Furthermore, Staff has determined that additional amendments to some of the Codes adopted are required in order to more fully address local conditions unique to the City. Lastly, Staff has determined that additional study concerning HUD regulations governing manufactured housing foundations is required before adopting final regulations.
DISCUSSION:
At its September 21, 2026, meeting, the City Council introduced Ordinance No. 426 for first reading and set the public hearing and second reading for October 5, 2026. Now that Staff has had the opportunity to work with the 2025 State Building Codes, Staff has determined that certain revisions to the adopting Ordinances and those Codes are necessary to ensure that consistent and effective enforcement may occur. These include minor revisions to administrative portions of Ordinance Nos. 415 and 416, and minor revisions to certain sections of the California Building, Residential, Electrical and Plumbing Codes. As these Codes have been previously adopted by reference, the City may simply revise the text of the affected, adopted provisions, without having to re-adopt any entire Code.
Ordinance No. 415 also included findings required by Health and Safety Code sections 17958.5 and 18941.5 for amendments to building standards in the Codes, where “reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.” However, because additional revisions are being made to the previous amendments, additional or revised findings are necessary. Therefore, concurrent with the first reading of this Ordinance, the Council was presented with a separate Resolution containing the original, revised, and additional findings.
ENVIRONMENTAL: The adoption of the Ordinance is categorically exempt from environmental review in that there is no possibility that the adoption of this Ordinance, and the regulations established thereby, may have a significant effect on the environment, because the Ordinance will impose greater limitations on development in the City, and will thereby serve to reduce potential significant adverse environmental impacts. It is therefore exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review pursuant to Title 14, Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Code of Regulations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ordinance No. 426 - 2nd Reading
ORDINANCE NO. 426
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CALIMESA, CALIFORNIA, MAKING ADMINISTRATIVE REVISIONS TO ORDINANCE NOS. 415 AND 416, AMENDING CHAPTER 15.05 (ADOPTION OF THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE), CHAPTER 15.15 (ADOPTION OF THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE), CHAPTER 15.20 (ADOPTION OF THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE), CHAPTER 15.35 (ADOPTION OF THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE), AND CHAPTER 15.37 (HUD FOUNDATIONS GUIDE FOR MANUFACTURED HOUSING), OF TITLE 15 OF THE CALIMESA MUNICIPAL CODE, AND APPROVING A CEQA EXEMPTION DETERMINATION.
WHEREAS, by previously adopting Ordinance Nos. 415 and 416, the City of Calimesa adopted the 2025 Editions of various Codes comprising the California Building Standards Code; and WHEREAS, revisions to the California Building Code, California Residential Code, and California Fire Code occurring after the City’s adoption of the 2022 versions of those Codes, necessitate revising and correcting certain sections of Ordinance Nos. 415 and 416, and sections of those Codes, to ensure consistency with the 2025 Editions of each Code; and WHEREAS, the City has determined that additional revisions to the 2025 Editions of the California Building Code, California Electrical Code and California Plumbing Code are necessary based on local conditions unique to the City; and
WHEREAS, City Staff have determined that additional study is required concerning the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing (4930.3G) 1996 Edition and that, pending completing of that additional study, it is in the City’s best interest to repeal the City’s current regulations.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALIMESA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Administrative revisions to Ordinance No. 415 of the City of Calimesa.
A. The reference to the “2016 Edition of the California Building Code” set forth in Section 1 of Ordinance No. 415 of the City of Calimesa, is hereby corrected to read “2025 Edition of the California Building Code.”
B. References to the “2022” Edition of the California Building Code and “2021” International Building Code in Section 15.05.010 of the Calimesa Municipal Code, as adopted in Section 1 of Ordinance No. 415 of the City of Calimesa, are revised to read: “2025” and “2024”, respectively.
Section 2. Administrative revisions to Ordinance No. 416 of the City of Calimesa.
The reference to the “2022 Edition of the California Fire Code” set forth in Section 2 of Ordinance No. 416 of the City of Calimesa, is hereby corrected to read “2025 Edition of the California Fire Code.”
Section 3. Subsection “B” of Section 15.05.020 (“Amendments”) of Chapter 15.05 (“Adoption of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code”) of Title 15 of the Calimesa Municipal Code is
hereby amended by revising Footnote “a” to Table 1505.1 of the California Building Code, as adopted in this Section, to read as follows:
a. Unless otherwise required by the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.”
Section 4. Subsection “B” of Section 15.05.020 (“Amendments”) of Chapter 15.05 (“Adoption of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code”) of Title 15 of the Calimesa Municipal Code is hereby amended by revising the reference in Section 1505.2 to the 2022 Edition of the California Building Code, to read: “2025 Edition of the California Building Code.” Section 5. Subsection “B” of Section 15.05.020 (“Amendments”) of Chapter 15.05 (“Adoption of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code”) of Title 15 of the Calimesa Municipal Code is hereby amended by revising Section 3109.3 of the California Building Code, as adopted in this Section, to read as follows:
“3109.3 Residential swimming pools. Residential swimming pools shall be completely enclosed by a barrier complying with Appendix CI of the 2025 California Residential Code, as adopted and amended in Chapter 15.35 of this Code.”
Section 6. Subsection “B” of Section 15.05.020 (“Amendments”) of Chapter 15.05 (“Adoption of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Code”) of Title 15 of the Calimesa Municipal Code is hereby amended by deleting the subsection entitled “Appendices deleted”.
Section 7. Section 15.15.020 (“Amendments”) of Chapter 15.15 (“Adoption of the 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code”) of Title 15 of the Calimesa Municipal Code is hereby amended by deleting the amendments to Articles 310 and 310.106(B) of the 2025 California Electrical Code. Article 690.13(A)(1) Location is amended to read as follows:
“ 1. The PV system disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location on the outside of any building or structure where PV is installed and nearest to the point of entrance of the system conductors. When a PV system is installed on a building or structure that is detached from the structure containing the main meter panel, a single visible, lockable AC disconnect shall be within 3 feet of the meter on the exterior of the building.”
Section 8. Section 15.20.020 (“Amendments”) of Chapter 15.20 (“Adoption of the 2025 Edition of the California Plumbing Code”) of Title 15 of the Calimesa Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
“15.20.020 Amendments
Section 719.1 Location is amended to read as follows:
Section 719.1 Locations. Cleanouts shall be installed outside the building at the lower end of the building drain and extended to grade, cleanouts are prohibited in garage floors.
Additional building sewer cleanouts shall be installed at intervals not to exceed 100 feet (30480 mm) in straight runs and for each aggregate horizontal change in direction exceeding 135° (2.36 rad.)” Section 9. Section 15.35.020 (“Amendments”) of Chapter 15.35 (“Adoption of the 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code”) of Title 15 of the Calimesa Municipal Code is hereby amended by deleting “Section R403.1.3.6 is deleted in its entirety.” Section R403.1.3.6 shall continue to read as set forth in the 2025 California Residential Code.
Section 10. Chapter 15.37 (Adoption of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing (4930.3G) 1996 Edition) of Title 15 of the Calimesa Municipal Code is hereby repealed.
Section 11. CEQA
The City Council finds that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the adoption of this Ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment because the Ordinance provides for greater environmental protection by adopting and amending building standards and administrative provisions designed to provide for greater energy efficiency, construction sustainability, and protection from seismic and climatic forces, including fire-related dangers. Therefore, it is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review pursuant to Title 14, Section 15061(b)(3), of the California Code of Regulations (CEQA Guidelines).
Section 12. SEVERABILITY
If any portion of this Ordinance is found to be unconstitutional or invalid, the City council hereby declares that it would have enacted the remainder of this Ordinance regardless of the absence of any such invalid part or portion. The City Council of the City of Calimesa hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance, and each section, subsection, clause or phase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses and phrases be declared unconstitutional.
Section 13. PENALTY
Except where specified to be an infraction, violation of any provision of this Ordinance or any Code adopted herein by reference shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment for a period not to exceed six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each and every day such a violation exists shall constitute a separate and distinct violation of this Ordinance.
Section 14. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance and the rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, orders and matters established and adopted hereby, shall take effect and be in full force and effect thirty (30) days from and after the date of its final passage and adoption, but no sooner than November 5, 2026.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED UPON FIRST READING by title only, this 21st day of September 2026, upon the following vote:
AYES: Cervantez, Cundieff, Garcia, Manly and Molina
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of October 2026 upon the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
________________________________
JEFF CERVANTEZ, MAYOR
ATTEST:
_________________________________
DARLENE GERDES, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________________
STEVEN L. FLOWER, CITY ATTORNEY
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Agenda Report
Agenda Item No. 8.
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Adoption of Four Resolutions of Necessity for the Acquisition by Eminent Domain of Certain Real Property Interests for Public Purposes in Connection with the Calimesa Boulevard Realignment at Singleton Road Project
MEETING DATE: October 5, 2026
PREPARED BY: Will Kolbow, City Manager
Mike Thornton, City Engineer
RECOMMENDATION:
That City Council take the following actions:
1. Consider the following four Resolutions, which are Resolutions of Necessity of the City of Calimesa Declaring Certain Real Property Interests Necessary for Public Purposes and Authorizing the Acquisition Thereof in Connection with the Calimesa Boulevard Realignment at Singleton Road Project (“Resolutions of Necessity”):
• Resolution No. 2026-61
• Resolution No. 2026-62
• Resolution No. 2026-63
• Resolution No. 2026-64
2. Open and conduct a hearing on the adoption of the proposed Resolutions of Necessity, receive from City Staff the evidence stated and referred to in this Agenda Report (“Report”), take testimony from any person wishing to be heard on issues A, B, C, and D below, and consider all evidence to determine whether to adopt the proposed Resolutions of Necessity.
3. If the City Council finds, based on the evidence contained and referred to in this Report, the testimony, and comments submitted to the City Council, that the evidence warrants the necessary findings with respect to the proposed Resolutions of Necessity, then City Staff recommends that the City Council, in the exercise of its discretion, adopt proposed Resolution of Necessity No. 2026-61, Resolution of Necessity No. 2026-62, Resolution of Necessity No. 2026-63, and Resolution of Necessity No. 2026-64 (each of which requires a 4/5ths vote of the
entire City Council) and authorize the City Attorney’s office to file eminent domain proceedings to acquire the real property interests described below, which consist of certain permanent easements for public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, permanent slope easements, and temporary construction easements on the parcels described below:
9580 Calimesa Boulevard, Calimesa (APN 413-260-056) (Good Shepherd Parcel) • An approximate 8,638 square foot (0.20 acres) permanent easement for public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto on the Good Shepherd Parcel described more particularly on EXHIBIT “A” and depicted on EXHIBIT “B” attached to the Resolution of Necessity for the Good Shepherd Parcel;
• the right to possess and use a total approximate 2,921 square foot (0.07 acres) temporary construction easement area with a term of eighteen (18) months (“TCE”) on the Good Shepherd Parcel described more particularly on EXHIBIT “C” and depicted on EXHIBIT “D” attached to the Resolution of Necessity for the Good Shepherd Parcel.
The Good Shepherd Parcel is owned by Good Shepherd Ministries International. The approximate 8,638 square foot permanent easement and the approximate 2,921 square foot TCE with a term of eighteen (18) months are referred to below collectively as “Good Shepherd Subject Property Interests.”
9670 Calimesa Boulevard, Calimesa (APNs 413-260-019 and 413-260-020) (Whiting-GontzGuerra Parcel) • an approximate 9,266 square foot (0.21 acres) permanent easement on the portion of the Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Parcel identified as APN 413-260-019 for public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto described more particularly on EXHIBIT “A-1” and depicted on EXHIBIT “B-1” attached to the Resolution of Necessity for the Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Parcel;
• an approximate 25,581 square foot (0.59 acres) permanent easement on the portion of the Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Parcel identified as APN 413-260-020 for public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto described more particularly on EXHIBIT “A-2” and depicted on EXHIBIT “B-2” attached to the Resolution of Necessity for the Whiting-GontzGuerra Parcel; and • the right to possess and use a total approximate 7,618 square foot TCE area with a term of eighteen (18) months, consisting of: (a) an approximate 2,061 square foot (0.05 acres) TCE with a term of eighteen (18) months on the portion of the WhitingGontz-Guerra Parcel identified as APN 413-260-019 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “C-1” and depicted on EXHIBIT “D-1” attached to the Resolution of Necessity for the Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Parcel, which consists of an approximate 962 square
foot (0.02 acres) TCE described as Parcel A and an approximate 1,099 square foot (0.03 acres) TCE described as Parcel B; and (b) an approximate 5,557 square foot (0.13 acres) TCE with a term of eighteen (18) months on the portion of the WhitingGontz-Guerra Parcel identified as APN 413-260-020 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “C-2” and depicted on EXHIBIT “D-2” attached to the Resolution of Necessity for the Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Parcel, consisting of an approximate 3,032 square foot (0.07 acres) TCE described as Parcel A and an approximate 2,525 square foot (0.06 acres) TCE described as Parcel B.
The Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Parcel is owned by Thomas G. Whiting and Ingrid Guerra, as Trustees of the Whiting-Guerra Trust dated July 7, 2013, as to an undivided one-half interest and Denise R. Whiting and Gregory D. Gontz, as Trustees of the Gontz-Whiting Living Trust dated December 22, 2015, as to an undivided one-half interest. The approximate 9,266 square foot permanent easement on APN 413-260-019, the approximate 25,581 square foot permanent easement on APN 413-260-020, and the approximate 7,618 square foot TCE with a term of eighteen (18) months are referred to below collectively as “Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Subject Property Interests.” Vacant Parcel Located at Northeast Corner of Singleton Road and Calimesa Boulevard in the City of Calimesa (APNs 413-260-002 and 413-260-026) (Phelps-Smith North Parcel) • a total approximate 95,185 square foot (2.18 acres) permanent easement area for public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto, consisting of the following:
o an approximate 25,828 square foot (0.59 acres) permanent easement on the portion of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel identified as APN 413-260-002 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “A-1” and depicted on EXHIBIT “B-1” attached to the Resolution of Necessity for the Phelps-Smith North Parcel; and
o an approximate 69,357 square foot (1.59 acres) permanent easement on the portion of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel identified as APN 413-260-026 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “A-2” and depicted on EXHIBIT “B-2” attached to the Resolution of Necessity for the Phelps-Smith North Parcel. • a total approximate 46,932 square foot (1.08 acres) permanent slope easement area for public street purposes and all uses necessary or convenient thereto to support the public street improvements the City will construct in the total approximate 95,185 square foot (2.18 acres) permanent easement area, consisting of the following:
o a total approximate 16,936 square foot (0.39 acres) permanent slope easement area on the portion of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel identified as APN 413-260-002 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “C-1” and depicted on EXHIBIT “D-1” attached to the Resolution of Necessity for the Phelps-Smith North Parcel, consisting of an approximate 4,209 square foot area described as Slope Easement Parcel A and an approximate 12,727 square foot area
described as Slope Easement Parcel B; and
o a total approximate 29,996 square foot (0.69 acres) permanent slope easement area on the portion of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel identified as APN 413-260-026 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “C-2” and depicted on EXHIBIT “D-2” attached to the Resolution of Necessity for the Phelps-Smith North Parcel, consisting of an approximate 16,857 square foot area described as Slope Easement Parcel A, an approximate 5,544 square foot area described as Slope Easement Parcel B, an approximate 3,013 square foot area described as Slope Easement Parcel C, an approximate 1,503 square foot area described as Slope Easement Parcel D, and an approximate 3,079 square foot area described as Slope Easement Parcel E.
• the right to possess and use a total approximate 22,382 square foot TCE area (0.52 acres) with a term of eighteen (18) months, consisting of the following temporary construction easements:
o an approximate 6,273 square foot (0.15 acres) TCE with a term of eighteen (18) months on the portion of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel identified as APN 413-260-002 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “E-1” and depicted on EXHIBIT “F-1” attached to the Resolution of Necessity for the Phelps-Smith North Parcel, consisting of an approximate 787 square foot area described as TCE Parcel A, an approximate 4,194 square foot area described as TCE Parcel B, and an approximate 1,292 square foot area described as TCE Parcel C; and o an approximate 16,109 square foot (0.37 acres) TCE with a term of eighteen (18) months on the portion of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel identified as APN 413-260-026 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “E-2” and depicted on EXHIBIT “F-2” attached to the Resolution of Necessity for the Phelps-Smith North Parcel, consisting of an approximate 10,310 square foot area described as TCE Parcel A, and an approximate 5,799 square foot area described as TCE Parcel B.
The Phelps-Smith North Parcel is owned by Phelps-Smith Investments, LLC, a California limited liability company. The total approximate 95,185 square foot permanent easement area on the Phelps-Smith North Parcel, the total approximate 46,932 square foot permanent slope easement area on the Phelps-Smith North Parcel, and the total approximate 22,382 square foot TCE area with a term of eighteen (18) months on the Phelps-Smith North Parcel are referred to below collectively as “Phelps-Smith North Subject Property Interests.”
Vacant Parcel Located at Southeast Corner of Singleton Road and Calimesa Boulevard in the City of Calimesa (APN 413-260-032) (Phelps-Smith South Parcel) • an approximate 9,083 square foot (0.21 acres) permanent easement for public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto on the Phelps-Smith South Parcel described more particularly on EXHIBIT “A” and depicted on EXHIBIT “B” attached to the Resolution
of Necessity for the Phelps-Smith South Parcel; and
• the right to possess and use a total approximate 1,999 square foot (0.05 acres) TCE area with a term of eighteen (18) months, consisting of an approximate 925 square foot (0.02 acres) TCE with a term of eighteen (18) months described as Parcel A and an approximate 1,074 square foot (0.03 acres) TCE with a term of eighteen (18) months on the Phelps-Smith South Parcel described as Parcel B on EXHIBIT “C” and depicted on EXHIBIT “D” to the Resolution of Necessity for the Phelps-Smith South Parcel.
The Phelps-Smith South Parcel is owned by Phelps-Smith Investments, LLC, a California limited liability company. The total approximate 9,083 square foot permanent easement on the Phelps-Smith South Parcel and the total approximate 1,999 square foot TCE area with a term of eighteen (18) months on the Phelps-Smith South Parcel are referred to below collectively as “Phelps-Smith South Subject Property Interests.” The Good Shepherd Subject Property Interests, Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Subject Property Interests, Phelps-Smith North Subject Property Interests, and Phelps-Smith South Subject Property Interests are referred to below collectively as the “Subject Property Interests” and are described more particularly in the Exhibits to the respective Resolutions of Necessity.
The Resolutions of Necessity with their respective Exhibits are attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
4. If the City Council adopts the proposed Resolutions of Necessity, authorize the City Attorney’s Office to file and prosecute eminent domain proceedings for the acquisition of the Subject Property Interests by eminent domain.
5. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council has before it four proposed Resolutions of Necessity for the acquisition by eminent domain of certain real property interests in connection with the City’s proposed Calimesa Boulevard Realignment at Singleton Road Project (“Project”). The Project requires the acquisition of additional right of way for the proposed street realignment improvements from five properties located in the City of Calimesa. This Report relates to the real property interests needed from four of the five parcels impacted by the Project.
The City and Stearns Properties, LP, a California limited partnership, the record owner of the fifth parcel impacted by the Project, which is located at 9950 Calimesa Boulevard, Calimesa (APNs 413-260-058 and 413-260-059), have negotiated the City’s acquisition of an approximate 16,937 square foot permanent easement on the portion of the Stearns Parcel identified as APN 413-260-058, the approximate 12,093 square foot permanent easement on the portion of the Stearns Parcel identified as APN 413-260-059, and the approximate 5,791 square foot TCE with a term of twenty-four (24) months on the portion of the Stearns Parcel identified as APN 413-
260-058 (collectively the “Stearns Subject Property Interests”). The City and Stearns Properties, LP are in the process of finalizing the Purchase and Sale Agreement for the City’s acquisition of the Stearns Subject Property Interests, which City Staff will place for approval by the City Council once finalized.
The Project is a Capital Improvements Project. As necessary to accommodate future phases to improve the I-10/Singleton Road interchange, the Project will realign an approximate 0.6 mile section of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton Road, approximately 400 feet east of the intersection’s current location, to improve traffic circulation and safety for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The Project will widen approximately 3,300 linear feet of Calimesa Boulevard and Singleton Road to their ultimate street widths. Calimesa Boulevard and Singleton Road will remain classified as four (4) to six (6) lane major arterials and each roadway will be widened to approximately seventy-six (76) feet. Street improvements will consist of new curbs, gutters, sidewalk improvements, two (2) vehicular lanes in each direction, construction of a signalized intersection, and modifications to the existing storm drain channel. The Project will provide additional horizontal clearance from the I-10/Singleton Road interchange to provide the minimum intersection setback for potential future I-10/Singleton Road interchange improvements. As discussed below, the Project is consistent with the General Plan and helps to satisfy several Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan.
DISCUSSION:
The City has attempted to negotiate in good faith with the owners of the above-described Subject Property Interests, but the parties have not reached a negotiated acquisition as of September 28, 2026. Based on the timing of the Project, it is necessary that the City consider the proposed Resolutions of Necessity at this time. The adoption of the Resolutions of Necessity will not preclude the parties from continuing their good faith negotiations for the City’s purchase of the Subject Property Interests or from entering into Purchase and Sale Agreements for the acquisitions of the Subject Property Interests.
The Project, as planned and located, is intended to minimize the impact on the properties located adjacent to the proposed street realignment improvements. The Project requires the acquisition of permanent easements on portions of four vacant parcels and one improved parcel owned by private property owners in the City of Calimesa. The City’s acquisition of the Subject Property Interests required for the Project is not anticipated to result in the displacement of persons or businesses. The City will coordinate the construction of the Project with the owners of the Subject Property Interests to minimize the impact of construction on the parcels, including coordination of the construction of the Project with the owner of the Good Shepherd Parcel to relocate portions of the remainder parcel one of the portable buildings and parking spaces impacted in the area of the Good Shepherd Subject Property Interests. Based on the timing of the Project, it is necessary that the City consider the acquisition by eminent domain of the Subject Property Interests.
The City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests for public use, namely public street
purposes, drainage, public utilities, and all uses necessary or convenient thereto in connection with the Project pursuant to the authority conferred on the City of Calimesa to acquire real property by eminent domain by Section 19 of Article I of the California Constitution, Government Code Sections 37350, 37350.5, 37351, 37353, 40401, and 40404, California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1230.010 et seq. (Eminent Domain Law), including but not limited to Sections 1240.010, 1240.020, 1240.110, 1240.120, 1240.240, 1240.350, 1240.510, 1240.610, and 1240.650, and by other provisions of law.
For the reasons set forth above, the construction of the Project is in the public interest and necessity. The Project is needed to improve traffic circulation and facilitate traffic flow in this area of the City, and is a necessary component of the future pending phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange.
Required Findings for Adoption of Resolutions of Necessity Authorizing the Acquisition of the Subject Property Interests by Eminent Domain:
In order to adopt the proposed Resolutions of Necessity for the acquisition by eminent domain of the Subject Property Interests, the City Council must find and determine, with respect to each Resolution of Necessity, that:
A. The public interest and necessity require the Project; B. The Project is planned and located in the manner that will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury;
C. The Subject Property Interests described in the Resolutions of Necessity are necessary for the Project; and
D. The City has made an offer as required by Government Code Section 7267.2 to the owner(s) of record of the real property interests it seeks to acquire.
The amount of just compensation is not an issue before the City Council at this hearing. This hearing relates to issues A, B, C, and D above. The amount of just compensation would be established in the eminent domain proceedings that will be filed if the City Council, in its sole discretion, adopts the proposed Resolutions of Necessity.
Environmental Analysis:
The environmental effects of the Project and the acquisition of the real property interests needed for the Project were studied and analyzed as an integral part of the Addendum (Addendum No. 1) to the City of Calimesa General Plan Update 2013 Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2013021033) (“General Plan EIR”) in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., and the CEQA Guidelines, 14 Cal. Code Regs. Section 15000 et seq. (“CEQA Guidelines”). Pursuant to Section 15064 of the CEQA Guidelines, the City prepared an Addendum to the General Plan EIR to determine if the Project would have significant effects on the environment beyond those
identified in the General Plan EIR. The Addendum found that there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record, that the Project would have a significant effect on the environment beyond those identified by the General Plan EIR.
In accordance with Calimesa Municipal Code Section 2.45.030 and Government Code Section 65103, the Planning Commission found, at its meeting of July 10, 2023, that the Project is consistent with the General Plan. In adopting Planning Commission Resolution 2023-07 (“PC Resolution 2023-07”), the Planning Commission found that the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) required the City’s realignment of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton as a component of the phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. The phase 1 improvements will generally include: (i) paving of the missing I-10/Singleton Road westbound on-ramp and eastbound off-ramp; (ii) installation of traffic signals; and (iii) Calimesa Boulevard realignment at Singleton Road.
Additional improvements to include a full rebuild of the I-10/Singleton Road interchange are being pursued. However, timing of the full rebuild is unknown and the phase 1 improvements described above are anticipated to add significant value to the interchange in the interim.
In adopting PC Resolution 2023-07, the Planning Commission found that the Project and phase 1, of which the Project is a part, is consistent with the General Plan and helps to further the following Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan:
• Goal TM-1: A transportation system that ensures the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the City.
• Policy TM-1: Provide for roadways in accordance with the Circulation Plan. • Policy TM-3: Strive to construct streets in accordance with the City’s standard street classifications.
• Policy TM-4: Maintain and rehabilitate roadways to preserve and improve the quality of city streets and thoroughfares that promote access and mobility between residential neighborhoods, employment centers, shopping, and health services. • Policy TM-5: Design each roadway with sufficient width to accommodate project traffic at acceptable service levels, based on the intensity or density of planned land uses. • Policy TM-6: Access points must be located a sufficient distance from major intersections to allow for safe, efficient operation.
• Action Item TM-10.2: Implement freeway ramp/arterial roadway interchange improvements that promote the safe and efficient movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
• Action Item TM-10.3: Coordinate the planning for Calimesa’s transportation needs with adjacent jurisdictions, the County of Riverside, Caltrans, and public transit providers. • Goal IPS-6: Plan for the convenient location and adequate size of public facilities.
At its meeting of August 7, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-46, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Calimesa, California, Adopting a General Plan Environmental Impact Report Addendum for the Proposed Calimesa Boulevard Realignment Project at
Singleton Road in the City of Calimesa. In adopting Resolution No. 2023-46, the City Council considered the Addendum to the General Plan EIR dated December 2019 and found in its independent judgment that the Addendum was prepared in accordance with CEQA. In adopting Resolution No. 2023-46, the City Council further found that the Addendum reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City Council. The Addendum determined that the impacts associated with the Project would not result in a new significant impact not analyzed in the previously certified General Plan EIR. It also determined that there are no substantial changes to the circumstances under which the Project will be undertaken, and no new information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known when the EIR was adopted, has been identified. The Addendum found that all of the Project’s impacts would be substantially the same for each impact category (or incrementally decreased) when compared to the impacts analyzed in the previously certified EIR. Accordingly, the proposed modifications associated with the Project do not meet the standards for a subsequent or supplemental EIR as provided pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164.
As such, the City determined that the EIR satisfies CEQA requirements for the modifications resulting from the Project, as described above, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164.
On or about August 10, 2023, the City duly filed a Notice of Determination (State Clearinghouse Number 2013021033) with the Clerk of the County of Riverside in accordance with CEQA. The Notice of Determination documented that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment; that an Environmental Impact Report was prepared pursuant to CEQA; that mitigation measures were made a condition of the approval of the Project; that a mitigation report or monitoring plan was adopted for the Project; that a Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted for this Project; and that findings were made pursuant to CEQA.
The General Plan EIR, Addendum, Notice of Determination, PC Resolution 2023-07, City Council Resolution 2023-46, and related environmental documents referenced above are incorporated herein by this reference and are referred to below collectively as “Project Environmental Documents.”
In connection with the proposed Resolutions of Necessity, City Staff reviewed the Project Environmental Documents. Pursuant to the criteria of Section 15162 of the CEQA Guidelines and Section 21166 of the Public Resources Code, City Staff concluded that no substantial changes have occurred in the Project, no substantial changes have occurred in the circumstances under which the Project is undertaken, and that the City has obtained no new information of substantial importance that would require further environmental analysis. These environmental findings are the appropriate findings with respect to the proposed acquisition of the Subject Property Interests.
City's Actions Pursuant to Government Code Section 7260 et seq.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 7260 et seq., the City of Calimesa obtained a fair market value appraisal of the Subject Property Interests, set just compensation in accordance with the appraised fair market value, and extended a written offer to the owners of record. The City
negotiated in good faith with the record owners. As of September 28, 2026, however, the City and record owners of the Subject Property Interests have not reached a negotiated agreement.
Based on the timing of the Project, it is necessary that the City consider the adoption of the Resolutions of Necessity at this time.
Provided below is a summary of the actions taken by the City as to each of the Subject Property Interests pursuant to Government Code Section 7260 et seq. 9580 Calimesa Boulevard, Calimesa (APN 413-260-056) (Good Shepherd Parcel) Pursuant to Government Code Section 7260 et seq., the City of Calimesa obtained a fair market value appraisal of the Good Shepherd Subject Property Interests that the City seeks to acquire for public use, namely for public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto. The City set just compensation in accordance with the appraised fair market value and extended a written offer dated July 1, 2026 to the property owner, Good Shepherd Ministries International. The fair market value appraisal used a date of value of March 4, 2026.
The City’s written offer included an informational pamphlet describing the eminent domain process and the record owner’s rights under the Eminent Domain Law. In accordance with Government Code Section 7267.2, the City’s written offer contained a written statement of, and summary of the basis for, the amount it established as just compensation. The offer set forth the date of value utilized by the City’s appraiser and explained the appraiser’s opinion of the highest and best use of the Good Shepherd Parcel. It discussed the applicable zoning and General Plan designation of the Good Shepherd Parcel. The City’s offer also summarized the principal transactions relied on by the appraiser to arrive at the appraiser’s opinion of value.
The written offer discussed the appraiser’s valuation analysis, including the comparable market data relied on by the appraiser. It also specified that the Project will impact six parking spaces and require the relocation of the existing portable building to an area on the remainder parcel.
As part of the Project, the City will relocate the portable building impacted by the Project and replace the parking spaces impacted by the Project on portions of the remainder parcel.
Further, the City offered, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1263.025, to pay the record owner the reasonable costs, up to $5,000.00, for an independent appraisal of the Good Shepherd Subject Property Interests.
Good Shepherd’s real estate broker responded to the City’s offer with comments to the City’s offer and provided his valuation analysis. Good Shepherd’s broker also confirmed that Good Shepherd would obtain an independent appraisal. The City confirmed that it would continue negotiations with Good Shepherd when it received the appraisal prepared on behalf of Good Shepherd by an appraiser licensed by the California Bureau of Real Estate. The City extended the date of the expiration of the City’s offer to September 30, 2026 to allow additional time for Good Shepherd to obtain an independent appraisal. Based on the timing of the Project, it is necessary for the City Council to consider the adoption of the Resolution of Necessity authorizing the acquisition by eminent domain of the Good Shepherd Subject Property
Interests. The adoption of the Resolution of Necessity does not preclude the parties from continuing their negotiations for the purchase of the Good Shepherd Subject Property Interests and from entering into a negotiated agreement for the purchase of said property interests. 9670 Calimesa Boulevard, Calimesa (APNs 413-260-019 & 413-260-020) (Whiting-GontzGuerra Parcel) Pursuant to Government Code Section 7260 et seq., the City of Calimesa obtained a fair market value appraisal of the Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Subject Property Interests that the City seeks to acquire for public use, namely for public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto. The City set just compensation in accordance with the appraised fair market value and extended a written offer dated July 1, 2026 to the property owners, Thomas G. Whiting and Ingrid Guerra, as Trustees of the WhitingGuerra Trust dated July 7, 2013, as to an undivided one-half interest and Denise R. Whiting and Gregory D. Gontz, as Trustees of the Gontz-Whiting Living Trust dated December 22, 2015, as to an undivided one-half interest. The fair market value appraisal used a date of value of March 4, 2026.
The City’s written offer included an informational pamphlet describing the eminent domain process and the record owners’ rights under the Eminent Domain Law. In accordance with Government Code Section 7267.2, the City’s written offer contained a written statement of, and summary of the basis for, the amount it established as just compensation. The offer set forth the date of value utilized by the City’s appraiser and explained the appraiser’s opinion of the highest and best use of the Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Parcel. It discussed the applicable zoning and General Plan designation of the Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Parcel. The City’s offer also summarized the principal transactions relied on by the appraiser to arrive at the appraiser’s opinion of value. The written offer discussed the appraiser’s valuation analysis, including the comparable market data relied on by the appraiser. Further, the City offered, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1263.025, to pay the record owners the reasonable costs, up to $5,000.00, for an independent appraisal of the Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Parcel Subject Property Interests.
Ms. Whiting and Mr. Gontz, Trustees communicated with the City regarding the City’s Offer and the City responded to their questions regarding the acquisition of the Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Subject Property Interests and the Project. The City did not receive a response to the City’s Offer Letter from Mr. Whiting or Ms. Guerra, Trustees. Based on the timing of the Project, it is necessary for the City Council to consider the adoption of the Resolution of Necessity authorizing the acquisition by eminent domain of the Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Subject Property Interests. The adoption of the Resolution of Necessity does not preclude the parties from continuing their negotiations for the purchase of the Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Subject Property Interests and from entering into a negotiated agreement for the purchase of said property interests. A negotiated Purchase and Sale Agreement for the acquisition of the Whiting-GontzGuerra Subject Property Interests would require the approval and signatures of all record owners.
Vacant Parcel Located at Northeast Corner of Singleton Road and Calimesa Boulevard in the City of Calimesa (APNs 413-260-002 and 413-260-026) (Phelps-Smith North Parcel) Pursuant to Government Code Section 7260 et seq., the City of Calimesa obtained a fair market value appraisal of the Phelps-Smith North Subject Property Interests that the City seeks to acquire for public use, namely for public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto. The City set just compensation in accordance with the appraised fair market value and extended a written offer dated July 1, 2026 to the property owner, Phelps-Smith Investments, LLC. The fair market value appraisal used a date of value of March 4, 2026.
The City’s written offer included an informational pamphlet describing the eminent domain process and the record owner’s rights under the Eminent Domain Law. In accordance with Government Code Section 7267.2, the City’s written offer contained a written statement of, and summary of the basis for, the amount it established as just compensation. The offer set forth the date of value utilized by the City’s appraiser and explained the appraiser’s opinion of the highest and best use of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel. It discussed the applicable zoning and General Plan designation of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel. The City’s offer also summarized the principal transactions relied on by the appraiser to arrive at the appraiser’s opinion of value. The written offer discussed the appraiser’s valuation analysis, including the comparable market data relied on by the appraiser. Further, the City offered, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1263.025, to pay the record owner the reasonable costs, up to $5,000.00, for an independent appraisal of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel Subject Property Interests.
The City attempted to negotiate in good faith with the record owner Phelps-Smith Investments, LLC for the acquisition of the Phelps-Smith North Subject Property Interests. The City Attorney’s Office followed up with counsel for Phelps-Smith Investments, LLC several times and was informed that the record owner was still reviewing the City’s Offer Letter. Based on the timing of the Project, it is necessary for the City Council to consider the adoption of the Resolution of Necessity authorizing the acquisition by eminent domain of the Phelps-Smith North Subject Property Interests. The adoption of the Resolution of Necessity does not preclude the parties from continuing their negotiations for the purchase of the Phelps-Smith North Subject Property Interests and from entering into a negotiated agreement for the purchase of said property interests.
Vacant Parcel Located at Southeast Corner of Singleton Road and Calimesa Boulevard in the City of Calimesa (APN 413-260-032) (Phelps-Smith South Parcel) Pursuant to Government Code Section 7260 et seq., the City of Calimesa obtained a fair market value appraisal of the Phelps-Smith South Subject Property Interests that the City seeks to acquire for public use, namely for public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto. The City set just compensation in
accordance with the appraised fair market value and extended a written offer dated July 1, 2026 to the property owner, Phelps-Smith Investments, LLC. The fair market value appraisal used a date of value of March 4, 2026.
The City’s written offer included an informational pamphlet describing the eminent domain process and the record owners’ rights under the Eminent Domain Law. In accordance with Government Code Section 7267.2, the City’s written offer contained a written statement of, and summary of the basis for, the amount it established as just compensation. The offer set forth the date of value utilized by the City’s appraiser and explained the appraiser’s opinion of the highest and best use of the Phelps-Smith South Parcel. The offer specified the applicable zoning and General Plan designation of the Phelps-Smith South Parcel. The City’s offer also summarized the principal transactions relied on by the appraiser to arrive at the appraiser’s opinion of value. The written offer discussed the appraiser’s valuation analysis, including the comparable market data relied on by the appraiser. Further, the City offered, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1263.025, to pay the record owner the reasonable costs, up to $5,000.00, for an independent appraisal of the Phelps-Smith South Parcel Subject Property Interests.
The City attempted to negotiate in good faith with the record owner Phelps-Smith Investments, LLC for the acquisition of the Phelps-Smith South Subject Property Interests. The City Attorney’s office followed up with counsel for Phelps-Smith Investments, LLC several times and was informed that the record owner was still reviewing the City’s Offer Letter. Based on the timing of the Project, it is necessary for the City Council to consider the adoption of the Resolution of Necessity authorizing the acquisition by eminent domain of the Phelps-Smith South Subject Property Interests. The adoption of the Resolution of Necessity does not preclude the parties from continuing their negotiations for the purchase of the Phelps-Smith South Subject Property Interests and from entering into a negotiated agreement for the purchase of said property interests.
City's Actions Pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1245.235 Pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1245.235, the City sent a letter and a notice by first-class mail dated September 16, 2026 (“CCP Section 1245.235 notices”) to the record owners of the Subject Property Interests notifying the respective record owners of the City’s intent to consider at its October 5, 2026 meeting, the adoption of a Resolution of Necessity for the acquisition by eminent domain of the Good Shepherd Subject Property Interests, WhitingGontz-Guerra Subject Property Interests, Phelps-Smith North Subject Property Interest, and Phelps-Smith South Subject Property Interests. The City also sent a CCP Section 1245.235 notice to Stearns Properties, LLP. As noted above, however, the City and Stearns Properties, LP are in the process of finalizing the terms of the City’s purchase of the Stearns Subject Property Interests. The CCP Section 1245.235 notices advised the respective record owners of their right to appear and be heard regarding the City’s proposed adoption of a Resolution of Necessity by filing with the City, within fifteen (15) days of the date on which the CCP Section 1245 notices were mailed, a written request to appear at the hearing. The CCP Section 1245.235 notices
specifically informed the record owners that they have an opportunity to appear before the City Council and raise questions about whether the public interest and necessity require the Project; whether the Project is planned or located in the manner that will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury; and whether the Subject Property Interests the City seeks to acquire from the owners of record are necessary for the Project.
As discussed above, based on the proposed timing of the Project, it is necessary for the City Council to consider the adoption of the proposed Resolutions of Necessity at this time.
REQUIRED FINDINGS FOR ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY A. The Public Interest and Necessity Require the Project The Project, as planned and designed, is in the public interest and necessity. It is needed to improve traffic circulation and efficiency in this area of the City and is a necessary component of the future pending phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. The Project will realign an approximate 0.6 mile section of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton Road, approximately 400 feet east of the current location, to improve traffic and safety. The Project will widen approximately 3,300 linear feet of Calimesa Boulevard and of Singleton Road to their ultimate street widths. Calimesa Boulevard and Singleton Road will remain classified as four (4) to six (6) lane major arterials and each will be widened to approximately seventy-six (76) feet.
Street improvements will consist of new curbs, gutters, sidewalk improvements, two (2) vehicular lanes in each direction, construction of a signalized intersection, and modifications to the existing storm drain channel. The Project will provide additional horizontal clearance from the I-10/Singleton Road interchange to provide the minimum intersection setback for potential future I-10/Singleton Road interchange improvements.
The City seeks to construct the Project to improve capacity, traffic circulation, and enhance the safety of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The Project will improve ingress and egress for adjoining properties and side streets. The design is intended to ease travel through Calimesa and improve circulation and safety. Accordingly, the Project will benefit the residents and businesses of the City and the community as a whole.
The Project, as planned and designed, is consistent with the General Plan. The City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests for public use, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto in connection with the Project. As found by the Planning Commission at its meeting of July 10, 2023 when it adopted PC Resolution 2023-07, the Project is a necessary component of the future pending phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. Specifically, the Planning Commission found that the Project helps to further the following Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan:
• Goal TM-1: A transportation system that ensures the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the City.
• Policy TM-1: Provide for roadways in accordance with the Circulation Plan. • Policy TM-3: Strive to construct streets in accordance with the City’s standard street classifications.
• Policy TM-4: Maintain and rehabilitate roadways to preserve and improve the quality of city streets and thoroughfares that promote access and mobility between residential neighborhoods, employment centers, shopping, and health services. • Policy TM-5: Design each roadway with sufficient width to accommodate project traffic at acceptable service levels, based on the intensity or density of planned land uses. • Policy TM-6: Access points must be located a sufficient distance from major intersections to allow for safe, efficient operation.
• Action Item TM-10.2: Implement freeway ramp/arterial roadway interchange improvements that promote the safe and efficient movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
• Action Item TM-10.3: Coordinate the planning for Calimesa’s transportation needs with adjacent jurisdictions, the County of Riverside, Caltrans, and public transit providers. • Goal IPS-6: Plan for the convenient location and adequate size of public facilities.
The Project, as planned and located, is intended to minimize the impact on private properties.
The Project requires the acquisition of several permanent easements on five parcels owned by private parties, permanent slope easements on the Phelps-Smith North Parcel, and temporary construction easements on five parcels to facilitate the construction of the Project. As discussed above, the City and owner of record of the fifth parcel, Stearns Properties, LP, are in the process of finalizing the terms of the City’s acquisition of the Stearns Subject Property Interests needed from that parcel. The parcels impacted by the Project consist of generally vacant land, except for the Good Shepherd parcel. The City will coordinate the construction of the Project with the record owner of the Good Shepherd parcel to minimize the impact of the relocation of the portable building and replacement parking on other portions of the remainder parcel. The City’s acquisition of the Subject Property Interests required for the Project will not result in the displacement of persons or any businesses. Based on the timing of the Project, it is necessary that the City consider the acquisition by eminent domain of the Subject Property Interests.
The public use for which the City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto, will not unreasonably interfere with or impair the continuance of the public use to which any easement holders may have appropriated the area (Code of Civil Procedure Section 1240.510). To the extent the Project requires the relocation of any utilities, the public use for which the City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary or convenient thereto, is a more necessary public use within the meaning of Code of Civil Procedure Section 1240.650 than the uses to which public utility easement holders have appropriated any utility easements located in the Subject Property Interests that are affected by the Project.
Accordingly, the City is authorized to acquire the Subject Property Interests pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1240.510, 1240.610, and 1240.650.
B. The Project is Planned and Located in the Manner that will be Most Compatible with the Greatest Public Good and Least Private Injury
The Project is planned and located in the manner that is most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury. The Project is planned and designed to improve traffic circulation and long-term efficiency in this area of the City. The Project is a necessary for the proposed future improvements to I-10/Singleton interchange. The City determined that the Project is consistent with the General Plan and helps to further the Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan discussed in subsection A above:
The Project, as planned and located, is intended minimize the impact on private properties. The Project requires the acquisition of permanent easements on five parcels owned by private property owners in the City of Calimesa, permanent slope easements on the Phelps-Smith North Parcel, and temporary construction easements to facilitate construction of the Project on all five impacted parcels. As discussed above, the City and Stearns Properties, LP, the owner of record of the fifth parcel, are finalizing the terms of the City’s acquisition of the Stearns Subject Property Interests needed from that parcel. The City’s acquisition of the Subject Property Interests will not result in the displacement of persons or businesses. The impacted parcels generally consist of vacant land, except for the Good Shepherd Parcel. The City will coordinate the construction of the Project with the owner of the Good Shepherd Parcel to minimize the impact of construction on the Good Shepherd Parcel, including the relocation of the portable building and replacement of the impacted parking on other portions of the remainder parcel.
Further, the public use for which the City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto, will not unreasonably interfere with or impair the continuance of the public use to which any easement holders may have appropriated the area (Code of Civil Procedure Section 1240.510). To the extent the Project requires the relocation of any utilities, the public use for which the City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests, namely public street, highways and related purposes, and all uses necessary or convenient thereto, is a more necessary public use within the meaning of Code of Civil Procedure Section 1240.650 than the uses to which public utility easement holders have appropriated any utility easements located in the Subject Property Interests that are affected by the Project.
Accordingly, the City is authorized to acquire the Subject Property Interests pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1240.510, 1240.610, and 1240.650.
C. The Subject Property Interests Described in the Resolution of Necessity are Necessary for the Project
The City seeks to construct the Project, as planned and designed, to improve traffic circulation and efficiency in this area of the City. The Project will realign an approximate 0.6 mile section of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton Road, approximately 400 feet east of the current location, to improve traffic and safety. The Project will widen approximately 3,300 linear feet of Calimesa
Boulevard and of Singleton Road to their ultimate street widths. Calimesa Boulevard and Singleton Road will remain classified as four (4) to six (6) lane major arterials and each will be widened to approximately seventy-six (76) feet. Street improvements will consist of new curbs, gutters, sidewalk improvements, two (2) vehicular lanes in each direction, construction of a signalized intersection, and modifications to the existing storm drain channel. The Project will provide additional horizontal clearance from the I-10/Singleton Road interchange to provide the minimum intersection setback for potential future I-10/Singleton Road interchange improvements. The City seeks to construct the Project to improve capacity, traffic circulation, and enhance the safety of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The City cannot construct the Project without the acquisition of each of the Subject Property Interests, which are described above and are more particularly described in the Exhibits to the respective Resolutions of Necessity.
As stated above, the public use for which the City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests, namely public street, highways and related purposes, and all uses necessary or convenient thereto, will not unreasonably interfere with or impair the continuance of the public use to which any easement holders may have appropriated the area (Code of Civil Procedure Section 1240.510). The Project may require the relocation of several utilities to the proposed new right-of-way area. The public use for which the City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests, namely public street purposes, drainage, public utilities, and all uses necessary or convenient thereto, is a more necessary public use within the meaning of Code of Civil Procedure Section 1240.650 than the uses to which public utility easement holders have appropriated any utility easements located in the Subject Property Interests that are affected by the Project. Accordingly, the City is authorized to acquire the Subject Property Interests pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1240.510, 1240.610, and 1240.650.
D. The City has made an offer as required by Government Code Section 7267.2 to each of the owners of record of the Subject Property Interests it seeks to acquire from the Good Shepherd Parcel, Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Parcel, Phelps-Smith North Parcel, and PhelpsSmith South Parcel.
The City, pursuant to Government Code Section 7260 et seq., obtained a fair market value appraisal of the Subject Property Interests, set just compensation in accordance with the fair market value, and extended a written offer to each of the owners of record of the Subject Property Interests. As detailed above, the City extended to the owners of record of the Subject Property Interests a written offer pursuant to Government Code Section 7267.2 to acquire the Subject Property Interests for public use, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto in connection with the Project. Specifically, the City extended a written offer to the following record owners of the Subject Property Interests:
• The City extended a written offer dated July 1, 2026 to purchase the Good Shepherd Subject Property Interests on the real property located at 9580 Calimesa Boulevard, Calimesa (APN 413-260-056) to the record owner, Good Shepherd Ministries
International. The Good Shepherd Subject Property Interests are described in the Exhibits to the Resolution of Necessity for the Good Shepherd Parcel. • The City extended a written offer dated July 1, 2026 to purchase the Whiting-GontzGuerra Subject Property Interests on the real property located at the 9670 Calimesa Boulevard, Calimesa (APNs 413-260-019 and 413-260-020) to the record owners, Thomas G. Whiting and Ingrid Guerra, as Trustees of the Whiting-Guerra Trust dated July 7, 2013, as to an undivided one-half interest and Denise R. Whiting and Gregory D.
Gontz, as Trustees of the Gontz-Whiting Living Trust dated December 22, 2015, as to an undivided one-half interest. The Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Subject Property Interests are described in the Exhibits to the Resolution of Necessity for the Whiting-Gontz-Guerra Parcel.
• The City extended a written offer dated July 1, 2026 to purchase the Phelps-Smith North Subject Property Interests on the vacant parcel located at the Northeast corner of Singleton Road and Calimesa Boulevard in the City of Calimesa (APNs 413-260-002 and 413-260-026) to the record owner, Phelps-Smith Investments, LLC. The Phelps-Smith North Subject Property Interests are described in the Exhibits to the Resolution of Necessity for the Phelps-Smith North Parcel.
• The City extended a written offer dated July 1, 2026 to purchase the Phelps-Smith South Subject Property Interests on the vacant parcel located at the Southeast corner of Singleton Road and Calimesa Boulevard in the City of Calimesa (APN 413-260-032) to the record owner, Phelps-Smith Investments, LLC. The Phelps-Smith South Subject Property Interests are described in the Exhibits to the Resolution of Necessity for the PhelpsSmith South Parcel.
Incorporation of Above-Referenced Documents:
The following documents, which are referenced in this report and are incorporated herein by this reference, are on file with the City Clerk’s Office and/or the Public Works Department:
• Resolutions of Necessity (attached hereto)
• City of Calimesa General Plan
• Offer letters to the record owners of each of the Subject Property Interests • Notices pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1245.235 to record owners of the Subject Property Interests
• Project Environmental Documents
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Council approved appraisals and subsequent offers for the Subject Properties for the total amount of $1,984,700.00. These amounts will be paid from the 293-7070-70170 account.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Reso 2026-61 - Resolution of Necessity APN 413-260-032_Phelps-Smith Investments (South)
2. Exhibits to Reso 2026-61_Phelps-Smith South - Resoluton of Necessity
3. Reso 2026-62 - Resolution of Necessity APNs 413-260-019 & 413-260-020_Whiting-Guerra-Gontz
4. Exhibits to Reso 2026-62_Whiting-Guerra-Gontz - Resolution of Necessity
5. Reso 2026-63 - Resolution of Necessity APNs 413-260-002 & 413-260-026_ Phelps-Smith Investments (North)
6. Exhibits to Reso 2026-63_Phelps-Smith North - Resoluton of Necessity
7. Reso 2026-64 - Resolution of Necessity APN 413-260-056_Good Shepherd
8. Exhibits to Reso 2026-64_Good Shepherd Parcel - Resolution of Necessity
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RESOLUTION 2026-61
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CALIMESA, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY
INTERESTS NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES AND
AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION THEREOF IN CONNECTION
WITH THE CALIMESA BOULEVARD REALIGNMENT AT SINGLETON
ROAD PROJECT (REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS ON APN 413-260-032)
AND MAKING FINDINGS THAT NO FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEW IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 15162 OF THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES AND
SECTION 21166 OF THE PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE
WHEREAS, the City of Calimesa (“City”) is a municipal corporation in the County of Riverside, State of California; and
WHEREAS, the City seeks to construct the Calimesa Boulevard Realignment at Singleton Road Project (“Project”) to improve vehicular traffic circulation and long-term efficiency in this area of the City. The Project is a Capital Improvements Project. The Project, as planned and designed, will realign an approximate 0.6 mile section of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton Road, approximately 400 feet east of the current location, to improve traffic circulation, safety for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The Project is a necessary component of the future pending phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. The Project will widen approximately 3,300 linear feet of Calimesa Boulevard and of Singleton Road to their ultimate street widths. Calimesa Boulevard and Singleton Road will remain classified as four (4) to six (6) lane major arterials and each roadway will be widened to approximately seventy-six (76) feet.
Street improvements will consist of new curbs, gutters, sidewalk improvements, two (2) vehicular lanes in each direction, construction of a signalized intersection, and modifications to the existing storm drain channel. The Project will provide additional horizontal clearance from the I10/Singleton Road interchange to provide the minimum intersection setback for potential future I10/Singleton Road interchange improvements. The Project is consistent with the General Plan and helps to satisfy several Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan discussed below in Section 6; and
WHEREAS, the City requires the acquisition of certain real property interests described more particularly in Section 4 below on the real property located at the Southeast Corner of Singleton Road and Calimesa Boulevard in the City of Calimesa, and identified as Riverside County Tax Assessor’s Parcel Number 413-260-032, which is owned by Phelps-Smith Investments, LLC, a California limited liability company, is referred to below as the “Phelps-Smith South Parcel.”
WHEREAS, the environmental effects of the Project and the acquisition of the real property interests needed for the Project were studied and analyzed as an integral part of the Addendum (Addendum No. 1) to the City of Calimesa General Plan Update 2013 Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2013021033) (“General Plan EIR”) in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., and the CEQA Guidelines, 14 Cal. Code Regs. Section 15000 et seq. (“CEQA Guidelines”). Pursuant to
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Section 15064 of the CEQA Guidelines, the City prepared an Addendum to the General Plan EIR to determine if the Project would have significant effects on the environment beyond those identified in the General Plan EIR. The Addendum found that there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record, that the Project would have a significant effect on the environment beyond those identified by the General Plan EIR; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Calimesa Municipal Code Section 2.45.030 and Government Code Section 65103, the Planning Commission found, at its meeting of July 10, 2023, that the Project is consistent with the General Plan. In adopting Planning Commission Resolution 2023-07 (“PC Resolution 2023-07”), the Planning Commission found that the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) required the City’s realignment of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton as a component of the phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. The phase 1 improvements will generally include: (i) paving of the missing I-10/Singleton Road westbound on-ramp and eastbound offramp; (ii) installation of traffic signals; and (iii) Calimesa Boulevard realignment at Singleton Road. Additional improvements to include a full rebuild of the I-10/Singleton Road interchange are being pursued; however, timing of the full rebuild is unknown and the phase 1 improvements described above are anticipated to add significant value to the interchange in the interim. In accordance with Calimesa Municipal Code Section 2.45.030 and Government Code Section 65103, the Planning Commission found, at its meeting of July 10, 2023, that the Project is consistent with the General Plan. In adopting PC Resolution 2023-07, the Planning Commission found that the Project will further several Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan, including Goal TM-1, Policy TM-1, Policy TM-3, Policy TM-4, Policy TM-5, Policy TM-6, and Action Item TM-10.2, Action Item TM-10.3 and Goal IPS-6, which are discussed below in Section 6; and
WHEREAS, at its meeting of August 7, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-46 (“Resolution No. 2023-46”), a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Calimesa California, Adopting a General Plan Environmental Impact Report Addendum for the Proposed Calimesa Boulevard Realignment Project at Singleton Road in the City of Calimesa. In adopting Resolution No. 2023-46, the City Council considered the Addendum to the General Plan EIR dated December 2019 and found in its independent judgment that the Addendum was prepared in accordance with CEQA. In adopting Resolution No. 2023-46, the City Council further found that the Addendum reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City Council. The Addendum determined that the impacts associated with the Project would not result in a new significant impact not analyzed in the previously certified General Plan EIR. It also determined that there are no substantial changes to the circumstances under which the Project will be undertaken, and no new information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known when the EIR was adopted, has been identified. The Addendum found that all of the Project’s impacts would be substantially the same for each impact category (or incrementally decreased) when compared to the impacts analyzed in the previously certified EIR. Accordingly, the proposed modifications associated with the Project do not meet the standards for a subsequent or supplemental EIR as provided pursuant to Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164. As such, the City determined that the EIR satisfies CEQA requirements for the modifications resulting from the Project, as described above, pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164; and
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WHEREAS, on or about August 10, 2023, the City duly filed a Notice of Determination (State Clearinghouse Number 2013021033) with the Clerk of the County of Riverside in accordance with CEQA. The Notice of Determination documented that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment; that an Environmental Impact Report was prepared pursuant to CEQA; that mitigation measures were made a condition of the approval of the Project; that a mitigation report or monitoring plan was adopted for the Project; that a Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted for this Project; and that findings were made pursuant to CEQA. The General Plan EIR, Addendum, Notice of Determination, PC Resolution 2023-07, Resolution 2023-46, and related environmental documents referenced above are incorporated herein by this reference and are referred to below collectively as “Project Environmental Documents.”
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Calimesa does hereby find, determine and resolve as follows:
SECTION 1. The facts set forth in the Recitals to this Resolution are true and correct.
SECTION 2. The City Council adopts Resolution 2026-61, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Calimesa, California, Declaring Certain Real Property Interests Necessary for Public Purposes and Authorizing the Acquisition Thereof in Connection with the Calimesa Boulevard Realignment at Singleton Road Project (Real Property Interests on APN 413-260-032) and Making Findings that no Further Environmental Review is Required Pursuant to Section 15162 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines and Section 21166 of the Public Resources Code.
SECTION 3. The City seeks to acquire by eminent domain the real property interests described below in Section 4 of this Resolution for public use, namely public street purposes, drainage, public utilities, and all uses necessary or convenient thereto in connection with the Project pursuant to the authority conferred on the City of Calimesa to acquire real property by eminent domain by Section 19 of Article I of the California Constitution, Government Code sections 37350, 37350.5, 37351, 37353, 40401, and 40404, California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1230.010 et seq. (Eminent Domain Law), including but not limited to Sections 1240.010, 1240.020, 1240.110, 1240.120, 1240.240, 1240.350, 1240.510, 1240.610, and 1240.650, and by other provisions of law.
SECTION 4. The City seeks to acquire the following real property interests from the Phelps-Smith South Parcel, which are referred to in this Resolution collectively as the “Subject Property Interests”:
A. an approximate 9,083 square foot (0.21 acres) permanent road easement for public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto described more particularly on EXHIBIT “A” and depicted on EXHIBIT “B” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference; and B. the right to possess and use a total approximate 1,999 square foot (0.05 acres) temporary construction easement area with a term of eighteen (18) months (TCE), consisting of an approximate 925 square foot (0.02 acres) temporary construction easement with
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a term of eighteen (18) months more particularly as Parcel A and an approximate 1,074 square foot (0.03 acres) temporary construction easement with a term of eighteen (18) months described more particularly as Parcel B on EXHIBIT “C” and depicted on EXHIBIT “D” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
SECTION 5. The environmental effects of the acquisition of the Subject Property Interest were studied as an integral part of the environmental review for the Project. In connection with the proposed adoption of the Resolution of Necessity, on September 28, 2026, City Staff reviewed the Project Environmental Documents. Pursuant to the criteria of Section 15162 of the CEQA Guidelines and Section 21166 of the Public Resources Code, City Staff concluded that no substantial changes have occurred in the Project, no substantial changes have occurred in the circumstances under which the Project is undertaken, and that the City has obtained no new information of substantial importance that would require further environmental analysis. Based on the City Council’s independent judgment and analysis of the Project and the Project Environmental Documents, the City Council hereby finds that these environmental findings are the appropriate findings with respect to the proposed acquisition of the Subject Property Interests.
SECTION 6. The Project, as planned and located, is in the public interest and necessity and is needed to improve traffic circulation and efficiency in this area of the City as more fully explained below:
A. The Project, as planned and designed, is a necessary component of the future pending phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. The proposed Project will realign an approximate 0.6 mile section of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton Road, approximately 400 feet east of the current location to improve traffic and safety. The Project will widen approximately 3,300 linear feet of Calimesa Boulevard and of Singleton Road to their ultimate street widths. Calimesa Boulevard and Singleton Road will remain classified as four (4) to six (6) lane major arterials and each roadway will be widened to approximately seventy-six (76) feet. Street improvements will consist of new curbs, gutters, sidewalk improvements, two (2) vehicular lanes in each direction, construction of a signalized intersection, and modifications to the existing storm drain channel. The Project will provide additional horizontal clearance from the I-10/Singleton Road interchange to provide the minimum intersection setback for potential future I-10/Singleton Road interchange improvements. The City seeks to construct the Project to improve capacity, traffic circulation, and enhance the safety of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
B. The proposed Project will improve ingress and egress for adjoining properties and side streets. The design is intended to ease travel through Calimesa and improve circulation and safety. Accordingly, the Project will benefit the residents and businesses of the City and the community as a whole.
C. The Project, as planned and located, is consistent with the General Plan.
The City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests for public use, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto in connection with the Project. As found by the Planning Commission at its meeting of July 10, 2023 when it adopted PC Resolution 2023-07, the Project is a necessary component of the future pending phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. Specifically, the Planning
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Commission found that the Project helps to further the following Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan:
1. Goal TM-1: A transportation system that ensures the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the City.
2. Policy TM-1: Provide for roadways in accordance with the Circulation Plan.
3. Policy TM-3: Strive to construct streets in accordance with the City’s standard street classifications.
4. Policy TM-4: Maintain and rehabilitate roadways to preserve and improve the quality of city streets and thoroughfares that promote access and mobility between residential neighborhoods, employment centers, shopping, and health services.
5. Policy TM-5: Design each roadway with sufficient width to accommodate project traffic at acceptable service levels, based on the intensity or density of planned land uses.
6. Policy TM-6: Access points must be located a sufficient distance from major intersections to allow for safe, efficient operation.
7. Action Item TM-10.2: Implement freeway ramp/arterial roadway interchange improvements that promote the safe and efficient movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
8. Action Item TM-10.3: Coordinate the planning for Calimesa’s transportation needs with adjacent jurisdictions, the County of Riverside, Caltrans, and public transit providers.
9. Goal IPS-6: Plan for the convenient location and adequate size of public facilities.
D. The Project is planned and located in the manner that is most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury. The Project, as planned and located, is intended to minimize the impact on private properties. The Project requires the acquisition of several permanent easements on five parcels owned by private parties, permanent slope easements on one parcel, and temporary construction easements on five parcels to facilitate the construction of the Project. The parcels impacted by the Project consist of generally vacant land, except for real property interests needed on one improved parcel. The City’s acquisition of the Subject Property Interests required for the Project will not result in the displacement of persons or any businesses.
SECTION 7. The City has made the offer required by Government Code Section 7267.2 to the record owner of the Subject Property Interests.
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A. Pursuant to Government Code Section 7260 et seq., the City of Calimesa obtained a fair market value appraisal of the Subject Property Interests which the City seeks to acquire for public use, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto, and the Phelps-Smith South Parcel of which the Subject Property Interests are a part and set just compensation in accordance with the fair market value. The appraisal used a date of value of March 4, 2026.
B. The City extended a written offer dated July 1, 2026 to the record owner of the Phelps-Smith South Parcel, Phelps-Smith Investments, LLC, a California limited liability company, to purchase the Subject Property Interests.
C. The City’s written offer included an informational pamphlet describing the eminent domain process and the record owner’s rights under the Eminent Domain Law. In accordance with Government Code Section 7267.2, the City’s written offer contained a written statement of, and summary of the basis for, the amount it established as just compensation. The offer set forth the date of value utilized by the City’s appraiser and explained the appraiser’s opinion of the highest and best use of the Phelps-Smith South Parcel. It specified the applicable zoning and General Plan designation of the Phelps-Smith South Parcel. The City’s offer also summarized the principal transactions relied on by the appraiser to arrive at the appraiser’s opinion of value. In addition, the written offer discussed the appraiser’s valuation analysis, including the comparable market data relied on by the appraiser. Further, the City offered, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1263.025, to pay the record owner the reasonable costs, up to $5,000.00, for an independent appraisal of the Subject Property Interests.
SECTION 8. The City provided written notice to the owner of record, Phelps-Smith Investments, LLC, a California limited liability company, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 1245.235 of the City Council’s intent to consider the adoption of a Resolution of Necessity for the acquisition of the Subject Property Interest by eminent domain. The CCP Section 1245.235 notice advised the record owner of the owner’s right to appear and be heard regarding the City’s proposed adoption of a Resolution of Necessity by filing, within fifteen (15) days of the date on which the CCP Section 1245 notice was mailed, a written request with the City to appear at the hearing. The CCP Section 1245.235 notice specifically informed the record owner that the owner has an opportunity to appear before the City Council and raise questions about whether the public interest and necessity require the Project; whether the Project is planned or located in the manner that will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury; and whether the Subject Property Interests the City seeks to acquire from the owner of record are necessary for the Project.
SECTION 9. The public use for which the City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto, will not unreasonably interfere with or impair the continuance of the public use to which any easement holders may have appropriated the area (Code of Civil Procedure Section 1240.510). To the extent the Project requires the relocation of any utilities, the public use for which the City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary or convenient thereto, is a more necessary public use within the meaning of Code of Civil Procedure Section 1240.650 than the uses to which public utility easement holders have appropriated any utility easements
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located in the Subject Property Interests that are affected by the Project. Accordingly, the City is authorized to acquire the Subject Property Interests pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1240.510, 1240.610, and 1240.650.
SECTION 10. Based on the evidence presented at the hearing regarding the Project, including the Agenda Report and documents referenced therein, and any oral and written testimony at the hearing, the City Council hereby finds and determines that:
A. The public interest and necessity require the Project; B. The Project is planned and located in the manner that will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury; C. The Subject Property Interests more particularly described in and depicted on EXHIBIT “A”, EXHIBIT “B”, EXHIBIT “C”, and EXHIBIT “D” attached hereto, are necessary for the Project; and
D. The City has made the offer required by Government Code Section 7267.2 to the record owner of the Subject Property Interests the City seeks to acquire.
SECTION 11. The findings and declarations contained in this Resolution are based upon the record before the City Council, including the Agenda Report and all documents referenced therein, all of which are incorporated herein by this reference, and any testimony and/or comments submitted to the City by the record owner and or the owner’s representative(s). These documents include but are not limited to the City of Calimesa General Plan, the offer letter sent to the owner pursuant to Government Code Section 7267.2, the notice to the record owner pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1245.235 of the City’s intent to consider the adoption of the Resolution of Necessity, the improvement plans for the Project, and the Project Environmental Documents.
SECTION 12. The City Council of the City of Calimesa hereby authorizes and directs the City Attorney’s Office to take all steps necessary to commence and prosecute legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to acquire the Subject Property Interests more particularly described in and depicted on EXHIBIT “A”, EXHIBIT “B”, EXHIBIT “C”, and EXHIBIT “D” attached hereto.
SECTION 13. The City Council of the City of Calimesa hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute all necessary documents in connection with the eminent domain proceeding.
SECTION 14. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of October, 2026. ________________________
Jeff Cervantes, Mayor
City of Calimesa
ATTEST:
Darlene Gerdes, City Clerk
City of Calimesa
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Steven Flower, City Attorney
Richards, Watson & Gershon
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CERTIFICATION:
I, Darlene Gerdes, City Clerk of the City of Calimesa, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution 2026-61, was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Calimesa, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 5th day of October, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
___________________________
Darlene Gerdes, City Clerk
City of Calimesa, California
EXHIBIT “A”
Legal Description of Permanent Easement
EXHIBIT “B”
Depiction of Permanent Easement
EXHIBIT “C”
Legal Description of Temporary Construction Easement
EXHIBIT “D”
Depiction of Temporary Construction Easement
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RESOLUTION 2026-62
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CALIMESA, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY
INTERESTS NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES AND
AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION THEREOF IN CONNECTION
WITH THE CALIMESA BOULEVARD REALIGNMENT AT SINGLETON
ROAD PROJECT (REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS ON APNS 413-260-019 and 413-260-020) AND MAKING FINDINGS THAT NO FURTHER
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION
15162 OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
GUIDELINES AND SECTION 21166 OF THE PUBLIC RESOURCES
CODE
WHEREAS, the City of Calimesa (“City”) is a municipal corporation in the County of Riverside, State of California; and
WHEREAS, the City seeks to construct the Calimesa Boulevard Realignment at Singleton Road Project (“Project”) to improve vehicular traffic circulation and long-term efficiency in this area of the City. The Project is a Capital Improvements Project. The Project, as planned and designed, will realign an approximate 0.6 mile section of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton Road, approximately 400 feet east of the current location, to improve traffic circulation, safety for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The Project is a necessary component of the future pending phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. The Project will widen approximately 3,300 linear feet of Calimesa Boulevard and of Singleton Road to their ultimate street widths. Calimesa Boulevard and Singleton Road will remain classified as four (4) to six (6) lane major arterials and each roadway will be widened to approximately seventy-six (76) feet.
Street improvements will consist of new curbs, gutters, sidewalk improvements, two (2) vehicular lanes in each direction, construction of a signalized intersection, and modifications to the existing storm drain channel. The Project will provide additional horizontal clearance from the I10/Singleton Road interchange to provide the minimum intersection setback for potential future I10/Singleton Road interchange improvements. The Project is consistent with the General Plan and helps to satisfy several Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan discussed below in Section 6; and
WHEREAS, the City requires the acquisition of certain real property interests described more particularly in Section 4 below on the real property located at 9670 Calimesa Boulevard in the City of Calimesa, and identified as Riverside County Tax Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 413-260- 019 and 413-260-020, which is owned by Thomas G. Whiting and Ingrid Guerra, As Trustees of the Whiting-Guerra Trust dated July 7, 2013, as to an undivided one-half interest and Denise R.
Whiting and Gregory D. Gontz, As Trustees of the Gontz-Whiting Living Trust dated December 22, 2015, as to an undivided one-half interest and is referred to below as the “Whiting-GuerraGontz Parcel.” WHEREAS, the environmental effects of the Project and the acquisition of the real property interests needed for the Project were studied and analyzed as an integral part of the Addendum (Addendum No. 1) to the City of Calimesa General Plan Update 2013 Environmental
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Impact Report (SCH No. 2013021033) (“General Plan EIR”) in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., and the CEQA Guidelines, 14 Cal. Code Regs. Section 15000 et seq. (“CEQA Guidelines”). Pursuant to Section 15064 of the CEQA Guidelines, the City prepared an Addendum to the General Plan EIR to determine if the Project would have significant effects on the environment beyond those identified in the General Plan EIR. The Addendum found that there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record, that the Project would have a significant effect on the environment beyond those identified by the General Plan EIR; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Calimesa Municipal Code Section 2.45.030 and Government Code Section 65103, the Planning Commission found, at its meeting of July 10, 2023, that the Project is consistent with the General Plan. In adopting Planning Commission Resolution 2023-07 (“PC Resolution 2023-07”), the Planning Commission found that the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) required the City’s realignment of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton as a component of the phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. The phase 1 improvements will generally include: (i) paving of the missing I-10/Singleton Road westbound on-ramp and eastbound offramp; (ii) installation of traffic signals; and (iii) Calimesa Boulevard realignment at Singleton Road. Additional improvements to include a full rebuild of the I-10/Singleton Road interchange are being pursued; however, timing of the full rebuild is unknown and the phase 1 improvements described above are anticipated to add significant value to the interchange in the interim. In accordance with Calimesa Municipal Code Section 2.45.030 and Government Code Section 65103, the Planning Commission found, at its meeting of July 10, 2023, that the Project is consistent with the General Plan. In adopting PC Resolution 2023-07, the Planning Commission found that the Project will further several Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan, including Goal TM-1, Policy TM-1, Policy TM-3, Policy TM-4, Policy TM-5, Policy TM-6, and Action Item TM-10.2, Action Item TM-10.3 and Goal IPS-6, which are discussed below in Section 6; and
WHEREAS, at its meeting of August 7, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-46, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Calimesa California, Adopting a General Plan Environmental Impact Report Addendum for the Proposed Calimesa Boulevard Realignment Project at Singleton Road in the City of Calimesa. In adopting Resolution No. 2023-46, the City Council considered the Addendum to the General Plan EIR dated December 2019 and found in its independent judgment that the Addendum was prepared in accordance with CEQA. In adopting Resolution No. 2023-46, the City Council further found that the Addendum reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City Council. The Addendum determined that the impacts associated with the Project would not result in a new significant impact not analyzed in the previously certified General Plan EIR. It also determined that there are no substantial changes to the circumstances under which the Project will be undertaken, and no new information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known when the EIR was adopted, has been identified. The Addendum found that all of the Project’s impacts would be substantially the same for each impact category (or incrementally decreased) when compared to the impacts analyzed in the previously certified EIR. Accordingly, the proposed modifications associated with the Project do not meet the standards for a subsequent or supplemental EIR as provided pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164. As such, the City determined
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that the EIR satisfies CEQA requirements for the modifications resulting from the Project, as described above, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164; and WHEREAS, on or about August 10, 2023, the City duly filed a Notice of Determination (State Clearinghouse Number 2013021033) with the Clerk of the County of Riverside in accordance with CEQA. The Notice of Determination documented that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment; that an Environmental Impact Report was prepared pursuant to CEQA; that mitigation measures were made a condition of the approval of the Project; that a mitigation report or monitoring plan was adopted for the Project; that a Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted for this Project; and that findings were made pursuant to CEQA. The General Plan EIR, Addendum, Notice of Determination, PC Resolution 2023-07, and Resolution 2023-46, and related environmental documents referenced above are incorporated herein by this reference and are referred to below collectively as “Project Environmental Documents.”
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Calimesa does hereby find, determine and resolve as follows:
SECTION 1. The facts set forth in the Recitals to this Resolution are true and correct.
SECTION 2. The City Council adopts Resolution 2026-62, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Calimesa, California, Declaring Certain Real Property Interests Necessary for Public Purposes and Authorizing the Acquisition Thereof in Connection with the Calimesa Boulevard Realignment at Singleton Road Project (Real Property Interests on APNS 413-260-019 and 413-260-020) and Making Findings that no Further Environmental Review is Required Pursuant to Section 15162 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines and Section 21166 of the Public Resources Code.
SECTION 3. The City seeks to acquire by eminent domain the real property interests described below in Section 4 of this Resolution for public use, namely public street purposes, drainage, public utilities, and all uses necessary or convenient thereto in connection with the Project pursuant to the authority conferred on the City of Calimesa to acquire real property by eminent domain by Section 19 of Article I of the California Constitution, Government Code sections 37350, 37350.5, 37351, 37353, 40401, and 40404, California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1230.010 et seq. (Eminent Domain Law), including but not limited to Sections 1240.010, 1240.020, 1240.110, 1240.120, 1240.240, 1240.350, 1240.510, 1240.610, and 1240.650, and by other provisions of law.
SECTION 4. The City seeks to acquire the following real property interests from the Whiting-Guerra-Gontz Parcel, which are referred to in this Resolution collectively as the “Subject Property Interests”:
A. an approximate 9,266 square foot (0.21 acres) permanent easement on the portion of the Whiting-Guerra-Gontz Parcel identified as APN 413-260-019 for public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto described more particularly on EXHIBIT “A-1” and depicted on EXHIBIT “B-1” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference;
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B. an approximate 25,581 square foot (0.59 acres) permanent easement on the portion of the Whiting-Guerra-Gontz Parcel identified as APN 413-260-020 for public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto described more particularly on EXHIBIT “A-2” and depicted on EXHIBIT “B-2” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference; and
C. the right to possess and use a total approximate 7,618 square foot temporary construction easement area with a term of eighteen (18) months (TCE), consisting of (a) an approximate 2,061 square foot (0.05 acres) temporary construction easement with a term of eighteen (18) months on the portion of the Whiting-Guerra-Gontz Parcel identified as APN 413- 260-019 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “C-1” and depicted on EXHIBIT “D-1” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, consisting of an approximate 962 square foot (0.02 acres) temporary construction easement described as Parcel A and an approximate 1,099 square foot (0.03 acres) temporary construction easement described as Parcel B, and (b) an approximate 5,557 square foot (0.13 acres) temporary construction easement with a term of eighteen (18) months on the portion of the Whiting-Guerra-Gontz Parcel identified as APN 413- 260-020 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “C-2” and depicted on EXHIBIT “D-2”, consisting of an approximate 3,032 square foot (0.07 acres) temporary construction easement described as Parcel A and an approximate 2,525 square foot (0.06 acres) temporary construction easement described as Parcel B.
SECTION 5. The environmental effects of the acquisition of the Subject Property Interest were studied as an integral part of the environmental review for the Project. In connection with the proposed adoption of the Resolution of Necessity, on September 28, 2026, City Staff reviewed the Project Environmental Documents. Pursuant to the criteria of Section 15162 of the CEQA Guidelines and Section 21166 of the Public Resources Code, City Staff concluded that no substantial changes have occurred in the Project, no substantial changes have occurred in the circumstances under which the Project is undertaken, and that the City has obtained no new information of substantial importance that would require further environmental analysis. Based on the City Council’s independent judgment and analysis of the Project and the Project Environmental Documents, the City Council hereby finds that these environmental findings are the appropriate findings with respect to the proposed acquisition of the Subject Property Interests.
SECTION 6. The Project, as planned and located, is in the public interest and necessity and is needed to improve traffic circulation and efficiency in this area of the City as more fully explained below:
A. The Project, as planned and designed, is a necessary component of the future pending phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. The proposed Project will realign an approximate 0.6 mile section of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton Road, approximately 400 feet east of the current location to improve traffic and safety. The Project will widen approximately 3,300 linear feet of Calimesa Boulevard and of Singleton Road to their ultimate street widths. Calimesa Boulevard and Singleton Road will remain classified as four (4) to six (6) lane major arterials and each roadway will be widened to approximately seventy-six (76) feet. Street improvements will consist of new curbs, gutters, sidewalk improvements, two (2) vehicular lanes in each direction, construction of a signalized intersection, and modifications to the existing storm drain channel. The Project will provide additional horizontal clearance from
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the I-10/Singleton Road interchange to provide the minimum intersection setback for potential future I-10/Singleton Road interchange improvements. The City seeks to construct the Project to improve capacity, traffic circulation, and enhance the safety of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
B. The proposed Project will improve ingress and egress for adjoining properties and side streets. The design is intended to ease travel through Calimesa and improve circulation and safety. Accordingly, the Project will benefit the residents and businesses of the City and the community as a whole.
C. The Project, as planned and located, is consistent with the General Plan.
The City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests for public use, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto in connection with the Project. As found by the Planning Commission at its meeting of July 10, 2023 when it adopted PC Resolution 2023-07, the Project is a necessary component of the future pending phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. Specifically, the Planning Commission found that the Project helps to further the following Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan:
1. Goal TM-1: A transportation system that ensures the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the City.
2. Policy TM-1: Provide for roadways in accordance with the Circulation Plan.
3. Policy TM-3: Strive to construct streets in accordance with the City’s standard street classifications.
4. Policy TM-4: Maintain and rehabilitate roadways to preserve and improve the quality of city streets and thoroughfares that promote access and mobility between residential neighborhoods, employment centers, shopping, and health services.
5. Policy TM-5: Design each roadway with sufficient width to accommodate project traffic at acceptable service levels, based on the intensity or density of planned land uses.
6. Policy TM-6: Access points must be located a sufficient distance from major intersections to allow for safe, efficient operation.
7. Action Item TM-10.2: Implement freeway ramp/arterial roadway interchange improvements that promote the safe and efficient movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
8. Action Item TM-10.3: Coordinate the planning for Calimesa’s transportation needs with adjacent jurisdictions, the County of Riverside, Caltrans, and public transit providers.
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9. Goal IPS-6: Plan for the convenient location and adequate size of public facilities.
D. The Project is planned and located in the manner that is most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury. The Project, as planned and located, is intended to minimize the impact on private properties. The Project requires the acquisition of several permanent easements on five parcels owned by private parties, permanent slope easements on one parcel, and temporary construction easements on five parcels to facilitate the construction of the Project. The parcels impacted by the Project consist of generally vacant land, except for the certain real property interests needed from one improved parcel. The City’s acquisition of the Subject Property Interests required for the Project will not result in the displacement of persons or any businesses.
SECTION 7. The City has made the offer required by Government Code Section 7267.2 to the record owners of the Subject Property Interests.
A. Pursuant to Government Code Section 7260 et seq., the City of Calimesa obtained a fair market value appraisal of the Subject Property Interests which the City seeks to acquire for public use, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto, and the Whiting-Guerra-Gontz Parcel of which the Subject Property Interests are a part and set just compensation in accordance with the fair market value. The appraisal used a date of value of March 4, 2026.
B. The City extended a written offer dated July 1, 2026 to the record owners of the Whiting-Guerra-Gontz Parcel, Thomas G. Whiting and Ingrid Guerra, As Trustees of the Whiting-Guerra Trust dated July 7, 2013, as to an undivided one-half interest and Denise R.
Whiting and Gregory D. Gontz, As Trustees of the Gontz-Whiting Living Trust dated December 22, 2015, as to an undivided one-half interest, to purchase the Subject Property Interests.
C. The City’s written offer included an informational pamphlet describing the eminent domain process and the record owner’s rights under the Eminent Domain Law. In accordance with Government Code Section 7267.2, the City’s written offer contained a written statement of, and summary of the basis for, the amount it established as just compensation. The offer set forth the date of value utilized by the City’s appraiser and explained the appraiser’s opinion of the highest and best use of the Whiting-Guerra-Gontz Parcel It specified the applicable zoning and General Plan designation of the Whiting-Guerra-Gontz Parcel. The City’s offer also summarized the principal transactions relied on by the appraiser to arrive at the appraiser’s opinion of value. In addition, the written offer discussed the appraiser’s valuation analysis, including the City’s comparable market data relied on by the appraiser. Further, the City offered, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1263.025, to pay the record owners the reasonable costs, up to $5,000.00, for an independent appraisal of the Subject Property Interests.
SECTION 8. The City provided written notice to the owners of record, Thomas G.
Whiting and Ingrid Guerra, As Trustees of the Whiting-Guerra Trust dated July 7, 2013, as to an undivided one-half interest and Denise R. Whiting and Gregory D. Gontz, As Trustees of the Gontz-Whiting Living Trust dated December 22, 2015, as to an undivided one-half interest, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 1245.235 of the City Council’s intent to consider the
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adoption of a Resolution of Necessity for the acquisition of the Subject Property Interest by eminent domain. The CCP Section 1245.235 notice advised the record owners of the owners’ right to appear and be heard regarding the City’s proposed adoption of a Resolution of Necessity by filing, within fifteen (15) days of the date on which the CCP Section 1245 notice was mailed, a written request with the City to appear at the hearing. The CCP Section 1245.235 notice specifically informed the record owners that the owners have an opportunity to appear before the City Council and raise questions about whether the public interest and necessity require the Project; whether the Project is planned or located in the manner that will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury; and whether the Subject Property Interests the City seeks to acquire from the owners of record are necessary for the Project.
SECTION 9. The public use for which the City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto, will not unreasonably interfere with or impair the continuance of the public use to which any easement holders may have appropriated the area (Code of Civil Procedure Section 1240.510). To the extent the Project requires the relocation of any utilities, the public use for which the City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary or convenient thereto, is a more necessary public use within the meaning of Code of Civil Procedure Section 1240.650 than the uses to which public utility easement holders have appropriated any utility easements located in the Subject Property Interests that are affected by the Project. Accordingly, the City is authorized to acquire the Subject Property Interests pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1240.510, 1240.610, and 1240.650.
SECTION 10. Based on the evidence presented at the hearing regarding the Project, including the Agenda Report and documents referenced therein, and any oral and written testimony at the hearing, the City Council hereby finds and determines that:
A. The public interest and necessity require the Project; B. The Project is planned and located in the manner that will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury; C. The Subject Property Interests, which are more particularly described in and depicted on EXHIBIT “A-1”, EXHIBIT “B-1”, EXHIBIT “A-2”, EXHIBIT “B-2”, EXHIBIT “C1”, EXHIBIT “D-1”, EXHIBIT “C-2”, and EXHIBIT “D-2” attached hereto, are necessary for the Project; and
D. The City has made the offer required by Government Code Section 7267.2 to the record owners of the Subject Property Interests the City seeks to acquire.
SECTION 11. The findings and declarations contained in this Resolution are based upon the record before the City Council, including the Agenda Report and all documents referenced therein, all of which are incorporated herein by this reference, and any testimony and/or comments submitted to the City by the record owners and or the owners’ representative(s). These documents include but are not limited to the City of Calimesa General Plan, the offer letter sent to the owners pursuant to Government Code Section 7267.2, the notice to the record owners pursuant to Code of
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Civil Procedure Section 1245.235 of the City’s intent to consider the adoption of the Resolution of Necessity, the improvement plans for the Project, and the Project Environmental Documents.
SECTION 12. The City Council of the City of Calimesa hereby authorizes and directs the City Attorney’s Office to take all steps necessary to commence and prosecute legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to acquire the Subject Property Interests more particularly described in and depicted on EXHIBIT “A-1”, EXHIBIT “B-1”, EXHIBIT “A-2”, EXHIBIT “B2”, EXHIBIT “C-1”, EXHIBIT “D-1”, EXHIBIT “C-2”, and EXHIBIT “D-2” attached hereto.
SECTION 13. The City Council of the City of Calimesa hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute all necessary documents in connection with the eminent domain proceeding.
SECTION 14. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of October, 2026. ________________________
Jeff Cervantes, Mayor
City of Calimesa
ATTEST:
Darlene Gerdes, City Clerk
City of Calimesa
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Steven Flower, City Attorney
Richards, Watson & Gershon
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CERTIFICATION:
I, Darlene Gerdes, City Clerk of the City of Calimesa, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution 2026-62, was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Calimesa, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 5th day of October, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
___________________________
Darlene Gerdes, City Clerk
City of Calimesa, California
EXHIBIT “A-1”
Legal Description of approximate 9,266 square foot Permanent Easement (APN 413-260-019)
EXHIBIT “B-1”
Depiction of approximate 9,266 square foot Permanent Easement (APN 413-260-019)
EXHIBIT “A-2”
Legal Description of approximate 25,581 square foot Permanent Easement (APN 413-260-020)
EXHIBIT “B-2”
Depiction of approximate 25,581 square foot Permanent Easement (APN 413-260-020)
EXHIBIT “C-1”
Legal Description of approximate 7,618 square foot Temporary Construction Easement (APN 413-260-019)
EXHIBIT “D-1”
Depiction of approximate 7,618 square foot Temporary Construction Easement (APN 413-260-019)
EXHIBIT “C-2”
Legal Description of approximate 5,557 square foot Temporary Construction Easement (APN 413-260-020)
EXHIBIT “D-2”
Depiction of approximate 5,557 square foot Temporary Construction Easement (APN 413-260-020)
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RESOLUTION 2026-63
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CALIMESA, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY
INTERESTS NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES AND
AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION THEREOF IN CONNECTION
WITH THE CALIMESA BOULEVARD REALIGNMENT AT SINGLETON
ROAD PROJECT (REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS ON APNS 413-260-002 AND 413-260-026) AND MAKING FINDINGS THAT NO FURTHER
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION
15162 OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
GUIDELINES AND SECTION 21166 OF THE PUBLIC RESOURCES
CODE
WHEREAS, the City of Calimesa (“City”) is a municipal corporation in the County of Riverside, State of California; and
WHEREAS, the City seeks to construct the Calimesa Boulevard Realignment at Singleton Road Project (“Project”) to improve vehicular traffic circulation and long-term efficiency in this area of the City. The Project is a Capital Improvements Project. The Project, as planned and designed, will realign an approximate 0.6 mile section of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton Road, approximately 400 feet east of the current location, to improve traffic circulation, safety for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The Project is a necessary component of the future pending phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. The Project will widen approximately 3,300 linear feet of Calimesa Boulevard and of Singleton Road to their ultimate street widths. Calimesa Boulevard and Singleton Road will remain classified as four (4) to six (6) lane major arterials and each roadway will be widened to approximately seventy-six (76) feet.
Street improvements will consist of new curbs, gutters, sidewalk improvements, two (2) vehicular lanes in each direction, construction of a signalized intersection, and modifications to the existing storm drain channel. The Project will provide additional horizontal clearance from the I10/Singleton Road interchange to provide the minimum intersection setback for potential future I10/Singleton Road interchange improvements. The Project is consistent with the General Plan and helps to satisfy several Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan discussed below in Section 6; and
WHEREAS, the City requires the acquisition of certain real property interests described more particularly in Section 4 below on the real property located at the Northeast Corner of Singleton Road and Calimesa Boulevard in the City of Calimesa, and identified as Riverside County Tax Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 413-260-002 and 413-260-026, which is owned by PhelpsSmith Investments, LLC, a California limited liability company, is referred to below as the “Phelps-Smith North Parcel.”
WHEREAS, the environmental effects of the Project and the acquisition of the real property interests needed for the Project were studied and analyzed as an integral part of the Addendum (Addendum No. 1) to the City of Calimesa General Plan Update 2013 Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2013021033) (“General Plan EIR”) in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., and the
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CEQA Guidelines, 14 Cal. Code Regs. Section 15000 et seq. (“CEQA Guidelines”). Pursuant to Section 15064 of the CEQA Guidelines, the City prepared an Addendum to the General Plan EIR to determine if the Project would have significant effects on the environment beyond those identified in the General Plan EIR. The Addendum found that there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record, that the Project would have a significant effect on the environment beyond those identified by the General Plan EIR; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Calimesa Municipal Code Section 2.45.030 and Government Code Section 65103, the Planning Commission found, at its meeting of July 10, 2023, that the Project is consistent with the General Plan. In adopting Planning Commission Resolution 2023-07 (“PC Resolution 2023-07”), the Planning Commission found that the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) required the City’s realignment of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton as a component of the phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. The phase 1 improvements will generally include: (i) paving of the missing I-10/Singleton Road westbound on-ramp and eastbound offramp; (ii) installation of traffic signals; and (iii) Calimesa Boulevard realignment at Singleton Road. Additional improvements to include a full rebuild of the I-10/Singleton Road interchange are being pursued; however, timing of the full rebuild is unknown and the phase 1 improvements described above are anticipated to add significant value to the interchange in the interim. In accordance with Calimesa Municipal Code Section 2.45.030 and Government Code Section 65103, the Planning Commission found, at its meeting of July 10, 2023, that the Project is consistent with the General Plan. In adopting PC Resolution 2023-07, the Planning Commission found that the Project will further several Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan, including Goal TM-1, Policy TM-1, Policy TM-3, Policy TM-4, Policy TM-5, Policy TM-6, and Action Item TM-10.2, Action Item TM-10.3 and Goal IPS-6, which are discussed below in Section 6; and
WHEREAS, at its meeting of August 7, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-46 (“Resolution No. 2023-46”) a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Calimesa California, Adopting a General Plan Environmental Impact Report Addendum for the Proposed Calimesa Boulevard Realignment Project at Singleton Road in the City of Calimesa. In adopting Resolution No. 2023-46, the City Council considered the Addendum to the General Plan EIR dated December 2019 and found in its independent judgment that the Addendum was prepared in accordance with CEQA. In adopting Resolution No. 2023-46, the City Council further found that the Addendum reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City Council. The Addendum determined that the impacts associated with the Project would not result in a new significant impact not analyzed in the previously certified General Plan EIR. It also determined that there are no substantial changes to the circumstances under which the Project will be undertaken, and no new information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known when the EIR was adopted, has been identified. The Addendum found that all of the Project’s impacts would be substantially the same for each impact category (or incrementally decreased) when compared to the impacts analyzed in the previously certified EIR. Accordingly, the proposed modifications associated with the Project do not meet the standards for a subsequent or supplemental EIR as provided pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164. As such, the City determined that the EIR satisfies CEQA requirements for the modifications resulting from the Project, as described above, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164; and
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WHEREAS, on or about August 10, 2023, the City duly filed a Notice of Determination (State Clearinghouse Number 2013021033) with the Clerk of the County of Riverside in accordance with CEQA. The Notice of Determination documented that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment; that an Environmental Impact Report was prepared pursuant to CEQA; that mitigation measures were made a condition of the approval of the Project; that a mitigation report or monitoring plan was adopted for the Project; that a Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted for this Project; and that findings were made pursuant to CEQA. The General Plan EIR, Addendum, Notice of Determination, PC Resolution 2023-07, Resolution 2023-46, and related environmental documents referenced above are incorporated herein by this reference and are referred to below collectively as “Project Environmental Documents.”
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Calimesa does hereby find, determine and resolve as follows:
SECTION 1. The facts set forth in the Recitals to this Resolution are true and correct.
SECTION 2. The City Council adopts Resolution 2026-63, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Calimesa, California, Declaring Certain Real Property Interests Necessary for Public Purposes and Authorizing the Acquisition Thereof in Connection with the Calimesa Boulevard Realignment at Singleton Road Project (Real Property Interests on APNs 413-260-002 and 413-260-026) and Making Findings that no Further Environmental Review is Required Pursuant to Section 15162 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines and Section 21166 of the Public Resources Code.
SECTION 3. The City seeks to acquire by eminent domain the real property interests described below in Section 4 of this Resolution for public use, namely public street purposes, drainage, public utilities, and all uses necessary or convenient thereto in connection with the Project pursuant to the authority conferred on the City of Calimesa to acquire real property by eminent domain by Section 19 of Article I of the California Constitution, Government Code sections 37350, 37350.5, 37351, 37353, 40401, and 40404, California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1230.010 et seq. (Eminent Domain Law), including but not limited to Sections 1240.010, 1240.020, 1240.110, 1240.120, 1240.240, 1240.350, 1240.510, 1240.610, and 1240.650, and by other provisions of law.
SECTION 4. The City seeks to acquire the following real property interests from the Phelps-Smith North Parcel, which are referred to in this Resolution collectively as the “Subject Property Interests”:
A. a total approximate 95,185 square foot (2.18 acres) permanent easement area for public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto, consisting of the following:
1. an approximate 25,828 square foot (0.59 acres) permanent easement on the portion of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel identified as APN 413- 260-002 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “A-1” and depicted on EXHIBIT “B-1” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference; and
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2. an approximate 69,357 square foot (1.59 acres) permanent easement on the portion of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel identified as APN 413- 260-026 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “A-2” and depicted on EXHIBIT “B-2” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
B. a total approximate 46,932 square foot (1.08 acres) permanent slope easement area for public street purposes and all uses necessary or convenient thereto to support the public street improvements the City will construct in the total approximate 95,185 square foot (2.18 acres) permanent easement areas, consisting of the following:
1. a total approximate 16,936 square foot (0.39 acres) permanent easement area for slope purposes on the portion of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel identified as APN 413-260-002 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “C-1” and depicted on EXHIBIT “D-1” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, consisting of an approximate 4,209 square foot area described as Slope Easement Parcel A and an approximate 12,727 square foot area described as Slope Easement Parcel B; and
2. a total approximate 29,996 square foot (0.69 acres) permanent easement area for slope purposes on the portion of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel identified as APN 413-260-026 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “C-2” and depicted on EXHIBIT “D-2” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, consisting of an approximate 16,857 square foot area described as Slope Easement Parcel A; an approximate 5,544 square foot area described as Slope Easement Parcel B, an approximate 3,013 square foot area described as Slope Easement Parcel C, an approximate 1,503 square foot area described as Slope Easement Parcel D, and an approximate 3,079 square foot area described as Slope Easement Parcel E.
C. the right to possess and use a total approximate 22,382 square foot temporary construction easement area (0.52 acres) with a term of eighteen (18) months (TCE), consisting of the following temporary construction easements:
1. an approximate 6,273 square foot (0.15 acres) temporary construction easement with a term of eighteen (18) months on the portion of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel identified as APN 413-260-002 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “E-1” and depicted on EXHIBIT “F-1” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, consisting of an approximate 787 square foot area described as TCE Parcel A, an approximate 4,194 square foot area described as TCE Parcel B, and an approximate 1,292 square foot area described as TCE Parcel C; and
2. an approximate 16,109 square foot (0.37 acres) temporary construction easement with a term of eighteen (18) months on the portion of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel identified as APN 413-260-026 described more particularly on EXHIBIT “E-2” and depicted on EXHIBIT “F-2” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, consisting of an approximate 10,310
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square foot area described as TCE Parcel A, and an approximate 5,799 square foot area described as TCE Parcel B.
SECTION 5. The environmental effects of the acquisition of the Subject Property Interest were studied as an integral part of the environmental review for the Project. In connection with the proposed adoption of the Resolution of Necessity, on September 28, 2026, City Staff reviewed the Project Environmental Documents. Pursuant to the criteria of Section 15162 of the CEQA Guidelines and Section 21166 of the Public Resources Code, City Staff concluded that no substantial changes have occurred in the Project, no substantial changes have occurred in the circumstances under which the Project is undertaken, and that the City has obtained no new information of substantial importance that would require further environmental analysis. Based on the City Council’s independent judgment and analysis of the Project and the Project Environmental Documents, the City Council hereby finds that these environmental findings are the appropriate findings with respect to the proposed acquisition of the Subject Property Interests.
SECTION 6. The Project, as planned and located, is in the public interest and necessity and is needed to improve traffic circulation and efficiency in this area of the City as more fully explained below:
A. The Project, as planned and designed, is a necessary component of the future pending phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. The proposed Project will realign an approximate 0.6 mile section of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton Road, approximately 400 feet east of the current location to improve traffic and safety. The Project will widen approximately 3,300 linear feet of Calimesa Boulevard and of Singleton Road to their ultimate street widths. Calimesa Boulevard and Singleton Road will remain classified as four (4) to six (6) lane major arterials and each roadway will be widened to approximately seventy-six (76) feet. Street improvements will consist of new curbs, gutters, sidewalk improvements, two (2) vehicular lanes in each direction, construction of a signalized intersection, and modifications to the existing storm drain channel. The Project will provide additional horizontal clearance from the I-10/Singleton Road interchange to provide the minimum intersection setback for potential future I-10/Singleton Road interchange improvements. The City seeks to construct the Project to improve capacity, traffic circulation, and enhance the safety of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
B. The proposed Project will improve ingress and egress for adjoining properties and side streets. The design is intended to ease travel through Calimesa and improve circulation and safety. Accordingly, the Project will benefit the residents and businesses of the City and the community as a whole.
C. The Project, as planned and located, is consistent with the General Plan.
The City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests for public use, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto in connection with the Project. As found by the Planning Commission at its meeting of July 10, 2023 when it adopted PC Resolution 2023-07, the Project is a necessary component of the future pending phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. Specifically, the Planning Commission found that the Project helps to further the following Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan:
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1. Goal TM-1: A transportation system that ensures the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the City.
2. Policy TM-1: Provide for roadways in accordance with the Circulation Plan.
3. Policy TM-3: Strive to construct streets in accordance with the City’s standard street classifications.
4. Policy TM-4: Maintain and rehabilitate roadways to preserve and improve the quality of city streets and thoroughfares that promote access and mobility between residential neighborhoods, employment centers, shopping, and health services.
5. Policy TM-5: Design each roadway with sufficient width to accommodate project traffic at acceptable service levels, based on the intensity or density of planned land uses.
6. Policy TM-6: Access points must be located a sufficient distance from major intersections to allow for safe, efficient operation.
7. Action Item TM-10.2: Implement freeway ramp/arterial roadway interchange improvements that promote the safe and efficient movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
8. Action Item TM-10.3: Coordinate the planning for Calimesa’s transportation needs with adjacent jurisdictions, the County of Riverside, Caltrans, and public transit providers.
9. Goal IPS-6: Plan for the convenient location and adequate size of public facilities.
D. The Project is planned and located in the manner that is most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury. The Project, as planned and located, is intended to minimize the impact on private properties. The Project requires the acquisition of several permanent easements on five parcels owned by private parties, permanent slope easements on one parcel, and temporary construction easements on five parcels to facilitate the construction of the Project. The parcels impacted by the Project consist of generally vacant land, except for real property interests needed on one improved parcel. The City’s acquisition of the Subject Property Interests required for the Project will not result in the displacement of persons or any businesses.
SECTION 7. The City has made the offer required by Government Code Section 7267.2 to the record owner of the Subject Property Interests.
A. Pursuant to Government Code Section 7260 et seq., the City of Calimesa obtained a fair market value appraisal of the Subject Property Interests which the City seeks to acquire for public use, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes,
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and all uses necessary and convenient thereto, and the Phelps-Smith North Parcel of which the Subject Property Interests are a part and set just compensation in accordance with the fair market value. The appraisal used a date of value of March 4, 2026.
B. The City extended a written offer dated July 1, 2026 to the record owner of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel, Phelps-Smith Investments, LLC, a California limited liability company, to purchase the Subject Property Interests.
C. The City’s written offer included an informational pamphlet describing the eminent domain process and the record owner’s rights under the Eminent Domain Law. In accordance with Government Code Section 7267.2, the City’s written offer contained a written statement of, and summary of the basis for, the amount it established as just compensation. The offer set forth the date of value utilized by the City’s appraiser and explained the appraiser’s opinion of the highest and best use of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel. It specified the applicable zoning and General Plan designation of the Phelps-Smith North Parcel. The City’s offer also summarized the principal transactions relied on by the appraiser to arrive at the appraiser’s opinion of value. In addition, the written offer discussed the appraiser’s valuation analysis, including the comparable market data relied on by the appraiser. Further, the City offered, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1263.025, to pay the record owner the reasonable costs, up to $5,000.00, for an independent appraisal of the Subject Property Interests.
SECTION 8. The City provided written notice to the owner of record, Phelps-Smith Investments, LLC, a California limited liability company, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 1245.235 of the City Council’s intent to consider the adoption of a Resolution of Necessity for the acquisition of the Subject Property Interest by eminent domain. The CCP Section 1245.235 notice advised the record owner of the owner’s right to appear and be heard regarding the City’s proposed adoption of a Resolution of Necessity by filing, within fifteen (15) days of the date on which the CCP Section 1245 notice was mailed, a written request with the City to appear at the hearing. The CCP Section 1245.235 notice specifically informed the record owner that the owner has an opportunity to appear before the City Council and raise questions about whether the public interest and necessity require the Project; whether the Project is planned or located in the manner that will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury; and whether the Subject Property Interests the City seeks to acquire from the owner of record are necessary for the Project.
SECTION 9. The public use for which the City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto, will not unreasonably interfere with or impair the continuance of the public use to which any easement holders may have appropriated the area (Code of Civil Procedure Section 1240.510). To the extent the Project requires the relocation of any utilities, the public use for which the City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary or convenient thereto, is a more necessary public use within the meaning of Code of Civil Procedure Section 1240.650 than the uses to which public utility easement holders have appropriated any utility easements located in the Subject Property Interests that are affected by the Project. Accordingly, the City is authorized to acquire the Subject Property Interests pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1240.510, 1240.610, and 1240.650.
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SECTION 10. Based on the evidence presented at the hearing regarding the Project, including the Agenda Report and documents referenced therein, and any oral and written testimony at the hearing, the City Council hereby finds and determines that:
A. The public interest and necessity require the Project; B. The Project is planned and located in the manner that will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury; C. The Subject Property Interests more particularly described in and depicted on EXHIBIT “A-1”, EXHIBIT “B-1”, EXHIBIT “A-2”, EXHIBIT “B-2”, EXHIBIT “C-1”, EXHIBIT “D-1”, EXHIBIT “C-2”, EXHIBIT “D-2”, EXHIBIT “E-1”, EXHIBIT “F-1”, EXHIBIT “E-2”, and EXHIBIT “F-2” attached hereto, are necessary for the Project; and D. The City has made the offer required by Government Code Section 7267.2 to the record owner of the Subject Property Interests the City seeks to acquire.
SECTION 11. The findings and declarations contained in this Resolution are based upon the record before the City Council, including the Agenda Report and all documents referenced therein, all of which are incorporated herein by this reference, and any testimony and/or comments submitted to the City by the record owner and or the owner’s representative(s). These documents include but are not limited to the City of Calimesa General Plan, the offer letter sent to the owner pursuant to Government Code Section 7267.2, the notice to the record owner pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1245.235 of the City’s intent to consider the adoption of the Resolution of Necessity, the improvement plans for the Project, and the Project Environmental Documents.
SECTION 12. The City Council of the City of Calimesa hereby authorizes and directs the City Attorney’s Office to take all steps necessary to commence and prosecute legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to acquire the Subject Property Interests more particularly described in and depicted on EXHIBIT “A-1”, EXHIBIT “B-1”, EXHIBIT “A-2”, EXHIBIT “B2”, EXHIBIT “C-1”, EXHIBIT “D-1”, EXHIBIT “C-2”, EXHIBIT “D-2”, EXHIBIT “E-1”, EXHIBIT “F-1”, EXHIBIT “E-2”, and EXHIBIT “F-2” attached hereto.
SECTION 13. The City Council of the City of Calimesa hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute all necessary documents in connection with the eminent domain proceeding.
SECTION 14. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of October, 2026. ________________________
Jeff Cervantes, Mayor
City of Calimesa
ATTEST:
Darlene Gerdes, City Clerk
City of Calimesa
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Steven Flower, City Attorney
Richards, Watson & Gershon
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CERTIFICATION:
I, Darlene Gerdes, City Clerk of the City of Calimesa, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution 2026-63, was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Calimesa, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 5th day of October, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
___________________________
Darlene Gerdes, City Clerk
City of Calimesa, California
EXHIBIT “A-1”
Legal Description of Approximate 25,828 Square Foot Permanent Easement (APN 413-260-002)
EXHIBIT “B-1”
Depiction of Approximate 25,828 Square Foot Permanent Easement (APN 413-260-002)
EXHIBIT “A-2”
Legal Description of Approximate 69,357 Square Foot Permanent Easement (APN 413-260-026)
EXHIBIT “B-2”
Depiction of Approximate 69,357 Square Foot
Permanent Easement (APN 413-260-026)
EXHIBIT “C-1”
Legal Description of Approximate 16,936 Square Foot Permanent Slope Easement (APN 413-260-002)
EXHIBIT “D-1”
Depiction of Approximate 16,936 Square Foot Permanent Slope Easement (APN 413-260-002)
EXHIBIT “C-2”
Legal Description of Approximate 29,996 Square Foot Permanent Slope Easement (APN 413-260-026)
EXHIBIT “D-2”
Depiction of Approximate 29,996 Square Foot Permanent Slope Easement (APN 413-260-026)
EXHIBIT “E-1”
Legal Description of Approximate 6,273 Square Foot Temporary Construction Easement (APN 413-260-002)
EXHIBIT “F-1”
Depiction of Approximate 6,273 Square Foot Temporary Construction Easement (APN 413-260-002)
EXHIBIT “E-2”
Legal Description of Approximate 16,109 Square Foot Temporary Construction Easement (APN 413-260-026)
EXHIBIT “F-2”
Depiction of Approximate 16,109 Square Foot Temporary Construction Easement (APN 413-260-026)
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RESOLUTION 2026-64
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CALIMESA, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY
INTERESTS NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES AND
AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION THEREOF IN CONNECTION
WITH THE CALIMESA BOULEVARD REALIGNMENT AT SINGLETON
ROAD PROJECT (REAL PROPERTY INTERESTS ON APN 413-260-056)
AND MAKING FINDINGS THAT NO FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEW IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 15162 OF THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES AND
SECTION 21166 OF THE PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE
WHEREAS, the City of Calimesa (“City”) is a municipal corporation in the County of Riverside, State of California; and
WHEREAS, the City seeks to construct the Calimesa Boulevard Realignment at Singleton Road Project (“Project”) to improve vehicular traffic circulation and long-term efficiency in this area of the City. The Project is a Capital Improvements Project. The Project, as planned and designed, will realign an approximate 0.6 mile section of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton Road, approximately 400 feet east of the current location, to improve traffic circulation, safety for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The Project is a necessary component of the future pending phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. The Project will widen approximately 3,300 linear feet of Calimesa Boulevard and of Singleton Road to their ultimate street widths. Calimesa Boulevard and Singleton Road will remain classified as four (4) to six (6) lane major arterials and each roadway will be widened to approximately seventy-six (76) feet.
Street improvements will consist of new curbs, gutters, sidewalk improvements, two (2) vehicular lanes in each direction, construction of a signalized intersection, and modifications to the existing storm drain channel. The Project will provide additional horizontal clearance from the I10/Singleton Road interchange to provide the minimum intersection setback for potential future I10/Singleton Road interchange improvements. The Project is consistent with the General Plan and helps to satisfy several Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan discussed below in Section 6; and
WHEREAS, the City requires the acquisition of certain real property interests described more particularly in Section 4 below on the real property located at 9580 Calimesa Boulevard in the City of Calimesa, and identified as Riverside County Tax Assessor’s Parcel Number 413-260- 056, which is owned by Good Shepherd Ministries International and is referred to below as the “Good Shepherd Parcel.”
WHEREAS, the environmental effects of the Project and the acquisition of the real property interests needed for the Project were studied and analyzed as an integral part of the Addendum (Addendum No. 1) to the City of Calimesa General Plan Update 2013 Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2013021033) (“General Plan EIR”) in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., and the CEQA Guidelines, 14 Cal. Code Regs. Section 15000 et seq. (“CEQA Guidelines”). Pursuant to Section 15064 of the CEQA Guidelines, the City prepared an Addendum to the General Plan EIR
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to determine if the Project would have significant effects on the environment beyond those identified in the General Plan EIR. The Addendum found that there is no substantial evidence, in light of the whole record, that the Project would have a significant effect on the environment beyond those identified by the General Plan EIR; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Calimesa Municipal Code Section 2.45.030 and Government Code Section 65103, the Planning Commission found, at its meeting of July 10, 2023, that the Project is consistent with the General Plan. In adopting Planning Commission Resolution 2023-07 (“PC Resolution 2023-07”), the Planning Commission found that the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) required the City’s realignment of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton as a component of the phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. The phase 1 improvements will generally include: (i) paving of the missing I-10/Singleton Road westbound on-ramp and eastbound offramp; (ii) installation of traffic signals; and (iii) Calimesa Boulevard realignment at Singleton Road. Additional improvements to include a full rebuild of the I-10/Singleton Road interchange are being pursued; however, timing of the full rebuild is unknown and the phase 1 improvements described above are anticipated to add significant value to the interchange in the interim. In accordance with Calimesa Municipal Code Section 2.45.030 and Government Code Section 65103, the Planning Commission found, at its meeting of July 10, 2023, that the Project is consistent with the General Plan. In adopting PC Resolution 2023-07, the Planning Commission found that the Project will further several Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan, including Goal TM-1, Policy TM-1, Policy TM-3, Policy TM-4, Policy TM-5, Policy TM-6, and Action Item TM-10.2, Action Item TM-10.3 and Goal IPS-6, which are discussed below in Section 6; and
WHEREAS, at its meeting of August 7, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-46 (“Resolution No. 2023-46”), a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Calimesa California, Adopting a General Plan Environmental Impact Report Addendum for the Proposed Calimesa Boulevard Realignment Project at Singleton Road in the City of Calimesa. In adopting Resolution No. 2023-46, the City Council considered the Addendum to the General Plan EIR dated December 2019 and found in its independent judgment that the Addendum was prepared in accordance with CEQA. In adopting Resolution No. 2023-46, the City Council further found that the Addendum reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City Council. The Addendum determined that the impacts associated with the Project would not result in a new significant impact not analyzed in the previously certified General Plan EIR. It also determined that there are no substantial changes to the circumstances under which the Project will be undertaken, and no new information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known when the EIR was adopted, has been identified. The Addendum found that all of the Project’s impacts would be substantially the same for each impact category (or incrementally decreased) when compared to the impacts analyzed in the previously certified EIR. Accordingly, the proposed modifications associated with the Project do not meet the standards for a subsequent or supplemental EIR as provided pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164. As such, the City determined that the EIR satisfies CEQA requirements for the modifications resulting from the Project, as described above, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164; and WHEREAS, on or about August 10, 2023, the City duly filed a Notice of Determination (State Clearinghouse Number 2013021033) with the Clerk of the County of Riverside in
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accordance with CEQA. The Notice of Determination documented that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment; that an Environmental Impact Report was prepared pursuant to CEQA; that mitigation measures were made a condition of the approval of the Project; that a mitigation report or monitoring plan was adopted for the Project; that a Statement of Overriding Considerations was adopted for this Project; and that findings were made pursuant to CEQA. The General Plan EIR, Addendum, Notice of Determination, PC Resolution 2023-07, Resolution 2023-46, and related environmental documents referenced above are incorporated herein by this reference and are referred to below collectively as “Project Environmental Documents.”
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Calimesa does hereby find, determine and resolve as follows:
SECTION 1. The facts set forth in the Recitals to this Resolution are true and correct.
SECTION 2. The City Council adopts Resolution 2026-64, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Calimesa, California, Declaring Certain Real Property Interests Necessary for Public Purposes and Authorizing the Acquisition Thereof in Connection with the Calimesa Boulevard Realignment at Singleton Road Project (Real Property Interests on APN 413-260-056) and Making Findings that no Further Environmental Review is Required Pursuant to Section 15162 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines and Section 21166 of the Public Resources Code.
SECTION 3. The City seeks to acquire by eminent domain the real property interests described below in Section 4 of this Resolution for public use, namely public street purposes, drainage, public utilities, and all uses necessary or convenient thereto in connection with the Project pursuant to the authority conferred on the City of Calimesa to acquire real property by eminent domain by Section 19 of Article I of the California Constitution, Government Code sections 37350, 37350.5, 37351, 37353, 40401, and 40404, California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1230.010 et seq. (Eminent Domain Law), including but not limited to Sections 1240.010, 1240.020, 1240.110, 1240.120, 1240.240, 1240.350, 1240.510, 1240.610, and 1240.650, and by other provisions of law.
SECTION 4. The City seeks to acquire the following real property interests from the Good Shepherd Parcel, which are referred to in this Resolution collectively as the “Subject Property Interests”:
A. an approximate 8,638 square foot (0.20 acres) permanent easement for public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto on the Good Shepherd Parcel, which is located at 9580 Calimesa Boulevard in the City of Calimesa, and identified as Riverside County Tax Assessor’s Parcel Number 413-260- 056. The approximate 8,638 square foot permanent easement is described more particularly on EXHIBIT “A” and depicted on EXHIBIT “B” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference; and
B. the right to possess and use a total approximate 2,921 square foot (0.07 acres) temporary construction easement area with a term of eighteen (18) months (TCE) on the
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Good Shepherd Parcel described more particularly on EXHIBIT “C” and depicted on EXHIBIT “D” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
SECTION 5. The environmental effects of the acquisition of the Subject Property Interest were studied as an integral part of the environmental review for the Project. In connection with the proposed adoption of the Resolution of Necessity, on September 28, 2026, City Staff reviewed the Project Environmental Documents. Pursuant to the criteria of Section 15162 of the CEQA Guidelines and Section 21166 of the Public Resources Code, City Staff concluded that no substantial changes have occurred in the Project, no substantial changes have occurred in the circumstances under which the Project is undertaken, and that the City has obtained no new information of substantial importance that would require further environmental analysis. Based on the City Council’s independent judgment and analysis of the Project and the Project Environmental Documents, the City Council hereby finds that these environmental findings are the appropriate findings with respect to the proposed acquisition of the Subject Property Interests.
SECTION 6. The Project, as planned and located, is in the public interest and necessity and is needed to improve traffic circulation and efficiency in this area of the City as more fully explained below:
A. The Project, as planned and designed, is a necessary component of the future pending phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. The proposed Project will realign an approximate 0.6 mile section of Calimesa Boulevard at Singleton Road, approximately 400 feet east of the current location to improve traffic and safety. The Project will widen approximately 3,300 linear feet of Calimesa Boulevard and of Singleton Road to their ultimate street widths. Calimesa Boulevard and Singleton Road will remain classified as four (4) to six (6) lane major arterials and each roadway will be widened to approximately seventy-six (76) feet. Street improvements will consist of new curbs, gutters, sidewalk improvements, two (2) vehicular lanes in each direction, construction of a signalized intersection, and modifications to the existing storm drain channel. The Project will provide additional horizontal clearance from the I-10/Singleton Road interchange to provide the minimum intersection setback for potential future I-10/Singleton Road interchange improvements. The City seeks to construct the Project to improve capacity, traffic circulation, and enhance the safety of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
B. The proposed Project will improve ingress and egress for adjoining properties and side streets. The design is intended to ease travel through Calimesa and improve circulation and safety. Accordingly, the Project will benefit the residents and businesses of the City and the community as a whole.
C. The Project, as planned and located, is consistent with the General Plan.
The City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests for public use, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto in connection with the Project. As found by the Planning Commission at its meeting of July 10, 2023 when it adopted PC Resolution 2023-07, the Project is a necessary component of the future pending phase 1 improvements to the I-10/Singleton Road interchange. Specifically, the Planning Commission found that the Project helps to further the following Transportation and Mobility goals and policies of the General Plan:
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1. Goal TM-1: A transportation system that ensures the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the City.
2. Policy TM-1: Provide for roadways in accordance with the Circulation Plan.
3. Policy TM-3: Strive to construct streets in accordance with the City’s standard street classifications.
4. Policy TM-4: Maintain and rehabilitate roadways to preserve and improve the quality of city streets and thoroughfares that promote access and mobility between residential neighborhoods, employment centers, shopping, and health services.
5. Policy TM-5: Design each roadway with sufficient width to accommodate project traffic at acceptable service levels, based on the intensity or density of planned land uses.
6. Policy TM-6: Access points must be located a sufficient distance from major intersections to allow for safe, efficient operation.
7. Action Item TM-10.2: Implement freeway ramp/arterial roadway interchange improvements that promote the safe and efficient movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
8. Action Item TM-10.3: Coordinate the planning for Calimesa’s transportation needs with adjacent jurisdictions, the County of Riverside, Caltrans, and public transit providers.
9. Goal IPS-6: Plan for the convenient location and adequate size of public facilities.
D. The Project is planned and located in the manner that is most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury. The Project, as planned and located, is intended to minimize the impact on private properties. The Project requires the acquisition of several permanent easements on five parcels owned by private parties, permanent slope easements on one parcel, and temporary construction easements on five parcels to facilitate the construction of the Project. The parcels impacted by the Project consist of generally vacant land, except for the Good Shepherd parcel. The City will coordinate the construction of the Project with the record owner of the Good Shepherd parcel to minimize the impact of the relocation of the portable building and replacement parking on other portions of the remainder parcel. The City’s acquisition of the Subject Property Interests required for the Project will not result in the displacement of persons or any businesses.
SECTION 7. The City has made the offer required by Government Code Section 7267.2 to the record owner of the Subject Property Interests.
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A. Pursuant to Government Code Section 7260 et seq., the City of Calimesa obtained a fair market value appraisal of the Subject Property Interests which the City seeks to acquire for public use, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto, and the Good Shepherd Parcel of which the Subject Property Interests are a part and set just compensation in accordance with the fair market value.
The appraisal used a date of value of March 4, 2026.
B. The City extended a written offer dated July 1, 2026 to the record owner, Good Shepherd Ministries International, to purchase the Subject Property Interests.
C. The City’s written offer included an informational pamphlet describing the eminent domain process and the record owner’s rights under the Eminent Domain Law. In accordance with Government Code Section 7267.2, the City’s written offer contained a written statement of, and summary of the basis for, the amount it established as just compensation. The offer set forth the date of value utilized by the City’s appraiser and explained the appraiser’s opinion of the highest and best use of the Good Shepherd Parcel. It specified the applicable zoning and General Plan designation of the Good Shepherd Parcel. The City’s offer also summarized the principal transactions relied on by the appraiser to arrive at the appraiser’s opinion of value. In addition, the written offer discussed the appraiser’s valuation analysis, including the comparable market data relied on by the appraiser. It also specified that the Project will impact six parking spaces and require the relocation of the existing portable building to an area on the remainder parcel. As part of the Project, the City will relocate the portable building impacted by the Project and replace the parking spaces impacted by the Project on portions of the remainder parcel.
Further, the City offered, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1263.025, to pay the record owner the reasonable costs, up to $5,000.00, for an independent appraisal of the Subject Property Interests.
SECTION 8. The City provided written notice to the owner of record, Good Shepherd Ministries International, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 1245.235 of the City Council’s intent to consider the adoption of a Resolution of Necessity for the acquisition of the Subject Property Interest by eminent domain. The CCP Section 1245.235 notice advised the record owner of the owner’s right to appear and be heard regarding the City’s proposed adoption of a Resolution of Necessity by filing, within fifteen (15) days of the date on which the CCP Section 1245 notice was mailed, a written request with the City to appear at the hearing. The CCP Section 1245.235 notice specifically informed the record owner that the owner has an opportunity to appear before the City Council and raise questions about whether the public interest and necessity require the Project; whether the Project is planned or located in the manner that will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury; and whether the Subject Property Interests the City seeks to acquire from the owner of record are necessary for the Project.
SECTION 9. The public use for which the City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary and convenient thereto, will not unreasonably interfere with or impair the continuance of the public use to which any easement holders may have appropriated the area (Code of Civil Procedure Section 1240.510). To the extent the Project requires the relocation of any utilities, the public use for which the City seeks to acquire the Subject Property Interests, namely public street, public sidewalk, drainage, and public utility purposes, and all uses necessary or convenient thereto,
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is a more necessary public use within the meaning of Code of Civil Procedure Section 1240.650 than the uses to which public utility easement holders have appropriated any utility easements located in the Subject Property Interests that are affected by the Project. Accordingly, the City is authorized to acquire the Subject Property Interests pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1240.510, 1240.610, and 1240.650.
SECTION 10. Based on the evidence presented at the hearing regarding the Project, including the Agenda Report and documents referenced therein, and any oral and written testimony at the hearing, the City Council hereby finds and determines that:
A. The public interest and necessity require the Project; B. The Project is planned and located in the manner that will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury; C. The Subject Property Interests described and depicted more particularly in EXHIBIT “A”, EXHIBIT “B”, EXHIBIT “C”, and EXHIBIT “D” attached hereto, are necessary for the Project; and
D. The City has made the offer required by Government Code Section 7267.2 to the record owner of the Subject Property Interests the City seeks to acquire.
SECTION 11. The findings and declarations contained in this Resolution are based upon the record before the City Council, including the Agenda Report and all documents referenced therein, all of which are incorporated herein by this reference, and any testimony and/or comments submitted to the City by the record owner and or the owner’s representative(s). These documents include but are not limited to the City of Calimesa General Plan, the offer letter sent to the owner pursuant to Government Code Section 7267.2, the notice to the record owner pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1245.235 of the City’s intent to consider the adoption of the Resolution of Necessity, the improvement plans for the Project, and the Project Environmental Documents.
SECTION 12. The City Council of the City of Calimesa hereby authorizes and directs the City Attorney’s Office to take all steps necessary to commence and prosecute legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to acquire the Subject Property Interests described and depicted more particularly on EXHIBIT “A”, EXHIBIT “B”, EXHIBIT “C”, and EXHIBIT “D” attached hereto.
SECTION 13. The City Council of the City of Calimesa hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute all necessary documents in connection with the eminent domain proceeding.
SECTION 14. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of October, 2026.
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________________________
Jeff Cervantes, Mayor
City of Calimesa
ATTEST:
Darlene Gerdes, City Clerk
City of Calimesa
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Steven Flower, City Attorney
Richards, Watson & Gershon
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CERTIFICATION:
I, Darlene Gerdes, City Clerk of the City of Calimesa, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution 2026-64, was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Calimesa, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 5th day of October, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
___________________________
Darlene Gerdes, City Clerk
City of Calimesa, California
EXHIBIT “A”
Legal Description of Permanent Easement
EXHIBIT “B”
Depiction of Permanent Easement
EXHIBIT “C”
Legal Description of Temporary Construction Easement
EXHIBIT “D”
Depiction of Temporary Construction Easement
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Agenda Report
Agenda Item No. 9.
SUBJECT: Permanent Pickleball Court Hours at Mountainview Park MEETING DATE: October 5, 2026
PREPARED BY: Yaiza Benson, Deputy City Clerk/Executive Assistant RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Approve permanent operating hours for the pickleball courts at Mountainview Park from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily; and
2. Direct staff to program the pickleball court lighting to turn off at 9:30 p.m. daily.
BACKGROUND:
On May 18, 2026, the City Council considered expanding the operating hours of the pickleball courts at Mountainview Park. At that time, the courts were operating daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Staff had received requests from court users for expanded hours to provide additional recreational opportunities.
The City’s Municipal Code Section 12.25.060 establishes general park closure hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, unless otherwise posted by the city. Following Council discussion, the operating hours for the pickleball courts were temporarily expanded to coincide with the general park hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The temporary expansion was intended to provide additional recreational access while allowing staff to evaluate potential impacts to neighboring residences, including noise, lighting, parking, and increased activity.
Staff is now returning this item to the City Council to provide an update on the temporary expanded hours and to establish permanent operating hours for the pickleball courts.
DISCUSSION:
Since implementation of the temporary 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. operating hours, staff has not
received any complaints from neighboring residents related to the expanded hours. Based on the trial period, staff has not identified neighborhood impacts that would warrant returning the courts to the previous 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. schedule.
Staff therefore recommends that the City Council make the 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. operating hours permanent.
During the temporary operating period, the pickleball court lights have been programmed to turn off at 9:45 p.m., providing a 15-minute transition period before the park closes and the gates are secured at 10:00 p.m.
During this period, staff responded to nine after-hours callouts involving individuals remaining within the park after the gates had been closed. Each callout requires two and one-half hours of paid staff overtime, resulting in 22.5 hours of staff overtime dedicated to after-hours park responses.
Given the city’s small staff, these after-hours responses have a notable impact on available staff resources. Based on staff’s experience during the temporary period, the existing 15-minute transition period may not provide sufficient time for players to conclude play, gather their belongings, and exit the park prior to closure.
Staff is therefore recommending that the court lights be programmed to turn off at 9:30 p.m., increasing the transition period from 15 minutes to 30 minutes. The park would remain open until 10:00 p.m. This adjustment would maintain the expanded park hours while providing additional time for departure prior to the gates being secured and may help reduce the need for after-hours staff responses.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There will be a minor fiscal impact associated with the purchase and installation of permanent park signage reflecting the approved operating hours.
The recommended 9:30 p.m. lighting shutoff may also help reduce after-hours staff response costs. During the temporary operating period, staff responded to approximately nine afterhours callouts, with each response requiring two and one-half hours of staff overtime. Reducing the frequency of these responses would provide a more efficient use of staff resources and reduce unnecessary personnel costs.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Agenda Report
Agenda Item No. 10.
SUBJECT: Closed Session
MEETING DATE: October 5, 2026
PREPARED BY: Darlene Gerdes, Deputy City Manager/City Clerk Will Kolbow, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council meet in Closed Session and hear the following One Item:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): (One case) ATTACHMENTS:
None