Administrative Hearing: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 3, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 13 of 30
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:36:07):
Okay. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony that you will give in this matter will be the truth and the whole truth?
David Ludden (Police Officer) (00:36:13):
Yes.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:36:14):
All right. Thank you very much. Would you, uh, please testify? David Ludden (Police Officer) (00:36:18):
Yeah. So on November 15th of 2024, um, I was in an undercover capacity in plain clothes and I went over to the Rock Zone on 1st Street. Um, when I went in, I saw the employee at the front. I asked him if they had any, uh, ZYNs, which is a nicotine pouches. Um, at the time they said that they didn't just because there was a shortage, but he did show me, um, like similar flavored tobacco pouches. I believe they were called Zimos. So I got one of the Wintergreen Zimo flavored nicotine pouches. Um, and then as I was looking around the store, I saw some, I saw some little, like, chocolate bars that were called PolkaDots and on the labeling they had mushrooms on there, uh, and it said that they had 200 milligrams of magic per piece.
(00:37:18):
Um, and then the employee was talking to me saying, like, if I wanted to microdose it to take four tabs.
And he said, like, anything more than that, like, you start feeling it way more and you start, like, tripping.
Um, yeah, and then I purchased the Zimo and the PolkaDot flavor, or the PolkaDot candy bars, and then I met with Cormal- Corporal Remmick.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:37:48):
Okay. Anything else you wanna tell me at this hearing?
David Ludden (Police Officer) (00:37:51):
No, that's gonna be it for my involvement.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:37:57):
So, um, Sergeant Guerin, um, do you wish to have Officer Tong testify next? Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (00:38:07):
Uh, yeah, we'll have, um, Officer Tong, um, testify to the, um, warrant service in March of 2025. Don, it looks like you're here. You can go ahead and unmute.
Don Tong (Police Officer) (00:38:23):
Yes, I'm here.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:38:24):
Um, good morning, Officer Tong. My name's Alan Seltzer. I'm the hearing officer in this matter and, um, before you testify, you should know that under the, um, procedure, you may request to, um, testify
Administrative Hearing: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 3, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 14 of 30
under oath and I'm allowed to consider the fact that you testified under oath in weighing the evidence.
So, uh, do you wish to testify under oath?
Don Tong (Police Officer) (00:38:48):
Uh, I do.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:38:48):
Um, do you swear or affirm that the testimony that you will give in this matter will be the truth and the whole truth?
Don Tong (Police Officer) (00:38:54):
Yes.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:38:55):
All right. Please go forward and testify now.
Don Tong (Police Officer) (00:38:59):
Uh, on March 6th of 2025, uh, myself and members of the Gilroy Anti- Gilroy Police Anti-Crime Team executed a search warrant based on the, um, investigation that we've conducted as listed in the testimony from Corporal Remmick and, uh, Detective Ludden. Um, when we arrived on scene, we executed the search warrant for psilocybin and mushrooms, uh, which was the ones purchased from Detective Ludden. Uh, we also executed this search warrant in collaboration with, uh, the California Department of Tax and Feed Administration, uh, for the compliance check portion of the flavored tobacco.
(00:39:40):
Uh, during our search, we located, uh, multiple items that were contraband for the state of California, which was flavored tobacco in addition to a number of, uh, psilocybin mushroom bars as well. Um, all of those items that were seized were taken as evidence at the Gilroy Police Department, and they're still being held here as of now, uh, pending, uh, our turnover to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Uh, they took quite a few items as well and they have those in possession as well.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:40:15):
All right. Anything else you wish to, to state for the record? Don Tong (Police Officer) (00:40:19):
Uh, no.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:40:21):
All right. Thank you. Um, Sergeant Guerin, back to you. Um, does that conclude this city's, um, case in chief, um, or do you have another, anybody else to testify? Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (00:40:35):
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Um, I don't have anyone else from the police department, um, but I'll turn it over, uh, to see ... I don't know if, um, Harjot or Sharon have anyone, uh, from their side, um, to testify. But, uh, as far as the police department side, we, we don't have any further.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:40:51):
All right. Ms. Goei, I hope I pronounced your name right. (laughs) Um, there you are. UmSharon Goei (Community Development Director) (00:41:02):
Yeah. No, I don't have anything.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:41:04):
Okay.
Sharon Goei (Community Development Director) (00:41:04):
I'm just o- observing. Thank you.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:41:06):
All right. Thank you. Um, so I think that then concludes the city's case. Is that correct, Sergeant Guerin? Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (00:41:15):
Yes, it does.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:41:16):
All right. Take a deep breath. I'm gonna turn it over now to, um, Mr. Defilippis. You've heard the city's testimony and I'm, I'm, I'm, I'm listening.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:41:28):
Thank you, Mr. Seltzer. Uh, I would ask that, uh, Mr. Guerin, uh, uh, Mr. Remmick, uh, Mr. Ludden and Mr. Tong all be, uh, uh, directed to stay in the proceedings, uh, so I may be calling them as, uh, uh, additional witnesses, uh, should we get that far.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:41:50):
I'm not sure you're able to call them, but, um, but go ahead, go with your ...
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (00:41:59):
Uh, we, um, we will stay ... Well, I'll stay on, um, just in case, um, from the police department side of it.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:42:04):
All right.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:42:06):
Thank you. As I've indicated, uh, my first request is that, uh, we stay these proceedings, uh, and at the very least, uh, uh, order the matter continued, uh, for the, uh, um, respondent to be able to properly put on the defense, uh, in this case. Um, you've indicated, Mr. Seltzer, that, uh, you don't believe you
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have the, uh, the power to order discovery. Um, in my estimation, this is not really a discovery issue, it's a notice issue. Uh, I've learned today during this hearing that, uh, Officer Guerin, uh, and officers, uh, Remmick, Ludden and Tong are witnesses in this case. Uh, never heard of any of them previously. (00:43:04):
Um, and, uh, that should be rather disturbing in a context of where an individual like my client, a 72- year-old gentleman, uh, who is, uh, uh, relying on this business as, uh, income to live upon and, uh, potentially is going to, uh, lose his license or have, uh, action taken on his license, uh, without us knowing who the witnesses are, what the evidence is. Uh, I've yet to see a list of, uh, uh, items that were seized. Uh, there's a lot of conclusory statements that are being made by the, uh, the various officers, uh, involved as to what's contained in those particular items. (00:44:06):
Uh, I don't know that anybody has made a comparison with the UTL to, uh, determine if these are listed or unlisted products, which they would have to be. Uh, you know, we're, we're operating in a vacuum and, uh, uh, the fact that, uh, cross-examination is not allowed is, is also rather disturbing, uh, uh, as there are additional factors that need to be, uh, dealt with from these various witnesses and that's why I've asked the, uh, uh, them to stay so that, uh, further questioning, uh, can be done. Um, it would be direct examination if I call them as, uh, witnesses. I'm allowed to call witnesses. (00:44:58):
Uh, there is no preclusion of me calling any of those individuals. Um, but if they walk out of here, I can't subpoena them because there's nobody with the power to, uh, to subpoena. Um, I don't know. I, you know, I've, I've spent 41 years, uh, as a, uh, a litigator and, uh, u, I just have to say that I find, uh, aspects of, uh, Gilroy's, uh, uh, administrative process to be, uh, rather disturbing. Uh, and, uh, you can take that for what it is, but, uhAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:45:44):
Yeah. Mm-hmm.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:45:47):
... I am requesting that, uh, you stay these proceedings pending the outcome of the, uh, the case. I believe that you have the ability to direct the city to provide information, uh, and documentation. (00:46:02):
... to provide information, uh, and documentation to my client. They've refused to do that under a claim that this is, uh, uh, an ongoing investigation. Well, there's a criminal process that, uh, has started. And to say that Mr. Ammari isn't entitled to receive those documents when all of those documents, everything that I identified in my, uh, uh, email from, uh, uh, from yesterday, which is, uh, you know, the search warrant materials, the affidavits, the search warrants itself, uh, the, uh, returns on the search warrants showing exactly what items were, uh, seized.
(00:46:49):
Um, the body-worn cameras that, uh, Gilroy PD's, uh, uh, uh, standard procedures require the officers to be, uh, to be wearing when they walk into a resident or a residence or a business to, uh, uh, conduct an investigation, uh, there should be body-worn cameras. Uh, there should be a evidence list of all items that, uh, that were seized. Uh, there's apparently probably, uh, documents from the, uh, CDTFA that, uh, uh, also, uh, would be available. All of these things are important materials so that I can even figure out what witnesses I need to call.
Administrative Hearing: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 3, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 17 of 30
PART 2 OF 4 ENDS [00:46:04]
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:47:39):
I don't have the... I'm gonna just, um, relieve you of having to make further argument. It's noted for the record. I just do not have the power to direct the city to produce documents. It's just clear to me that the, the policy doesn't allow that. Um, so, uh, I, I did see that in your email and I have, I am limited to... I have testimony now, um, uh, from the city.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:48:05):
Yeah.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:48:06):
Uh, I have a question for you. I, I have to figure out how to proceed right now, because I know I've read your emails and I know your concerns. I believe I do at least, and we'll, we'll have a chance to discuss that right now. The business license, uh, that I have taken administrative notice of, because that's what's at stake here, um, and, uh, maybe Mr. Sangha, if necessary, will put it on, but I assume you have it, issued to... The business owners are identified as ATML, Inc. and Adel Ammari. So I, I have a concern right now having done some, uh, research. A corporation does not have a Fifth Amendment privilege.
And so the license is issued to the corporation. It also, it appears that the business, uh, to Mr. Ammari, who I, uh, has not and may... I would let you state for the record, um, uh, but the public documents show that he's an officer of the corporation, correct?
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:49:14):
Yes.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:49:15):
Okay. I, I, you know, uh, the case law tells me to try to accommodate his Fifth Amendment privileges, but it also indicates that there's no constitutional right, no mandatory duty to stay and in fact that it's fairly disfavored. Um, most of the cases in administrative proceedings don't grant stays. They try to find some accommodation. So, um, it's something I wanna probe with you because if the corporation was issued the license, um, and there's no Fifth Amendment privilege, um, and there's no cross-examination, he can determine what he wants to say in this, uh, proceeding without incriminating himself and the corporation can, uh, potentially find somebody else, uh, uh, an agent or employee to present the testimony that I think in our prehearing conference you felt was important in terms of mitigating factors is the way I heard it, but it may be directly to the evidence as well, um, as to whether there was a violation and that's your case.
(00:50:32):
Um, so I, I, I'm balancing this, um, the fact that I can't and neither can the city compel his testimony. So his Fifth Amendment privilege is not going to be violated as a matter of this proceeding. Now, I understand there's a balancing because as you've said to me, um, you have to decide how much, or he has to decide how much he wants to speak in this in terms of it being incriminating. Um, but you, the corporation doesn't have a Fifth Amendment privilege and if the, the, um, business license is issued to a corporation, it's, it's, it's, it's issued to the business owners. There's a business name, The Rock Zone, but it's issued to a business owner and it's the owner who's gonna suffer the revocation. You wanna give me some help on that because that's what I see right now.
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Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:51:31):
Let's start with the, uh, the notices of, uh, this proceeding. Uh, the corporation that, uh, you've indicated, uh, uh, ATML, uh, I don't believe has ever been listed on anything, uh, in this proceeding. Uh, the, my understanding of the notices that came were notices to Adel Ammari as an individual and, uh, his company that he does business under, uh, which is The Rock Zone.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:52:08):
No, actually it's issued to The Rock Zone. It's issued... Actually, the notice of the hearing is related to the license number.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:52:18):
Right.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:52:18):
Not Mr. Ammari. Mr.... And the notice, there's no... I'm looking at it right now. It's, it's, it's the, the... On the, on the business license, the business name is The Rock Zone. And under section 13.5 of the Gilroy Municipal Code, the, the licensed collector issues a license and has to put the name of the, uh, business licensed and the name of the person to whom it's issued. And so the name of the business is The Rock Zone, but the person to whom it's issued is a corporation and Mr. Ammari. So we know the corporation does not have Fifth Amendment rights and so, um, and it's the corporation that's gonna lose its license along with Mr. Ammari apparently. So that's the confusion here for me or the complexity.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:53:19):
But Mr., Mr. Ammari is in fact a holder of, uh, the license. The license was issued, uh, uh, to him.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:53:30):
To the corporation, ATML, I'm looking at it right now. Business owners are ATML, Inc. And Adel Ammari.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:53:37):
Right.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:53:37):
SoSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:53:38):
And Adel Ammari.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:53:43):
Those are the two names listed.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:53:45):
Yeah.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:53:45):
Administrative Hearing: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 3, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 19 of 30
That's correct.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:53:46):
And Adele Ammari certainly has a Fifth Amendment privilege, uh, in this case. There is no question about that. Um, andAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:53:59):
You froze. Unfortunately, your, your, uh, screen is frozen. Mr. Sangha, um, I guess there's nothing we can do right now.
Harjot Sangha (Finance Director) (00:54:11):
Yeah, why don't we, uh, give it a moment to see if they can rejoin or it sounds like an internet connectivity issue.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:54:18):
Can you hear me?
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:54:19):
No, we lost you. Um, you said that, uh, Mr. Ammari has a, certainly has a Fifth Amendment privilege.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:54:26):
[inaudible 00:54:28].
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:54:28):
So I'm, I'm trying... I, I'm, I'm looking... I, I gave you the, uh, case, the Avant Corporation case, which had the factors to balanceSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:54:36):
Right.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:54:36):
... in dealing... And, and that's the case that I think governs at this point.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:54:42):
The Avant Corporation case is very different than here. In Avant Corporation, it was the corporation that was the criminal defendant, not an individual. There was no individuals charged in that, uh, case.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:54:58):
I think there were.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:55:00):
And the court was very clear in saying that the corporation doesn't have a Fifth Amendment privilege.
On the other hand, here, the, uh, uh, Mr. Ammari is one of the respondents in this case, uh, and, uh, as such, Mr. Ammari has a Fifth Amendment privilege. So here, we're very different than, uh, Avant
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Corporation. Uh, furthermore, in the Avant Corporation case, the allegations in the civil matter had to do with defamation, uh, infliction of emotional distress, things of that nature that are not the same as what is, uh, at issue here. Here, the items that were purchased, the items that were found in the searches, all of that is part of the criminal case. And so the criminal case and the administrative proceeding are based on identical factors, uh, identical evidence. Uh, so the evidence that's involved is definitely identical.
(00:56:15):
Now, you've indicated that you don't have the power to grant discovery, um, and that may be the case. I would think it shouldn't be because notice, um, of what you're being charged with, uh, and, and what the city is going to rely upon to, uh, try and take away your ability to, uh, uh, conduct a business that's, uh, your livelihood, um, certainly there should be a requirement that that notice includes, uh, the city turning over the information that it has, uh, about what it is that they're gonna go forward with, uh, uh, in the case. But if not, then where that leaves us is in a position of you need to be able to give me time to seek out the, that material, either through the criminal case or separately, uh, through a Public Records, uh, Act request. Um, I'm baffled that the City of Gilroy is trying to say that Adele Ammari doesn't have a right to those materials. Every single one of those materials is something that they are 100% required under Penal Code Section 10 and 54-
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:57:43):
Mr. Defilippis, let's not go down that road again. I've heard you, but I'm, I'm not... I don't have that ability. I'm not going to order, make an order to produce. Uh, what I'm going to do is consider the fact that you only learned about their case today. That's the way this proceeding is done and I think you've asked, just asked me to continue this matter, um, and that's... If I do that, I, I, I, I need a moment to think about, uh, that. But I, I, I am concerned that the factors do not and the case law does not indicate a stay is required and I'm not sure, um... And I, I've looked at the factors and I think the city, you know, has provided, uh, uh, enough here to, to, to, to, to have a prima facie case, at least, of a violation because we have the officers who actually, uh, conducted the, um, uh, inspections and search warrant, um, activities that are listed in the police chief's memorandum, they've actually testified to that. But you need... I do think you need an opportunity to put on a case and I think... I don't think Mr. Ammari has a full... Uh, he has the ability to protect his Fifth Amendment rights and not testify within the meaning of the case law I've read. So I need to think about, and I'm gonna take a break, uh, about giving a continuance, but also in weighing the factors, um, uh, what the conditions of that continuance might be based on the police department's testimony. I, I was awaiting that testimony. UmSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:59:47):
Can I, can I just briefly address the, uh, Avant factors that, uhAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:59:52):
Yes, youSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (00:59:53):
... Involved?
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:59:54):
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You've anticipated my question (laughs), um, and I'm, I, I don't know who wants to do that for the city, but, um, you know, the, the, just so everyone knows, the five factors are the interest in the city in, uh, proceeding, uh, expeditiously, uh, with this, in this proceeding, um, and any prejudice to the city for delay, the burden on, um, your client's Fifth Amendment privilege rights and the extent to which they can be accommodated as we've discussed, the fact that he could find somebody else appoint... He's an agent for the corporation, um, he could find someone else to testify on its behalf. Um, administrative efficiency is a factor, third factor. And then there's the interest of the persons who are not party to the civil, to this proceeding and the public in this proceeding, those which somewhat conflate, but, uh, those are the issues that I have to think about. All right. So I'm gonna ask you, Mr. Defilippis, to address those and then I'll ask the city.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:01:06):
Okay. The first thing that, uh, Avant talks about is, uh, obviously is, is there a Fifth Amendment privilege to begin with? In their case, they didn't have on here. We definitely have a Fifth Amendment privilege on behalf of, uh, Mr. Ammari. And then, uh, they go into, uh, the factors and, uh, as you indicated, the interest of the plaintiff in proceeding expeditiously with the litigation or any particular aspect of it and the potential prejudice to the plaintiffs of a delay is the first factor.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:01:41):
Mm-hmm.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:01:41):
The city went in on, in November of, uh, 2024 and purchased, uh, a, uh, a bar that they utilized to get a search warrant as I understand the testimony and then waited for some four and a half months, uh, or four months to, uh, uh, yeah, four months to, uh, come back in March of, uh, 2025 and, uh, conducted a search. Um, in that search, they, uh, were directed by an employee to where there was two bars of, uh, this polka dot product. Um, they seized those and apparently there was some, uh, uh, actions from the, uh, the taxing authority that, uh, uh, seized some other items, but they didn't really have the information as to what exactly those were. Um, they then waited for almost 10 months to do anything further. Mr. Ammari was arrested in, uh, January of, uh, uh, 2026 and the arrest occurred and you would hear this from, uh, Mr. Ammari, but, uh, Mr. Ammari turned himself in. (01:03:16):
Uh, this was not something where the Gilroy PD had to go search him out and find him and arrest him.
Uh, he turned himself in, uh, when he learned that there was, uh, uh, something going on. Uh, then there was another search, uh, that occurred at that point and, uh, you know, then these proceedings were, uh, initiated after that. So during that time from November of 2024 up until, uh, uh, today, Mr.
Ammari's business has continued to operate in the City of Gilroy. And, uh, during that time, uh, it hasn't been shut down. There wasn't, uh, some need immediately following the, uh, the search in March of 2025 to expeditiously proceed with the, uh, uh, the hearing. They took no action. They waited 10 months before they took any action, uh, um, and it wasn't until fairly recently that, uh, the administrative proceedings were, uh, initiated.
(01:04:37):
So I think that, uh, the first factor clearly falls in favor of, um, Mr. Ammari. Uh, the prejudice in proceeding expeditiously, uh, uh, particularly without any information I think is, uh, uh, very high and there's no prejudice to the city, uh, uh, as has, uh, been made, I think, apparent by, uh, what's been going on. You know, they talk about 306 boxes found. Part of the evidence that I will present is that, uh,
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those items were hookah tobacco and, uh, that the officer who sees them essentially said that, "Uh, uh, we're just learning about those." And those items were present back in March of 2025 and were not seized. They were seized in January and, uh, Ms. Vera would be able to testify as to, uh, the fact that those items are listed items on the UTL, which allows them to be sold. So they've been improperly, uh, taken by the, uh, Gilroy Police Department. Uh, it looks likeAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:05:54):
It sounds like you're prepared to have that testimony today. You, you're prepared for, to, to provide that testimony.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:06:01):
Well, I'm just learning of these things and, and finding out that... Uh, I haven't had a chance to sit down and look at the UTL and compare it with what, uh, they've taken because I, I don't have the specific documents. I knowAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:06:16):
When you say UTL, I'm sorry, uh, again, I'm not of, umSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:06:21):
Oh, I'm sorry. Uh, that's the unflavored tobacco list, uh, and, uh, that is what now is used, uh, came out in December of 2025. Uh, the UTL is what is now used to determine what is and is not, uh, allowed to be, uh, sold.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:06:44):
Is that, is that the document you submitted on April 1st? Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:06:47):
That's correct.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:06:48):
And that's a, that's a, um, state document of identifying what can and cannot be sold? Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:06:54):
That's correct.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:06:54):
Okay. Uh, it's not in evidence. You haven't put on your case, but I do, I do note that you did submit on April 1st a number of documents that I, I, I, uh, uh, I'm waiting for you to, to put in evidence, umSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:07:09):
Right.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:07:09):
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Okay. Well, thank you for that. Okay. So your point about the UTL is that you... Or, what time, what, what is your request for a continuance? How does it relate to the UTL? Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:07:22):
Well, the, the reason I bring up the UTL is because I believe that shows that the items that were seized in January of, uh, 2026 were not illegal items and so therefore, uh, uh, there is, there is no accusation that can be made that there's ongoing violations by, uh, Mr. Ammari. And so, uh, uh, I'm bringing that up on the analysis of, uh, of the prejudice argument as to who gets prejudiced by, uh, uh, not proceeding forward, uh, with this.
(01:08:10):
Um, the second factor in Avant is, uh, the burden that, uh, uh, is assessed against the, uh, defendant, uh, who is being, uh, um, the subject of the, uh, uh, administrative proceeding in this case, which would be Mr. Ammari, uh, and the corporation. Um, the burden is how do you properly defend, how do you put on a case when you're just learning about, uh, the evidence here today. Um, that's very difficult to, and, uh, again, what, what is required is first I have to know what it is and where it is. So now I can go- (01:09:03):
What it is and where it is. So now I can go and I can make requests. I would probably have to do it as Public Records Act, uh, request, and that takes some time. And so, there's gonna be some delay that, uh, is incumbent upon, uh, uh, Fonis to, to deal with because, uh, those are not quick proceedings.
PART 3 OF 4 ENDS [01:09:04]
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:09:24):
No, and I'm concerned about that. W, w, Mr. Ammari, uh, was telephoned by, uh, I think the officer said during one of the searches and r, received it, you know, uh, consented to its, uh, going forward. And there were employees, um, at the store who probably, I would assume, know what was taken. So w, why would a Public Records Act request, whether it's effective or not, I have no idea, but, um, because I don't know if the, the documents are privileged or not. And it's not subject to Public Records Act, but I'm concerned having, um, worked in the municipal world, that that's, could take a, a long time. And I'm, I'm not gonna cons- I don't believe I should continue this matter. That would, that would go on the wrong side of the delay, uh, and e- efficiency, uh, calculation in my mind because a public records request, um, could take considerable time. I'm just worried about that. I'm telling you.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:10:29):
Well, and there may be quicker ways to do it through the, uh, uh, discovery in the criminal matter. Um, and, uh, probably some of those reports could get obtained, uh, uh, through that.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:10:43):
But I would assume that you, you, you know, you've just been told by the city's testimony what was taken and what the violation did, what, what their claimSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:10:51):
NoAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:10:52):
Administrative Hearing: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 3, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 24 of 30
Is a violation.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:10:53):
No, I wasn't told what was taken, uh, and it's very specific as to the, uh, what the particular brand is because what happens and this whole UTL process that, uh, that went on with the government is what they did is required the manufacturers to, uh, register their products with the state of California by October of, uh, 2025 so that they could then produce a list that both enforcement and business owners could use to determine, uh, um, whether or not a, uh, particular item is proper to be sold in the, uh, in the store.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:11:38):
Could you state that again? Just state what this whole process, it's the first time I've heard about it.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:11:44):
Yeah. What, uh, what the government did was, and, you know, part of the articles that I've submitted, to, is that there's a lot of confusion in the law as to what is and what is not allowed. What the UTL was, was a process where the government said, "Okay, let's require the manufacturers who are distributing this to the retailers to identify and register their products with the state." And then the state draws up a list of what the registered products are. These are the products that are going to be taxed. And if the, if the products are not registered, whether they're flavored or not, they go on, they go on the list if they're allowed, they're not put on the list if they're not registered. So, you could have unflavored tobacco products that are not on the UTL list and those are not legal to sell. (01:12:57):
So it's a registration process for the manufacturers and then this list gets created, but this doesn't happen until after most of the events that occurred in this particular case and it wasAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:13:11):
But th, thatSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:13:12):
The list was actually produced in December of, uh, 2025.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:13:15):
It's the city's testimony that the Zimo nicotine pouch is flavored tobacco that violates the law and that the polka dot or whatever, magic mushroom bars, um, contained, were analyzed in the Santa Clara lab. I mean, are you gonna... Uh, that's their testimony.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:13:38):
Yeah, that's their testimony. And now what I would do is get the lab report and be able to look at that and say whether or not that's an actual test, a proper test, was it a, uh, um... You know, there's several different types of tests that can be done on products. Uh, on is, uh, uh, it just shows that it probably is an item and there's others that definitively tell you what exactly is in that, uh, particular product. So I don't know what type of testing was done. I'd have to see the, uh, the lab results. Certainly none of these officers are qualified to, uh, uh, actually provide the, uh, uh, the lab results.
Administrative Hearing: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 3, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 25 of 30
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:14:25):
All right.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:14:27):
So I mean, what I'm, what I'm trying to indicate is that there's a lot of complexities in this case that would need further workup, further determinations, further evaluations of the evidence in order to, uh, determine if in fact, uh, there is a violation and what the, uh, mental state was of Mr. Ammari at the time of, uh, uh, these products being in a storm.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:14:54):
Well, he can testify as to that, umSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:15:00):
By losing his Fifth Amendment privilege.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:15:02):
Correct. And that's what I'm trying to, to, um... He... Well, I don't know if the extent to which it would, um, impact his position in the criminal case just yet if... Um, All right, I'm gonna... Did you wanna continue to just finish addressing the five factors?
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:15:22):
Sure.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:15:22):
I didn't want... And, and, and then I'm gonna let the city respond before we go forward.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:15:30):
Well, the third is the convenience of the court, uh, I mean, this isn't a court, but, uh, I don't think that, uh, there is a particular inconvenience, uh, um, I mean, the court has to take, uh, whatever evidence gets presented to, if it gets presented at different times, it can, uh, put it all together and, uh, make its determination, uh, uh, accordingly. So I don't think convenience of, uh, the court, uh, uh, management of cases, uh, and officially, efficient use of judicial resources, uh, falls against, uh, Mr. Ammari. Um, the interest of persons not parties to the, uh, the civil litigation and I'll talk about that one at the same time as talking about the interest of the public. UhAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:16:23):
Mm-hmm.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:16:24):
I think that, uh, it's kind of one and the same in this particular case, uh, because I know that, uh, the concern the city would raise is as to, uh, uh, well, gee, if he's selling illegal products, uh, um, that's dangerous to the, uh, uh, to the community. Well, they can go in and check, uh, they can monitor what's going on. There are no illegal products being, uh, being sold by Mr. Ammari's store. As a result of these actions, he's learned what is and is not allowed. By the creation of the UTL, he now has information as
Administrative Hearing: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 3, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 26 of 30
to what he is permitted to sell and what he's not permitted to sell and, uh, that is something that, uh, um, that he's doing now.
(01:17:17):
He's in compliance. He's shown his desire to be in compliance with the City of Gilroy. Um, he quickly, uh, came up with, uh... And I know this is not part of, uh, um, this tribunal's, uh, jurisdiction, but it does show his level of cooperation. He immediately presented a, uh, um, demolition plan, got it approved by the, uh, by the city and I believe yesterday there was, uh, uh, a compliance inspection and, uh, was signed off as being properly done. And so, he's now back in compliance in terms of building code issues. (01:18:02):
Uh, he's in compliance with every other aspect of, uh, of this matter and, uh, I would suggest that there is no adverse interest, uh, that the public would have about the business continuing to operate.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:18:18):
All right. Um, Sergeant Guerin, you, you've represented the city. I know this is probably not something you anticipated, um, although I did send a memo saying I would be considering a stay in continuance. Do you have anything to say to me on, on this issue before I take a break on this and decide how to proceed?
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (01:18:40):
Uh, no. And you're right. I am not exactly qualified to speak on, um, a lot of these legal matters. Um, I, I, I will say that, um, in December of 2025, the state did publish the, um, Unflavored Tobacco List, uh, which, um, did, uh, help us, uh, understand what exact products are, um, allowed to be sell, sold in the state of California. Prior to that, uh, we were taking, um, uh, we were going by what the CDTFA and some of the other, um, agencies were doing. So, um, th- there were, um, there were cases in some of our inspections prior to December of 2025 where we, we did in fact, um, seize product that turned out was, uh, legal and we returned those, uh, those products to the other smoke shops and, um, I don't, uh, believe any of the products that we seized, um, were, um, that we needed to return for The Rock Zone. (01:19:43):
We'd have to, uh, double check that with Corporal Remmick, but, um, that's pretty much all I, I really have to respond on that, unless there's any further d- direct specific questions.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:19:52):
Yeah, that's a very important point. Are any of the products that were seized in these three occasions, uh, products on the UTL that are legal or are they all s- under the UTL illegal products to sell? Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (01:20:08):
So, prior to the UTL coming out, we conducted several inspections in smoke shops around the city of Gilroy based on information that we had and, uh, from the CDTFA and also from our understanding of the tobacco ban. Uh, once the UTL came out, we compared, um, what we seized and we ended up returning product to, uh, s- some of the various smoke shops. I don't believe we had any of the products, um, from The Rock Zone inspections, at least the on that we did, I can't speak to the CDTFA one, um, but, um, Corporal Remmick could probably confirm this, but I don't believe we re- had to return any of the product, uh, to The Rock Zone after comparing it to the UTL.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:20:58):
Administrative Hearing: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 3, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 27 of 30
Okay. So Corporate Remmick, you're still under oath. Um, can you tell me whether or not... I'm just beginning to understand the importance of this UTL list. Are any of the products that were seized on the three occasions by the city that the city's relying upon, were they, um, returned and, or are they, um, illegal products?
Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (01:21:21):
I would have to review every product just to 100% confirm that. I can't say right here and now without a matter, you know, that that's the case. I would have to review every single product.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:21:37):
Every single product that you seized?
Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (01:21:40):
Yes.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:21:42):
Okay. All right. Um,
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (01:21:46):
If I, if I could, um, just though, um, let me just clarify after December of 2025, we did, uh, utilize the, uh, UTL. Um, so I'm speaking specifically on our inspections prior to, um, the UTL being published, um, which it, the ones that we conducted at The Rock Zone were after, uh, December of 20, uh, 25. Now, we're, we are still in the process of, um, having to, we have to re, uh, inventory because of some, uh, administrative requests on the state for taking this and in that we, we, we do intend to, um, make sure we are, um, taking the product that, uh, is in fact an illeg- illegal and if any is found that is not, we, we intend to return.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:22:41):
All right. So there are three occasions in 2024, 2025 and 2026 that you've testified that illegal products have been seized, but this current tenth, testimony seems to indicate that there's some question. Um, uh, I wa, I was initially prepared to continue this matter having, um, heard Mr. Defilippis' concerns, but, uh, I do believe that there's a way to accommodate, that there's a way to... He can present evidence through the employees who work with, at the store.
(01:23:27):
Mr. Ammari does not have to testify, um, and so I'm not, um, I'm more, uh, I'm more concerned about a continuance so that both parties can prepare their cases because I, um, would like the city to come back and assure me that the items confiscated are in fact illegal and fall within, um, 13.45 of the Gilroy, uh, Municipal Code, because even though the criminal case has a different standard of proof, the, the burden is on you to show that they violated the, any provisions of the Chapter 13 or any other law or ordinance and that I think was the flavored tobacco, um, ordinance in the, uh, I don't have it in front of me, but I think everybody knows it's in the business of professions code at section 22974.2. (01:24:34):
So that's what I'm, I'm, I'm concerned about. Um, I'm gonna give, uh, both of you, having heard that, Mr.
Defilippis, uh, you said you were available on April 17 at our pre- are you there? Is everybodyPage 195 of 530 Administrative Hearing: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 3, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 28 of 30
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:24:55):
Yeah, I am. I'm, I'm checking my calendar.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:24:59):
Uh, you, you told, you told me at the pre-hearing conference that you were available on April 17.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:25:08):
That's right. I have, uh, I have two matters on, but I can send an associate, to, to those. So, uh, uh, you were thinking 9:00 on the 17th?
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:25:18):
Uh, you know, I think 10:00 is more civil. (laughs) Um, that'sSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:25:23):
I don't, I don't have any problem with that.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:25:25):
On that, that, I'm not ordering that. I'm just trying to make sure I understand that you, if I, I, I'm gonna issue an order at some point, but I, uh, I'm c- uh, Sergeant Guerin, do you have any, um, concerns or opposition to a continuance to the 17th?
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (01:25:40):
Uh, I don't personally. I'd have to double check with the rest of the, uh, team to see if they would be available, but personally, I'm available for that.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:25:49):
Because at that point, I would want the city to confirm that the confiscated, uh, we've all... Look, uh, Mr.
Defilippis, Mr. Ammari and his employees know what was confiscated and you now have the list.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:26:06):
That, that's not true.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:26:07):
Well, ISteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:26:08):
We, we do not have a list andAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:26:10):
We have a testimony of 306 pouches. There's, there's a, there's sufficient evidence to say that this flavored tobacco and the polka dot was confiscated at the bar. I'm just saying I think you've, you've learned just like I have, for the first time with the city's cases, um, and I think you can prepare, um, to present your defense and find someone to testify on behalf of the corporation, um, whose license is at stake here as well as, uh, Mr. Ammari. So I, I'm gonnaPage 196 of 530 Administrative Hearing: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 3, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 29 of 30
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:26:54):
Let me, let me just clarify one thing. Um, I, I think you're making an assumption that the employee that was present when the, uh, officers conducted the search would know what was taken. Uh, that's incorrect. The employee on each of these occasions was s, just simply, you know, you counter person who's, uh, um, uh, handling the transactions that occur, but they were kept in a corner of the store while the search went on through other areas, uh, not available to that employee. So, um, the employees do not have, uh, the information as to, uh, what was taken.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:27:42):
Well, uh, I'm, I'm, I'm g, I'm, I'm going to c, I'm not gonna stay the matter, I'm just gonna continue to April 17. I, I have to live with the parameters of this hearing process. It is not a criminal matter, it's a very informal administrative hearing. There are consequences, I recognize that, but I am trying to gi, give you all process that I believe is due at this point. And so, um, at, uh, m, my admonition to the city is that I will, uh, ask you to come back with information that, uh, confirms that, uh, the con, uh, the confiscated materials, uh, tobacco products or whatever products are in fact illegal, um, and, um, you'll t- testify to that and then Mr. Defilippis, I will, uh, let you put on your case and, uh, that's where I'm, I'm at. (01:28:51):
I'm not staying, uh, I'm not gonna grant a stay at this time and I'll tell you why in a written order as soon as I can get to it. But that's, I'm doing the best I can under what seems to be a s- somewhat complex case and especially since the business license has both Mr. Ammari and a corporation's name on it. So, um, uh, I'll continue to look at that issue, uh, over the next time. So, I'm gonna cont- I'm not gonna issue any conditions on this continuance, uh, um, because, uh, I'm gonna take it under, uh, advisement that, uh, and, uh, Sharon, if this is, if Mr. Defilippis has, and his team has misstated it, that he's, uh, remediated the, um, land use permit issue that was attached to this notice of hearing, that that w- there was a sign-off yesterday, is that correct?
Sharon Goei (Community Development Director) (01:29:51):
That is correct.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:29:56):
Okay. So there's some good faith shown there. I, I will take that in consideration and, um, I want the city to address my concerns and, um, Mr. Defilippis, I'm gonna, uh, deny a stay, uh, of this proceeding at this time, uh, but continue the item, the, the matter to April 17th at 10:00. And, uh, Mr. Sangha, can you send, uh, instructions for everyone to come back and we'll see. I'm sorry to do this, but we'll see you all on April 17 at 10:00.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:30:36):
All right. Thank you, Mr. Seltzer.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:30:37):
Everybody understand the ruling?
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (01:30:39):
Yes, we do from, uh, police department.
Administrative Hearing: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 3, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 30 of 30
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:30:41):
Okay.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:30:41):
Yes, on behalf of, uh, respondent, I understand.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:30:46):
Okay, thank you. Um, I'm gonna, uh, leave, close the, please turn off the recording and, um, I'm going to close the hearing and I'll see you soon.
PART 4 OF 4 ENDS [01:30:58]
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 1 of 31
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (00:02):
All right, good morning everyone. For the record, it is April 17, 2026, and we're resuming the administrative hearing regarding the business license revocation proceedings for the license issued to The Rock Zone. Um, it's 10:00 AM and, uh, I've just gone through the, um, list of people who are here.
They've identified, and I'm just gonna put it on the record to make this go faster. For the city of Gilroy, Sergeant Guerin, Corporal Remmick, Officer Ludden, Ludden, I'm sorry, Officer Tong. Um, Captain Powell is observing, I believe. And, um, Community Development Director Sharon Goei is also here observing.
Um, I see also there's an Amy Davis. Um, could you state your, uh, who you are with respectSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (01:00):
She's, she's a witness for, uh, the respondent.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:03):
Okay. So, um, all right. Also here is Mr. Defilippis, uh, representing Mr. Ammari. The owner, Elizabeth, uh, Vera is there, and I see that Amy Davis is also here. Um, and when we get to your case, Mr.
Defilippis, I can, uh, give her the option of taking the oath if she wishes. Um, all right. In addition, uh, Harjot Sangha, the city's finance director, is hosting this meeting and providing technical assistance to this, um, hearing officer who's not that good with all of this technology. Um, anybody else o- on this? Harjot Sangha (Finance Director) (01:46):
Yes. We also have, uh, Arica Hernandez, uh, here to representing the finance department and the business license program to testify regarding any business license program questions.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:56):
Okay. Arica Hernandez.
Harjot Sangha (Finance Director) (01:58):
Yes.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (01:59):
All right. Thank you. All right. So, um, I'm not gonna do the whole admonitions from last time. The, the proceedings are governed by the Resolution 9717, Gilroy's, uh, resolution adopting in a municipal administrative hearing policy. Um, what I wanna say is that at the end of the last hearing, uh, when we continued this matter, I requested that the city address the question of whether the seized, um, flavored tobacco items, uh, nicotine items from The Rock Zone on January 8, 2026 were on the UTL, Unflavored Tobacco List. And I also, uh, uh, in my order continuing this hearing, um, requested that the parties address a question I had, um, regarding the actual business license and the fact that, um, Mr.
Ammari's name is under, um, listed under ATML Inc, Incorporated, as the business owner or owners to whom the business license was issued.
(03:14):
So, um, I'm gonna first take testimony from the city on these two items and then I'm gonna request that the respondent present, uh, its case and, uh, address these issues as well, uh, if they, if it desires, Mr. DDefilippis' desires. (03:35):
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 2 of 31
So I've turned off my cell phone, please do so. If you need to play, take a break, let me know because I need to put an explanation for the break on the record. All right, uh, for the city, um, Ms. Hernandez or, uh, whoever wants to go first on those two issues, please proceed.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (03:55):
Okay. I'll start. Um, the business license, our records, um, have the business license issued to ATML Incorporated with, um, the owner as a contact.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (04:12):
And that's your custom and practice?
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (04:13):
That is our custom and practice. If it's a corporation, the business license is, issued to the corporation and will list any officers as contacts.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (04:24):
Okay. Anything else on that?
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (04:27):
No.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (04:28):
Okay. Um, Sergeant Guerin, uh, as to the other issue I asked, uh, city to, um, address.
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (04:37):
Yes, thank you. Uh, we, um, Corporal Remmick went through the, uh, seized product to verify, uh, everything on the, uh, that we took was or was not on the, uh, unflavored tobacco list and I will have him hop on and talk about what he found there. Corporal Remmick? Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (04:54):
Okay, good morning. So after the, uh, uh, hearing onSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (05:03):
Oh, before, before we start there, uh, uh, Mr., uh, uh, Seltzer, if we could clarify whether I believe that, uh, uh, Officer Gara- Guerin said that, uh, this was compared with the UTL. The UTL didn't exist until, uh, December of 2025. So I'm not sure if that's the correct list that they're making the comparison to.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (05:29):
Well, let, let'sSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (05:30):
I don't know what he [inaudible 00:05:31] prior to that.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (05:32):
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 3 of 31
Well, let's, let's hear from Loth- I, uh ... This is all new to me, so let's hear from Officer Remmick, all right? And then you, you canSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (05:40):
Okay.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (05:40):
... you, when, when you, it's your turn, you can address whatever you see as, uh, issues in his testimony.
I'm, I'm hearing this for the first time. So, um, it's Corporal Remmick, correct? Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (05:54):
Yes. Good morning.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (05:56):
Good morning. Could you speak up a little bit? I'm, I've got myDouglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (05:59):
Yeah. Is that okay?
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (06:00):
Yeah.
Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (06:00):
I'm using my headphones. Okay. So on, um, after we did the hearing on April 3rd, I did, went in there and re-inventoried the product that, all the product that was, uh, taken from The Rock Zone and, um, I did discover that there was a total of 314 items that were taken and two, um, 126 of those items were actually on the approved list. Um, and those included backwood cigars that are on the list to be, that are approved. And then the other products were wraps, so they were cigar wraps and loose leaf cigar wraps that were, those are okay to have. Um, m- the remainder of the 188 items were not on the list and a major- majority of those items included the, um, hookah or shisha, uh, product, which cannot be, um, they cannot have those because The Rock Zone doesn't have the, uh, 21 and old ... In order to have that shisha, you gotta be 21 years or older to have it in the, in the store there and they don't regulate that age.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (07:08):
Mm-hmm. Okay. And which list is this the December 2025 list that you compared the products to? Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (07:16):
It's the California, the TRP list.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (07:22):
And that's the most modern, the most accurateDouglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (07:25):
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 4 of 31
Yes.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (07:25):
... and current?
Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (07:26):
Yeah.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (07:27):
And, and you called it TRP, Tobacco Retailer Product?
Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (07:31):
Or UTL. I'm sorry.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (07:32):
Ah, yeah.
Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (07:34):
UTL. Sorry. I'm going back and forth between that and the permit.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (07:37):
So this is a 2026 list.
Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (07:40):
It's on the website, so I'm assuming that the state of California updates it.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (07:45):
Right.
Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (07:45):
But ...
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (07:48):
That's the, uh, is that on the Attorney General's website? Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (07:54):
Yeah, I believe so.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (07:57):
Okay. Anything else you wanna tell me?
Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (07:59):
Probably on the depart- California Department of Justice Unflavored, uh, Tobacco List.
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 5 of 31
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (08:08):
Okay.
Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (08:09):
No, I don't have anything else.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (08:12):
All right. Sergeant Guerin, anything else from the city? Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (08:18):
No. Just to clarify, uh, yes, I believe the list i- was, uh, initially published in, uh, December of 2025. Um, prior to that, we were conducting inspect- inspections based on, um, what we believe to be, uh, what flavored tobacco was. And, uh, it became much easier when the, uh, list was established and it took us a, a while to, um, learn how to, um, use the li- or, you know, once we got access to the list. Um, so, um, we now, we now utilize that list when we do our inspections, um, to make sure we're taking the, the, uh, proper product that is illegal.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (09:03):
Okay. C- Corporal Remmick, uh, uh, just so I understand it, uh, now that I'm, I'm hearing this for the first time, 188 products that were, um, uh, identified by you were not on the list. And you said the majority were, um, shisha products and while sometimes legal, you can only b- be in a store that allows, um, customers who are 21 and older. Did I hear you correctly? Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (09:33):
Yeah, there is ... On the unflavored tobacco list on the Department of Justice, there is an exemption there. It says, "Shisha tobacco, um, smoked in the water pipe, including, you know, the stuff." It's, it says it, that, "It's only partially exempt and may only be sold in licensed tobacco retailers that restrict entry to individuals that are aged 21 years and older."
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (09:58):
Right. Okay.
Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (10:00):
So you got ... In order, in order to have that product to be sold, you ... Rock Zone has to regulate that people coming in the business can't be o- under the age of 21, which they don't do.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (10:11):
A- a- and can you tell me of the 188 products, uh, were there other than, um, shisha? Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (10:19):
Yeah, there was some more wraps that weren't on there. Um, there were King Palm cigar two packs, umAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (10:29):
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 6 of 31
But these were really ... Uh, these areDouglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (10:31):
These, these are not on the list, so these are not, they cannot have those in there.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (10:34):
So they're in the nature of cigar wraps? [inaudible 00:10:39].
Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (10:39):
Some of them, some of them are wraps and some of them are flavored cigars.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (10:48):
Okay, which are not allowed. All right. Um, Mr. Defilippis, I'm gonna turn it over to you.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (11:00):
Uh, first of all, I would ask the, uh, uh, hearing officer to, uh, mark and admit the, uh, exhibits that I have, uh, submitted. Uh, there were, uh, three articles and the UTL list.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (11:18):
I, I will do that. And, uh, you also heard, um, Ms. Goei confirm that the land use permit issue was, um, resolved, uh, at the last hearing, that you also submitted documents relating to that permit, uhSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (11:39):
That's correct.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (11:40):
UmSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (11:41):
But that's, but that's not before you, uhAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (11:44):
Right.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (11:44):
... at this point.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (11:46):
No, I, I have the testimony that it's resolved and I'll consider that. Okay. So I have the three articles and the UTL list. And I also have, um, from, uh, today, a statement, um, and whatSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (11:59):
That's correct.
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 7 of 31
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (12:00):
You want that in there as well? I'll put it in there as well.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (12:04):
Yes, that was, that was from an email from the, uh, former employee of, uh, The Rock Zone and, uh, uh, I had that typed up, uh, verbatim, uh, from the email she had sent. And so I would ask that that also be, uh, marked and admitted.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (12:27):
Okay. Uh, I, I'll, I'll number those sequentially, um, after we finish these proceedings today, all right? Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (12:35):
Not a problem.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (12:35):
And if you need to refer them, uh, I, I'll do that, uh, during the hearing, but right now, let's, uh ... We've got them in the record.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (12:47):
Okay. Um, and I apologize, uh, but I left something in my office. Uh, could we just take a minute or two break?
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (12:55):
Sure. So please stop the recording while Mr. DeF- ... All right, let the record reflect Mr. Defilippis is re- (13:03):
All right, let the record reflect Mr. Defilippis has returned to, um, the meeting and it's, uh, his turn to present respondent's case.
PART 1 OF 4 ENDS [00:13:04]
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (13:24):
I would, uh, call Officer Remmick at this time.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (13:30):
I'm not sure that you can do that in a hearing like this.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (13:40):
I'm allowed to call witnesses.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (13:44):
No, I, I know you are. Um, and if Mr. Remmick wants to testify, you can't s- I don't have subpoena power. You can't call him. If he wants, if, if he, if he's willing to testify, I'll let him. Mister- Officer Remmick?
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 8 of 31
Douglas Remmick (Police Corporal) (14:01):
No, I don't wanna testify.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (14:03):
Okay.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (14:06):
Interesting. Then I would call, I would call Sergeant Guerin.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (14:13):
I, I don't have... I can't compel you to testify, Sergeant Guerin. So if you wish to testify, you can. If you don't, I'm gonna let the record reflect that you just decline to testify.
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (14:29):
Um, yeah, I suppose I will decline then.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (14:54):
I would call Officer Tong at this time.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (14:59):
Same admonition to you, Officer Tong. If you... I can't compel you to testify in, in this, uh, administrative hearing. If you wish to, you may.
Don Tong (Police Officer) (15:09):
Uh, the same. Uh, I'll, uh... The only testimony that I provided is the, the one that I made previously and it's, uh, uh, any further would be... I, I would decline as well.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (15:19):
Okay. Mr. Defilippis?
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (15:22):
All right. At this time, I would call Elizabeth Vera.
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (15:33):
I'm here.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (15:34):
Ms. Vera, uh, if you recall, um, you have the opportunity to testify under oath. You need not testify under oath, but if you, um, do, I can, um, take that into consideration and weighing your testimony.
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (15:52):
Yes, I will.
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 9 of 31
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (15:54):
I'm sorry. IElizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (15:55):
Yes. Yes, I will. I can testify on that.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (15:58):
Thank you. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony that you will give in this matter will be the truth? Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (16:04):
Yes.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (16:05):
Thank you very much. Go ahead.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (16:10):
Ms. Vera, does the Rock Zone, uh, have any signs on the front door? Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (16:17):
Yes. There is a sign, um, stating that 21 years of age, clear as day.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (16:26):
Does it also say that, uh, we will card?
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (16:29):
Yes, it does, as well as multiple signs inside the store as well.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (16:35):
So if somebody comes in to purchase, uh, uh, tobacco related products, are they required to, uh, uh, show an ID to establish that, uh, they're over 21?
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (16:48):
Yes. They ID every person that purchases any product that you need to be of age.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (16:57):
And that would include, uh, hookah tobacco, correct?
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (17:00):
Correct.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (17:03):
Is it your understanding that, uh, the hookah tobacco that was seized on January 6th, uh, was, uh, legal?
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 10 of 31
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (17:11):
To my understanding, yes.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (17:13):
And it was legal because you card, uh, to check to see if people are over the age of 21? Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (17:20):
Correct.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (17:23):
Now, prior to December of 2025, did you have anything, uh, like the UTL list to be able to refer to to determine if, uh, products were in fact legal or illegal? Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (17:38):
No.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (18:01):
In the search that was conducted in March of 2025, were the hookah tobacco products seized? Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (18:11):
Yes.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (18:15):
And were they also seized in, uh, 2026-
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (18:21):
Yes.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (18:22):
... and in January 2026-
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (18:23):
Yes, they were.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (18:24):
... uh, event. And, uh, the products that were there in 2026 that were seized, were they also present in the store in March of 2025?
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (18:45):
Yes, they were.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (18:46):
But they were not taken?
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 11 of 31
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (18:48):
Correct.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (18:49):
Wait, you're talking about the hookah p- tobacco products? Is thatElizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (18:54):
Yes.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (18:55):
Okay.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (18:56):
Yeah. The only items that you're aware of that were taken in, uh, January of 2026 were hookah tobacco products, correct?
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (19:04):
Correct.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (19:06):
And those are the items that, uh, you believe are proper to be sold because you card to check if people are over the age of 21?
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (19:15):
Yes.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (19:19):
Thank you. I have nothing further.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (19:21):
Mr. Defilippis, uh, let, let me assist or at least ask a question. Ms. Vera, what's your relationship to the store? I didn't get that as part of this testimony.
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (19:32):
I'm, I am an employee there.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (19:36):
Okay. And you were an employee in, um, March of 2025 and January of 2026? Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (19:44):
I've been an employee with them since 2004.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (19:47):
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 12 of 31
Thank you very much. Okay.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (19:52):
All right. At this time, I would call, uh, Amy Davis.
Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (20:00):
Hello, good morning.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (20:01):
Ms. Davis, good morning. I think you probably heard before, but you don't have to testify under oath, but if you wish to, I'll s- swear you in and I can, um, take that into consideration in weighing your testimony. Uh, w- do you wanna be sworn in as an, a witness? Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (20:17):
Yes.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (20:18):
Okay. Um, do you swear or affirm that the testimony that you will give in this matter will be the truth and the whole truth?
Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (20:25):
Yes.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (20:26):
All right. Thank you, Ms. Davis.
Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (20:27):
You're very welcome.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (20:29):
Go ahead.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (20:31):
Ms. Davis, uh, are you an employee of the, uh, Rock Zone? Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (20:35):
Yes, I am.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (20:37):
And, uh, were you an employee of the Rock Zone back in January of, uh, 2026? Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (20:43):
Yes, I was.
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 13 of 31
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (20:45):
And were you present, uh, when the, uh, police showed up, uh, and, uh, conducted a search of the, uh, the premises that day?
Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (20:53):
Yes, I was.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (20:56):
And, uh, at that time, was there a sign on the front door that, uh, mentioned a requirement of being 21 years of age?
Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (21:12):
Yes.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (21:14):
And has that sign been there as long as you've been an employee? Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (21:18):
Yes, it has.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (21:20):
How long have you been an employee?
Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (21:21):
I have been with the Rock Zone for two years.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (21:26):
Okay. So, uh, back to, uh, middle of 2024, correct?
Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (21:31):
Yes. I'm sorry about that. Yes.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (21:34):
And, and the sign has always been there?
Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (21:36):
Absolutely.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (21:38):
And, uh, give me just a moment here. The sign says, uh, "Under 21, no tobacco, no vapor," correct? Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (22:00):
Yes.
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 14 of 31
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (22:01):
And it also says, "We card."
Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (22:05):
Yes, it does.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (22:06):
In big, uh, white letters on a red background, uh, in the middle of the sign, correct? Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (22:11):
Yes.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (22:13):
Mr. DefilippisSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (22:14):
And it saysAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (22:14):
Y- you're looking at a phone. Is that the picture of the, uh, sign that's, um, you're testifying was present in January of 2026?
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (22:24):
Yes.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (22:24):
Is that the testimony that Ms. Davis is giving?
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (22:27):
That's correct.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (22:28):
I, I, I'm gonna leave the record open till the end of this business day for you to submit that to Mr. Sangha so it's in the record, because I can't see it, but I'd like to see it.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (22:42):
Sure. And that also says, "Please have ID ready," correct? Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (22:45):
Yes.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (22:47):
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 15 of 31
And, uh, when you are, uh, operating the store as an employee of, uh, the, uh, Rock Zone and somebody is appears to be relatively close in age to, uh, 21, do you ask for identification? Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (23:10):
Absolutely. If they're buying anything tobacco or anything related to that, I ID.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (23:17):
Of anybody?
Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (23:18):
Of anybody.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (23:20):
So if I walk into the store, you'd look at me and, uh, want me to show you that I'm over 21? Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (23:27):
Absolutely, just because if there's a customer behind you that's younger, that looks younger and I didn't ID you, but I ID'd them for the same product, they're gonna get upset.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (23:38):
Understood. And that was your practice, uh, the entire time that you've been working for, uh, the Rock Zone?
Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (23:47):
Absolutely.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (23:50):
Now, you were present on January 6th of, uh, 2026 when, uh, the police came, is that correct? Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (23:56):
Yes, I was.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (23:58):
And I understand that, uh, they had you stand in a, uh, in a corner and instructed you not to, uh, to touch your phone, correct?
Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (24:07):
Yes. In the beginning.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (24:09):
When they were throughAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (24:10):
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 16 of 31
I'm sorry. In the beginning.
Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (24:13):
Yes.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (24:14):
Okay.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (24:16):
And, uh, did they allow you to examine what they were taking from the store? Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (24:23):
No, I was kept in the corner.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (24:28):
And, uh, did you ask to, uh, uh, to do an inventory of the, uh, products that were being taken? Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (24:36):
Um, no, I didn't ask. They just told me that to... They, uh, they told me just to stand there and just...
They were just asking me a bunch of random questions that really didn't have anything to do with what they were doing.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (24:49):
Okay. And then, uh, the items that they took that day were, uh, all related to, uh, hookah tobacco? Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (24:58):
Yes.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (25:00):
And you understand that to be, uh, legal, uhAmy Davis (Respondent Employee) (25:03):
Yes.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (25:03):
... to sell in the store as long as you're carding people, uh, who are, uh, to make sure they're over the age of 21?
Amy Davis (Respondent Employee) (25:11):
Absolutely.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (25:15):
Thank you. I have nothing further.
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 17 of 31
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (25:18):
Thank you. All right. Um, at this time, I, uh, uh, if there's any rebuttal on the part of the police department, I would hear it, otherwise I'm gonna close the record, uh, and then I mean, I'll let it go baI'll let it go back and forth. Uh, you know, you'll get a surrebuttal.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (25:37):
Sure.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (25:38):
Don't worry, Mr. Defilippis. But I, I just want to makeSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (25:41):
Mr. Seltzer, I just wanted to make sure that Ms. Davis knows she can log off, uhAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (25:46):
Oh, yeah.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (25:46):
... now.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (25:47):
Yes. Ms. Davis, thank you for your testimony. UmAmy Davis (Respondent Employee) (25:50):
Thank you. I appreciate you guys.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (25:52):
All right.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (25:53):
She needs to get back to running the store.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (25:55):
So, um, Sergeant Guerin, anything else or, uh, otherwise I'm gonna close the hearing? (26:00):
... I'm gonna close the hearing.
PART 2 OF 4 ENDS [00:26:04]
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (26:04):
Um, I could probably bring, um, Corporal Remmick back online here, um, to talk a little bit about, um, the, uh, 21 and, um, over issue.
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 18 of 31
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (26:21):
Mm-hmm.
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (26:22):
Um, but we, we, I may wanna also bring on, back on, Arica, um, because I believe that there are, um, additional regulations, uh, f- from the city for who to allow for sales of hookah, beyond the 21, uh, and, uh, over issue. However, that would be, um, Arica's, um, division right there.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (26:49):
All right. So, um, let's start with Arica so I can understand. Um, because this seems to be a pivotal, pivotal i- issue in terms of legality. I did note somewhere along the line in reviewing some of the laws, that there is a, a 21-year-old issue. Um, um, but I'd have to find my notes on (laughs) that. So go ahead, uh, Arica Hernandez.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (27:21):
So you're asking me to speak to, um, like a certain product that we, uh, that'sAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (27:28):
M- my, my question is, you heard the testimony, um, from the witnesses for the respondent regarding the fact that there is a posted sign, uh, uh, in front of the, um, store that states that you have to be 21 years or older, umArica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (27:46):
Right.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (27:46):
... to purchase, uh, um, uh... Let's see, "No tobacco, no vape-" Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (27:52):
Mm-hmm.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (27:52):
... "under 21. We card. Pl- please have ID ready," is the testimony I heard.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (27:58):
Right.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (27:59):
And, um, is that... And that they, uh, the, the witnesses say that they actually do, um, check iidentification.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (28:08):
Right.
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 19 of 31
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (28:08):
So that, that's the record right now. Um, is that a- s- uh, does the city have additional regu- regulations, uh, to the posted notice and the practice?
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (28:19):
On the tobacco retailer permit, we do have them, uh, acknowledge that they're, um, following all the laws, and they signed that affidavit. [inaudible 00:28:29] Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (28:31):
Okay. Um, anything else you wanna tell me?
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (28:36):
No.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (28:37):
Okay. S- Sergeant Guerin, do you want Corporal Remmick to address the issue? Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (28:42):
Um, I just wanna clarify one, one more issue with Arica, umAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (28:46):
Sure.
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (28:47):
... from the city's, c- city hall, um, viewpoint. DoesAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (28:52):
Take... Well, I should say take your time. I'm fact finding. I- I'm in no rush. I need to (laughs) understand this, soArica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (28:56):
Yeah.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (28:57):
... no pressure. JustGeoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (28:58):
Um, I, I would just like to have her speak on if, uh, Rock Zone does in fact, at that time, have a tobacco retailer permit.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (29:09):
As of the January 2026?
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 20 of 31
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (29:10):
Yes.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (29:13):
Um, let me just verify our records here.
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (29:15):
Okay.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (29:16):
And I, you know, I've left the record open for Mr. Defilippis. I can leave the record open also for you to submit, um, documents related to... Uh, I think the question is, uh, d- uh, did The, uh, Rock Zone have a TRP, t- tobacco retailer, retailer's permit, in January 2026? Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (29:53):
I'm just bringing up my record. I just wanna make sure that I provide. No. Their license was expired.
Their tobacco per- uh, retailer permit was expired. And, um, as of December 31, 2024.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (30:20):
Two th- Wait, uh, excuse me. Um, n- new information. So, The Rock Zone, from the period of December 2024? Do you have a date, uh, on... It just says December 2024, theArica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (30:36):
Yeah.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (30:36):
... their, the TRP e- uh, expired. W- Do they have a TRP now? 'Cause that's not at issue. That's, this is only a business license revocation proceeding. I'm notArica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (30:47):
Oh, okay. UmAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (30:47):
[inaudible 00:30:48]
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (30:48):
Yeah, the business license, um, I had, had showed it expired December 31, 2025. Um, their, they are appl- They can renew.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (31:00):
Wait, I'm sorry. The TRP expired in December 2024.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (31:04):
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 21 of 31
As of January, in January.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (31:08):
Of 2024?
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (31:09):
Right, and they had recently come in to renew the, um, tobacco retailerAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (31:13):
When theArica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (31:13):
... 'cause they were, they were eligible to do that.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (31:16):
And, and when did they renew?
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (31:19):
Um, let me get that detail.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (31:23):
So, uh, uh, the city's administrative records show that the TRP expired in January '24, and I would like to have on the record that when the TRP was renewed, so I understand the gap.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (31:40):
Okay.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (31:40):
I th- I thought that it was, the testimony previously was that it was December of '24 that it was set to expire.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (31:45):
Right.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (31:45):
Well, Ms Hernand- Ms.-
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (31:48):
Right.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (31:48):
Mi- Mi- Ms. Hernandez is looking at her records, so I'm gonna give her a chance to clarify.
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 22 of 31
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (31:52):
Well, the TRP, as it, in January, the TRP had expired effective December 31, 2024.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (32:00):
Okay.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (32:01):
Yes. And they recently had come in to, um, renew. I'm just gonna get the date for you.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (32:07):
So it's Dec- December 31, 2024 is when it expired.
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (32:24):
I'm trying to find the picture of it.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (32:25):
[inaudible 00:32:25] For, for the record, um, we are, uh, still recording, but, uh, we're giving Ms. uh, Hernandez the time to, uh, check the city's records.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (33:12):
Yeah, I just have to... I'm just f- looking for their receipt. Um, let me look at my recent report here.
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (33:21):
Uh, that it's valid from October to... It's not a clear picture, but I could have her send a picture.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (33:32):
Yeah, I do show their current expirat- The current TRP expiration date is December 31, uh, 2026, "Valid t- tobacco retailer permit: No." So they did apply, um, but we did not issue. That's what it was. They paid, but we did not issue, uh, or approve the, the tobacco retailer.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (33:56):
So when did they apply?
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (33:59):
Let me get that here. I'm trying to just look at my [inaudible 00:34:02] Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (34:01):
S- Um.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (34:07):
And I do apologize. I shoulda had this.
Harjot Sangha (Finance Director) (34:11):
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 23 of 31
Okay, umArica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (34:11):
Do you have that date?
Harjot Sangha (Finance Director) (34:14):
[inaudible 00:34:13] I don't. I believe, uh, they were issued possibly the first week of February. If you have a record of the certificate in, in their filing, maybe take a look at that, or if, um, if the business owner has a copy of the TRP, perhaps theyArica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (34:30):
Mm-hmm.
Harjot Sangha (Finance Director) (34:30):
... could submit it to the record.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (34:32):
[inaudible 00:34:33]
Harjot Sangha (Finance Director) (34:32):
It should have a date on there.
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (34:34):
Why would it say that it's good fromSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (34:36):
Yeah.
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (34:37):
... date to date? [inaudible 00:34:41]
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (34:43):
[inaudible 00:34:41] Just send a picture.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (34:44):
Uh, yeah, I mean, if the parties can stipulate to (laughs) the, the date, the gap, and when it appliedArica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (34:54):
Yeah.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (34:54):
... and when [inaudible 00:34:54]
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 24 of 31
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (34:54):
Um, I show February 5, um, 2026 is in my record here.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (34:59):
Uh, that's the date that the permit was issued?
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (35:01):
Yes.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (35:01):
The TRPArica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (35:02):
No, it was, uh, they, uh, submitted an application, um, the TRP application, to the city. UmAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (35:09):
Okay.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (35:09):
And it looks like that was the date that, uh, the permit was m- uh, it was mailed out.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (35:17):
So there wasn't approval of the TRP on February 5, 2026- Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (35:21):
Y- you know, honestly, it was mistakenly issued. It w- it shouldn't have been issued.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (35:27):
And why is that? W- why do you say it was mistakenly issued? Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (35:34):
Oh, 'cause umArica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (35:34):
Because we were st- It was, um, we were still reviewing the, um, permit, um, because there was, they were subject to an enforcement operation and were found to have illegal tobacco products. So we were s- We should've held that certificate, but it was, um, in, it was erroneously mailed out.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (35:53):
Okay.
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (35:54):
Um, issued and mailed out, yeah.
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 25 of 31
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (35:56):
But that was February 5thArica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (35:58):
Um, yes.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (35:58):
... of 2026?
Arica Hernandez (Supervising Accounting Tech.) (35:59):
That's the date I have here.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (36:04):
Okay. Um, okay. Back to you, Sergeant Guerin. UmSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (36:13):
Before we, before we get there, Mr. Seltzer, uh, I'm looking at a, uh, um, retailer's license, uh, cigarette and tobacco, uh, products licensing, um, effective October 2, 2025 through October 1, 2026, and I'll submit that, uhAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (36:34):
Wait, wait.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (36:34):
... subsequently.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (36:35):
G- give me... Uh, I'm sorry. S- s- s- set... S- give me those dates now.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (36:39):
October 2, '25 through October 1, 2026.
Harjot Sangha (Finance Director) (36:44):
Can we clarify if that's for the state license, or is that the city license? Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (36:54):
UmAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (36:55):
For clarification, could you tell us whether... I know that you need a state license as well.
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (37:03):
Uh, California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 26 of 31
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (37:06):
Okay, so that, that's not the city's. That's the Ca- California Department.
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (37:09):
[inaudible 00:37:10]
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (37:11):
CD [inaudible 00:37:12]
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (37:11):
Let me [inaudible 00:37:12]
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (37:14):
Okay. But Ms. Vera, you're, you're, you don't have, um, a city-issued tobacco retailer's permit. Is that correct? I just wannaElizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (37:24):
I'mAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (37:25):
... get the status. (laughs)
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (37:25):
ISteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (37:25):
She's, she's looking.
Elizabeth Vera (Respondent Employee) (37:25):
Yeah.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (37:58):
All right. While you look at that, 'cause I'm gonna give you an opportunity to address all of this, Mr.
Defilippis, so you can do that [inaudible 00:38:04]
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (38:03):
Okay.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (38:05):
Um, Sergeant Guerin, um, what's the consequence of, um, not having a TRP during the search, um, and your whole, the whole issue of, uh, being able to sell, uh, hookah tobacco legally. How do you c- how do you connect it? How do I consider all of that?
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 27 of 31
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (38:25):
Okay, so, um, yes, on the TRP, as far as I understand, if you do not have a tobacco retailer permit, you can't sell tobacco within the City of Gilroy, from what I understand. On, on that day, and, and part of why, uh, The Rock Zone was, um, on our list of directed, uh, smoke shops to, uh, inspect was that, uh, we were told that they did not have a valid, uh, TRP at, at that time. Um, as far as the, um, uh, uh... And then a- as far as that, we don't hold any of those, uh, permitting records here at the police department, so we go by with what City Hall is telling us.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (38:56):
Mm-hmm.
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (38:56):
As far as the 21-and-over restriction on hookah lounges, I think this might be an issue for, uh, up for legal interpretation on-
(39:04):
... Challenges. I think this may be an issue for, uh, up for legal interpretation on your end possibly. Uh, from what I understand, from what my team understands is that when you sell hookah, it is... Um, there are partial exemptions, um, as it relates to the unflavored tobacco list and what can be sold in the state of California. And, and as I understand it, um, the 21 and, uh, year old, uh, issue is that if you, uh, s- aamong other, uh, regulations, but this one in particular, if you are, uh, to sell hookah or shisha, uh, products, uh, no one can enter the store, um, under the age of 21. Uh, I, I, I suppose that if it, uh, was just, um, a tobacco shop, uh, somebody under 21 can enter, however, they can't purchase, which would, uh, make sense if they're checking, um, ID at the counter. (39:53):
But, uh, as far as I understand the state regulations on selling hookah and shisha, um, it, it mess... Uh, a
20... Someone under 21 cannot enter the premises and I, um... We, we have, um, seen, and I can, I can have, uh, Corporal Remmick and Officer Ludden, uh, come back on to, uh, testify to this, that we have seen, uh, people, um, enter the premises under 21, um, not, not saying that I s- I saw them purchase, uh, anything, but enter the premises. As a matter of fact, um, the, uh... Ms. Davis did have her, um, baby on, um, on scene. Obviously, the baby's not gonna purch- make a purchase, but technically speaking, uh, the, um, she was... Had the baby on, on the premises and, uh, when we went in there in an undercover, um, capacity, um, and I'll have, um, I can have Corporal or Officer Ludden testify this, he was not, uh, ID'd to enter the store to make sure he's 21.
PART 3 OF 4 ENDS [00:39:04]
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (40:52):
Okay. So I'm not sure it's necessary. I think... And Mr. Defilippis can, uh, address this. It seems like both Ms. Vera and Ms. Davis testified that people under 21 come in, their, their, uh, their identification is checked, um, when they come to purchase.
David Ludden (Police Officer) (41:09):
And Mr. Seltzer, if I may.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (41:10):
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 28 of 31
Yeah.
David Ludden (Police Officer) (41:11):
So on the Department of JusticeAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (41:13):
Who's, who's speaking now?
David Ludden (Police Officer) (41:15):
Uh, Officer Ludden.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (41:16):
Officer Ludden, thank you. Go ahead.
David Ludden (Police Officer) (41:18):
So the- they emphasize that they card everyone that purchases any tobacco products regardless of how old they appear. On the two instances, I went in to buy tobacco products and the, um, psilocybin candy bar, I was not ID'd. The hookah, it's the restriction is the entry. They have to restrict entry into the establishment of 21 and older.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (41:48):
Yeah, I would object to, uh, any, uh, effort on the part of the police to interpret what the law requires.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (41:56):
Mr. [inaudible 00:41:58]-
David Ludden (Police Officer) (41:57):
It's, it's not interpreting. It says thatAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (41:59):
Wait, wait, wait. I'm gonna hear the testimony. It's... This is a administrative hearing. It's very informal, so I'll let you respond. Uh, Officer Ludden, go ahead.
David Ludden (Police Officer) (42:10):
Yeah. So it's not interpreting. It states verbatim, "Flavored shisha is only partially exempt and may only be sold in licensed tobacco retailers that restrict entry to individuals age 21 and older." So there's no interpretation. They have to have the tobacco license and they have to restrict entry age 21 and older.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (42:32):
And Officer Ludden, would... You're reading from the D- help me out here, the DOJ website? David Ludden (Police Officer) (42:37):
Yeah, it's, it's the State of California Department of Justice Unflavored Tobacco List and it's clearly sclearly stated on the top.
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 29 of 31
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (42:46):
Okay. I'll look at that. Okay. Anything else from the police department? I'm going to turn this back to you, um, for s- rebuttal, uh, Mr. Defilippis.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (43:12):
First of all, the unflavored tobacco list didn't exist until December of 2025 and, uh, in terms of, the, uh, restricting entry into the, uh, the premises, this is not just a tobacco shop. There are numerous other products that are being sold, uh, at this facility, um, all of which are legal and which, uh, uh, allow people under the age of 21 to be able to come in and purchase. That's why the restriction is to the purchase of, uh, any, um, tobacco products.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (44:02):
All right. I- I'm gonna close... Are you done?
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (44:07):
Give me just a moment.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (44:09):
'Cause, uh, what I'm thinking right now is I've left the record open for you to send in that picture, right? The photo. That, that's the one thing that... And, um, I, um, may ask the cities, um, Ms. Hernandez to send, um, to, um, Mr. Sangha the license, um, records on the TRP for, um... So I have it in the record, uh, by the end of the day. And so I hope that's enough time for both of you to get this document, these documents, uh, I'll give you to Monday if, if, if you, if that would be helpful. Uh, but, uh, I'd like to have them when I look at this, uh, under submission and, um, uh, a- a- a- and in submitting whatever you do, if you wanna give me cites or links that I- you would think that I should look at in considering just what the law is, uh, in terms of entry versus, um, checking ID once entered, I'll, I'll take that. (45:20):
So I'm gonna leave the record open for the parties to submit any briefing on the issue of entry, uh, into a, uh, the establishment, um, and also the documents that I've just mentioned. Uh, licensing on the TRP and the photograph of the sign that gives notice, um, uh, about under 21 entry into the store, all right? (45:47):
If everySteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (45:47):
Uh, Mr. Seltzer, uh, uh, because the, uh, police have refused to, uh, testify, one of the questions that I would've asked and I'm hoping you would ask of them is, uh, whether they have returned any of the, uh, products that, uh, they determined to be illegal.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (46:17):
Well, I, I, I'm not sure I need to ask that question. They've said that the majority, the, the... There are 126 that wereSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (46:31):
That are on the approved list.
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 30 of 31
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (46:32):
Yeah, you're a... Uh, I, I'm not gonna... I don't think I need to go into that at this point because the question is the vi- uh, what the violation is that they're alleging and I think they've just told me that 126 of the 314 items were not a violation. So that's where I'm going with that.
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (46:49):
And yes, we do intend to, uh, return the productsAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (46:53):
Excuse me. Wait, he said... Thank you for volunteering that.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (46:58):
And, uh, the majority of the 188, uh, it sounds like are in dispute, uh, as to whether they are, uh, legal or illegalAlan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (47:07):
WellSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (47:07):
... Uh, with the 21-year-old ban.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (47:11):
Well, that's what I asked you. I'm g- I gave to the end of the day for you to submit the ph- photograph and any links or any, um, thing that you think I should write on the, on, on the issue of entry versus you can't enter it all. And I'd give that same to the city if they wanna brief me on that, they can do so. But the documents that I've asked for and left the record open are the TRP license documents that the city has and your... The picture that you were looking at that I couldn't see, um, what, that, uh, Ms. Vera testified. And with that, I believe I've heard enough to try to make a recommendation or a decision here as to what to do. Um, so if everybody, um, understands that order, I'm gonna take the matter under submission. The record will be closed at the end of the day. (48:04):
Thank you very much for your, uh, patience in this.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (48:07):
Mr. Seltzer, just in case we have some difficulty finding documents, uh, uh, I, I would request that, uh, we have till the end of the day on Monday.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (48:16):
That's fine. Every... Is that all right with youSteve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (48:19):
Appreciate that.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (48:20):
Administrative Hearing Continuance: The Rock Zone – Transcript – April 17, 2026 Transcript by Rev.com Page 31 of 31
... Sergeant Guerin, end of the dayGeoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (48:21):
Yes, perfectly fine with me.
Alan Seltzer (Administrative Hearing Officer) (48:24):
Okay. End of the day, Monday, orders amended and, uh, have a good weekend and, uh, thank you very much for your patience in this.
(48:31):
Bye now.
Geoffrey Guerin (Police Sergeant) (48:31):
Thank you.
Steve Defilippis (Respondent Attorney) (48:32):
All right, thank you.
PART 4 OF 4 ENDS [00:48:34]
6.1. City of Gilroy
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Interviews for Open Seats on the Youth Commission with Future Appointment on June 15, 2026
Meeting Date: June 1, 2026
From: Matt Morley, City Administrator
Department: Administration
Submitted by: Kim Mancera, City Clerk
Prepared by: Kim Mancera, City Clerk
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS: Not Applicable
RECOMMENDATION
Interview candidates for open seats on the Gilroy Youth Commission.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
The City opened the summer recruitment period ending May 20, 2026, to fill seats on the Gilroy Youth Commission with member terms expiring as of June 30, 2028. A total of five (5) seats with this term length are open.
Interviews have been scheduled with the City Council at this evening’s meeting, and appointments are scheduled to take place at the regular meeting on June 15, 2026.
ANALYSIS
As of the May 20, 2026 application deadline, the City had received 27 applications that met the qualifying requirements. The following candidates submitted their application, and redacted versions are attached to this staff report:
6.1. 1. Abigail Nguyen
2. Alexandra (Lexi) Anderson
3. Annbelle Pham
4. Asztryd Bolanos
5. Avery Lucero
6. Clarissa Lustre
7. Cormac Stumpf
8. Genesis Rufino
9. Jacob Angelo Ona
10. Jaxson Liu
11. Jeremy Vu
12. Kacie Walker
13. Kiara Brinton
14. Linda Diakova
15. Lizeth Gomez
16. Mia Gibson
17. Paige Lott
18. Robert Gareev
19. Ryan Nguyen
20. Sarah Isaac
21. Saurika Dey
22. Sean Anderson
23. Sienna Teel
24. Trinity Wagner
25. Tyler Krepick
26. Violet Ramirez
27. William Purdy
ALTERNATIVES
None. The City Council will be interviewing the candidates at this meeting, with appointments to be made at the June 15, 2026, regular meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
None.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
The recruitment was advertised on the City's website, as well as in the City e-newsletter and through the Gilroy Unified School District.
6.1. NEXT STEPS
Candidates may be appointed by the City Council at the June 15, 2026, regular meeting.
Attachments:
1. 2026 Youth Commission Applicaions - Redacted
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/14/2026 8:24 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Abigail
Middle Name Gia Han
Last Name Nguyen
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Home
Primary Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy Grade / School Year: 10th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
- Good time management skills (high school classes and college classes) - Communication skills are very well rounded (works well in groups full of diverse people, took a communication class, multiple presentations made, uncontested class officer, in tune with class’s wishes)
- Was a media manager for Woven in Medicine (a student led medical journal) for about a year
- Always on top of things/responsible (ASB duties such as checking in with members to update the class budget and contributing to meetings with class’s ideas in mind)
- Class treasurer (ASB) for 1 year, re-elected/uncontested for 2nd year (2026- 2027)
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
- Volunteered for the Run for Fitness event at Gilroy high school - Volunteered to set up Operation Freedom Paws winery
- consistent volunteer in South Valley Middle School’s Volleyball season - volunteered at Gavilan Community College’s to prepare events such as helping to sort out clothes for fundraising
- volunteered for multiple swim meets for Gilroy Gators - volunteered at the snack bar during Gilroy High School Basketball season - Volunteered for Gilroy High School’s Rev-Up event
- volunteered to help set up events and prepare classrooms before summer at
GECA
Total hours committed to community: 49.5 hours
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I hope to further emphasize the voices of multiple people, especially the students of Gilroy whether it be middle school or high school students. However, as of right now, I'd like to focus on the voices of GECA students. I know a lot of people have opinions and ideas about certain situations but don’t voice them out, so I want to act as a way to communicate their feelings to a larger group. I’d also like to help work on the sports recreation in Gilroy, specifically volleyball. I used to play volleyball for club and school teams and that community in Gilroy has been having some issues with the Gilroy recreation program about open gyms offered.
Hopefully, I can help pitch in to smooth out the consistency of the scheduling and improve the accessibility of those open gyms.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I’m already a member of some sort of board, that being my school’s ASB and a club. I also think that I’m a very well rounded person with strong skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership learned from many of my classes and applied in presentations, performances, projects, and sports. I have lots of experience planning events such as GECA’s fall festival, Halloween dance, and fall rally. In these events, I collaborated with lots of different people including the students of my school, other officers, and teachers. I’ve also helped to introduce and develop more ideas for these events which had the majority of students’ interests in mind such as having a treasure hunt during Halloween dance, competitions for spirit games (spike ball tournament, blind bouquet making, musical chairs, volleyball tournament, etc), spirit days, and ensuring that students’ concerns are heard such as ticket pricing.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/14/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/20/2026 4:41 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Alexandra
Middle Name Loren
Last Name Anderson
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Home
Alternate Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy (GECA) Grade / School Year: 9th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
Although my qualifications are limited at this time because I am a freshman in high school my intentions are to expand my leadership skills and advocate for my peers and myself.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
I recently volunteered with events at elementary and middle schools, while also participating in planting trees at community gardens. I have taken part in the PTSA that is involved with my school.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My goal is to be involved with my peers while learning to how to make a difference and contribute to my community.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I am hardworking, a fast learner and will strive to do the best with my contributions to this great organization.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/20/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/15/2026 11:49 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Annabelle
Last Name Pham
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Home
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Christopher High School
Grade / School Year: 10th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
I am a current member of the Gilroy Foundation Youth Board and a club officer for my school's Asian Student Union.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
Volunteering at Saint Mary School During School Hours
- Helped inside classrooms with cleaning up, helping the teacher grade work, and doing any work requested by the teacher.
Volunteering at Saint Mary School During the Summer
- Helped organize, unbox, and clean up classrooms to prepare for the upcoming school year.
Volunteering at Saint Mary School’s Italian Dinner
- Served the guests dinner, helped in the auction, and cleaned up the tables.
Volunteering at Saint Mary School’s Spaghetti Dinner
- Helped carry and restock the noodles, sauce, and garlic bread to serve the guests.
Volunteering at the Gilroy Portuguese Hall
- Helped set up the tables to make it look neat for the guests, cleaned up their appetizer and main course plates, served dessert, and cleaned up at the end.
Volunteering at the Gilroy National Night Out
- Helped set up informational tents before the event and walked around to see if any tent holders needed help.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My goals are to help make the youth community of Gilroy feel more represented and connected, creating one unity. I want to assist in expanding volunteer opportunities, youth events, and career resources, ensuring that different schools with a variety of backgrounds feel represented in a special way. I will bring the student concerns that I hear from my experiences to the City Council, specifically on issues concerning mental health, recreation, school safety, transportation, and involvement of the youth. In all, my goal is to help make my city, Gilroy, a city where those unrecognized feel recognized.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I am most qualified to serve on this Commission because I bring both a student perspective and a desire to put my experiences forward in service to my community. I recognize and understand the challenges faced by the young people around me, especially in the school environment, and I will ensure that I help make the environment a safer and more engaging place. I am known to be a good listener and provide good advice, getting along well with others, and being responsible. In all, I truly believe I would be a committed member who belongs to serve a role in the Youth Commission.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/15/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/21/2026 8:49 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Asztryd
Middle Name Sismai
Last Name Bolanos
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? South Valley Middle School
Grade / School Year: 8th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
persuasive
independent
enthusiastic
disciplined
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
. Part of the Freedom Fest Choir in the city of Morgan Hill What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My goals are to promote unity and inclusiveness of youth in the community. I would also like to beckme familiarized with challenges facing youth in our community and come up with creative ways to solve these.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I am most qualified because I am focused when it comes to achieving goals, while at the same time bringing kindness to solve problems.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
I agree.
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
Signature
Date 05/19/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/14/2026 7:53 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Avery
Middle Name Grace
Last Name Lucero
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Mobile
Alternate Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Brownell middle school
Grade / School Year: 7th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
I have been a part of ASB for my school. Putting together school events and activities. I work well with a team. I’ve been playing softball for 5 years which has shown me how to be a good team player.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
My only experience is with ASB.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My goal is to grow my experience and help my community.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
Like I mentioned above, I have been part of a team for many years which taught me teamwork, accountability , and hard work. I have helped my school setting up school events.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
I agree.
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
Signature
Date 05/14/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/15/2026 8:02 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
Arts and Culture Commission
Parks and Recreation Commission
First Name Clarissa
Last Name Lustre
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Are you a registered voter within
the City of Gilroy?
No
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Mobile
Alternate Phone Number
E-mail Address
Driver's License/ID Number
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Gilroy high school
Grade / School Year: 12th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
Team working
Fast learning
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
Volunteers
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
Commission
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Commission
Board/Commission/Committee?
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/15/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/21/2026 4:18 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Cormac
Middle Name M
Last Name Stumpf
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Home
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Home
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? St. Mary School
Grade / School Year: 7th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
I am passionate about debating, and I possess advanced literary skills, efficient communication abilities, and supportive team-building skills. I am responsible, willing to learn, and able to consider different points of view before making decisions. I believe these qualities would help me be a thoughtful and reliable member of the committee.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
I have participated in a multitude of annual Saint Mary's fundraisers, as well as assisted in tours and school events. I have developed skills such as cooperation, improvisation, and flexibility that better support me in this role. I have not previously served on a board or commission, but I am excited to have the opportunity to serve my community.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My goal is to serve Gilroy responsibly and learn more about how local government works. I would like to represent kids and students in Gilroy, listen to the needs and concerns of others, and contribute thoughtful ideas. I also hope to gain experience working as part of a formal committee.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
I have above average writing capabilities, including advanced grammar, vocabulary and written communication. I have had previous experience with
Board/Commission/Committee? organizing groups for after school and weekend activities. I stay informed about what is happening in Gilroy by reading the City of Gilroy newsletters and local news. I am familiar with debate and argument writing from school, which has helped me learn how to listen to different opinions, explain my ideas clearly, and think through issues carefully.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/21/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/21/2026 4:24 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Genesis
Middle Name Jasmine
Last Name Rufino
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Home
Alternate Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Dr. Tj Owen’s Gilroy Early College Academy Grade / School Year: 9th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
•Organized
•Sociable
•Consistent
•Charismatic
•Determined
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
School events and tutoring younger kids at Ciel
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My goals while serving on this boards are to make the youth feel heard and included in the activities that we will plan for the future.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I am most qualified to serve on this board because I am a very sociable person meaning i can interacts with many youths and listen to their opinions and preferences.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/21/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/17/2026 2:16 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions
First Name Jacob Angelo
Middle Name Jaymalin
Last Name Ona
Home Address
City GILROY
State CA
Zip 95020
Are you a registered voter within
the City of Gilroy?
No
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Mobile
Alternate Phone Number
E-mail Address
Driver's License/ID Number 0
Date of Birth
Last 4 of SSN
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
I am willing to learn new things that can contribute to my community's goals, to effectively collaborate with other members of the commission. I am dependable on assignments that will be given to me to achieve our common goal.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
None in this country because we just moved here a year ago, I came from the Philippines. In my country, I have served as altar server in our church for 2 years, we had programs for small kids during summer.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I will actively represent the community's diverse needs to ensure everyone has access to important information and programs and that all youth in the City of Gilroy will have the same will and responsibility to live in a safe and peaceful environment.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My dedication to my task.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/17/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/20/2026 4:35 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Jaxson
Last Name Liu
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Dr TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Grade / School Year: 10th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
I am very passionate about a community full of kindness, and I have lots of practice with working with people to get the best outcome possible. During middle school and high school, I have been bullied, and I watched it happen, too. I don't want sympathy, I just don't want this to continue to happen. If more kindness were perpetuated within the community then the acceptance of bullying would drastically decrease. Small things like little campaigns could make all of the difference. So many people could be helped if small things were done to help them, and that's what I want to do. On top of this, this is my second year being a lifeguard at Christopher High School. I have talked with coworkers, bosses, and patrons. I have honed my communications skills and can now talk efficiently with others. I understand what they are trying to say, and can work with them to help them. As a youth commissioner, I could ensure these attributes get put to use. My passion for a community of kindness will drive me to work harder and harder every day until I make a real difference for everybody. My communication skills will allow me to talk to the people of schools and understand what they want. I know if I use these attributes in the Youth board, I will help greatly.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
Over 40 hours doing community service, helping all sorts of events and projects. - Las Animas Clean Up, Walking around Las Animas park picking up trash from all over the park. I made the area was beautiful and I ensured that there was a lot less litter across the park.
- Gilroy High School Track Meet, I helped my fellow students create a nice track meet where everything ran smoothly. I assisted them with snacks, the track, and
even doing dishes to ensure a nice community e
- Run For Fun, I helped corral the people and help them get out of their run to the correct place. Every kid and adult went to a specific building after they finished their run so I would help lead them there.
Non-community service Hours
- Lifeguarding at Christopher High School, I keep the community safe. No matter who enters the pool deck, I prevent harm from coming to them and if any does, I am there to help them when they are in any danger or harm.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
While serving on the Commission, I hope to enact some sort of program in which I encourage people to be kind. Too often are people casted out of community or groups. This could be due to many different kinds of reasons but on the youth commission board I hope to work so people are more integrated into the community. I have many ideas on what I could do for this. My program would incorporate a couple representatives from each school who just watch others.
They would have to be very social and wanting to encourage the kindness but if we got the right people, it would definitely work. They would hand out wrist bands to those they see are being kind. At the end of a day, week, or month, some sort of prize could be given out. Overall, I just want to create some wort of project or activity that helps create relationships within the community. I really want to work on this with the commission and I think working with them on an idea like this could lead to something much larger and more beneficial for students.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I am the most qualified because of my drive. I want to work on my program and continue to pursue a kinder community. This drive will put me over the edge of my competitors. I have thought this through, and have been wanting to do something for the community. It has been too long since there has been a feeling of warm community around most of the people in high school and I hope to fix that. Others don't have this drive, but if they did, there is no way they could have it to the same extent. I am really looking forward to interviews and know I would be the best candidate for the youth commission board.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/20/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/19/2026 6:49 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Jeremy
Middle Name Quoc Huy
Last Name Vu
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? GECA (Dr T.J. Owens' Gilroy Early College Academy) Grade / School Year: 10th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
Some of my qualifications for this position include my leadership skills, responsibility, respect, kindness, intelligence, creativity, perseverance, listening skills, and inclusion. As a capable student, teacher, and avid volunteer, I have exemplified all of these qualities when working alone or in a team.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
Some services to the community have included setting up community events in Eagle Ridge, volunteering and tutoring at Ciel Tutoring and the Gilroy Library, creating and executing meaningful and engaging events for teens at the Gilroy Library as part of their Teen Avisory Board (TAB), teaching Confirmation catechism classes for Saint Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, serving food for a twice for a yearly dinner event hosted by the Knights of Columbus, and for 3 years I have been consistently volunteering at Brownell Middle School for Mrs.
Fortino, a Seventh Grade English Teacher every winter and fall for a total of 4-5 weeks per year. Going in more depth into these accolades, for nearly two years, I have served as a tutor for the Gilroy Library and Ciel Tutoring Services. In addition, I serve as a leader on the Gilroy TAB, where I apply myself to developing meaningful events for teens commissioned and sponsored by the library. Adding on to this, in the past two years, I have also assisted with processes around my local church (Saint Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church) whenever possible, not only with facilitating services during mass but most importantly, teaching various catechism classes for the church during the Confirmation programs. I teach fellow teens about the Confirmation process and guide them every Sunday,
and I even worked as a core youth leader during a church retreat while also being one of three keynote speakers at this event. Finally, due to GECA’s unique school schedule, it has allowed me to come back to my teacher, Mrs. Fortino, to assist her in her daily classes at the school, offering my assistance whenever possible and accomplishing whatever may be needed. Although I may not be a prior member, I have more than enough experience and skills to excel in such a role if given the opportunity.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
One main priority and goal I will accomplish while serving on the Commission is helping set up the youth for success with free and public extracurricular activities offered as well as supplementary programs. Moreover, I would advertise these programs to the youth to ensure that the youth are informed of these opportunities that would benefit them. Most youth need help, but have no programs to help them or have no knowledge of such programs. However, I will create programs for the aid they require and successfully inform the youth of the existence of these programs. Some of these programs could include tutoring services, fitness programs, and skill-building programs for specific jobs, such as business building or science-related lessons. Even further, I will create online surveys or forms for the community to openly and anonymously complete to determine what issues are at the forefront of attention. I have already executed similar ideas with my time as a core member of the TAB, so I understand the skills required to accomplish these tasks, and have already demonstrated my capability to execute these goals to perfection.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I am the most qualified for this position because of my extensive experience working with youth during my time volunteering. Not only have I been able to work with my peers and teach them, as demonstrated by my teaching and tutoring experience, but I have already demonstrated these qualities in creating impactful events with my time with the TAB this past year, a similar role in which I have applied myself to craft similar events. Moreover, I have leadership skills and many other qualities I can apply to this position. Furthermore, I have creative approaches that can be used to solve any issue regarding the youth. Adding on to this, I am open to listening to the community regarding how to help the youth with certain issues.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/19/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/08/2026 7:49 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Kacie
Middle Name Emily
Last Name Walker
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Mobile
Alternate Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Brownell Middle School
Grade / School Year: 7th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
I'm responsible, hardworking, and I care about my community and the people in it.
I work well with others, listen to different opinions, and always try to be respectful.
I enjoy being involved at school and participating in activities and discussions. I want to be part of The Youth Commission so I can represent other kids in my city and help make positive changes. I'm dependable, organized, and always willing to learn and improve.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
I have helped my community by assisting with the Photo Booth company "Moments In Focus," where I helped at events and worked with people. I have also helped with school fundraisers. I have experience setting up parties and community events. I have volunteered for the Salinas Rodeo and a couple of different day camps. Additionally, I've volunteered at school basketball games, football games, soccer games, softball games, etc.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My goals while serving on The Youth Commission are to represent the voices of students and young people in my community, help make positive changes, and be involved in projects that will have good impacts on families and the youth. I also Submission ID: 099a7191-61f3-4879-8f88-01c4bd5b8ea8 Page 1/2
want to lean more about leadership, teamwork, and how the local community works, all while working with others to improve the community.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I believe I would be a good fit for The Youth Commission because I enjoy being involved and helping out whoever I can. I'm good at working with different people, staying organized, and completing tasks I'm given. I like hearing other people's ideas and finding ways to help solve problems. I also would want to use this opportunity to stand up for my fellow peers at school, outside of school, and the whole community in general, all while finding ways to create positive environments.
I recently attended a presentation presented by the Gilroy Police Department related to E-Bikes and road safety. This shows how dedicated I am to creating a safer community.
I am committed to my faith, attend church weekly, and attend a weekly youth group. I am bilingual and graduated the sixth grade with a Seal of Biliteracy. I've been working on Spanish since I was only three and a half. I have had outstanding grades throughout my whole education.
I have participated with the school sports teams, which demonstrates I am capable of team work, and listening to direct orders.
I am most qualified to serve on the Commission because I am invested in the community and well-rounded.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy.
Furthermore, I understand that
this application and any
attachments are subject to
disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission, Parks and
Recreation Commission, Building
Boards of Appeals, and Physically
Challenged Board of Appeals are
also subject to filing the Fair
Political Practice Commission's
Statement of Economic Interest
Form 700 relating to financial
disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/07/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Submission ID: 099a7191-61f3-4879-8f88-01c4bd5b8ea8 Page 2/2
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/14/2026 7:45 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Kiara
Middle Name Lindley
Last Name Brinton
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Home
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Home
Alternate Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Mount Madonna School
Grade / School Year: 9th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
I frequent Model United Nations conference.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
None.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My goal is to turn the public library into a public gathering space that just so happens to feature books.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I am well versed in the logistics and recent additions to the library.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
I agree.
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
Signature
Date 05/14/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/19/2026 11:20 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Linda
Last Name Diakova
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Solorsano Middle School
Grade / School Year: 7th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
I am currently involved in my school’s student government and the California Junior Scholarship Federation, an academic honor organization for middle school students that emphasizes community service, leadership, and academic achievement. I also previously served a term as president of my elementary school. In athletics, I was awarded Athlete of the Year last year, and I compete as a swimmer with the Gilroy Gators Swim Team, as well as in track‑and‑field and cross‑country. These experiences have taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of hard work. As a three‑time district champion and a one-time state champion in the Elks Americanism Essay Contest, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the American history and civil rights, which has inspired me to seek hands‑on experience in local government and legislation. Through all of my extracurricular activities, I’ve developed strong leadership skills and a collaborative mindset that I believe will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the Gilroy Youth Commission.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
I’ve taken part in many projects and organizations, including the ASMS Leadership Class, Rucker Student Council, and the California Junior Scholarship Federation. I have also volunteered with numerous community‑focused groups, such as the Gilroy Gators Swim Team, Gilroy Rotary Club, Wreaths Across America, Gilroy Exchange Club, Rebekah Children’s Services, and the Gilroy Rodeo, where I have volunteered for the past four consecutive years.
What are your goals while serving I want to use this position to represent Gilroy's younger generation and make a
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
difference locally.
My goals while serving on the Youth Commission are to help make Gilroy a better place for young people and to make sure our voices are included in city decisions.
I want to work on projects that improve youth safety, mental health awareness, and access to activities and programs for teens. I also hope to strengthen the connection between students and city leaders by listening to what my peers need and bringing their ideas forward. Most of all, I want to learn how local government works, develop my leadership skills, and contribute to meaningful changes that benefit the youth of Gilroy.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I believe I’m highly qualified to serve on the Youth Commission because I’ve spent years actively involved in leadership, community service, and representing Gilroy in meaningful ways. I’ve volunteered with many local organizations, taken part in student leadership groups, and consistently looked for ways to support and uplift others. These experiences have taught me how to listen, collaborate, and follow through on commitments.
Academically, I’m dedicated and hardworking, which helps me stay organized and focused when working on long‑term projects. I would be honored to serve as a Youth commissioner and make Gilroy a better place.
I’ve been selected to represent Gilroy at the AAUW Tech Trek Science Camp in Santa Cruz this summer along with other eighty‑five students from all over the Bay Area, which also inspired me to take on a larger role in my community.
Most importantly, I care deeply about the youth of Gilroy. I want to bring forward the ideas and concerns of my peers and help create programs that make our city an even better place for young people. I’m ready to contribute my energy, creativity, and leadership to the Commission and serve in a way that truly reflects the needs of our community.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/19/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/19/2026 3:24 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Lizeth
Middle Name Guadalupe
Last Name Gomez Rodriguez
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Mobile
Alternate Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy Grade / School Year: 10th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
-Accustomed to providing input and serving as a liaison for my student body and the principal as a Student Advisory Counsel member at GECA -Comfortable with all forms of presentations and public speaking -Involved in our Gilroy community as a part of the Gilroy Foundation's Youth Board where we represent the foundation at events, donate grants, and create capstone projects
-Engaged in my community by donating over two hundred thirty hours of community service to various organizations like the Gilroy Library, South County Community Sources, The Salvation Army, etc as a way to pay back and continue the services that previously aided me
-Well-versed in time management as a high school student, community college student working towards three associates, and part-time worker at Gilroy Gardens -Skilled in all forms of writing ranging from lab reports, short stories, persuasive essays, etc.
-Passionate in creating change, uplifting my community, and preaching tolerance -Ready to provide a new perspective to conversations as the first daughter to lowincome immigrants
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
As previously stated, I have over two hundred thirty hours of community service aiding my community including:
-Packaging food and produce bags multiple times a week for hundreds of Gilroy residents at both the South County Community Center and Salvation Army. This is especially dear to me because these very programs are what helped my family during my childhood.
-Tutoring K-8 students on their homework at the Gilroy Library. I worked with all subjects ranging from math, to Spanish, to English, to history, etc; I even had the honor to teach some English to parents who asked for help! -Aided in preserving historic pictures while volunteering at the Gilroy Museum.
History is a huge interest to me, so I immediately jumped to help with this opportunity.
-Previously served as a California Junior Scholarship Federation officer two years back. Here I aided in planning large school-based food drives and fundraisers.
Over the span of two years, I contributed to planning and organizing food drives that brought in over a thousand cans and over two thousand dollars for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society now known as Blood Cancer United. -Always willing to help wherever! On top of this, I have worked various game days and events at elementary schools including Rucker, Las Animas, Rod Kelley, and Gilroy Prep! I believe that involvement in these early years of schooling is paramount as I feel my time at Rucker shaped me into who I am today.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
While serving on the Gilroy Youth Commission, my main goal would be to do the absolute most for my community. As a student, I saw the passion and time my educators put into my education while lacking proper resources. As the daughter of immigrants, I saw the sacrifices my parents made for me to be here as they settled in a new world. As a teenage girl, I saw the struggles my classmates battled with mental health while attempting to keep their heads afloat adjusting to changes. I identify myself with various communities: as a teenage girl, a musician, a first-generation student, a oaxaqueña, etc. I am well connected to various communities, and I see the issues and struggles they face on a first-hand basis. If given the privilege to serve on the Youth Commission, my goal would be to represent these voices that are often talked over. It would be my greatest honor to be able to make changes and ensure that the very resources I benefitted from continue to thrive to help others. To be more specific, my goals would include raising awareness on the needs of educators and the arts, highlighting issues plaguing our youth and promoting healthy coping mechanisms, and maybe even creating fairs designed to help immigrants in our city adjust.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I feel that I am most qualified to serve on the Gilroy Youth Commission because of my passion for service. I know that I do not have an incredibly long list of crazy achievements, but the little things I have done came directly from the love in my heart. This opportunity would be a great privilege for me as it is my dream to have a career in public service in the near future. My earliest memories here in Gilroy date back to those times where I received help from others whether it be Christmas gifts donated to my family when a fire forced us to relocate or teachers treating me with the utmost patience even if we could not speak the same language. There is something special here in Gilroy; our community makes us stronger than ever. It is this community that I want to serve. I am qualified to serve my community as my passion and work ethic will let me accomplish great things.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
I agree.
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
Signature
Date 05/19/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/14/2026 9:00 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Mia
Middle Name Jean
Last Name Gibson
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Mobile
Alternate Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? South Valley Middle School
Grade / School Year: 7th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
Beyond Gilroy from Save Our Shores
CREW Mt. top day camp (See question 4 for details)
Musical Theater
student council secretary (5th grade)
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
I help set up the Friends of the Library at Gilroy library every second Saturday of the month.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
Make a greater tomorrow for the youth of our city for making life safer.
Make more public opportunities for teens, expose them to as many paths to success as possible, and to help the ecosystems and animals that are part of our wild community too.
I would like to have single use plastics like plastic water bottles and plastic bags decrease, along with more volunteer cleanups around our city for volunteer hours for High Schoolers as an incentive to help our town.
Why are you most qualified to I am most qualified to serve on the Youth Commission because I served on my
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
elementary school's student council as a 5th grader. We would come up with Ideas for spirit days for the students to participate in, evaluate the booths at the dances, and take surveys in our class to see if what we were doing was working the way we hoped it would. In order for me to run in our election, I made a speech to my peers, and as I am a part of musical theater, I am not afraid to go out there in front of people to share what I feel is important to me and our community.
I am also most qualified because I have been a part of Mt. Top Day Camp for the last 7 years, having been a participant for 5 years, with 2 years of being CREW.
Being a part of CREW means that we are in charge of planning and peer mentorship which is teaching the girls how to be self sufficient and future leaders.
I went there for many years learning how to be a leader, along with helping and collaborating with others, and now I use those skills to teach other girls how to do the same.
I was in the Beyond Gilroy program that was approximately 4 months long, where we learned about how our oceans and ecosystems are affected by pollution and waste. We also went on out of class lessons to see what was going on ourselves and see the actual ecosystem. At Palm Beach we learned more about the invasive Eucalyptus trees and participated in a beach cleanup, were we removed 15 pounds of trash off our shore, most of which was plastic waste. My goal is to go back next year as a leader to help teach the next class about the problems that our planet is facing.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/14/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
01/29/2026 9:30 PM (PST)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Paige
Middle Name Arlene
Last Name Lott
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Home
Alternate Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy Grade / School Year: 10th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Time Efficient
- Diplomatic
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
- YMCA General Board Representative
- Gilroy Little League Assistant Coach
- Volunteer Community Service
- House of Toys Volunteer
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
While serving on the board, my goal is to give back to my community and help those in need. Through hard work, dedication, and devotion I believe that I can contribute and sacrifice my time to make a positive impact on my community and those who support. I hope to be apart of a collaborative, productive board in which I am apart of crucial discussions on how we can improve our community. Overall, my primary goal is to open more doors to create a difference and be apart of discusion where we can make that happen.
Submission ID: 6d92272f-2108-4c1e-99eb-429ee9269824 Page 1/2
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I believe I am most qualified to serve on this board because I truly believe that every small discussion can turn into something bigger. If I am apart of these conservations, I will bring great ideas, strategies, and represent voices in my community. I am willing to give up my time and work closely with the rest of the board to discover something we can all do as a team. Working with previous organizations, I've learned that productive dialogue turns into productive and proactive change, which I promise to bring to this committee. I am a very passionate person who is willing to make sacrifices and promises I know I can keep. Thank you considering me for this amazing opportunity at the City of Gilroy Youth Commission.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy.
Furthermore, I understand that
this application and any
attachments are subject to
disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission, Parks and
Recreation Commission, Building
Boards of Appeals, and Physically
Challenged Board of Appeals are
also subject to filing the Fair
Political Practice Commission's
Statement of Economic Interest
Form 700 relating to financial
disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 01/29/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Submission ID: 6d92272f-2108-4c1e-99eb-429ee9269824 Page 2/2
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/24/2026 10:47 AM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Robert
Last Name Gareev
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Mobile
Alternate Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Dr. T. J. Owens Gilroy Early College Academy Grade / School Year: 10th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
I have tried to participate in groups and organizations such as the Youth Commission ever since 5th grade, when I was first introduced to the role of "class assistant", where I had to assist my teachers in setting up and cleaning up the class, as well as helping my classmates. Throughout the years, I have continued to take part in these roles, and was helping not only the teachers, but also the principal of my school. Through these roles, I have learned many new skills, such as generating written reports, communicating with students, and organizing certain events for both the pupils and the members of the community. I believe that such skills, as well as the knowledge on how to apply them to aid people in real-world scenarios, are integral to a member of the Youth Commission.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
I am currently a part of my school's associated student body, which is an integral leadership part of the school, aiding the Principal in valuable information, as well as organizing fun and profitable events for the students to enjoy. Additionally, I am also a part of a small, principal-appointed group of 13 students, known as the Honors Tribunal, which is responsible for resolving complex cases between students, as well as organizing in-school events such as the Kindness Week, or many community circles throughout the year. Finally, I try to spend at least 15-20 hours every month volunteering in local events, such as GUSD's Run for Fitness, and the Wings of History Air Museum.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My main goals that I would like to achieve while serving on the Youth Commission is mainly aiding people, both the Gilroy City Council, and the Youth of this city, in various ways. For example, I would like to participate in planning and organizing events such as the OpportuniTEEN fair, which will help teens explore various careers, internships, and volunteering opportunities.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I believe that I am the most qualified to serve on the Youth Commission, as I have an extensive record of assisting people, both in my schools and nearby areas, as well as the community as whole through volunteering at local events. I am able to thoroughly complete tasks that are related to communication, organization, and community outreach, which are all important aspects for a youth commissioner.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/24/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/20/2026 3:03 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Ryan
Middle Name Huynh
Last Name Nguyen
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Gilroy Early College Academy Grade / School Year: 10th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
- Member of the YMCA Mt Madonna Youth Board
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
- 120+ Community Service Hours
- Helped create Project Y
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My goals while serving on this commission is to help out the youth and hopefully do something or plan an event that will create a change for the better.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I believe I am most qualified to serve on this commission because of my leadership skills and appreciation for the Youth. Being on the YMCA Mt Madonna Youth Board, I have experience planning and leading events very similar to the ones done by this commission. Some other skills I have like my communication skills can allow me to effectively talk with other members and plan events together easily.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
I agree.
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
Signature
Date 05/20/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/15/2026 5:00 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Sarah
Middle Name Dayakrupa
Last Name Isaac
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Home
Alternate Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Gilroy Early College Academy Grade / School Year: 10th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
I am currently a sophomore at Gilroy Early College Academy, where I balance high-school work, with college work. Some skills that I have learned from school, as well as prior volunteer opportunities, are communication, responsibility, and teamwork. I always enjoy working with my community, to further help better others and youth, which is something I am truly passionate about, and will strive to make a positive impact through my service and actions. My prior experiences have taught me to be able to stay organized and responsible.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
I have volunteered at a local preschool from June 2025, through August 2025, in where I helped to supervise students, as well as assist with classroom activities. I have also been a YMCA youth ambassador, from September 2023, through May 2024, in where I participated in the monthly leadership meetings, as well as attended the volunteer opportunities in which we organized. I am currently a youth leader for my church from December 2021, through the present, in which I prepare to share during monthly zoom meetings, as well as helping to mentor younger children.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My goals that I wish to accomplish while serving this position are to represent the youth in our community through my voice, as well as learn more about leadership opportunities. I hope to be able to strengthen the level of communication between the board and youth, as well as serve my community.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I am qualified to serve on this position, since I have always been active in opportunities in the community, and still wish to provide my skills that I've learned in this position as well.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/15/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/14/2026 10:24 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Saurika
Last Name Dey
Home Address
City Gilroy
State California
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Dr.TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy Grade / School Year: 10th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
I’m currently very involved in leadership and service roles both at my school and in Santa Clara County, where I focus on representing student voices and contributing to community and wellness initiatives. In Santa Clara County, I serve on the Student Wellness Advisory Group, where I help discuss and support youth mental health, school wellness, and student needs. I also serve on the Tobacco Use Prevention Education and Advocacy Council, where I work with other youth representatives to help promote awareness and prevention efforts. In both groups, I contribute ideas, participate in discussions, and help bring a student perspective to county-level conversations that impact young people. At my school, I’m part of the Student Advisory Council, where I help improve communication between students and staff. This role allows me to share student concerns, suggest improvements, and work collaboratively to make the school environment better for everyone. I’m also a Co-Project Director for my school’s American Red Cross club, where I help plan, organize, and manage service projects. This includes working with a team, dividing responsibilities, and making sure projects run smoothly from start to finish. Through this role, I’ve learned how to lead in a group setting while also staying organized and dependable.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
I have completed over 200 hours of community service through various volunteer roles in Gilroy and Santa Clara County. One of my main experiences is volunteering at the Gilroy Senior Center, where I worked closely with seniors by serving meals, assisting with lunch check-ins, helping guide them through daily activities, and spending time talking with them. This experience helped me build patience, empathy, and strong communication skills while supporting the daily needs of older adults in my community. I also volunteered at the Gilroy Library,
where I helped shelve and organize books, supported library events, and assisted staff with general tasks. This role helped me develop responsibility, organization skills, and experience working in a public service environment. In addition to these, I have participated in community service projects such as local cleanups and environmental volunteering with the City of Gilroy and Our City Forest, including trash cleanups and tree planting. These experiences allowed me to contribute to sustainability efforts and work collaboratively with others.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My main goal while serving on this Board/Commission/Committee is to be an active voice for students and help ensure that youth perspectives are genuinely considered in decisions that affect their health, education, and overall well-being. I want to continue building on my experience in the Student Wellness Advisory Group and the Tobacco Use Prevention Education and Advocacy Council by contributing thoughtful ideas and helping strengthen programs that support student wellness, mental health, and prevention efforts. I also hope to collaborate with other members to develop initiatives that are realistic, effective, and actually reach young people in meaningful ways. Another goal of mine is to improve communication between youth and decision-makers. I want to help bridge that gap by sharing what students are experiencing day-to-day and bringing those perspectives into discussions in a clear and constructive way.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I’m involved in a few school and county groups where I’ve had the chance to take part in conversations about student wellness, prevention, and school life in general. Through the Student Wellness Advisory Group and the Tobacco Use Prevention Education and Advocacy Council in Santa Clara County, I’ve mainly focused on listening, learning from others, and sharing a student perspective when it’s helpful. A lot of what I do in these spaces is ask questions, give input when needed, and try to understand what issues students are actually facing. At school, I’m part of the Student Advisory Council, where I help bring student feedback to staff and help communicate concerns or suggestions from students.
It’s been a good way to understand how decisions get made and how important it is to make sure student voices are actually heard and considered, not just mentioned. I’m also a Co-Project Director for my school’s American Red Cross club, where I help with organizing service projects and working with a team. It’s mostly about coordination, making sure things get done on time, and helping out where needed so projects run smoothly. Outside of school, I’ve done over 200 hours of volunteering, including at the Gilroy Senior Center and Gilroy Library. At the senior center, I helped with meal service, check-ins, and just spending time with seniors, and at the library I helped organize materials and support events.
These experiences helped me stay consistent with community service and work with different types of people in a respectful way. Overall, I think I’m qualified because I’ve already had experience being part of groups where I listen, contribute when appropriate, and try to represent others honestly. I’m comfortable working with people, staying responsible with commitments, and learning as I go.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/14/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/20/2026 4:35 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
Planning Commission
First Name Sean
Last Name Anderson
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Are you a registered voter within
the City of Gilroy?
Yes
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Home
Alternate Phone Number
E-mail Address
Driver's License/ID Number
Date of Birth
Last 4 of SSN
Which School Do You Attend? Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy Grade / School Year: 12th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
Golden State Seal Merit Diploma
Outstanding Research Presentation Award from CSUMB
AA Liberal Arts Degree: Natural Sciences
AA Liberal Arts Multiple Subjects Emphasis
Certificate of Achievement: IGETC
Perfect Score English Language Arts SBAC 2017
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
Science Alive: Gavilan College
GECA PTSA school sponsored events: Graduation Reception 2023, 2024, 2025.
Q&A meetings, Back to School Night, Welcome Committee
South County Tail Waggers
Academic Tutoring
Cashier Clerk at Gilroy Prep School Pop-up Store
Staff Volunteer of Gilroy Little League
Our City Forest Tree Planting
Community Gardens reconstruction
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My goals while serving on this Committee are to make real improvements in our communities and schools. I want to increase the sense of belonging and community in the GUSD and beyond. Observing from the sidelines for the past few years has been a great experience allowing me to gather knowledge and insight from fellow peers around me. This has propelled me to involve myself in community service, which is something that I intend on continuing if I am accepted to this committee. I am taking my education another step, as I am enrolled at CSUMB for the Fall semester and plan on making connections there to gather more information and opinions on the next steps of this community. I would love to make additional connections with staff and students within the GUSD as I will no longer be a part of this wonderful school district any longer. One of my primary goals while serving on this committee is get people across every single demographic to feel like they belong and that they are included here in Gilroy and beyond. I have noticed that a lot of my peers feel disconnected from the Gilroy community and I'd like to take part in the generation that helped to change that.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I believe that I am most qualified to serve on this Committee because I have learned invaluable skills during my time in high school and have applied them in all aspects of my life. I've learned about leadership and integrity, but I have also learned more niche skills like precision, detail, and working for the greater good. I know what a quality work ethic gains you as well. I have worked tirelessly in my time in K-12 and it has earned me a spot among 71 others in the graduating Class of 2026 at GECA and two associates degrees during my time as a dual-enrolled high school student. I'm qualified because managing my time is essential for sustaining success among a board of other people as I have learned over the years, and I know what role teamwork plays in making an operation run smoothly.
I have applied these and many other skills to group projects in school both high school and college. Teamwork is a universal trait that I have always had a passion for through sports and now academically shifting my focus to building a team to accomplish a common objective.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/20/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/18/2026 12:34 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Sienna
Middle Name Rivay
Last Name Teel
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Oakwood Highschool
Grade / School Year: 11th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
Strong writing and public speaking skills (Speech and debate competitor), familiarity with the community and its needs, willingness to listen to others and take their desires for the community into account. After having lived in Gilroy for over a decade, the prosperity and growth of Gilroy is very important to me. Strong organizational skills.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
While I have not previously been directly involved with the Gilroy community services, I have assisted various times at the Eagle ridge holiday events. It has been a joy watching Gilroy become what it is today, and I would love to share and implement some of my own visions for the town, as well having the chance to hear from others who share the same passion.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
Among many other things, I would love to build connections within the community.
Given that it is a small town, it is easy to have only a handful of social circles, and I would greatly enjoy being able to connect with others through a shared cause. I am proud of the growth that Gilroy has experienced over the last decade, and would love to be a direct part of that side of the community. Being a member of this board will be a phenomenal opportunity to see the bits of Gilroy that are seen primarily behind the scenes, and I would love to ultimately make a difference.
Some of my primary goals for Gilroy include seeing that there are various social events for seniors to ensure that they don't feel secluded in their current environment (Likely people from facilities such as Merrill Gardens and other
Retirement homes) as well as increasing the utilization of bike and hiking trails and optimizing their location (to raise awareness for and improve the overall health of our community).
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I am an effective communicator that works well on teams and enjoys collaborative work of any sort. I thrive in new environments, and love to connect with others.
Adding to this, I am bilingual (Spanish) and willing to use this to the advantage of the team in any way possible. I believe that this experience will better various skills useful in my future, and I look forward to hopefully working with you all soon! By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/17/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/15/2026 12:18 AM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Trinity
Middle Name Hannah Noel
Last Name Wagner
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
Alternate Phone Type Mobile
Alternate Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Gilroy Early College Academy Grade / School Year: 9th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
I believe that I am fit to be a member of the Gilroy Youth Commission due to my desire to contribute to a better society, my creative mind that is eager to display new ideas, and my skills in communication through presentations and social interactions. I currently maintain a GPA greater than 4.6, which is a representation of my abilities in managing time, completing tasks effectively, and giving deep effort into my activities. Not only am I successful academically, but I am able to balance my workload with extracurricular activities, such as dance. Besides my mind, I believe that my heart is just as suited for this position because I having experience in volunteering, I strive to integrate myself with the members of my community, and I am someone who is delighted to call Gilroy my home. I have been a resident for over ten years, and have attended schools in the Gilroy district since Kindergarten. So for me, Gilroy is more than the place I live. It is the holder of my childhood, and my safe space tomorrow. Overall, yes, I believe these qualifications make me fit for this appointment.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
I have contributed over 45 hours of community service from 8th grade to today.
Over fifteen from a program I attended in 8th grade, and around thirty from active participation in assisting schools and nonprofits in 9th grade.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My goals in joining the Gilroy Youth Commission are to weave together the skills of those around me to create substantial ideas and contributions to our home, develop a positive impact on our community, and bring people together to form memorable and joyful events.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I am most qualified to serve in the Youth Commission because I am genuinely passionate about serving, helping, and participating as a member. I am not joining this commission because I am bored, I genuinely intend to leave a lasting impression on my community. This commission is the embodiment of so many of my interests, such as artistic ability, planning and reasoning with others for solutions, and a deep want to be there to help other people around me.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/14/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/18/2026 4:45 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Tyler
Middle Name John
Last Name Krepick
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Christopher High School
Grade / School Year: 10th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
I’m a youth that lives in the city of Gilroy and I’m looking to get involved in the community to make a difference.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
I volunteered through the Gilroy Parks and Recreation doing summer camps.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
My goals while serving on this board is to have a impact on the community.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I am most qualified to serve on this board because as I am getting older I am looking to participate more in the city and join certain groups that I can learn from and participate in.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
I agree.
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
Signature
Date 05/18/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/20/2026 4:49 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name Violet
Last Name Ramirez
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? South Valley Middle School
Grade / School Year: 7th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
I like helping the community.
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
I'm in CJSF(California Junior Scholarship Federation). In CJSF we volunteer in the community.
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
1. To help resolve problems in our community.
2. To learn more about how local government works.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
I'm probably not the most qualified as I'm younger and have less experience. I am responsible, curious, willing to learn.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
I agree.
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
Signature
Date 05/20/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application
05/18/2026 4:38 PM (PDT)
Boards/Committees/Commissions Application Form
Board/Committee/Commissions Youth Commission
First Name William
Last Name Purdy
Home Address
City Gilroy
State CA
Zip 95020
Primary Phone Type Mobile
Primary Phone Number
E-mail Address
Date of Birth
Which School Do You Attend? Christopher High School
Grade / School Year: 10th
List your qualifications for this
appointment:
-Earned a scholarship to attend Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awakening) 2026 (1 of 6 CHS students)
-Founder and President of the Asian Student Union at CHS, 2025-present -Club Representative for Photography Club at CHS, 2025-present -Club Representative for Card Club at CHS, 2025-present -1 year of Speech and Debate at CHS, 2025-2026
-1 year of Leadership at CHS, 2024-2025
-ASB Treasurer in 8th grade, 2023-2024
List any service to the community
incluiding any prior appointments:
Volunteered at several events including, but not limited to:
-Gilroy Gardening Group volunteer, 2026
-Gilroy Garlic Festival volunteer, 2025 (currently signed up to volunteer in 2026) -Tree Planting Project at CHS with the Gilroy Rotary Club, 2025 -Gilroy Museum archive sorting volunteer, 2025
-St. Mary’s Spaghetti Dinner volunteer, 2024
-Pack-A-Back volunteer, 2024
-Girl Scouts volunteer, various events 2024-2026
What are your goals while serving
on this
Board/Commission/Committee?
While serving on this committee, my goals are to continue to serve and help improve the community, strengthen my leadership and teamwork skills, build relationships, and leave a lasting positive impact on the community.
Why are you most qualified to
serve on this
I am most qualified to serve on this committee because I am an active young member in the community. I also served on a 13-member Focus Group at CHS,
Board/Commission/Committee? which provided input and ideas for the Wellness Center. The issues that impact the youth in Gilroy are something I am interested in and concerned about and I want to be a part of the solution.
By clicking on this box, I declare
under penalty of perjury that I am
currently a registered voter within
the City limits of the City of Gilroy
(this does not apply to Youth
Commissioners). Furthermore, I
understand that this application
and any attachments are subject
to disclosure under the Public
Records Act and must complete
mandatory Open Government
Ordinance Training. I further
understand that members of the
Planning Commission are also
subject to filing the Fair Political
Practice Commission's Statement
of Economic Interest Form 700
relating to financial disclosures.
I agree.
Signature
Date 05/16/2026
*All Commission, Board and Committee applications are a public record.
May 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 1 of 8 City Council
Minutes
City of Gilroy
City Council
Draft Minutes
Monday, May 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM
1. CLOSED SESSION - 5:00 PM
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
(Government Code Section 54956.8)
Properties: 7491 Railroad St. (APN 841-06-001); 7780 Monterey Rd. (APN 841- 04-020); 7289 Rosanna St. (APN 799-15-027); and 7351 Rosanna St. (APN 799- 15-026)
Agency Negotiators: Matt Morley, City Administrator; Raissa de la Rosa, Economic Development Director
Negotiating Parties: Falkon Development; Retraining the Village Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
The closed session meeting was called to order by Mayor Bozzo at 5:00 PM.
Attendance Attendee Name
Present Council Member Dion Bracco
Council Member Tom Cline
Council Member Zach Hilton
Council Member Carol Marques
Council Member Kelly Ramirez
Mayor Greg Bozzo
Absent Council Member Terence Fugazzi
Motion
Remain in closed session.
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: None
SECONDER: None
AYES: Council Member Dion Bracco, Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Council Member Terence Fugazzi
2. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Andy Faber opened public comment at 6:01 P.M.
With no speakers, City Attorney Andy Faber closed public comment.
3. ADJOURN TO OPEN SESSION
City Attorney Andy Faber announced there was no reportable action from the closed
May 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 2 of 8 City Council
Minutes
session.
With no additional business before the Council, the closed session meeting was adjourned at 5:19 P.M
4. REGULAR SESSION - 6:00 PM
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Bozzo at 6:00 PM.
2. Roll Call
Attendance Attendee Name
Present Council Member Dion Bracco
Council Member Tom Cline
Council Member Zach Hilton
Council Member Carol Marques
Council Member Kelly Ramirez
Mayor Greg Bozzo
Absent Council Member Terence Fugazzi
3. City Clerk's Report on Posting the Agenda
City Clerk Kim Mancera reported on the Posting of the Agenda.
4. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Bozzo led the Pledge of Allegiance.
5. Invocation
Pastor Jesse Jimenez with Victory Outreach led the Invocation.
6. Orders of the Day
None.
7. Employee Introductions
Community Development Director Sharon Goei introduced Senior Planner Aaron Campbell.
5. CEREMONIAL ITEMS - Proclamations and Awards
1. Public Works Week Proclamation
Mayor Bozzo presented the Public Works Week Proclamation to Public Works Director John Doughty.
2. Resource Parent Appreciation Month Proclamation
Mayor Bozzo presented the Resource Parent Appreciation Month Proclamation to
May 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 3 of 8 City Council
Minutes
Isidra Fausto Santiago.
6. PRESENTATIONS TO THE COUNCIL
1. Annual Presentation by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce The CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Cristina Cortes and Planning Commissioner Chair Manny Bhandal provided a report from the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce.
2. VTA Local Investment Plan Presentation
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority's Chief Government Affairs Officer Beverly Greene provided a report.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON ITEMS NOT ON THE
AGENDA BUT WITHIN THE SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 6:35 P.M.
Arcelia O'Connor - Spoke opposing the ICE detention center that is planned to be built near Gilroy.
Bill O'Connor - Spoke opposing the ICE detention center that is planned to be built near Gilroy.
George M. Rosas - Spoke on cars constantly speeding in his neighborhood.
Frank Logan - Spoke opposing the ICE detention center that is planned to be built near Gilroy.
Lorena Toriba - Spoke opposing the ICE detention center that is planned to be built near Gilroy.
With no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment.
7. REPORTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Council Member Bracco – Downtown Committee, Santa Clara County Library Joint Powers Authority, Santa Clara Water Commission, Santa Clara Valley Water Joint Water Resources Committee, SCRWA
Council Member Fugazzi – Santa Clara Water Commission (alternate), Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority Board (alternate), SCRWA, Visit Gilroy California Welcome Center, VTA Mobility Partnership Committee Council Member Marques – ABAG, Downtown Committee, Santa Clara County Library Joint Powers Authority (alternate), Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency Governing Board, Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency Implementation Board, SCRWA (alternate)
May 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 4 of 8 City Council
Minutes
Council Member Hilton – CalTrain Policy Group, Santa Clara County Expressway Plan 2040 Advisory Board (alternate), Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority JPA Board, South County Youth Task Force Policy Team, VTA Policy Advisory Committee
Council Member Ramirez – ABAG (alternate), Gilroy Gardens Board of Directors (alternate), Gilroy Sister Cities, Gilroy Youth Task Force (alternate), SCRWA, Santa Clara Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee
Council Member Cline – CalTrain Policy Group (alternate), Gilroy Sister Cities (alternate), Gilroy Youth Task Force, Santa Clara County Expressway Plan 2040 Advisory Board, Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority JPA Board (alternate), Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority Board, Visit Gilroy California Welcome Center (alternate), VTA Mobility Partnership Committee, VTA Policy Advisory Committee (alternate)
Mayor Bozzo – Gilroy Gardens Board of Directors, Santa Clara Valley Water Joint Water Resources Committee, South County Youth Task Force Policy Team, VTA Board of Directors (alternate), Santa Clara Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee (alternate)
Council Member Bracco - No report
Council Member Marques - Shared that she went to the Gilroy Gardens Cherry Jubilee Event. She also mentioned that she participated in a panel discussion hosted by Casey Estorga at Gavilan College. Lastly, she reported that she attended the Gilroy Sister Cities meeting.
Council Member Hilton - Reported on his involvement with ABAG and mentioned how he has recently worked with the Gilroy Museum to bring historical pieces to City Hall for display purposes.
Council Member Ramirez - Shared that she went to the Gilroy Gardens Cherry Jubilee Event and shared how she participated in a panel discussion hosted by Casey Estorga at Gavilan College. In addition, she reported that she was accepted into the 2026 focus agriculture program and also participated in St Mary's 8th grade student learning plan presentations. She received a tour of the Intuitive Surgical facility located here in Gilroy. She also shared that she attended the Santa Clara County Peace Officer Memorial Celebration at the Sheriff's Department, mentioned how she recently attended a Cities Association meeting and that she presented at the Gilroy Little League Jamboree. Lastly, she proposed that Council sends a letter of opposition against the proposed ICE Detention Center planned to be built near Gilroy.
Council Member Cline - Reported on his participation at St Mary's 8th grade student learning plan presentations and that he received a tour of the Intuitive Surgical facility located here in Gilroy.
May 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 5 of 8 City Council
Minutes
Mayor Bozzo - No report
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 6:57 P.M.
Terry Hernandez - Spoke supporting the approval of community event funding for fiscal year 2027.
With no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment.
Motion
Approve the consent calendar.
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Council Member Dion Bracco
SECONDER: Council Member Tom Cline
AYES: Council Member Dion Bracco, Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Council Member Fugazzi
1. Approve the minutes of the May 2, 2026 Coffee with the Mayor and May 4, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting
2. Add the 2026 Citywide Speed Survey to the Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Improvement Program and Approve a Capital Budget Amendment for the Project
3. Adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 15, Section 15.11 of the Gilroy City Code, allowing the City Council to Reduce Prima Facie Speed Limits in School Zones from 25 mph to 15 mph or 20 mph per Assembly Bill 382
4. Adopt a Resolution Requesting the Allocation of Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation Development Act Article 3 Pedestrian/Bicycle Project Funding from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission
5. Adopt a Resolution Approving the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Road Rehabilitation Projects for Funding by Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 Funds
6. Approval of Community Events Support Program Funding Allocations for FY 2027
7. Request for Approval to Disburse $2,103 in Interest Income from the Gilroy Museum Endowment Trust to the Museum Donations Fund
8. Annual Military Equipment Use Report 2025, per CA Assembly Bill No. 481
May 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 6 of 8 City Council
Minutes
9. Acceptance of Cash and Investment Report as of March 31, 2026
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public Meeting Regarding the Renewal of the Gilroy Tourism Business Improvement District (GTBID)
Economic Development Director Raissa de la Rosa provided a report and presentation.
Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 7:03 P.M.
With no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment.
Report received.
2. Public Hearing Pursuant to Government Code Section 3502.3 (AB 2561) to Receive a Report on City of Gilroy Vacancies, and Recruitment and Retention Efforts
Interim Human Resources Director/Risk Manager LeeAnn McPhillips provided a report and presentation.
Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 7:09 P.M.
With no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment.
Report received.
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Consideration of Downtown Plywood and Vacancy Regulations Deputy Director of Community Development Bryce Atkins provided a report and presentation.
Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 7:18 P.M.
Ron Kirkish - Shared his desire to have Downtown Gilroy become more inviting.
With no speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment.
Direction was provided to staff to reactivate Chapter 5D, incorporating the Downtown Committee recommendations, except: 1) the definitions existing in Chapter 5D for vacant buildings would remain; and 2) that the vacancy registration fee would be progressive at $750 the first year and $1,500 each year thereafter. Council also directed staff not to pursue a vacancy tax at this time.
11. INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS
1. Consideration of Options for Displaying Commemorative Flags at City Hall or
May 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 7 of 8 City Council
Minutes
the Civic Center Complex
Public Works Director John Doughty provided a report and presentation.
Mayor Bozzo opened public comment at 7:35 P.M.
Paul Rousseve - Paul does not agree with separating the commemorative flag from the existing flag poles.
Terry Hernandez - Terry believes the commemorative flag as well as the Pride flag should be flown with the U.S. and California flags during Pride Month.
Alejandra Pearlman - Alejandra does not believe in separating the commemorative flag from the existing flag poles.
Greg Felios - encouraged council to find a way to accommodate the requests from those who apply to have a commemorative flag flown.
Carlos Pineda - Carlos asked for a more efficient, welcoming process for commemorative flags.
Sally Armendariz - Sally asked for more inclusivity when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community within Gilroy.
With no further speakers, Mayor Bozzo closed public comment.
Motion
Direct staff to bring back the Flag Flying Policy to remove the required fees and signatures and change the language on the policy to include a third flag pole.
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: None
SECONDER: None
AYES: Council Member Dion Bracco, Council Member Tom Cline, Council Member Zach Hilton, Council Member Carol Marques, Council Member Kelly Ramirez, Mayor Greg Bozzo
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Council Member Fugazzi
12. FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED AGENDA ITEMS
None.
13. CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORTS
City Administrator Matt Morley shared that the City of Gilroy is looking for responses to the Blue Sky Initiative Survey and announced the Developer Roundtable that is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, 2026 held in the Gilroy Council Chambers from 10:30am to Noon.
Lastly, it was noted that there will be a first-time home buyers program on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 held at the Gilroy Library starting at 6:30pm.
May 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM Page 8 of 8 City Council
Minutes
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORTS
No report.
15. ADJOURNMENT
With no additional business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 P.M.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Gilroy on XXXXXXX, 20XX.
Kim Mancera
City Clerk
7.2. City of Gilroy
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Contract Amendment with Jensen Landscape Services, Inc. under the Existing Multi-Year Agreement (Year 2 of 3) for a One-Time Landscaping Scope, Enhancements, and Weed
Abatement Services, establishing a Revised Year Two Not-toExceed Amount of $1,189,295 Meeting Date: June 1, 2026
From: Matt Morley, City Administrator
Department: Public Works
Submitted by: John Doughty, Public Works Director
Prepared by: Matt Jones, Deputy Public Works Director
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS: Maintain and Improve City Infrastructure
RECOMMENDATION
1. Approve a contract amendment with Jensen Landscape Services, Inc., under the existing multi-year contract (Year 2 of 3), to increase contract authority for onetime landscaping enhancements and weed abatement services in the amount of $62,965, for a revised Year two not-to-exceed contract amount of $1,189,295.
2. Adopt a resolution appropriating the related funds for the one-time scope from the General Fund (100).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff is requesting City Council approval of a contract amendment to the existing contract with Jensen Landscape Services, Inc. (Year 2 of a three-year agreement) to increase the authorized annual not-to-exceed amount in order to complete two one-time scope additions funded by the General Fund. The proposed work includes priority landscape enhancements at City Hall and vegetation management along the Hecker
7.2. Pass trail corridor.
The proposed additional scope exceeds the currently authorized annual not-to-exceed contract amount and therefore requires Council approval to increase contract authority and appropriate additional funding.
The City Hall project will enhance the appearance of the City’s primary civic facility through the replacement of plant materials, soil amendments, mulch installation, and irrigation improvements at the main entrances and adjacent parking areas. The Hecker Pass project includes weed and debris removal along the trail corridor between Santa Teresa Boulevard and Burchell Road to reduce fire risk, improve safety, and enhance corridor aesthetics.
The total cost for both one-time scope additions is $62,965, funded through the General Fund. Approval of these amendments will result in an updated not-to-exceed contract amount of $1,189,295, for year two (current year) of the contract.
BACKGROUND
The City Council has identified City beautification, with an emphasis on gateways, as a legislative priority. Staff has identified City Hall and the Hecker Pass Road corridor as key gateway locations that would benefit from targeted improvements at a relatively modest cost.
The City maintains an existing contract with Jensen Landscape Services, Inc. for landscape maintenance services supporting City facilities and operations. As part of ongoing operations, additional work is periodically required to maintain City assets, enhance public-facing facilities, and address safety concerns.
For the Hecker Pass project, the City solicited quotes from three qualified firms, with Jensen Landscape Services, Inc. submitting the lowest responsive proposal.
For the City Hall project, staff requested Jensen Landscape Services, Inc. to develop a scope of work to enhance landscaping at key entry points. Staff reviewed the proposed scope and cost and determined that completing the work through the existing contract would provide efficiency and continuity with current maintenance operations.
The current agreement with Jensen Landscape Services, Inc. does not contain sufficient remaining contract authority to complete the identified work. As a result, contract amendments are required to increase the annual not-to-exceed amount to allow completion of the one-time improvements.
7.2. ANALYSIS
Staff is seeking authorization to approve a contract amendment with Jensen Landscape Services, Inc., under the existing multi-year contract (Year 2 of 3), to complete one-time landscape enhancements and weed abatement services. The proposed work exceeds the current annual not-to-exceed contract authority and requires Council approval to increase contract authority and appropriate additional General Fund resources.
City Hall Landscape Enhancements
This work includes soil amendment, mulch installation, irrigation adjustments, and installation of new plant materials at City Hall entrances and planters. The project will improve the appearance and functionality of the City’s primary civic facility. The cost is $42,265.
Hecker Pass Trail Weed Abatement
This work includes vegetation and debris removal along the trail corridor between Santa Teresa Boulevard and Burchell Road. The project will reduce fire risk, improve safety and visibility, and enhance a key gateway corridor. The cost is $20,700.
Approval of both amendments will result in an updated annual not-to-exceed contract amount of $1,189,295 for year two (current year) of the contract.
ALTERNATIVES
Alternative 1 – Approve Both scopes (Recommended)
Approving both scopes increases contract authority and allows the City to complete both priority landscape enhancements and fire safety improvements in a timely manner.
Alternative 2 – Approve City Hall Amendment Only
Council may approve only the City Hall scope. This would allow completion of aesthetic improvements at the City’s primary civic facility but would delay weed abatement along the Hecker Pass corridor. This alternative is not recommended, as it does not address fire fuel reduction or improvements to a key gateway location.
Alternative 3 – Approve Hecker Pass Amendment Only
Council may approve only the Hecker Pass scope. This would address fire risk and improve a major gateway corridor but would delay landscape enhancements at City Hall. While the Hecker Pass work addresses safety concerns, this alternative does not improve the City’s primary civic facility.
Alternative 4 – Do Not Approve Amendments
Council may choose not to approve the amendments. This would prevent completion of the proposed work due to insufficient contract authority and result in continued deferred
7.2. maintenance and unaddressed safety concerns.
FISCAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
There is no existing funding allocated for the proposed work. The total fiscal impact is $62,965, consisting of $42,265 for City Hall landscape enhancements and $20,700 for Hecker Pass trail weed abatement.
Staff is requesting a budget amendment to appropriate General Fund reserves to fund the one-time costs associated with these contract amendments. Approval will result in an updated annual not-to-exceed contract amount of $1,189,295 for year two of the current contract.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
Public Outreach is not required.
NEXT STEPS
• Execute contract amendments with Jensen Landscape Services, Inc. to increase the annual not-to-exceed amount
• Issue work authorizations for the approved one-time scope of work • Coordinate scheduling and oversee completion of the work • Completion anticipated by the end of September 2026.
Attachments:
None
-1- 4845-8215-5540v1
MDOLINGER\04706083
FIRST AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT FOR CITY-WIDE LANDSCAPE SERVICES
BETWEEN JENSEN LANDSCAPE SERVICES, LLC AND CITY OF GILROY This First Amendment to the Agreement for Services (“First Amendment”) is made and entered into as of June 2, 2026 (“Effective Date”), by and between the City of Gilroy, a California municipal corporation (“CITY”), and Jensen Landscape Services, LLC (“CONTRACTOR”).
WHEREAS, CITY and CONTRACTOR are parties to that certain Agreement for Services #24PW2042, effective on September 9, 2024, hereinafter referred to as “Original Agreement”; and WHEREAS, CITY and CONTRACTOR have determined it is in their mutual interest to amend certain terms of the Original Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth below and for other valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Article COMPENSATION (Consideration) of the Original Agreement shall be amended to read as follows:
Consideration
“In consideration for the services to be performed by CONTRACTOR, CITY agrees to pay CONTRACTOR the amounts set forth in Exhibit “D” (“Payment Schedule”). In no event however shall the total compensation paid to CONTRACTOR exceed $1,072,695.00 for year 1, $1,189,295.00 for year 2, and $1,072,695.00 for year 3, plus an annual contingency of $53,634.74.”
2. Exhibit “B” (“Scope of Service”) of the Original Agreement shall be amended to add the following work (in year 2 only) at the locations specified, as extra work and shall be performed by September 8, 2026:
• Hecker Pass Trail Weed Abatement to be performed in Year 2 only. Work to include weed removal, limb up bushes and small trees to minimum clearance of 8 feet (or remove), remove dead plant material (i.e., wood, shrubs, grasses) along the trail adjacent to Hecker Pass Road from Santa Teresa Boulevard to Burchell Road. The work location shall include the area from the trail edge to edge of roadway. • City Hall Landscape Enhancement to be performed in Year 2 only. Work to include removal of soil around sidewalks, provide and install (80) eighty cubic yards of red mulch at 2” depth at City Hall and Parking lot landscaping areas, demolition of and amend soil, check the irrigation system to ensure that new plants have adequate watering for optimal longevity. Provide plants and install as stated in Exhibit “D”.
3. Exhibit “D” of the Original Agreement shall be amended to add the following to the Payment Schedule:
• Hecker Pass Trail Weed Abatement ($20,700) to be performed in Year 2 only. Work to include weed removal, limb up bushes and small trees to minimum clearance of 8 feet (or remove), remove dead plant material (i.e., wood, shrubs, grasses) along the trail Docusign Envelope ID: 8253EA04-3B03-8500-81E1-B6A92EE1DE3B
-2- 4845-8215-5540v1
MDOLINGER\04706083
adjacent to Hecker Pass Road from Santa Teresa Boulevard to Burchell Road. The work location shall include the area from the trail edge to edge of roadway. • City Hall Landscape Enhancement ($42,265) to be performed in Year 2 only. Work to include removal of soil around sidewalks, provide and install (80) eighty cubic yards of red mulch at 2” depth at City Hall and Parking lot landscaping areas, demolition of and amend soil, check the irrigation system to ensure that new plants have adequate watering for optimal longevity. Provide the plants and install as follows:
4. This Amendment shall be effective on June 2, 2026.
5. Except as expressly modified herein, all of the provisions of the Original Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. In the case of any inconsistencies between the Original Agreement and this Amendment, the terms of this Amendment shall control.
6. This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Docusign Envelope ID: 8253EA04-3B03-8500-81E1-B6A92EE1DE3B
-3- 4845-8215-5540v1
MDOLINGER\04706083
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be executed as of the dates set forth besides their signatures below.
CONTRACTOR:
Jensen Landscape Services, LLC
CITY:
CITY OF GILROY
By: By:
[signature] [signature]
William Kibbe Matt Morley
[employee name] [name]
Branch Manager City Administrator
[title/department] [title]
Date: Date:
Approved as to Form: Attest:
City Attorney City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: 8253EA04-3B03-8500-81E1-B6A92EE1DE3B 5/20/2026
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GILROY AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF
GILROY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS
FOR CITY HALL LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS AND
HECKER PASS WEED ABATEMENT SERVICES
WHEREAS, the City Administrator prepared and submitted to the City Council a budget for the City of Gilroy for Fiscal Years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, and the City Council carefully examined, considered and adopted the same on June 2, 2025; and WHEREAS, City Staff has prepared and submitted to the City Council proposed amendments to said budget for Fiscal Years 2025-2026 for the City of Gilroy in the staff report dated June 1, 2026, for the Contract Amendment with Jensen Landscape Services for City Hall Landscape Enhancements and Hecker Pass Weed Abatement Services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GILROY, AS FOLLOWS:
1. The expenditure appropriations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 shall be increased by the Finance Director in the amount of $42,265 for City Hall scope, and $20,700 for the Hecker Pass scope, within the General Fund (100).
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 1st day of June 2026 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
APPROVED:
Greg Bozzo, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
Kim Mancera, City Clerk
Resolution No. 2026-XX
Budget Amendment Resolution FY 26; Jensen Landscape Contract Services City Council Regular Meeting | June 1, 2026
CERTIFICATE OF THE CLERK
I, KIM MANCERA, City Clerk of the City of Gilroy, do hereby certify that the attached Resolution No. 2025-XX is an original resolution, or true and correct copy of a City Resolution, duly adopted by the Council of the City of Gilroy at a Regular Meeting of said held on Council held Monday, October 20, 2025 with a quorum present.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Official Seal of the City of Gilroy this Date.
____________________________________
Kim Mancera
City Clerk of the City of Gilroy
(Seal)
7.3. City of Gilroy
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Claim of Saileel Vijaykar (The City Administrator recommends a "yes" vote under the Consent Calendar shall constitute denial of the claim)
Meeting Date: June 1, 2026
From: Matt Morley, City Administrator
Department: Human Resources/Risk Management
Submitted by: LeeAnn McPhillips, Interim Human Resources Director/Risk Manager.
Prepared by: LeeAnn McPhillips, Interim Human Resources Director/Risk Manager.
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS: Not Applicable
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the recommendation from the Municipal Pooling Authority (MPA) and/or legal counsel, this claim is recommended for rejection.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Based on the recommendation from the Municipal Pooling Authority (MPA) and/or legal counsel, the following claim is submitted to the City Council for rejection at the June 1, 2026 meeting:
• Claim of Saileel Vijaykar
BACKGROUND
n/a
7.3. ANALYSIS
n/a
ALTERNATIVES
n/a
FISCAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
n/a
PUBLIC OUTREACH
n/a
NEXT STEPS
n/a
Attachments:
1. Claim of Saileel Vijaykar April 2026
7.4. City of Gilroy
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Claim of Lisa & Joel Neilsen (The City Administrator recommends a "yes" vote under the Consent Calendar shall constitute denial of the claim)
Meeting Date: June 1, 2026
From: Matt Morley, City Administrator
Department: Human Resources/Risk Management
Submitted by: LeeAnn McPhillips, Interim Human Resources Director/Risk Manager.
Prepared by: LeeAnn McPhillips, Interim Human Resources Director/Risk Manager.
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS: Not Applicable
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the recommendation from the Municipal Pooling Authority (MPA) and/or legal counsel, this claim is recommended for rejection.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Based on the recommendation from the Municipal Pooling Authority (MPA) and/or legal counsel, the following claim is submitted to the City Council for rejection at the June 1, 2026 meeting:
• Claim of Lisa & Joel Neilsen
BACKGROUND
n/a
7.4. ANALYSIS
n/a
ALTERNATIVES
n/a
FISCAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
n/a
PUBLIC OUTREACH
n/a
NEXT STEPS
n/a
Attachments:
1. Claim of Lisa & Joel Nielsen March 2026
7.5. City of Gilroy
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Claim of Rebecca Beyer (The City Administrator recommends a "yes" vote under the Consent Calendar shall constitute denial of the claim)
Meeting Date: June 1, 2026
From: Matt Morley, City Administrator
Department: Human Resources/Risk Management
Submitted by: LeeAnn McPhillips, Interim Human Resources Director/Risk Manager.
Prepared by: LeeAnn McPhillips, Interim Human Resources Director/Risk Manager.
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS: Not Applicable
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the recommendation from the Municipal Pooling Authority (MPA) and/or legal counsel, this claim is recommended for rejection.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Based on the recommendation from the Municipal Pooling Authority (MPA) and/or legal counsel, the following claim is submitted to the City Council for rejection at the June 1, 2026 meeting:
• Claim of Rebecca Beyer
BACKGROUND
n/a
7.5. ANALYSIS
n/a
ALTERNATIVES
n/a
FISCAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
n/a
PUBLIC OUTREACH
n/a
NEXT STEPS
n/a
Attachments:
1. Claim of Rebecca Beyer May 2026
7.6. City of Gilroy
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title: Consent to the Assignment of the Carry the Vision Opioid Remediation Services Agreement to PitStop Outreach
Meeting Date: June 1, 2026
From: Matt Morley, City Administrator
Department: Administration
Submitted by: Harjot Sangha, Assistant City Administrator Prepared by: Kylie Katsuyoshi, Management Analyst Trainee STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
RECOMMENDATION
Council consent to the assignment of the Carry the Vision Opioid Remediation Services agreement to PitStop Outreach.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
At the September 8, 2025, City Council Regular Meeting, the City Council authorized staff to issue an exploratory request for proposals (RFP) for the use of opioid settlement funds. The exploratory RFP was an open solicitation process for vendors who believe their services align with the intent of the funding being made available, without limiting proposals to a specific program or service. The maximum award possible was the current balance in the fund, $237,352.
Staff published the Opioid Remediation Services RFP on September 19, 2025, and the City received six proposals in total. The proposals were vetted by City staff to ensure they meet the funding requirements and to offer a recommendation for grant awards. At the November 17, 2025, City Council Regular Meeting, staff recommended that Council
7.6. award two opioid remediation grants, reimbursement-based and not to exceed $118,675 to Carry the Vision and $118,676 to Youth Alliance, for opioid remediation services. However, the Council decided to award the full grant, amounting to $237,352, to Carry the Vision.
In April 2026, Carry the Vision announced a restructuring of its organization and program delivery, resulting in the discontinuation of its community-based programs and its presence in Gilroy as of June 30, 2026. At this time, they remain fully committed to providing all services specified in their scope of work through June 30, 2026, at which point the contract will be terminated. An estimated $111,000 in funding is expected to remain.
ANALYSIS
Carry the Vision has identified and proposed PitStop Outreach for assignment of its Opioid Remediation Services agreement. PitStop has submitted a letter of interest to the City of Gilroy expressing its interest in assuming the City's Opioid Remediation Services Agreement currently held by Carry the Vision and Carry the Vision has submitted a letter of support, both of which are attached.
The proposed assignment includes assuming 100% of the current scope of services, the agreement in its entirety, and focuses on preserving and continuing the program that is already operational without any impact to the current service recipients. The proposal includes continuity in the form of PitStop assuming employment of the current Carry the Vision staff who are providing services, thus preventing unemployment and interruption in services.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Revisit the most recent RFP. Council could utilize the most recent RFP to authorize an award to Youth Alliance for their proposed scope of service, with the remaining amount. Youth Alliance had requested approximately $119,000 as part of their proposal. Staff checked in with Youth Alliance and they are willing to honor their original proposal with the revised remaining amount of $111,000 to carry out their original proposed scope of work with only minor modifications.
2. Issue a new RFP for opioid remediation services.
FISCAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
An estimated $111,000 will remain on the current Carry the Vision agreement as of
7.6. June 30, 2026. The funds will be expended as reimbursements for qualifying expenditures under the scope of services.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
This item was first discussed at the September 8, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
At the November 17, 2025, City Council Meeting, a contract was awarded. This item was also included on the publicly posted agenda for tonight.
NEXT STEPS
Attachments:
1. PitStop letter of interest May 2026
2. Carry the Vision Letter of Support - Opioid Remediation Services Contract
3. Agreement - Carry the Vision - Signed 2026-01-08
4. Staff Report-Opioid Remediation Services RFP Award
5. Proposal - Youth Alliance
P.O. Box 131
Gilroy, CA 95020
www.pitstopoutreach.org
May 14, 2026
Re: Letter of Interest for Opioid Remediation Services Agreement Dear Harjot and Kylie,
PitStop Outreach respectfully submits this formal letter of interest regarding assignment and continuation of the City of Gilroy Opioid Remediation Services Agreement currently held by Carry the Vision.
As Carry the Vision transitions away from community based programming effective June 30, 2026, PitStop Outreach is prepared to immediately assume and continue the opioid remediation and opioid awareness work already approved by the Gilroy City Council.
Our proposal is centered on one primary goal: ensuring there is no disruption in services, outreach, opioid education efforts, staffing continuity, reporting, community engagement, or implementation momentum connected to this work. Through continued overdose prevention education, Narcan distribution, peer led outreach, and relationship based engagement, this work helps increase awareness, strengthen community safety, and connect vulnerable residents to critical support and resources.
This proposal does not seek to change the scope approved by Council. Rather, it preserves and continues a program that is already operational, producing measurable outcomes, and deeply embedded within the community.
PitStop Outreach would continue implementation of the currently approved scope of work, including:
• Healing Circles and peer led support services
• Opioid and fentanyl awareness education
• Narcan distribution and overdose prevention outreach
• Outreach and engagement in encampments and high impact areas • Peer support, navigation, and connection to recovery resources
• Leadership development among individuals with lived expertise • Family engagement and community education efforts
• Ongoing coordination with Quality of Life Officers and community partners • Required reporting, data tracking, and compliance activities associated with the agreement
The intention is to maintain continuity of the work already underway while preserving the staffing structure, outreach systems, implementation practices, and community relationships that have contributed to the program’s effectiveness thus far.
PitStop Outreach and Carry the Vision have worked side by side for many years supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use challenges, trauma, and disconnection from traditional systems of care. Our teams collaborate daily with outreach, encampment engagement, crisis response, resource navigation, and healing centered community support. Because of this long standing partnership and our direct involvement in outreach throughout Gilroy, PitStop Outreach is well positioned to continue this work seamlessly and immediately.
Most importantly, assignment of this agreement would preserve the involvement of three key staff currently implementing the work: Vanessa Ashford, Aubrey Tasby, and Sam Brown. These individuals understand the people, the barriers, and the realities on the ground. Through years of outreach and relationship building, they have become trusted connectors between vulnerable residents and services, safety, recovery resources, and community support. They have also received specialized training through this grant and are fully prepared to continue implementation immediately. As a result, PitStop Outreach would not need to use grant funds for additional startup training, allowing remaining dollars to go directly toward serving the community.
If this contract is not continued through PitStop Outreach, the City risks losing not only the operational momentum and opioid awareness efforts established over the past seven months, but also the trained, implementation ready outreach capacity developed through this grant. Any significant delay or disruption in staffing or outreach continuity would interrupt the progress already made and create unnecessary gaps in engagement for vulnerable residents already impacted by opioid and fentanyl related challenges.
It is also important to emphasize that the scope of this work extends well beyond Camp Hope. While Camp Hope remains an important site of engagement, the program reaches throughout Gilroy and includes Healing Circles at the Armory, outreach in encampments and other high impact areas, family engagement, and ongoing collaboration with Quality of Life Officers and community partners. Together, these
efforts create a coordinated, community based approach focused on prevention, awareness, connection, leadership development, and reducing opioid related harm throughout Gilroy.
Leadership development among individuals with lived expertise is also central to PitStop Outreach’s approach to community engagement and outreach. Through this work, individuals who have overcome significant personal challenges are now helping disseminate opioid awareness information, overdose prevention education, recovery resources, and harm reduction messaging throughout the unhoused community.
Several have become influential and stabilizing voices within encampments and outreach settings, helping strengthen communication, reduce stigma, and encourage safer decision making among peers. This peer led model has proven highly effective in building trust and increasing meaningful community engagement.
PitStop Outreach has the infrastructure and operational readiness necessary to successfully assume this agreement, including:
• Established nonprofit status and insurance coverage
• Existing outreach systems and operational infrastructure • Strong working relationships with community partners and Quality of Life Officers • Continuation of key Carry the Vision staff including Vanessa Ashford, Aubrey Tasby, and Sam Brown to preserve outreach continuity and implementation knowledge • Staff already trained in trauma informed engagement, opioid awareness, harm reduction, Narcan distribution, and peer support practices • Reporting and administrative systems already in place with Jan overseeing reporting and implementation administration
• Direct transition and training support from Carry the Vision related to reporting, invoicing, templates, documentation methods, and implementation systems currently utilized under the agreement
Continued opioid outreach and remediation work requires uninterrupted staffing, outreach systems, and community engagement. The relationships, leadership development, consistency, and outreach infrastructure built through this work represent a significant investment that would be difficult to quickly rebuild if disrupted.
We respectfully ask the City Council to approve assignment of this agreement to PitStop Outreach in order to preserve staffing, protect the momentum already established, and ensure continuity of these critical opioid remediation efforts for the Gilroy community.
Thank you for your consideration and partnership.
Sincerely,
Jan Bernstein Chargin
Board Chair, PitStop Outreach
Carry the Vision
7365 Monterey Road, Suite 203, Gilroy, CA 95020
www.carrythevision.org / 408.275.6133
May 14, 2026
RE: Letter of Support for Pitstop Outreach for Opioid Remediation Service Agreement Dear Harjot and Kylie,
On behalf of Carry the Vision, we are writing to express our strong support for assignment of the City of Gilroy Opioid Remediation Services Agreement to PitStop Outreach as Carry the Vision concludes its community based programming effective June 30, 2026.
As the organization that has directly implemented this work since December 2025, we believe continuity is critically important both for the community and for the integrity of the City’s investment in these opioid remediation efforts. Based on our direct experience administering and carrying out this work, we believe PitStop Outreach is uniquely positioned to continue the program seamlessly while preserving the momentum, relationships, trust, and implementation capacity already established.
This work is deeply relationship based and depends on consistent engagement, trusted peer leadership, and ongoing community presence. Any significant delay, disruption in key staffing, or interruption in the continuity of outreach and engagement efforts would substantially impact the progress already made and create unnecessary gaps for vulnerable residents already impacted by opioid and fentanyl related challenges. The continuity offered through PitStop Outreach ensures the work can continue immediately without breaking the flow of outreach, education, leadership development, and trusted community connection already established through the program.
Carry the Vision and PitStop Outreach have maintained a longstanding collaborative relationship throughout Gilroy for many years. During that time, both organizations have regularly coordinated efforts related to outreach, encampment engagement, healing centered support, crisis response, and community navigation for vulnerable residents across Gilroy. Through this ongoing collaboration PitStop Outreach is already familiar with the operational structure, outreach methods, reporting requirements, and relationship based practices connected to the work.
Since implementation began, the program has demonstrated strong progress across the scope of work. The following outcomes reflect approximately four months of implementation between December 2025 and March 2026, with April, May, and June data to be included in Carry the Vision’s final report. Even within this limited timeframe, the program has shown measurable success and strong community engagement. As of March 2026, Carry the Vision had achieved:
Docusign Envelope ID: A63BC895-1417-8D55-82E3-91FBB017FC62
Carry the Vision
7365 Monterey Road, Suite 203, Gilroy, CA 95020
www.carrythevision.org / 408.275.6133
• 20% completion of Healing Circle goals
• 18% completion of participant engagement goals within Healing Circles • 55% completion of partner coordination and check in goals • 33% completion of council engagement goals
• 60% completion of outreach event goals
• 50% completion of quarterly trauma informed and opioid safety training goals • 86% completion of unique individual engagement goals
Beyond the measurable outcomes, we have witnessed firsthand the impact of this work in increasing opioid and fentanyl awareness, distributing Narcan, strengthening community engagement, and connecting residents to support and resources. We have also seen the importance of consistent outreach and trusted relationship building in reaching individuals who are often disconnected from traditional systems of care.
One of the most important investments made through this work has been the development, training, and support of leaders with lived expertise. Through this grant, individuals with deep understanding of the realities facing vulnerable residents have received trauma informed training, opioid and fentanyl awareness education, harm reduction training, outreach experience, and leadership development opportunities that now position them to effectively carry this work forward.
Community members who were once struggling with instability and disconnection are now helping lead outreach efforts, share overdose prevention education, distribute resources, support safer and healthier decision making among peers, and strengthen communication between vulnerable residents and service providers. This peer leadership component has become one of the strongest and most effective aspects of the program because the information and support are being delivered through trusted relationships already established within the community.
Carry the Vision strongly believes that continuity of key staff and leadership is essential to preserving the effectiveness of the work already underway. Assignment of this agreement to PitStop Outreach would preserve the involvement of three individuals currently implementing the program:
Vanessa Ashford, Aubrey Tasby, and Sam Brown. These individuals hold trusted relationships throughout the community and have become important connectors between vulnerable residents, outreach efforts, recovery resources, and support systems. They have also received specialized training and hands on implementation experience through this grant and are fully prepared to continue this work immediately. Preserving this continuity would help ensure the City does not lose the investment, trust, engagement, and implementation readiness already developed through the program.
From an operational standpoint, PitStop Outreach has the capacity and infrastructure necessary to successfully continue this work. Carry the Vision is fully committed to supporting the transition Docusign Envelope ID: A63BC895-1417-8D55-82E3-91FBB017FC62
Carry the Vision
7365 Monterey Road, Suite 203, Gilroy, CA 95020
www.carrythevision.org / 408.275.6133
process and will provide reporting templates, implementation practices, operational guidance, and transition support necessary to ensure continuity and compliance with City requirements.
At a time when opioid and fentanyl related harms continue impacting vulnerable residents, maintaining continuity of trusted outreach, prevention, and opioid education efforts is critically important. A disruption or loss of this work would significantly interrupt the momentum built over the past several months and create unnecessary gaps in outreach, leadership development, education, and community connection for residents already facing significant barriers. Assignment of this agreement to PitStop Outreach represents a strong and practical solution that preserves the investment.
We respectfully encourage the City to approve this request to protect the momentum already established, and ensure continuity of these critical opioid remediation efforts for the Gilroy community.
Thank you for your partnership and continued support of this work.
Sincerely,
Shelley Swan, Executive Director Vanessa Ashford, Director of Community Initiatives and Peer Services
Docusign Envelope ID: A63BC895-1417-8D55-82E3-91FBB017FC62
City of Gilroy
Agreement/ Contract Tracking
Today’ s Date: Your Name:
Contract
Type:
Phone Number:
Contract Effective Date:
Date contract goes into effect)
Contract Expiration Date:
Contractor / Consultant Name:
if an individual’ s name, format as
last name, first name)
Contract Subject:
no more than 100 characters)
Contract Amount:
Total Amount of contract. If no
amount, leave blank)
Date of Contract
Contractor/ Consultant name and complete address
Terms of the agreement ( start date, completion date or “ until Scope of Services, Terms of Payment, Milestone Schedule and Taxpayer ID or Social Security # and Contractors License # if Contractor/ Consultant signer’ s name and title
City Administrator or Department Head Name, City Clerk
Attest), City Attorney ( Approved as to Form)
Routing Steps for Electronic Signature
TYPE OF
PROCURMENT
DOLLAR THRESHOLD / SIGNING AUTHORITY
STAFF LEVEL DEPARTMENT HEAD CITY ADMINISTRATOR COUNCIL APPROVAL 0-$999.99 $ 1,000-$ 49,999.99 $ 50,000-$ 99,999. 99 $ 100,000-Above
EQUIPMENT
SUPPLIES/
MATERIALS
x Vendor selection at
discretion of staff
x Informal
bid/ quotation
or written)
x Purchasing
w/ Purchasing
Approval
x Purchase
Requisition
x Informal
bid/ quotation –
3 written quotes
x Purchasing
Approval
x Purchase
Requisition
x Formal Bid
x Advertisement
x Council Approval
x Purchase
by City
Administrator
GENERAL SERVICES
Janitorial, landscape
maintenance,
equipment repair,
installation, graffiti
abatement, service
inspections,
uniform cleaning,
etc…
x Vendor selection at
discretion of staff
x May require insurance
documents depending
on scope/ nature of
work
x Informal
bid/ quotation
or written)
x Purchasing
Head Approval
x Standard
Agreement
x Purchase
Requisition
x Informal Bid/ RFP
quotation – 3
written quotes
x Purchasing
Approval
x Standard
Agreement
x Purchase
Requisition
x Formal
Bid/ RFP/ RFQ
x Advertisement
x Council Approval
x Standard
Agreement
x Purchase
Requisition
PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES
x Vendor selection at the
discretion of staff
x Purchase Summary
Form w/ Purchasing
Approval
x Standard Agreement
Head
x Purchase Requisition
x RFP/ RFQ to at
least 3
consultants
x Purchase
Head Approval
x Standard
Agreement
x Purchase
Requisition
x RFP/ RFQ to a list
of consultants
x Evaluation
Spreadsheet w/
Approval
x Standard
Agreement
x Purchase
Requisition
x Formal RFP/ RFQ
x Advertisement
x Council Approval
x Standard
by City
Administrator
x Purchase
Requisition
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AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES
For contracts over $5,000 – NON-DESIGN, NON-ENGINEERING TYPE CONTRACTOR) This AGREEMENT made this 8th day of December, 2025, between:
CITY: City of Gilroy, having a principal place of business at 7351 Rosanna Street, Gilroy, California
and CONTRACTOR: Carry the Vision, having a principal place of business at 7365 Monterey Road, Suite 203, Gilroy, CA 95020.
ARTICLE 1. TERM OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement will become effective on 12/9/2025 and will continue in effect through 12/31/2026 unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 of this Agreement.
Any lapse in insurance coverage as required by Article 5, Section D of this Agreement shall terminate this Agreement regardless of any other provision stated herein. ______ Initial
ARTICLE 2. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS
It is the express intention of the parties that CONTRACTOR is an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, joint venturer or partner of CITY. Nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted or construed as creating or establishing the relationship of employer and employee between CITY and CONTRACTOR or any employee or agent of CONTRACTOR. Both parties acknowledge that CONTRACTOR is not an employee for state or federal tax purposes.
CONTRACTOR shall not be entitled to any of the rights or benefits afforded to CITY’S employees, including, without limitation, disability or unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, medical insurance, sick leave, retirement benefits or any other employment benefits. CONTRACTOR shall retain the right to perform services for others during the term of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 3. SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED BY CONTRACTOR
A. Specific Services
CONTRACTOR agrees to: Perform the services as outlined in Exhibit “ A” (“ Specific Provisions”) and Exhibit “B” (“ Scope of Services”), within the time periods described in Exhibit C” (“ Milestone Schedule”).
B. Method of Performing Services
CONTRACTOR shall determine the method, details and means of performing the above-described services. CITY shall have no right to, and shall not, control the manner or determine the method of accomplishing CONTRACTOR’S services.
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C. Employment of Assistants
CONTRACTOR may, at the CONTRACTOR’S own expense, employ such assistants as CONTRACTOR deems necessary to perform the services required of CONTRACTOR by this Agreement, subject to the prohibition against assignment and subcontracting contained in Article 5 below. CITY may not control, direct, or supervise CONTRACTOR’S assistants in the performance of those services. CONTRACTOR assumes full and sole responsibility for the payment of all compensation and expenses of these assistants and for all state and federal income tax, unemployment insurance, Social Security, disability insurance and other applicable withholding.
D. Place of Work
CONTRACTOR shall perform the services required by this Agreement at any place or location and at such times as CONTRACTOR shall determine is necessary to properly and timely perform CONTRACTOR’S services.
ARTICLE 4. COMPENSATION
A. Consideration
In consideration for the services to be performed by CONTRACTOR, CITY agrees to pay CONTRACTOR the amounts set forth in Exhibit “ D” (“ Payment Schedule”). In no event however shall the total compensation paid to CONTRACTOR exceed Two Hundred Thirty Seven Thousand Dollars ($237,000).
B. Invoices
CONTRACTOR shall submit invoices for all services rendered.
C. Payment
Payment shall be due according to the payment schedule set forth in Exhibit “D”. No payment will be made unless CONTRACTOR has first provided City with a written receipt of invoice describing the work performed and any approved direct expenses (as provided for in Exhibit “A”, Section IV) incurred during the preceding period. If CITY objects to all or any portion of any invoice, CITY shall notify CONTRACTOR of the objection within thirty (30) days from receipt of the invoice, give reasons for the objection, and pay that portion of the invoice not in dispute. It shall not constitute a default or breach of this Agreement for CITY not to pay any invoiced amounts to which it has objected until the objection has been resolved by mutual agreement of the parties.
D. Expenses
CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for all costs and expenses incident to the performance of services for CITY, including but not limited to, all costs of equipment used or provided by CONTRACTOR, all fees, fines, licenses, bonds or taxes required of or imposed against CONTRACTOR and all other of CONTRACTOR’S costs of doing business. CITY shall not be
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responsible for any expenses incurred by CONTRACTOR in performing services for CITY, except for those expenses constituting “direct expenses” referenced on Exhibit “A.” ARTICLE 5. OBLIGATIONS OF CONTRACTOR
A. Tools and Instrumentalities
CONTRACTOR shall supply all tools and instrumentalities required to perform the services under this Agreement at its sole cost and expense. CONTRACTOR is not required to purchase or rent any tools, equipment or services from CITY.
B. Workers’ Compensation
CONTRACTOR agrees to provide workers’ compensation insurance for CONTRACTOR’S employees and agents and agrees to hold harmless, defend with counsel acceptable to CITY and indemnify CITY, its officers, representatives, agents and employees from and against any and all claims, suits, damages, costs, fees, demands, causes of action, losses, liabilities and expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of any injury, disability, or death of any of CONTRACTOR’S employees.
C. Indemnification of Liability, Duty to Defend
As to all liability, to the fullest extent permitted by law, CONTRACTOR shall defend, through counsel approved by CITY (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), indemnify and hold harmless CITY, its officers, representatives, agents and employees against any and all suits, damages, costs, fees, claims, demands, causes of action, losses, liabilities and expenses, including without limitation attorneys’ fees, arising or resulting directly or indirectly from any act or omission of CONTRACTOR or CONTRACTOR’S assistants, employees or agents, including all claims relating to the injury or death of any person or damage to any property.
D. Insurance
In addition to any other obligations under this Agreement, CONTRACTOR shall, at no cost to CITY, obtain and maintain throughout the term of this Agreement: ( a) Commercial Liability Insurance on a per occurrence basis, including coverage for owned and non-owned automobiles, with a minimum combined single limit coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence for all damages due to bodily injury, sickness or disease, or death to any person, and damage to property, including the loss of use thereof. As a condition precedent to CITY’S obligations under this Agreement, CONTRACTOR shall furnish written evidence of such coverage (naming CITY, its officers and employees as additional insureds on the Comprehensive Liability insurance policy referred to in a) immediately above via a specific endorsement) and requiring thirty (30) days written notice of policy lapse or cancellation, or of a material change in policy terms.
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E. Assignment
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, neither this Agreement nor any duties or obligations of CONTRACTOR under this Agreement may be assigned or subcontracted by CONTRACTOR without the prior written consent of CITY, which CITY may withhold in its sole and absolute discretion.
F. State and Federal Taxes
As CONTRACTOR is not CITY’S employee, CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for paying all required state and federal taxes. Without limiting the foregoing, CONTRACTOR acknowledges and agrees that:
x CITY will not withhold FICA (Social Security) from CONTRACTOR’S payments;
x CITY will not make state or federal unemployment insurance contributions on CONTRACTOR’S behalf;
x CITY will not withhold state or federal income tax from payment to CONTRACTOR;
x CITY will not make disability insurance contributions on behalf of CONTRACTOR;
x CITY will not obtain workers’ compensation insurance on behalf of CONTRACTOR.
ARTICLE 6. OBLIGATIONS OF CITY
A. Cooperation of City
CITY agrees to respond to all reasonable requests of CONTRACTOR and provide access, at reasonable times following receipt by CITY of reasonable notice, to all documents reasonably necessary to the performance of CONTRACTOR’S duties under this Agreement.
B. Assignment
CITY may assign this Agreement or any duties or obligations thereunder to a successor governmental entity without the consent of CONTRACTOR. Such assignment shall not release CONTRACTOR from any of CONTRACTOR’S duties or obligations under this Agreement.
ARTICLE 7. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
A. Sale of CONTRACTOR’ s Business/ Death of CONTRACTOR.
CONTRACTOR shall notify CITY of the proposed sale of CONTRACTOR’ s business no later than thirty ( 30) days prior to any such sale. CITY shall have the option of terminating this Agreement within thirty (30) days after receiving such notice of sale. Any such CITY termination pursuant to this Article 7.A shall be in writing and sent to the address for notices to CONTRACTOR set forth in Exhibit A, Subsection V.H., no later than thirty (30) days after CITY’ receipt of such notice of sale.
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If CONTRACTOR is an individual, this Agreement shall be deemed automatically terminated upon death of CONTRACTOR.
B. Termination by City for Default of CONTRACTOR
Should CONTRACTOR default in the performance of this Agreement or materially breach any of its provisions, CITY, at CITY’S option, may terminate this Agreement by giving written notification to CONTRACTOR. For the purposes of this section, material breach of this Agreement shall include, but not be limited to the following:
1. CONTRACTOR’S failure to professionally and/or timely perform any of the services contemplated by this Agreement.
2. CONTRACTOR’S breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement.
CONTRACTOR shall be entitled to payment only for work completed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement through the date of the termination notice, as reasonably determined by CITY, provided that such payment shall not exceed the amounts set forth in this Agreement for the tasks described on Exhibit C” which have been fully, competently and timely rendered by CONTRACTOR. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if CITY terminates this Agreement due to CONTRACTOR’S default in the performance of this Agreement or material breach by CONTRACTOR of any of its provisions, then in addition to any other rights and remedies CITY may have, CONTRACTOR shall reimburse CITY, within ten (10) days after demand, for any and all costs and expenses incurred by CITY in order to complete the tasks constituting the scope of work as described in this Agreement, to the extent such costs and expenses exceed the amounts CITY would have been obligated to pay CONTRACTOR for the performance of that task pursuant to this Agreement.
C. Termination for Failure to Make Agreed-Upon Payments Should CITY fail to pay CONTRACTOR all or any part of the compensation set forth in Article 4 of this Agreement on the date due, then if and only if such nonpayment constitutes a default under this Agreement, CONTRACTOR, at the CONTRACTOR’S option, may terminate this Agreement if such default is not remedied by CITY within thirty (30) days after demand for such payment is given by CONTRACTOR to CITY.
D. Transition after Termination
Upon termination, CONTRACTOR shall immediately stop work, unless cessation could potentially cause any damage or harm to person or property, in which case CONTRACTOR shall cease such work as soon as it is safe to do so. CONTRACTOR shall incur no further expenses in connection with this Agreement. CONTRACTOR shall promptly deliver to CITY all work done toward completion of the services required hereunder, and shall act in such a manner as to facilitate any the assumption of CONTRACTOR’ s duties by any new CONTRACTOR hired by the CITY to complete such services.
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ARTICLE 8. GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. Amendment & Modification
No amendments, modifications, alterations or changes to the terms of this Agreement shall be effective unless and until made in a writing signed by both parties hereto.
B. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Throughout the term of this Agreement, the CONTRACTOR shall comply fully with all applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ the Act”) in its current form and as it may be amended from time to time. CONTRACTOR shall also require such compliance of all subcontractors performing work under this Agreement, subject to the prohibition against assignment and subcontracting contained in Article 5 above. The CONTRACTOR shall defend with counsel acceptable to CITY, indemnify and hold harmless the CITY OF GILROY, its officers, employees, agents and representatives from and against all suits, claims, demands, damages, costs, causes of action, losses, liabilities, expenses and fees, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees, that may arise out of any violations of the Act by the CONTRACTOR, its subcontractors, or the officers, employees, agents or representatives of either.
C. Attorneys’ Fees
If any action at law or in equity, including an action for declaratory relief, is brought to enforce or interpret the provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing party will be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees, which may be set by the court in the same action or in a separate action brought for that purpose, in addition to any other relief to which that party may be entitled.
D. Captions
The captions and headings of the various sections, paragraphs and subparagraphs of the Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be considered nor referred to for resolving questions of interpretation.
E. Compliance with Laws
The CONTRACTOR shall keep itself informed of all State and National laws and all municipal ordinances and regulations of the CITY which in any manner affect those engaged or employed in the work, or the materials used in the work, or which in any way affect the conduct of the work, and of all such orders and decrees of bodies or tribunals having any jurisdiction or authority over the same. Without limiting the foregoing, CONTRACTOR agrees to observe the provisions of the Municipal Code of the CITY OF GILROY, obligating every contractor or subcontractor under a contract or subcontract to the CITY OF GILROY for public works or for goods or services to refrain from discriminatory employment or subcontracting practices on the basis of the race, color, sex, religious creed, national origin, ancestry of any employee, applicant for employment, or any potential subcontractor.
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F. Conflict of Interest
CONTRACTOR certifies that to the best of its knowledge, no CITY employee or office of any public agency interested in this Agreement has any pecuniary interest in the business of CONTRACTOR and that no person associated with CONTRACTOR has any interest that would constitute a conflict of interest in any manner or degree as to the execution or performance of this Agreement.
G. Entire Agreement
This Agreement supersedes any and all prior agreements, whether oral or written, between the parties hereto with respect to the rendering of services by CONTRACTOR for CITY and contains all the covenants and agreements between the parties with respect to the rendering of such services in any manner whatsoever. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been made by any party, or anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not embodied herein, and that no other agreement, statement or promise not contained in this Agreement shall be valid or binding.
No other agreements or conversation with any officer, agent or employee of CITY prior to execution of this Agreement shall affect or modify any of the terms or obligations contained in any documents comprising this Agreement. Such other agreements or conversations shall be considered as unofficial information and in no way binding upon CITY.
H. Governing Law and Venue
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California without regard to the conflict of laws provisions of any jurisdiction. The exclusive jurisdiction and venue with respect to any and all disputes arising hereunder shall be in state and federal courts located in Santa Clara County, California.
I. Notices
Any notice to be given hereunder by either party to the other may be effected either by personal delivery in writing or by mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid with return receipt requested.
Mailed notices shall be addressed to the parties at the addresses appearing in Exhibit “A”, Section V.H. but each party may change the address by written notice in accordance with this paragraph.
Notices delivered personally will be deemed delivered as of actual receipt; mailed notices will be deemed delivered as of three (3) days after mailing.
J. Partial Invalidity
If any provision in this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will nevertheless continue in full force without being impaired or invalidated in any way.
K. Time of the Essence
All dates and times referred to in this Agreement are of the essence.
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L. Waiver
CONTRACTOR agrees that waiver by CITY of any one or more of the conditions of performance under this Agreement shall not be construed as waiver(s) of any other condition of performance under this Agreement.
Executed at Gilroy, California, on the date and year first above written.
CONTRACTOR:
CARRY THE VISION
By:
ame: Shelley Swan
Title: Executive Director
Social Security or Taxpayer
Identification Number 01-0952753
Approved as to Form
CITY:
CITY OF GILROY
By:
Name: + DUMRW 6DQJKD
Title: Interim City Administrator
ATTEST:
City Attorney City Clerk
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EXHIBIT “A”
SPECIFIC PROVISIONS
I. PROJECT MANAGER
CONTRACTOR shall provide the services indicated on the attached Exhibit “ B”, Scope of Services (“ Services”). ( All exhibits referenced are incorporated herein by reference.) To accomplish that end, CONTRACTOR agrees to assign Renee Ridgway, who will act in the capacity of Project Manager, and who will personally direct such Services.
Except as may be specified elsewhere in this Agreement, CONTRACTOR shall furnish all technical and professional services including labor, material, equipment, transportation, supervision and expertise to perform all operations necessary and required to complete the Services in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
II. NOTICE TO PROCEED/COMPLETION OF SERVICE
A. NOTICE TO PROCEED
CONTRACTOR shall commence the Services upon delivery to CONTRACTOR of a written Notice to Proceed”, which Notice to Proceed shall be in the form of a written communication from designated City contact person(s). Notice to Proceed may be in the form of e-mail, fax or letter authorizing commencement of the Services. For purposes of this Agreement, Kylie Katsuyoshi shall be the designated City contact person(s). Notice to Proceed shall be deemed to have been delivered upon actual receipt by CONTRACTOR or if otherwise delivered as provided in the Section V.H. (“Notices”) of this Exhibit “A”.
B. COMPLETION OF SERVICES
When CITY determines that CONTRACTOR has completed all of the Services in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, CITY shall give CONTRACTOR written Notice of Final Acceptance, and CONTRACTOR shall not incur any further costs hereunder. CONTRACTOR may request this determination of completion when, in its opinion, it has completed all of the Services as required by the terms of this Agreement and, if so requested, CITY shall make this determination within two ( 2) weeks of such request, or if CITY determines that CONTRACTOR has not completed all of such Services as required by this Agreement, CITY shall so inform CONTRACTOR within this two (2) week period.
III. PROGRESS SCHEDULE
The schedule for performance and completion of the Services will be as set forth in the attached Exhibit “C”.
IV. PAYMENT OF FEES AND DIRECT EXPENSES
Payments shall be made to CONTRACTOR as provided for in Article 4 of this Agreement.
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Direct expenses are charges and fees not included in Exhibit “B”. CITY shall be obligated to pay only for those direct expenses which have been previously approved in writing by CITY.
CONTRACTOR shall obtain written approval from CITY prior to incurring or billing of direct expenses.
Copies of pertinent financial records, including invoices, will be included with the submission of billing(s) for all direct expenses.
V. OTHER PROVISIONS
A. STANDARD OF WORKMANSHIP
CONTRACTOR represents and warrants that it has the qualifications, skills and licenses necessary to perform the Services, and its duties and obligations, expressed and implied, contained herein, and CITY expressly relies upon CONTRACTOR’S representations and warranties regarding its skills, qualifications and licenses. CONTRACTOR shall perform such Services and duties in conformance to and consistent with the standards generally recognized as being employed by professionals in the same discipline in the State of California.
Any plans, designs, specifications, estimates, calculations, reports and other documents furnished under this Agreement shall be of a quality acceptable to CITY. The minimum criteria for acceptance shall be a product of neat appearance, well-organized, technically and grammatically correct, checked and having the maker and checker identified. The minimum standard of appearance, organization and content of the drawings shall be that used by CITY for similar purposes.
B. RESPONSIBILITY OF CONTRACTOR
CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for the professional quality, technical accuracy, and the coordination of the Services furnished by it under this Agreement. CONTRACTOR shall not be responsible for the accuracy of any project or technical information provided by the CITY. The CITY’S review, acceptance or payment for any of the Services shall not be construed to operate as a waiver of any rights under this Agreement or of any cause of action arising out of the performance of this Agreement, and CONTRACTOR shall be and remain liable to CITY in accordance with applicable law for all damages to CITY caused by CONTRACTOR’S negligent performance of any of the services furnished under this Agreement.
C. RIGHT OF CITY TO INSPECT RECORDS OF CONTRACTOR
CITY, through its authorized employees, representatives or agents, shall have the right, at any and all reasonable times, to audit the books and records ( including, but not limited to, invoices, vouchers, canceled checks, time cards, etc.) of CONTRACTOR for the purpose of verifying any and all charges made by CONTRACTOR in connection with this Agreement. CONTRACTOR shall maintain for a minimum period of three ( 3) years ( from the date of final payment to CONTRACTOR), or for any longer period required by law, sufficient books and records in accordance with standard California accounting practices to establish the correctness of all charges submitted to CITY by CONTRACTOR, all of which shall be made available to CITY at the CITY’s offices within five (5) business days after CITY’s request.