Communications 01-28-26 — Elk Grove City Council, January 28, 2026

COMMUNICATIONS

IN RELATION TO THE

CITY OF ELK GROVE
JANUARY 28, 2026

REGULAR MEETING

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8.1
01-28-2026

Outlook
Christopher Cellars - Amplified music - Permit expansion From Arlyn Wilson-Fernandez
Dat
e Tue 1/27/2026 8:14 PM
To EG City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc [email protected] <[email protected]> Y
ou don't often get email from Learn why this is important [EXTERNAL EMAIL]
Dear City Clerk of Elk Grove,
It is our understanding that the City Council will be considering a permit expansion for amplified music at Christopher Cellars.

We wanted to let you know that we have lived nearby at 9668 Pasture Rose Way since 2004 and have been enjoying Christopher Cellars winery for years. They have had music practically every Friday - Sunday, especially during the summertime and we have never felt their music was too loud, intrusive, nor disruptive in any way.

In fact, you can't hear the music that is being played unless you pull into the parking lot, drive towards the winery and lower your windows. In fact, quite a few people bring their pets to enjoy the music. That should tell you how loud it isn't.

This winery has been a Godsend as it provides a sense of community. W e get to know our neighbors and it has become a
gathering place for us hardworking professionals. I'm sure it has also been such a blessing to local artists that come to play. This winery attracts top talent and no doubt brings business to the Elk Grove area and local restaurants.

Christopher Cellars winery won't be the same without amplified music. There are many wineries close by in competition with Christopher Cellars and we think not being allowed to continue playing their amplified music will be crippling to their business, their staf
f, and the local businesses that benefit.

The owner's are two of the nicest people we have ever met and are always so welcoming. I know they are sensible and considerate.

Please consider approving their permit expansion.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

Best wishes,
Arlyn and Deanna Wilson-Fernandez
1/28/26, 9:44 AM Christopher Cellars - Amplified music - Permit expansion - Brenda Haggard - Outlook about:blank 1/1

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8.1
01-28-2026

Outlook
Support for Christopher Cellars Permit Expansion
From Cynthia Linker
Dat
e Tue 1/27/2026 8:09 PM
T
o EG City Clerk <[email protected]>
Y
ou don't often get email from Learn why this is important [EXTERNAL EMAIL]
Subject: Support for Christopher Cellars Permit Expansion To whom it may concern,
I am writing to express my support for Christopher Cellars and their permit expansion, based on my personal experience as a nearby resident (tenant).

Christopher and Candice operate Christopher Cellars with an exceptional level of care and intention. They are hands-on, thoughtful owners who clearly prioritize being good neighbors while creating a welcoming space for the community.

From my experience, the concern around amplified music has not matched reality. I have never heard the music from inside my home. Even when I am outside, it is often difficult to tell which songs are being played, as the sound is low, controlled, and never intrusive. At no point has it felt disruptive or impacted my day-to-day life.

I also attended the recent neighborhood community meeting on January 6th 2026, where Chris did a phenomenal job addressing questions and concerns related to the expansion. His transparency, calm demeanor, and willingness to listen made me feel genuinely comfortable and confident about the plans moving forward.

Christopher Cellars is a positive presence in Elk Grove, and I believe its continued growth will reflect the same respect, responsibility, and community-minded approach that Christopher and Candice have consistently demonstrated.

Thank you for your time and for considering my perspective.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Dawn
1/28/26, 9:46 AM Support for Christopher Cellars Permit Expansion - Brenda Haggard - Outlook about:blank 1/1

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8.1
01-28-2026

Outlook
public comment regarding Bartholomew conditional use permit application for tonight's City Council Meeting From
Date W
ed 1/28/2026 2:39 PM
T
o EG City Clerk <[email protected]>
1 attachment (124 KB)
Wineryresponsecity council mclain.pdf;
Y
ou don't often get email from Learn why this is important [EXTERNAL EMAIL]
I will also be coming to address the City Council but wanted them to see the amended table 4 I am recommending. 1/28/26, 2:49 PM public comment regarding Bartholomew conditional use permit application for tonight's City Council Meeting - Brenda Haggard - Ou… about:blank 1/1

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8.1
01-28-2026

Regarding PLNG24-056 – the Bartholomew Conditional Use Permit To whom it may concern:

I strongly oppose the amended application of the Winery that proposes up to 66 amplified music events (48 in the Building and 16 in the outdoor space) spread throughout the week with no restriction, and for the most part support the Planning Commission’s Recommendations to reduce the total number of amplified music events to 48 (36 winery events and 12 outdoor events) with the stipulation that fully amplified events occur ONLY on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with winery events ending at 9 PM and outdoor events ending at 10 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 9 PM on Sunday – with ALL events ceasing to have amplified music during the last hour of operation. Also, if the event occurs on a day prior to the return to school for children, the ending time should be one hour earlier. These days are indicated by asterisks in the table.

I believe this would result in the following amended Table 4 for my recommended proposal:

Wine Tasting Typical Winery Event Outdoor Event Center
# of Events 36 12
Monday (no Holiday) 11 AM – 8 PM 11 AM – 9 PM – 75dbA
Tuesday 11 AM – 8 PM 11 AM – 9 PM – 75 dBA
Wednesday 11 AM – 8 PM 11 AM – 9 PM – 75 dBA
Thursday 11 AM – 8 PM 11 AM – 9 PM – 75 dBA
Friday 11 AM – 8 PM 11 AM – 9 PM – 85 dBA 11 AM – 10 PM – 85 dBA Saturday 11 AM – 8 PM 11 AM – 9 PM – 85 dBA 11 AM – 10 PM – 85 dBA Sunday 11 AM – 8 PM 11 AM – 8 PM – 85 dbA * 11 AM – 8 PM – 85 dBA* Monday Holiday 11AM - 8 PM 11 AM – 8 PM – 85 dbA *
Db level 75 dBA VARIED 85 dbA

Amplified music (as indicated by the allowable dbA level of 85 dBA will cease at least ONE HOUR prior to the allowable end of the event.

Some people who received this message don't often get email from . Learn why this is important Outlook
FW: Bartholomew Winery Amendment (PLNG24‑056)
From EG City Clerk <[email protected]>
Date Thu 1/29/2026 3:30 PM
To Brenda Haggard <[email protected]>
From:

Sen
t:

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 6:44 PM
T
o: Sarah Kirchgessner <[email protected]>; EG City Clerk <[email protected]>; Bobbie Singh-Allen <[email protected]>; Darren Suen <[email protected]>; Rod Brewer <[email protected]>; Kevin Spease <[email protected]>; Sergio Robles <[email protected]>
Subject:

Bartholomew Winery Amendment (PLNG24-056)
[EXTERNAL EMAIL]
Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments regarding the Bartholomew Winery Amendment (PLNG24-056), including the proposed Text Amendment to EGMC Title 23 and the associated Conditional Use Permit changes. I respectfully urge the Council not to approve this project.

The proposed amendment allowing “Outdoor Event Center” uses within Agricultural-Residential (AR) zoning districts represents a significant departure from the long-standing purpose of these zones. AR districts were established to preserve low-density rural living, agricultural operations, and open space. Introducing commercial event centers—particularly those with amplified sound and extended hours —fundamentally alters the character of these areas and undermines the expectations of residents who chose to live in rural zones for peace, privacy, and agricultural surroundings.

Allowing amplified outdoor music and expanded hours of operation will create unavoidable noise impacts. Sound travels farther in rural environments, and these disturbances will affect residents well beyond the project boundaries. No conditions of approval can fully mitigate the disruption caused by frequent outdoor events, especially during evening hours when residents reasonably expect quiet.

Traffic and safety concerns also warrant serious consideration. Even with access to major arterials, the surrounding road network includes rural roads not designed to accommodate high-volume event traffic, nighttime vehicle flow, or rideshare congestion. These impacts increase the risk of collisions, parking overflow, and general disruption to the rural transportation system.

Beyond the immediate impacts, this amendment sets a troubling precedent. A citywide zoning change to accommodate a single applicant opens the door for similar requests from other wineries or agricultural tourism operators. Over time, this could lead to widespread commercial encroachment into rural neighborhoods, eroding the very character the City has committed to preserving.

While the Planning Commission recommended excluding parcels within the Rural Area Community Plan, the concerns extend beyond that boundary
. Rural expectations do not stop at a line on a map. Residents throughout all AR zones rely on consistent protections that maintain the integrity of their neighborhoods.

Finally, the applicant already holds a Conditional Use Permit for winery operations. Expanding it to include amplified outdoor events and extended hours represents a major intensification of use. Such an expansion should only be granted when there is clear evidence of compatibility with surrounding residences and a demonstrated community benefit that outweighs the impacts. That evidence has not been presented.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that the City Council deny the proposed amendment to Title 23 and the associated CUP modifications. Protecting the rural character of Elk Grove’s Agricultural-Residential zones is essential to maintaining the quality of life for current and future residents.

Thank you for your consideration.
1/29/26, 3:30 PM FW: Bartholomew Winery Amendment (PLNG24‑056) - Brenda Haggard - Outlook about:blank 1/1

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8.1
01-28-2026

GENERAL PUBLIC

COMMENT SUBMITTED

IN RELATION TO THE

CITY OF ELK GROVE
JANUARY 28, 2026

REGULAR MEETING

Outlook
New Homeless Shelter Location
From matt sanchez
Dat
e W
ed 1/28/2026 10:32 AM
T
o Bobbie Singh-Allen <[email protected]>; EG City Clerk <[email protected]> Y
ou don't often get email from . Learn why this is important [EXTERNAL EMAIL]
Dear Mayor Singh-Allen and City Clerk Lindgren,
I am writing as a longtime Elk Grove resident and a retired Elk Grove Police Officer who raised his family here and continues to call this city home.

I understand that homelessness is a serious and complex issue, and I support compassionate, well-managed solutions that provide real help to those in need. However, I have significant concerns regarding the proposed placement of a new homeless shelter within Elk Grove. I have read that there are three proposed locations. With my experience as an officer I know that the homeless need easy access to services if they are to succeed. For this reason I believe that the location on East Stockton Blvd. is the location that would best serve our homeless community. It is centrally located in the city and has the most resources nearby.

I understand the complexity of this decision along with the pressure of residents who are against having a shelter in their neighborhood. The end goal is to have the shelter where the homeless can thrive and better their lives and living situation. As a resident who invested decades in this community and chose to raise a family here because of its safety and quality of life, I believe the voices of current residents must be meaningfully considered before any final decisions are made. Elk Grove has worked hard to build the community it is today. Any decision of this magnitude should reflect both compassion for those experiencing homelessness and responsibility to the residents who live, work, and raise families here.

Thank you for your time and for your service to our city. I appreciate your consideration of these concerns.

Respectfully,
Matthew Sanchez
Retired Elk Grove Police Officer
Elk Grove Resident
1/28/26, 12:33 PM New Homeless Shelter Location - Brenda Haggard - Outlook about:blank 1/1

GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.00
01-28-2026

Elk Grove City CouncilJanuary 28, 2026

Elk Grove City Council
January 28, 2026