Agenda packet — El Cajon City Council, November 18, 2025 (part 2 of 2)

RESOLUTION NO. ___-25

A RESOLUTION APPROVING

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) EXEMPTION
SECTION 15061(b)(3) FOR ZONING CODE AMENDMENT NO. 2025-0003

WHEREAS, the El Cajon City Council (the "City Council") held a duly advertised public hearing on November 18, 2025, to consider updates to the Zoning Code for window transparency regulations for medical and healthcare providers and directed staff to investigate options related to patient privacy and confidentiality (the "Project"); and

WHEREAS, in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines section 15061(b)(3), and prior to making a recommendation on the Project to the City Council, the Planning Commission reviewed and considered the information contained in the Project staff report; and

WHEREAS, it is proposed that the Project is exempt from CEQA under the common sense exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) for the proposed Project; and

WHEREAS, there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment; and ZCA No. 2025- 0003 does not result in any development or changes to the physical environment and does not raise this project to a level of significance that warrants CEQA analysis; and

WHEREAS, no evidence was presented in proceedings that any of the conditions exist to provide exceptions to categorical exemptions as described in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2; and

WHEREAS, after considering evidence and facts, the Planning Commission did consider the proposed CEQA exemption, section 15061(b)(3), as presented at its meeting and recommended City Council approval.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CAJON AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. That the foregoing recitals are true and correct, and are findings of fact of the City Council in regard to the proposed exemption for ZCA No. 2025-0003.

Section 2. That based upon said findings of fact, the El Cajon City Council hereby approves the proposed exemption (CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) ) for ZCA No. 2025-0003.

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RESOLUTION NO. ___-25

A RESOLUTION APPROVING

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) EXEMPTION
SECTION 15061(b)(3) FOR AN AMENDMENT TO SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 182

WHEREAS, there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment; and the amendment to Specific Plan No. 182 does not result in any development or changes to the physical environment and does not raise this project to a level of significance that warrants CEQA analysis; and

WHEREAS, no evidence was presented in proceedings that any of the conditions exist to provide exceptions to categorical exemptions as described in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CAJON AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. That the foregoing recitals are true and correct, and are findings of fact of the City Council in regard to the proposed exemption for the amendment to Specific Plan No. 182.

Section 2. That based upon said findings of fact, the El Cajon City Council hereby approves the proposed exemption (CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) ) for the amendment to Specific Plan No. 182.

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ORDINANCE NO. _____

AN ORDINANCE REPLACING SUBSECTION 17.115.130.I.1 TO ALLOW

WINDOW TINTING FOR MEDICAL AND DENTAL PATIENT PRIVACY
AND SUBSECTION 17.190.210.H FOR CONSISTENCY WITH WINDOW SIGN LIMITATIONS FOR CHAPTERS 17.115 AND 17.190 OF TITLE 17

OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE, RESPECTIVELY

WHEREAS, on Ju ne 24, 2025, the City Council discussed window transparency regulations for medical and healthcare providers and directed staff to investigate options related to patient privacy and confidentiality; and

WHEREAS, an inconsistency in the Zoning Code for window transparency was identified which allows a maximum of 15% of a window to be obscured, but allows 50% of the windows to be covered with signs or window decals; and

WHEREAS, Title 17 of the El Cajon Municipal Code (the "Zoning Code") requires regular maintenance to ensure that it complies with changes in State laws; is internally consistent; and is effective in regulating the use and development of land in the City of El Cajon (the "City"); and

WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly advertised public hearing on November 18, 2025, to consider Zoning Code Amendment No. 2025-0003 ("ZCA No. 2025-0003" or "Project"), and received evidence through public testimony and comment, in the form of verbal and written communications and reports; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has considered and approved the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines exemption for the Project by Resolution No. ____-25, finding that the CEQA common sense exemption applies in accordance with CEQA section 15061(b)(3); and

WHEREAS, the proposed update to the City’s Zoning Code has been presented to the City’s Planning Commission for its review and recommendation; and

WHEREAS, following a properly noticed public hearing, at which both verbal and written testimony were presented, the Planning Commission adopted its Resolution, recommending approval of the proposed Zoning Code amendments presented to the City Council.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CAJON DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The City Council finds that:

A. The recitals above are true and correct and are the findings of the City Council.

B. The proposed updates to the Zoning Code further the goals of the General Plan by implementing Goal 10 which states that the city “shall periodically revise its regulatory codes, ordinances and policies so that they may reflect current, upgraded standards of development and performance.” The proposed changes allowing the use of non- reflective solid dark window tinting will allow medical and healthcare providers to enhance patient privacy and confidentiality while preserving the architectural charter of the associated storefront. The reduction in the maximum area for window signs will eliminate an inconsistency in the Zoning Code for window transparency.

C. The proposed zoning code amendment s are applicable citywide. No zone changes are proposed as part of this project. The zoning code amendment s are consistent with Specific Plan No. 182.

D. The proposed Zoning Code amendments will not significantly alter the character of the City or cause significant health, safety or welfare concerns, since the amendments are consistent with the General Plan and will support patient privacy and confidentiality. Furthermore, the proposed changes provide clarity, consistency, objective standards for new development.

SECTION 2. Subsection (I)(1) of section 17.115.130 of Chapter 17.115 of Title 17 of the El Cajon Municipal Code is hereby deleted.

SECTION 3. A new subsection ( I)(1) of section 17.115.130 of Chapter 17.115 of Title 17 of the El Cajon Municipal Code is hereby added to read as follows:

I.1 All ground-floor windows shall be maintained transparent. If windows are to be obscured, no more than 15% of the window area may be obscured, except for licensed medical and dental clinics where solid dark non-reflective window tinting for patient privacy and confidentiality is allowed. Massage establishments as defined in El Cajon Municipal Code section 5.40.030 shall not obscure more than 15% of the window area.

SECTION 4. Subsection H of section 17.190.210 of Chapter 17.190 of Title 17 of the El Cajon Municipal Code is hereby deleted.

SECTION 5. A new subsection H of section 17.190.210 of Chapter 17.190 of Title 17 of the El Cajon Municipal Code is hereby added to read as follows:

H. Window signs, as defined above in Section 17.190.050, are permitted in commercial zones and are exempt from the requirement for a permit.

However, window signs shall not occupy more than 15% of the total window area and shall be counted toward the maximum wall or building face sign area otherwise allowed by this chapter; provided, however, the maximum total

window area may be increased to 80 percent during certain special periods described in Section 17.190.130.

SECTION 6. The City Council of the City of El Cajon intends this ordinance to supplement not duplication or contradict, applicable state and federal law and this ordinance shall be construed in light of that intent. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phr ase, or portion of this ordinance is held invalid or unconstitutional for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed as separate, distinct, and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validi ty of the remaining portion.

SECTION 7. This ordinance shall go into effect thirty (30) days following its passage and adoption.

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ORDINANCE NO. ____

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AMENDMENT
TO SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 182 TO ALLOW WINDOW

TINTING FOR MEDICAL AND DENTAL PATIENT PRIVACY

WHEREAS, on June 24, 2025, the City Council discussed window transparency regulations for medical and healthcare providers and directed staff to investigate options related to patient privacy and confidentiality; and

WHEREAS, Specific Plan No. 182 requires regular maintenance to ensure that it is internally consistent; and is effective in regulating the use and development of land in the City of El Cajon (the “City”); and

WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly advertised public hearing on December 18, 202 5 to consider the Specific Plan No. 182 update (the “Project”), and received evidence through public testimony and comment, in the form of verbal and written communications and reports; and

WHEREAS, the proposed updates to Specific Plan No. 182 have been presented to the City’s Planning Commission for its review and recommendation; and

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE C ITY OF EL CAJON DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The City Council finds that:

A. The recitals above are true and correct and have been incorporated herein by reference.

B. The proposed specific plan amendment is applicable to the downtown area and is not property -specific. The amendment will allow medical and healthcare providers to enhance patient privacy and confidentiality while preserving the architectural charter of the associated storefront.

C. Specific Plan No. 182 focuses on a particular portion of the City where special

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circumstances require a more detailed framework of development than the General Plan, and more detailed standards than the general provisions of the Zoning Code. This approach effectively establishes a link between General Plan implementing policies and potential development proposals in the defined area. The proposed amendment is designed to preserve the architectural character of the downtown area, while supporting patient privacy and confidentiality.

SECTION 2. Section 3 of the Specific Plan No. 182 Design Guidelines, listing items that are not approved, is hereby deleted.

SECTION 3. A new section 3 of the Specific Plan No. 182 Design Guidelines , listing items that are not approved, is hereby added to read as follows:

3. Reflective, mirrored, or tinted glazing, including stain glass or decorative panels, in front of or adjacent to storefront windows will not be approved, except for licensed medical and dental clinics where solid dark non-reflective window tinting for patient privacy and confidentiality is allowed. Massage establishments as defined in El Cajon Municipal Code section 5.40.030 shall not obscure more than 15% of the window area.

SECTION 4. The City Council of the City of El Cajon intends this ordinance to supplement not duplication or contradict, applicable state and federal law and this ordinance shall be construed in light of that intent. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is held invalid or unconstitutional for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed as separate, distinct, and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion.

SECTION 5. This ordinance shall go into effect thirty (30) days following its passage and adoption.

ATTACHMENT 3
Visual Survey of Medical and Dental Providers and Window Decals Medical and Dental Provider Examples (Numerical Order by Address) 133 E. Main St. – Centro Medico El Cajon
183 S. First Ave. – La Maestra Community Health Centers – Womens Clinic 330 S. Magnolia Ave. – East County Family Health Center

ATTACHMENT 3
470 E. Madison Ave. – Neighborhood Healthcare
505 N. Mollison Ave. – Palm Urgent Care
525 E. Main St. – El Cajon Family Health Center

ATTACHMENT 3
855 E. Madison Ave. – Neighborhood Healthcare
875 El Cajon Blvd. – San Ysidro Health
1032 Broadway

ATTACHMENT 3
1111 W. Chase Ave. – Chase Avenue Family Health Center
1166 E. Main St. – 40/30 Dental Clinic
1242 E. Main St. – La Maestra Family Clinic

ATTACHMENT 3
1320 E. Madison Ave.
1351 Broadway
1625 E. Main St. – East County Urgent Care

ATTACHMENT 3
Window Decal Examples (Not in the City of El Cajon)
Dollar Tree – Clairemont Mesa
TJ Maxx - Clairemont Mesa

ATTACHMENT 4
Code Compliance Case Study
1242 E. Main St.

December, 2020 – Interior blinds/window shades
March, 2023 – 100% Graphic Window Decals
October, 2025 – 50% Graphic Window Decals &Window Tinting

City Council
Agenda Report
Agenda Item 15.

DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Yazmin Arellano, Director of Engineering Services SUBJECT: Update on El Cajon On-Demand Micro-Transit Project - Via San Diego El Cajon
RECOMMENDATION:

That the City Council receives an update (including background, current operational status, performance highlights, challenges, and next steps) on the on-demand micro-transit program launched by the City.

BACKGROUND:

In March 2025, the City launched a two-year on-demand electric micro-transit service in partnership with Via San Diego. The goal of the program is to expand local mobility options and improve access to jobs, shopping, education, and regional transit hubs for residents.

This program is funded by a $1.8 million grant from the Clean Mobility Options (CMO) Voucher Pilot Program grant, with supplemental support from the California Energy Commission's Clean Transportation Program. The service relies on a small fleet of electric vehicles, including wheelchair accessible vans, and operates throughout the City.

Trips can be booked through the Via App or by phone, and vehicles are dynamically routed to virtual stops for efficient shared rides. The service remains fare-free for users. This fare-free model has significantly increased ridership and improved mobility access, particularly for residents without personal vehicles and in underserved neighborhoods. However, as ridership continues to grow, staff are evaluating future fare policy adjustments to help balance demand, maintain service reliability, and ensure long-term program sustainability. The program continues to provide residents with an accessible, sustainable, and reliable transportation option within the City.

The micro-transit service directly supports the City's environmental and sustainability goals.

Specifically, it is consistent with the El Cajon Sustainability Initiative, Strategy 1, because it leverages electric vehicles, thereby reducing the use of gasoline-powered vehicles.

Furthermore, the service area includes significant portions of the City’s Environmental Justice Communities and all the HUD (Housing and Urban Development) designated ReCaps (racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty). The micro-transit service provides access to transit for transit-dependent populations and is consistent with the goals of the City’s Environmental Justice and Housing Elements. The intended service area has an approximate population of .!!!!_ Valley of opportunity
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71,900.

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:

This is an informational item only. However, the on-demand micro-transit service is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) subject to section 15301 of the State CEQA Guidelines. Section 15301, Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public facilities involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former uses.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving this report. The micro-transit service is currently operating within existing budgeted resources.

Prepared By: Yazmin Arellano, Director of Engineering Services Reviewed By: Vince DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager
Approved By: Graham Mitchell, City Manager
City Council
Agenda Report
Agenda Item 16.

DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Nate Prescott, Senior Management Analyst
SUBJECT: Sign and Light Regulations in the Downtown District RECOMMENDATION:

That the City Council provides direction regarding potential amendments to Specific Plan No. 182 (Downtown Master Plan) for signage and lighting in the Downtown District.

BACKGROUND:

The El Cajon Downtown Business Partners approached staff about modernizing sign and light regulations to allow for flexibility at other holidays and events. The El Cajon Downtown Business Partners believe their request fits with the spirit of the City Council’s intent to encourage economic activity in the downtown. The Downtown Business Partners are working to activate the downtown district and have invested in events and capital improvements (new light system, new signage, and a new banner system) in the district. Some additional flexibility in sign and light regulations would enable them to enhance their events and mission.

For background, on December 10, 2024, the City Council approved sign regulations that prohibited flashing lights and colored lights in the Downtown district. After some deliberation on whether to support or restrict colored lights, the City Council eventually settled on the above decision. There are provisions in the Zoning Code for temporary advertising displays, but the Downtown Business Partners are looking to expand the provisions to allow for more holidays and events.

Representatives from the El Cajon Downtown Business Partners will attend the meeting to provide the City Council with more details and to answer any questions.

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:

This item being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") because it is not a “project” under section 15378(b)(5) of the State CEQA Guidelines. City Council feedback or next steps may require environmental review which will be addressed prior to project approval.

Prepared By: Nate Prescott, Senior Management Analyst
Reviewed By: Vince DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager
Approved By: Graham Mitchell, City Manager
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City Council
Agenda Report
Agenda Item 17.

DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Vince DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: End of Session Legislative Report for 2025
RECOMMENDATION:

This is an informational item. No action is required by the City Council.

BACKGROUND:

The current California legislative session ended on October 13, 2025. There were approximately 2,250 bills introduced, but only 917 made it to the Governor for signature. Of those 917 bills, the Governor vetoed 123 of them (15%). This past session was the first year of a two year session. Any bill that did not move through the process according to a series of standard deadlines could return during next year’s session.

While staff does not have the resources to track all 2,250 bills, we endeavor to select those bills that are believed to have both the greatest chance of being passed as well as having an impact on the City’s operations and regulatory environment. Attached is the list of what were believed to be the most impactful bills and their status. However, staff will continue to look for bills that may have been missed and will provide updates by memorandum to the City Council.

In general, staff identified fewer eccentric bills or bills that could produce bizarre or unusual mandates than in years past. Despite this, the legislature did continue its march towards developing a statewide set of uniform zoning standards without regard for any unique geographical, environmental, or infrastructural limitations.

Common sense bills, such as classifying dangerous illicit drugs as Schedule III substances (SB 6) or exempting public works vehicles from the electrification mandate (the El Cajon inspired SB 496) failed to gain traction.

One bill, SB 707, which deals with teleconferencing requirements for public meetings that public agencies must comply with, has the potential to result in costly investments of both money and staff time in order to ensure compliance. In short, the bill, which was signed into law, requires the City to provide a two-way audiovisual or telephonic platform for all open meetings, and to include a call-in option along with active closed captioning.

Another bill, AB 1757 proposed to set a series of website accessibility regulations for the hearing and vision impaired, known as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), but it stalled in the Senate. However, in April 2024, the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights .!!!!_ Valley of opportunity
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Division mandated that the ADA now include WCAG Level AA as the accessibility standard for government websites. Since the Unruh Civil Rights Act in California incorporates the ADA law by reference, these standards are automatically applicable for California government websites.

Among other things, the new standard will require staff to convert thousands of City webpages and attachments into formats that can be read by technology used by those with vision impairment. While the standards themselves will enhance the ability for the vision and hearing impaired to access and effectively use the City’s website, the path to implementing the WCAG Level AA standards will be significantly labor intensive for City staff.

Early in the session, the City Council received a separate presentation on AB 1333, that proposed to change the definition for justifiable homicide in cases where someone is defending their home or property. Despite the author publicly saying he would withdraw the bill, it was never withdrawn, and because this is a two-year legislative session, it may resume its progress in the legislature in February.

Lastly, the City Council was also made aware of SB 634, which would prevent cities from interfering with anyone who is homeless and is pursuing activities pertaining to their “basic survival”. The bill specifically mentioned living in tents as part of what is considered to be “basic survival.” In essence, the bill was designed to prevent cities from removing homeless encampments. Fortunately, the bill underwent significant amendments and, even though was signed into law, does not include the original language.

Attached are a number of other bills that staff monitored throughout the session along with their status by the end of the session.

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:

This is an informational item. Therefore, it is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under section 15378(b)(5) of the State CEQA Guidelines. It is an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment.

Prepared By: Vince DiMaggio, Assistant City Manager
Reviewed By: N/A
Approved By: Graham Mitchell, City Manager
Attachments
List of Bills
SB 252 (Valladares) – Provides a CEQA exemption for projects to underground power lines. (Status: Died)
AB 1333 (Zbur) – Makes important changes to the “castle doctrine”; the concept of justifiable homicide while defending home and property. (Status: Died) AB 265 (Caloza) – Establishes the Small Business and Nonprofit Recovery Fund of $100M to provide grants to small businesses impacted by declared states of emergency. (Status: Vetoed).

AB 888 (Calderon) – Provides grants to individuals, businesses, cities and counties for property retrofitting to prevent wildfire losses. (Status: Signed into law).

SB 569 (Blakespear) - This bill would require the Caltrans to establish a dedicated liaison to facilitate communication with local governments with regard to addressing homeless encampments within the state highway system and to oversee the development and implementation of delegated maintenance agreements between local agencies and the department in which both work together to reduce and remove homeless encampments within the department’s jurisdiction. (Status: Died)
SB 329 (Blakespear) - This bill would require the State Department of Health to investigate a complaint under its jurisdiction within 10 days of receipt regarding an alcohol or other drug recovery or treatment facility. (Status: Died)
SB 35 (Umberg) – Provides for investigations and enforcement of unlicensed drug treatment and sober living facilities. (Status: Died)
SB 707 (Durazo) - This bill would, until January 1, 2030, require a city council to comply with additional meeting requirements, including that all open and public meetings include an opportunity for members of the public to attend via a two-way 2-way telephonic option service or a two-way 2-way audiovisual platform. (Status: Signed into law).

AB 339 (Ortega) - This bill would require the governing body of a public agency to give the recognized employee organization no less than 120 days written notice before issuing a request for proposals or renewing or extending an existing contract to perform services that are within the scope of work of the job classifications represented by the recognized employee organization. (Status: Signed into law).

AB 340 (Ahrens) - This bill would prohibit a local public agency employer, a state employer from questioning any employee or employee representative a public employee, a representative of a recognized employee organization, or an exclusive representative regarding communications made in confidence between an employee and an employee representative. (Status: Died).

AB 736 (Wicks, Haney, Quirk-Silva) - This bill would enact the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, which would authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of $10,000,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law. Proceeds from the sale of these bonds would be used to finance programs to fund affordable rental housing and home ownership programs, including, among others, the Multifamily Housing Program, the CalHome Program, and the Joe Serna, Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program. (Status: Passed Assembly/Died in Senate).

AB 11 (Lee) - Creates the CHA as an independent state entity with the mission of producing and acquiring social housing for all California residents, eliminating the gap between housing production and regional housing needs assessment targets, and preserving affordable housing. (Status: Passed Assembly/Died in Senate).

AB 874 (Farias) - This bill would require a local agency to waive fees or charges that are collected by a local agency to fund the construction of public improvements or facilities for residential developments subject to a regulatory agreement with a public entity that includes certain income and affordability requirements. (Status: Made no progress – Died).

AB 1154 (Carrillo) - This bill would prohibit a local agency from imposing any parking standards if the accessory dwelling unit is 500 square feet or smaller. (Status: Signed into law).

SB 9 (Arreguin) - The law prohibits a local agency from imposing an owner-occupant requirement or any additional standards, except as specified, when evaluating a proposed accessory dwelling unit on a lot that includes a proposed or existing single-family dwelling. The law also prohibits a local agency from imposing parking standards for an accessory dwelling unit, as specified, whether or not the local agency has adopted a local ordinance pursuant to these provisions. (Status: Signed into law).

SB 6 (Ashby) - This bill would add xylazine (“tranq” or “zombie drug”) to the list of Schedule III substances, as specified. (Status: Passed in Senate/Died in Assembly).

AB 992 (Irwin) – Requires a peace office to acquire an associates, bachelor’s, or two years of military services within 30 months of receiving POST certification. (Signed into law).

AB 400 (Pacheco) - This bill would require, on or before January 1, 2027, every law enforcement agency, as defined, with a canine unit to maintain a policy for the use of canines by the agency that, at a minimum, complies with the most recent standards established by POST. (Vetoed).

SB 346 (Durazo) - This bill authorizes local agencies to adopt ordinances that require “short- term rental facilitators,” such as Airbnb and VRBO, to transmit information allowing cities to effectively enforce and collect the payment of TOTs within their jurisdictions. (Status: Signed into law).

SB 634 (Weiner) – This bill prohibits cities from adopting or enforcing ordinances that prohibits a person or organization from assisting a homeless person with basic survival. Defines act related to basic survival to include, but not be limited to, the possession of a tent or tarp, erection of a tent or tarp and other activities. (Status: Signed into law).

SB 696 (Alvarado-Gil) – This bill would provide a short term (5 year) exemption from sales taxes in this state on the purchase of firefighting apparatus, equipment, or specialized vehicles purchased for use by a fire department. (Status: Died).

SB 496 (Hurtado) - This bill would expand the emergency vehicle exemption under exempt from the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation or any similar regulation, as specified. The bill, with respect to requirements applicable to state and local government fleets under the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation, would modify the requirements of the daily usage exemption and regulation vehicles reasonably anticipated to respond to emergency situations, or that support those efforts. (Status: Died).

SB 74 (Seyarto) – Provides gap-funding by way of state grants for certain infrastructure projects. (Status: Passed in Senate/Died in Assembly).

AB 7 (Bryan) - This bill would state that the California State University, the University of California, independent institutions of higher education, and private postsecondary educational institutions may consider providing a preference in admissions to an applicant who is a descendant of slavery. (Status: Vetoed).

AB 39 (Zbur) - Would require the city, no later than January 1, 2030, to prepare and adopt a specified plan, or integrate a plan in the next adoption or revision of the general plan, that includes locally based goals, objectives, policies, and feasible implementation measures that include, among other things, the identification of opportunities to expand electric vehicle charging and other zero-emission vehicle fueling infrastructure. (Status: Signed into law).

AB 253 (Ward, Quirk-Silva, Rivas) - Would require the city to prepare a residential building permit fee schedule and post the schedule on the city’s website, if the city prescribes residential building permit fees. This bill would additionally require the city to provide a building permit applicant with an estimated timeframe to complete a plan check, upon receiving a completed application. The bill would authorize an applicant to contract with or employ a private professional provider, as defined, to perform the plan check, if the estimated timeframe exceeds 30 days or the city has not completed the plan check within 30 days of receiving the application. (Signed into law).

AB 507 (Haney) - Allows an adaptive reuse project (convert an existing commercial building into housing) a use by right in all zones, regardless of the zoning of the site, and subject to a streamlined, 60 day, ministerial review process. (Status: Signed into law).

AB 750 (Quirk-Silva) - Requires a city or county to perform an annual inspection of every homeless shelter located in its jurisdiction. The bill would authorize the above-described inspection or annual inspection to be announced or unannounced. (Status: Passed Assembly/Died in Senate).

AB 1206 (Harabedian) - Requires each local agency to develop a program for the preapproval of single-family and multifamily residential housing plans for public use and requires that these plans be posted on the public agency’s website. If an applicant uses a preapproved plan for a single-family or multifamily project, the bill requires local agencies to ministerially approve or deny a completed application within 30 days if the lot meets the soil conditions, topography, flood zone, zoning regulations, and design review standards for which the preapproved plan was designed for. (Status: Passed Assembly/Died in Senate).

SB 79 (Weiner) - Would upzone multifamily residential uses within ¼ mile of major transit stops on any site zoned for residential, mixed use, commercial, or light industrial development, up to a specified height, density, and floor area ratio, dependent on transit frequency. Would allow MTS to permit projects on their sites. Would allow up to 85 feet high and up to 140 du/acre near transit stops. (Status: Signed into law).

SB 677 (Weiner) - Proposes significant reforms to SB 9, expanding eligibility to any single- family home, removing homeowner occupancy and affordability requirements, and exempting projects from Homeowners Association (HOA) and Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R). The bill would also allow for SB 9-compliant developments after natural disasters, increase unit sizes, allow flexible parcel divisions, and exempt qualifying projects from impact fees for units up to 1,750 square feet. The bill would require local governments to submit any new SB 9-related ordinances to HCD for approval. (Status: Died).

City Council
Agenda Report
Agenda Item 18.

DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Mayor Wells
SUBJECT: Council Activity Report
RECOMMENDATION:

That the City Council accepts and files the following report of Council/Mayor activities attended during the current agenda period.

BACKGROUND:

Government Code Section 53232.3(d) requires members of a legislative body to provide brief reports on meetings attended at the expense of the local agency at the next regular meeting of the legislative body. This City Administrative Activity is not a project and therefore not subject to CEQA.

REPORT:

Since the last City Council meeting, I have attended the following events on behalf of the City of El Cajon:

November 6, 2025 - The Magnolia Update
November 14, 2025 - SANDAG Board of Directors Meeting
November 18, 2025 - Meeting with San Diego Freedom Ranch November 18, 2025 - City Council Meeting(s)
I am available to answer questions.

Submitted By: Bill Wells, Mayor
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City Council
Agenda Report
Agenda Item 19.

DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Councilmember Goble
SUBJECT: COUNCILMEMBER STEVE GOBLE
MTS (Metropolitan Transit System Board); East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Powers Authority Board; Chamber of Commerce – Government Affairs Committee; SANDAG – Board of Directors – Alternate; SANDAG – San Diego Military Working Group.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the City Council accepts and files the following report of Council/Mayor activities attended during the current agenda period.

BACKGROUND:

REPORT:

Since the last City Council meeting, I have attended the following events on behalf of the City of El Cajon:

October 30, 2025 - Attend St. Paul's Senior Services Finance Committee Meeting October 31, 2025 - SANDAG Board Meeting
November 6, 2025 - The Magnolia Update
November 13, 2025 - MTS Executive Committee Meeting
November 15, 2025 - Attend Home of Guiding Hands Event
November 17, 2025 - Meeting with City Manager
November 18, 2025 - City Council Meeting(s)
I am available to answer questions.

Submitted By: Steve Goble, Councilmember
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City Council
Agenda Report
Agenda Item 20.

DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Mayor Pro Tem Kendrick
SUBJECT: MAYOR PRO TEM GARY KENDRICK
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA; Heartland Communications; Heartland Fire Training JPA.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the City Council accepts and files the following report of Council/Mayor activities attended during the current agenda period.

BACKGROUND:

REPORT:

Since the last City Council meeting, I have attended the following events on behalf of the City of El Cajon:

November 6, 2025 - The Magnolia Update
November 8, 2025 - Metro Wastewater JPA Meeting
November 18, 2025 - City Council Meeting(s)
I am available to answer questions.

Submitted By: Gary Kendrick, Mayor Pro Tem
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City Council
Agenda Report
Agenda Item 21.

DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Councilmember Metschel
SUBJECT: COUNCILMEMBER MICHELLE METSCHEL
Harry Griffen Park Joint Steering Committee; METRO
Commission/Wastewater JPA – Alternate; Heartland Communications – Alternate; Heartland Fire Training JPA – Alternate.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the City Council accepts and files the following report of Council/Mayor activities attended during the current agenda period.

BACKGROUND:

REPORT:

Since the last City Council meeting, I have attended the following events on behalf of the City of El Cajon:

November 4, 2025 - Meeting with Michael M. & John D. re: Citizens Initiative November 6, 2025 - The Magnolia Update
November 8, 2025 - Olaf Weighorst Museum Fashion Show
November 18, 2025 - City Council Meeting(s)
I am available to answer questions.

Submitted By: Michelle Metschel, Councilmember
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City Council
Agenda Report
Agenda Item 22.

DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Councilmember Ortiz
SUBJECT: COUNCILMEMBER PHIL ORTIZ
League of California Cities, San Diego Division; East County Economic Development Council; MTS (Metropolitan Transit System Board) – Alternate; East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Powers Authority Board – Alternate; Chamber of Commerce – Government Affairs Committee – Alternate.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the City Council accepts and files the following report of Council/Mayor activities attended during the current agenda period.

BACKGROUND:

REPORT:

Since the last City Council meeting, I have attended the following events on behalf of the City of El Cajon:

November 6, 2025 - The Magnolia Update
November 18, 2025 - City Council Meeting(s)
I am available to answer questions.

Submitted By: Phil Ortiz, Councilmember
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City Council
Agenda Report
Agenda Item 23.

DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Noah Alvey, Deputy Director of Community Development SUBJECT: First Reading of an Ordinance Applicable to the Age of Persons Allowed to Purchase Tobacco Products and for the Relocation of Smoke Shops RECOMMENDATION:

That the City Council:

Introduces the next Ordinance, in order, approving Zoning Code Amendment No. 2025-0002; and

1. Requests the City Clerk to read the Ordinance by title only.2.

BACKGROUND:

On October 28, 2025, the City Council held a public hearing and received testimony concerning proposed amendments to El Cajon Municipal Code (“ECMC”) Title 17 ("Zoning Code") to increase the permitted tobacco display area for tobacco retailers without being considered a smoke shop, to update the minimum age for persons purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21, and to allow existing smoke shops to relocate with an increase in separation from sensitive uses.

Following deliberations, the City Council adopted the resolution for the California Environmental Quality Act exemption and approved the proposed ordinance for Zoning Code Amendment No. 2025-0002 as described below:

No change to the permitted tobacco and related products display area, Increase the minimum age for persons purchasing tobacco and related products from 18 to 21, consistent with State and Federal laws, and
Allow for the relocation of existing conditionally approved smoke shops with an increase in separation from existing sensitive uses.

The attached draft Ordinance addresses the direction provided to staff by the City Council on October 28, 2025.

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CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:

The proposed Ordinance is exempt from environmental review, in accordance with the provisions of Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), as amended. The proposed Ordinance does not have the potential to cause a significant effect on the environment because the updates to the Zoning Code address activities within existing buildings related to tobacco sales and any future smoke shop relocation requests will be required to conduct a separate environmental review.

Prepared By: Noah Alvey, Deputy Director of Community Development Reviewed By: Anthony Shute, Director of Community Development Approved By: Graham Mitchell, City Manager
Attachments
Ordinance - Zoning Code 2025-0002

Page 1 of 3 ends

ORDINANCE NO. _____
AN ORDINANCE REPLACING SECTION 17.240.070.E UPDATING THE MINIMUM AGE FOR PERSONS PURCHASING TOBACCO FROM 18 TO
21 AND ADDING A NEW SECTION 17.240.095 APPLICABLE TO THE RELOCATION OF SMOKE SHOPS TO CHAPTER 17.240 OF TITLE 17

OF THE EL CAJON MUNICIPAL CODE
WHEREAS, on July 22, 2025, the City Council directed staff to review existing regulations and explore options to revise the current tobacco and related product regulations; and
WHEREAS, Title 17 of the El Cajon Municipal Code (the "Zoning Code") requires regular maintenance to ensure that it complies with changes in State laws; is internally consistent; and is effective in regulating the use and development of land in the City of El Cajon (the "City"); and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly advertised public hearing on October 28, 2025, to consider Zoning Code Amendment No. 2025-0002 ("ZCA No. 2025-0002" or "Project"), and received evidence through public testimony and comment, in the form of verbal and written communications and reports; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered and approved for the Project, by Resolution No. 110-25, the proposed California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines ("CEQA") common sense exemption in accordance with CEQA section 15061(b)(3); and WHEREAS, the proposed update to the City’s Zoning Code has been presented to the City’s Planning Commission for its review and recommendation; and WHEREAS, following a properly noticed public hearing, at which both verbal and written testimony were presented, the Planning Commission adopted its Resolution No. 11183, recommending approval of the proposed Zoning Code amendment presented to the City Council.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CAJON DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The City Council finds that:

A. The recitals above are true and correct and are the findings of the City Council.

B. The proposed standards to regulate the sale and use of tobacco and related products are designed to ensure the use of land for the sale and use of such products within the City does not negatively impact surrounding areas and are compatible with adjacent properties and developments.

Page 2 of 3 ends

C. There are no applicable specific plans that regulate the sale of tobacco and related products from properties within the City.

D. The proposed Zoning Code amendment will not significantly alter the character of the City or cause significant health, safety or welfare concerns, since the amendment is consistent with the General Plan and directly implements City goals and policies to ensure a healthy and safe community.

SECTION 2. The City Council further finds that the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") common sense exemption in accordance with CEQA section 15061 (b)(3) applies for the proposed Project.

SECTION 3. Subsection E of section 17.240.070 of Chapter 17.240 of Title 17 of the El Cajon Municipal Code is hereby deleted.

SECTION 4. A new subsection E of section 17.240.070 of Chapter 17.240 of Title 17 of the El Cajon Municipal Code is hereby added to read as follows:

E. The tobacco or smoke shop, or electronic/vapor substance inhalation shop meets the following minimum specific standards:

1. No person or business shall engage in the sale of tobacco and electronic vapor device products without first posting a plainly visible sign at the point of purchase of tobacco products that has wording similar to:
"THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, HOOKAHS, AND ELECTRONIC
VAPOR DEVICES AND PRODUCTS TO PERSONS UNDER 21 YEARS
OF AGE IS PROHIBITED BY LAW AND SUBJECT TO PENALTIES.

PHOTO IDENTIFICATION IS REQUIRED OF PURCHASERS
APPEARING TO BE 26 YEARS OF AGE AND YOUNGER."
The letters of the sign shall be at least one-quarter inch high.

2. No person, business, tobacco retailer, or owner, manager or operator of any establishment subject to this article shall sell, offer to sell or permit to be sold any tobacco product to an individual without requesting and examining identification of customers appearing to be 26 years and younger for the purpose of establishing the purchaser's age as 21 years or greater, unless the seller has some other clear or convincing basis for determining the buyer's age.

SECTION 5. A new section 17.240.095 of Chapter 17.240 of Title 17 of the El Cajon Municipal Code is hereby added to read as follows:

Page 3 of 3 ends

§ 17.240.095 Relocation
All tobacco or smoke shops, which were established prior to the adoption of this chapter and subsequently obtained a conditional use permit as prescribed, and that do not conform to all of the provisions of this chapter, shall have the ability to relocate subject to the following:

1. Obtain a conditional use permit as provided in this chapter;

2. Must locate in one of the commercial zones identified in subsection A of section 17.240.070; and

3. The new location must result in an increase in separation from sensitive uses as identified in subsection B of section 17.240.070.

SECTION 6. The City Council of the City of El Cajon intends this ordinance to supplement, not to duplicate or contradict, applicable state and federal law and this ordinance shall be construed in light of that intent. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is held invalid or unconstitutional for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion.

SECTION 7. This ordinance shall go into effect thirty (30) days following its passage and adoption.

City Council
Agenda Report
Agenda Item 24.

DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: City Clerk
FROM: City Attorney/General Legal Counsel
SUBJECT: Closed Session - Public Employment - Pursuant to California Government Code section 54957(b)(1): Title: City Attorney
RECOMMENDATION:

That the following Closed Session be scheduled for the Joint City Council / Housing Authority / Successor Agency to the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT – pursuant to California Government Code section 54957(b)(1):

NAME OF CASE:

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Title: City Attorney
Morgan L. Foley
City Attorney/General Legal Counsel

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City Council
Agenda Report
Agenda Item 25.

DATE: November 18, 2025
TO: City Clerk
FROM: City Attorney/General Legal Counsel
SUBJECT: Closed Session - Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9: Jason Sargent v. City of El Cajon, et al.;
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego;
Case No. 25CU049863C
RECOMMENDATION:

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION – pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9:

NAME OF CASE:

Jason Sargent v. City of El Cajon, et al.

Superior Court of California, County of San Diego
Case No. 25CU049863C
MORGAN L. FOLEY
City Attorney/General Legal Counsel
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El Cajon City CouncilNovember 18, 2025

El Cajon City Council
November 18, 2025