra fruit to the pantry. Discussion Items: Community Assistance Program (CAP) Annual Data Report - Staff member Elsa presented the annual data report for the CAP grant cycle that ended June 30, 2026. Five agencies were funded in the previous cycle. Key data: - Total San Leandro residents served: 1,037. - Age distribution: 63% adults ages 18–49, 30% children, 7% seniors (50+). - Gender distribution: 71.6% female, 19% male, 9.4% other or not reported. This represented a shift from 82% female in the prior year. - Income distribution: 68% extremely low income, 6% very low income, 24% low income, 1% moderately low income. - Racial/ethnic data was provided but not read aloud. - The report concluded that the program successfully targets San Leandro's most vulnerable low-income households, with an effective cost of $154 per person served. - Commissioners discussed the low senior participation and expressed hope that newly funded agencies (including Wheels on Wheels) would increase that number. The report will be produced annually. Key Outcomes - Canceled Meetings: The commission voted to cancel the November and December 2026 meetings due to the holidays and lack of pressing business. Motion to cancel was approved unanimously. - Commission Reports: Commissioner Roby reported a successful backpack giveaway event at San Leandro High School, distributing 1,700 backpacks on-site and 300 more to local schools. The event included 20 county agencies and cost nearly $30,000. Commissioner Lum announced a Moon Festival event on Saturday at the main library (10:30 AM–12:30 PM). - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:53 PM.

The San Leandro Human Services Commission met on March 16, 2026, chaired by Chair Fry. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, staff reports, presentations from SAVE and Home Match, and commissioner announcements. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the previous meeting (September 2025) via roll call vote: Chair Fry (aye), Vice Chair Alberg (yay), Commissioner Bailey (abstain - not present at last meeting), Commissioners Lum, O'Brien, Reed, Robey, and Mason all in favor. Motion carried. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made in person or received via e-comment. Staff Reports & Announcements - Human Services Manager Pedro announced the upcoming Point-in-Time Count for unhoused individuals on January 22, 2026, and encouraged volunteer participation. - Commissioner noted the ability to call an emergency meeting if needed before the next regular meeting (scheduled for January 28, 2026). Presentations SAVE (Services for Abused and Violent Environments) - Jennifer Dalrell (Executive Director) and Kate Hart (Director of Programs) presented a program update. SAVE's revised mission includes prevention. Services cover a 24-hour crisis line, walk-in empowerment center (relocating to Fremont), a 24-bed low-barrier safe house, housing first programs, and a new HUD-funded rapid rehousing project (Mariposa 2, $800,000) expected to serve 19 families. They serve about 90 San Leandro survivors annually. The safe house has an average stay of approximately nine months and is nearly always full; the program collaborates with other shelters and uses motels when full. SAVE supports female-identifying individuals in the safe house and male-identifying individuals via motel stays. They also serve older adults (about 5% of clients). The commission thanked SAVE for their work. Home Match (Front Porch Community Service) - Rachel Matthews, Program Director for Home Match in Alameda County, presented a home-sharing program. Home Match connects people with extra rooms (home providers, must live on-site) with housing seekers. The program is free, includes home visits, background checks, income verification (at least 2x rent), and a detailed 30-page match agreement. Ongoing support and quarterly check-ins are provided. Since starting in Alameda County about three years ago (just before COVID), they have made approximately 80 matches, including four in San Leandro. Most home providers are single women over 65, but the program serves anyone 18+. Language support (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and translation services) is available. The commission expressed appreciation for the program and noted its value in creating affordable housing and reducing social isolation. Commissioner Reports & Announcements - Commissioner shared information about a Thanksgiving dinner for homeless and marginalized individuals hosted by April showers at the Boys and Girls Club (11 AM–1 PM), with to-go lunches provided by Eric Anderson Construction; volunteers were already signed up. - Other commissioners had no reports; Chair wished everyone a safe holiday. Adjournment - Motion made and seconded to adjourn; all in favor. Meeting adjourned.

The Arts, Culture and Library Commission of San Leandro met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Trustees Room of the Main Library. The meeting was called to order at 6:47 PM by Chair Scotland. Five commissioners were present (Chair Scotland, Vice-Chair Miller, Commissioners Acevedo, Ridsdale, Velasquez), one guest (Sky Woo), and one public speaker (Craig Williams). The meeting focused on project planning for the next two years, culminating in the adoption of four priority projects and three subcommittees. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (January 20, 2026): Moved by Vice-Chair Miller, seconded by Commissioner Velasquez. Unanimously approved (5 ayes, 0 nays). Public Comments & Testimony - Craig Williams (public): Proposed two ideas: (1) an "Artist of the Month" display near the library entrance, offering a stand and mock-up; (2) a small stand with a radio tuned to KCSM (jazz library) and a poster to promote the station. He expressed willingness to donate a stand and radio. - Sky Woo (public): Expressed positive feedback about the 2025 Game of Shrooms event, noting that his family found four to five mushroom artworks, including one in the children's section. He also voiced enthusiasm for the proposed Library Bike Tour. Discussion Items - Project Planning Exercise: Commissioners engaged in a ranking exercise using dot voting. Nine dots per commissioner were placed on posted ideas. The top-ranked priorities were identified as: (1) Library Bike Tour (Alana's idea, with 4 dots), (2) Poetry Contest (3 dots), (3) Series of Writing Workshops for LatinX Youth (Comm. Ridsdale's idea, 3 dots), and (4) 2026 Game of Shrooms (Brody's existing event, 2 dots). Discussion included feasibility, timing, and subcommittee formation. The Library Bike Tour would likely launch in 2027 to allow collaboration with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission. The Poetry Contest could be flexible but tied to National Poetry Month (April 2027). The LatinX Writing Workshops were envisioned as a flexible, shorter-term program leveraging community connections. Game of Shrooms was confirmed for June 13, 2026, with plans to expand artist participation and add a children's art workshop. - Subcommittees were proposed for the first three projects; Game of Shrooms would be managed ad hoc due to prior experience. - Staff Report on Grants Committee: Staff Secretary Bill Sherwood reported that final reports for FY25 grants are being compiled and the FY26 grants program is in promotion. The application deadline is Friday, February 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM. A recent Q&A session was well attended (15–20 people) and reached new potential applicants. Key Outcomes - Adoption of Four Priorities and Three Subcommittees: Moved by Vice-Chair Miller, seconded by Commissioner Velasquez, and carried unanimously (5 ayes, 0 nays) that the commission focus on the following four priorities for the next two years: Library Bike Tour, Poetry Contest, Series of Writing Workshops for LatinX Youth, and 2026 Game of Shrooms. Three subcommittees were established to support the first three projects. Subcommittee members self-identified during the exercise and will coordinate via email. - Meeting Adjourned at 7:49 PM by motion of Commissioner Velasquez, seconded by Commissioner Acevedo, carried unanimously (5 ayes, 0 nays).

The San Leandro City Council held a special meeting on March 9, 2026, starting at 7:10 PM and adjourning at 10:13 PM. The meeting included a consent calendar, a public hearing on terminating a development agreement with Cal-Coast Companies, and presentations on economic development and retail cannabis code amendments. Key decisions included approving consent items, voting to terminate the DDA (5-0, with one recusal), and directing the cannabis discussion back to the Rules Committee for further refinement. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the consent calendar (6-0) as follows: - Resolution 2026-023: Awarding a $6,643,120 construction contract to VSS International for the Annual Street Sealing 2021-2024 project, with change order authorizations and a $1,100,000 appropriation from the FY2026-2027 CIP Reserve Fund. - Resolution 2026-024: Awarding a $1,165,352 contract to Westland Contractors Inc. for Sanitary Sewer Point Repairs 2024-25 and Floresta Blvd. Sewer Replacement. - Resolution 2026-025: Approving the City Manager's assignment of Sarah Bunting as City Clerk. - Minute Order 2026-013: Nominating Mike Bryant to the Arts, Culture, and Library Commission. - Minutes from the February 12, 2026 Facilities and Transportation Committee Meeting, February 25, 2026 Rules Committee Meeting, and March 2, 2026 regular City Council Meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Consent Calendar: Douglas Spaulding supported the appointment of Sarah Bunting as City Clerk, praising her professionalism. Alvro Ramos spoke against item 4A (street sealing), urging focus on main boulevards and criticizing the use of CDBG funds for streets and sewers. He also raised concerns about sewer infrastructure risks. Lucas commended the bid summary for item 4B but questioned why only two bids were received for the larger 4A project ($7.8 million). - Public Hearing (5a): Four speakers addressed the council. Deborah Acosta noted the project's long history and suggested stepping back to reconsider the marina in light of climate change and connectivity issues. Douglas Spaulding opposed further development due to flooding and liquefaction risk. Lucas asked what Plan B would be if the DDA were terminated, warning of another 18-year delay. Alvro Ramos cited lack of transparency and emphasized the impossibility of keeping water out due to sea level rise. - Presentations: - Innovation and Retail Action Plans: Deborah Acosta acknowledged the effort but urged connecting economic plans with broader challenges. Douglas Spaulding recommended high school internships, overplanning for electricity (300 MW), and a redlining ordinance. Alvro Ramos criticized suburban infrastructure, car dependency, and high utility costs. Lucas questioned slow timeline items in the action plan, such as a year-and-a-half brand assessment. - Retail Cannabis Dispensaries: Nara Dalbaca (Harborside) supported expansion and requested a second location for Harborside similar to Nug Wellness, emphasizing the need for quick action. Emily Grego (Chamber of Commerce) supported modernizing the ordinance but opposed cannabis in downtown San Leandro to protect the family-friendly vision. Lucas opposed any expansion, citing federal illegality, public safety, and odor concerns. Discussion Items - Public Hearing – Termination of DDA with Cal-Coast Companies (5a): City Attorney introduced the item, stating that Cal-Coast had defaulted on the schedule of performance by failing to obtain permits and commence construction within 24 months of the ground leases (due December 22, 2024). Default notices were sent in January and March 2025, with a 90-day cure period that was not met. Ed Miller, president of Cal-Coast, addressed the council, detailing 16 years of work, $24 million spent (including $10 million to the city), and challenges such as sea level rise redesign, CEQA delays, and permit approvals from multiple agencies. He proposed a principal-to-principal meeting and stated he would not abandon the project. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions; Vice Mayor Viveros-Walton noted the default occurred years before the notice. A motion to terminate the DDA with respect to the hotel, multifamily, restaurant, and market elements passed 5-0 (Councilmember Boldt recused). - Presentation on Innovation and Retail Action Plans (6a): Economic Development Manager Katie Bowman and consultants presented findings. The Innovation Action Plan identified four target industries: life sciences, clean tech, food tech, and advanced manufacturing, with specific subsectors. It recommends addressing electric infrastructure (200 MW needed over 5–10 years) and includes action steps such as business support, marketing, regulatory streamlining, and partnerships with PG&E. Success stories included CoreShell (battery startup) and Pacific Fusion (fusion energy) leasing space, the latter resulting in a property sale valued at $62.75 million (triple previous assessment) and over $500,000 in transfer tax. The Retail Action Plan involved a void analysis identifying missing sectors (e.g., ethnic grocery, restaurants, sporting goods) and recommended a database, marketing materials, and support for shopping center improvements. Successes include Sprouts, Philz Coffee, and Ace Hardware opening soon. Councilmembers discussed the need for balancing legacy businesses, addressing PG&E challenges, and improving the approval process. - Presentation on Retail Cannabis Dispensary Code Amendments (6b): Deputy City Manager Eric Ingelbart presented. Key proposals: define "youth center," allow setback modifications for physical barriers, issue two additional permits (total six), reduce setbacks from 1,000 to 600 feet for most sensitive receptors, expand zoning to all industrial-commercial districts, and apply special findings for CUPs. The current map is highly restrictive. The Chamber and SLIA requested excluding downtown. Council discussion revealed no consensus on setback reductions for libraries and residential areas, or on downtown exclusion. Councilmember Aguilar supported allowing downtown dispensaries. Councilmember Simon advocated a stepwise approach. Mayor González suggested returning the matter to the Rules Committee for further refinement. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (6-0). - Public Hearing 5a: Motion to terminate the Disposition and Development Agreement with Cal-Coast Companies carried 5-0 (Councilmember Boldt recused). Enactment No: Min Order 2026-014. - Presentation 6a: Received and filed; no formal vote. - Presentation 6b: No formal action taken. The council directed staff to take the feedback and bring the cannabis code amendment discussion back to the Rules Committee for further deliberation on setbacks, downtown exclusion, and other concerns. - Meeting Extension: Motion to extend the meeting to 10:15 PM carried unanimously (6-0).

The San Leandro City Council met on March 10, 2026, to discuss a range of items including proclamations, consent calendar approvals, a presentation on the downtown Community Benefit District, and disciplinary actions against Councilmembers Aguilar and Simon. The meeting featured extensive public comment and council debate, particularly around the disciplinary resolutions, which were ultimately amended and approved. The meeting was adjourned with item 10C continued to the April 6, 2026 regular meeting. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was moved by Councilmember Aguilar, seconded, and passed unanimously (5-0, with Councilmember Aguilar excused from voting on item 5F). Items included various contracts and routine approvals. Public Comments & Testimony - Sarah Bailey spoke on item 5F (Simon's appointment to facilities), citing excerpts from an investigator's report alleging Councilmember Simon bullied and demeaned staff, particularly women. - Lawrence Abbott defended Councilmember Simon's character, urging fairness in the process. - Douglas Spaulding requested details on item 5D (contract with Active Ways Engineering) and item 5C (trash capture devices), asking about scope, particle size limits, and maintenance plans. - Lucas questioned the cost of consulting services on item 5D, noting hourly rates, and expressed concern about a 32% increase in community development expenditures without visible new projects. - Nancy Rafaloff urged the council to take action to keep a veterinary hospital on Washington from closing. - Chris Urban, David Anderson, Lawrence Abbott, Deborah Acosta, Leo T. West, Anthony Tajada, Melissa Wong, Alvaro Ramos, Douglas Spaulding, Jesse Rubin, and Tauray Nenguke also spoke during public comment on non-agenda items and action items, addressing topics including redlining, Chabot Road, library services, budget transparency, immigration enforcement, and transportation/housing. - Multiple speakers during the disciplinary items (10A and 10B) expressed positions both supporting and opposing the resolutions, with some urging accountability and others calling for mediation and an end to the divisive process. Discussion Items - Proclamations: The council recognized March as American Red Cross Month and Women's History Month. Justin Mueller (Regional CEO, Northern California Red Cross) accepted the Red Cross proclamation, noting 1,600 volunteers in Alameda County and over 830 blood donations in San Leandro in 2025. Liz Varela (Building Futures) accepted the Women's History Month proclamation. - Downtown San Leandro Community Benefit District (SLIA) Annual Update: Morgan Macrose (SLIA Director) presented highlights from 2025, including over 67,000 infrastructure cleanings, 3,000+ de-escalations, 11 events, and a new mural. Challenges included flat funding for safety ambassadors, a $15,000 operational deficit, and the need for reauthorization in 2028. Councilmembers discussed plans for a downtown park, expanded camera systems, and reauthorization outreach. - Discipline of Councilmember Aguilar (Item 10A): After extensive debate, the council adopted an amended resolution (5-0, with Aguilar excused) striking specific findings A, B, and C from the resolution, but retaining other language. The original motion to adopt the resolution as drafted failed on a 3-3 tie. - Discipline of Councilmember Simon (Item 10B): The council adopted an identical amended resolution (5-0, with Simon excused) striking specific findings, following similar debate. - Item 10D (withdrawn): Councilmember Simon withdrew his request for additional legal advice. - Item 10C (restorative justice mediation): The council voted unanimously to continue this item to the April 6, 2026 regular meeting. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar adopted unanimously. - Resolutions on discipline for Councilmembers Aguilar and Simon amended and adopted (5-0 each, with the subject councilmember excused). The amended resolutions struck specific findings regarding gender bias but maintained other disciplinary language. - Item 10C continued to April 6, 2026 regular meeting. - Item 10D withdrawn by Councilmember Simon. - Meeting extended to 11:45 PM and adjourned at that time.

Note: The agenda and minutes indicate the meeting was held on February 25, 2026, but the provided timestamp notes March 4, 2026. This summary uses the provided date. The San Leandro Finance Committee, chaired by Mayor González, convened to review the FY 2026 Mid-Year Financial Report as of December 31, 2025, and proposed adjustments to the adopted budget. Finance Director Nicole Gonzales presented the report, which included revenue and expenditure trends, proposed changes, and a 10-year forecast. The committee unanimously recommended forwarding the item to the full City Council for approval. Discussion Items - 26-088 FY 2026 Mid-Year Financial Report and Proposed Budget Adjustments - Revenue Overview: Total revenue through December 31, 2025, was 37% of budget, consistent with prior year. Property tax collections were on track (46-50%). Sales tax was projected to decline by $2.8 million due to changing consumer behavior and economic uncertainty. Utility user tax and franchise fees increased by $300,000 (electricity consumption). Business license tax increased due to improved compliance and new businesses. Other non-tax revenues (charges for services, interest, intergovernmental, other transfers) increased by $1.6 million, including $700,000 from FEMA reimbursements for past emergencies. Total net revenue decrease: $600,000. - Expenditure Adjustments: General fund operating expenditures proposed: - Recreation and Parks: $230,000 (offset by increased program revenue) - Public Works: $300,000 (mitigation, median landscaping, bank charges) - Reduction in transfers: $316,000 (elimination of parking fund subsidy) - Net general fund impact: $86,668 increase. - Non-General Fund Adjustments: - Environmental Services (FileMaker upgrade): $17,580 - Facility Maintenance (repairs, grounds): $67,000 - Stormwater Fund: $300,000 reduction (deferral of Prop 18 work to 2027) - Capital Projects: $300,000 reallocation from FY 2027 to FY 2026 for fire station 12 parking lot repair. - Reserve Policy: The city’s ending fund balance for FY 2026 is projected at $53.5 million, achieving a 25% reserve ratio (above the 20% policy) for FY 2026 and 20.2% for FY 2027. - Committee Questions: Councilmember Aguilar asked about sales tax data confidentiality and staffing levels. Councilmember Viveros-Walton raised concerns about recurring operating deficits in the 10-year forecast, noting that staff will present reduction proposals in March. Further discussion covered Cherry Festival revenue (projected $115,000 vs. $93,000 prior year) and expenses ($180,000), Wi-Fi receivers, parking lot repairs, franchise fees, and fleet funding. The committee clarified the difference between adopted and adjusted budgets, and the carryover of unspent funds from FY 2025. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously to accept the FY 2026 Mid-Year Financial Report and recommend the proposed budget adjustments to the full City Council for approval. - Staff will provide a detailed follow-up on the difference between adopted and adjusted budgets, and on franchise fee components. - The committee directed staff to present a comprehensive plan for eliminating the operating deficit in the March committee meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made.

The San Leandro City Council held a special meeting on March 2, 2026, for a mandatory harassment prevention training session conducted by Neha Shah of Redwood Public Law. The two-hour training covered discrimination, harassment, retaliation, abusive conduct, and best practices, required under California Government Code Section 12950. No public comments were received, and no votes or decisions were taken. Discussion Items - The training began with an overview of the legal landscape, including the impact of the Me Too movement, COVID-19, and social justice movements on workplace law. - Presenter Neha Shah defined key concepts: discrimination (disparate treatment vs. impact), harassment (quid pro quo and hostile work environment), retaliation (three elements: protected activity, adverse action, causal connection), and abusive conduct (repeated, malicious behavior regardless of protected status). - Special emphasis was placed on the duties of elected officials as supervisors under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), including strict liability for supervisory harassment and obligation to report and correct misconduct. - The training covered protected categories (including caste under ancestry), gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, microaggressions, and proximity bias. - Best practices for prevention included strict policies, prompt investigations, bystander intervention (direct, distract, delegate), and documentation. - Council members split into two groups for hypothetical case studies. Group 1 analyzed a case involving national origin and sex harassment; Group 2 analyzed odd vs. unacceptable conduct and power dynamics. Both groups reported back on their discussions, identifying appropriate responses such as involving HR and documenting concerns. - The training concluded with reminders of compliance requirements: elected officials must complete training within six months of election and every two years thereafter, and review the city's anti-harassment policy (AP 1000) and council member handbook. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions or votes were taken; the sole purpose was the training. - The training fulfilled the state-mandated two-hour harassment prevention requirement for council members.

The San Leandro City Council met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7:04 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a presentation on residential development market conditions, a motion to conduct a poll on potential revenue measures, and discussion on the process to fill the District 2 council vacancy. The meeting concluded at 10:46 PM. Recognitions - 10a. & 4. Appointments to Boards and Commissions: The Council unanimously approved (6-0) the appointment of Shaylani Alex to the Arts, Culture and Library Commission and Victor Crovocheza to the Community Police Review Board. Both were sworn in during the meeting. Consent Calendar - 5a. 26-061: Adopted Resolution to accept the Audited Financial Statements for FYE June 30, 2025 (Enactment No: Reso 2026-012). - 5b. 25-606: Adopted Resolution to approve a consulting agreement with Resonance Consultancy Inc. for city branding assessment and application plan, not to exceed $150,000 (Enactment No: Reso 2026-013). - 5c. 26-021: Adopted Resolution to authorize the City Manager to execute Program Supplement Agreement No. F032 with the State of California and accept $1,928,000 in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program Grant funds for the I-880 Integrated Corridor Management Project (Enactment No: Reso 2026-014). - 5d. 26-037: Adopted Resolution to approve purchase agreements for five police vehicles, not to exceed $450,000 (Enactment No: Reso 2026-015). - 5e. 26-042: Adopted Resolution to accept $35,000 in grant funding from the National Fitness Campaign and appropriate $325,000 in Park In-Lieu Fees for an outdoor fitness court at Marina Park (Enactment No: Reso 2026-016). - 5f. 26-060: Approved minutes from the February 2, 2026 Special and Regular meetings. The consent calendar was approved unanimously (6-0). City Manager and City Attorney Reports and Comments - City Manager Cameron announced that the Police Department welcomed two new officers: Officer Javier Almos (graduated Contra Costa County Basic Police Academy on Feb. 13) and Officer Aaron Gonzalez (former Police Services Technician), both beginning an 18-week field training program. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 7 (Non-Agenda): Ten people spoke. - Douglas Spaulding raised questions about the city branding contract and police vehicle purchases, and inquired about the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) registry and advertising. - Mimi Dean (via Zoom) spoke about fairness in the disciplinary process involving Councilmember Simon and the voting process. - Several speakers (Bernard Ashcraft, David Anderson, Nancy Raffaloff, Karen Silva, Carol Habercos, Michael McGuire, Anthony Tejada) urged the Council to adopt a resolution apologizing for historical redlining, and expressed support for Councilmembers Simon and Aguilar regarding recent investigations. - Rob Rich urged accountability and restorative justice regarding the findings of gender bias in investigations. - Michael McGuire and others emphasized the need for a prompt redlining apology. - Item 9a (Presentation): Douglas Spaulding questioned the profit-driven development model and suggested exploring social housing. - Item 10b (Poll Survey): Three speakers commented. Douglas Spaulding and Jeff Crop offered opinions on the polling strategy; Emily Grego (Chamber of Commerce) expressed concerns about taxes targeting businesses. - Item 10c (District 2 Vacancy): Seven speakers commented. Leo Sheridan and Ed Hernandez advocated for an appointment process, citing the district's need for representation. Douglas Spaulding suggested a June special election. James Aguilar and Alvaro Ramos supported an appointment process and requested transparent communication. Discussion Items - 9a. Presentation on Current Residential Development Market Conditions and Feasibility of Key Residential Development Projects: Economic Development Manager Katie Bowman and consultant Will Sol Holt (Cosmont Realty) presented. Key points included: the impact of cap rates and interest rates on development feasibility; the importance of Central Cowan's leasing success as a bellwether; and an analysis of three entitled projects (Maximus, Town Hall Square, and 1388 Bancroft). Only 1388 Bancroft was deemed financially feasible in the near term. Council discussed potential city levers such as inclusionary housing, impact fees, and rent stabilization. - 10b. Motion to Direct Staff to Work with Consultant to Conduct a Poll Surveying Tax Measures: Deputy City Manager Eric Engelbart presented options: Business License Tax Modernization, Parcel Tax, Utility Tax modification, District Sales Tax, and Vacancy Tax. Staff recommended testing Business License Tax Modernization and a Parcel Tax, with an additional informal question on Vacancy Tax viability. Councilmembers Bowen and Aguilar inquired about alternative taxes (e.g., sugar, cannabis, alcohol). Councilmember Simon expressed concern about the scale of the city's $300M infrastructure deficit relative to potential revenue. - 10c. Council Discussion and Direction Regarding Process for Appointment to Fill District 2 City Council Vacancy: The Council debated whether to pursue an appointment process or let the vacancy stand until a November 2026 special election. A motion to extend the meeting to 10:30 PM passed (5-1, with Boldt opposed). A motion to call the question passed (4-2, with Bowen and Gonzalez opposed). Ultimately, the Council unanimously (6-0) approved a motion to proceed with an appointment process per Charter Section 250, including providing access to the city budget book and Council annual planning session presentation to applicants. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval (6-0) of the motion to conduct a poll on Business License Tax Modernization and a Parcel Tax, with an additional viability question on a Vacancy Tax. (Enactment No: Min Order 2026-009) - Unanimous approval (6-0) to proceed with an appointment process to fill the District 2 City Council vacancy, with a timeline: applications available Feb. 23/25, due March 9/10; interviews the week of March 23; appointment by April 11. (Enactment No: Min Order 2026-010) - Meeting extended twice (5-1 to 10:30 PM, and 4-2 to 10:45 PM) to accommodate agenda items. The meeting adjourned at 10:46 PM in honor of Reverend Jesse Jackson.

The Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustments held a meeting on February 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Surlene Grant Community Room at City Hall. The meeting included approval of consent calendar items, public comments, two public hearings on zoning code amendments and a conditional use permit, and the election of a new Chair and Vice Chair. All seven commissioners were present. Consent Calendar - 25-464 Draft minutes of the May 1, 2025 meeting were approved with a vote of 6-0-1 (Commissioner Tabjulu abstained). Public Comments & Testimony - Larry Arnold, a long-time business owner on Washington Avenue, expressed concerns about traffic safety and signage at the entrance of the tunnel near 139th Avenue, urging the city to review signage for truck drivers unfamiliar with the neighborhood. He spoke during the public comments period for non-agenda items. Discussion Items - 7.A. Tobacco Zoning Code Amendments: Senior Planner Cindy Lemaire presented a resolution recommending the City Council adopt an ordinance modifying regulations on the sale of tobacco-related and e-cigarette-related products. Based on additional public engagement held in August 2025, staff revised the amendments to: allow tobacco sales as an accessory use for convenience stores, require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for new convenience stores in the BTOD zone (for consistency), and increase the maximum tobacco display area from 10 to 15 linear feet. Existing retailers are grandfathered as legal non-conforming uses if they do not have a gap in service exceeding 180 days. Commissioners discussed outreach timing and the impact on existing businesses. No public speakers. The motion to adopt the resolution passed 7-0. - 7.B. Conditional Use Permit for Johnny's Bar Expansion: Associate Planner Anne Wong presented a request by applicant John David Harvey to expand the legal non-conforming bar (2,248 sq ft) by approximately 1,369 sq ft into the rear of the existing building at 1746 Washington Avenue (zoned DA-2). The expansion includes a kitchen, additional restrooms, office, storage, a new trash enclosure, and increased seating (one more pool table, three more tables). The bar will operate daily from 10:00 AM to 1:30 AM. Staff recommended approval with conditions including noise ordinance compliance, security cameras, and no trash pickup between 10 PM and 6 AM. The applicant answered questions about occupancy (estimated 70 people), community relations (neighbors are customers and can contact him directly), and anticipated security needs. No public opposition was received. The motion to approve the CUP passed 6-0-1 (Vice Chair Tejada abstained). Election of Chair and Vice Chair - Chair: Commissioner Zuber nominated Vice Chair Tejada for Chair. The motion passed 7-0, with the term to begin in January 2026. - Vice Chair: Commissioner Tabjulu initially nominated Commissioner Rich, who withdrew and nominated Commissioner Mendoza. The motion to elect Mendoza as Vice Chair passed 7-0, with the term to begin in January 2026. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved (6-0-1). - Resolution recommending tobacco zoning code amendments adopted (7-0). - Conditional Use Permit for Johnny's Bar expansion approved (6-0-1). - Anthony Tejada elected as Chair and Luis Mendoza elected as Vice Chair, terms starting January 2026. - Meeting adjourned at 7:56 PM.