AGENDA
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
117 FOURTH STREET, GONZALES, CA 93926
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026
6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.1 Proclamation No. 2026-11 Proclaiming October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
4.2 Proclamation No. 2026-12 Proclaiming October 4 - 10, 2026 as National 4-H Week
4.3 Resolution No. 2026-64, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Recognizing the Fanoe Family for Their Longstanding Contributions and Dedication to the Community of Gonzales
5. BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
City Council/Successor Agency Members:
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Liz Silva, Council/Agency Member Scott Funk, Council/Agency Member Maria Orozco, Mayor/Chair Jose L. Rios.
PUBLIC NOTICE
This meeting is being conducted consistent with State of California Executive Order N-29-20 dated March 17, 2020, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The public may participate in person or online via zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87020263943 or call 1 (669) 900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 870 2026 3943. If you wish to make either a general public comment or to comment on a specific agenda item, please use the Raise Hand function.
You will be allowed two minutes for your comments.
If you choose not to attend the City Council meeting but wish to make a comment on a specific agenda item, please submit your comment limited to 250 words or less by 12:00p.m. on the day of the meeting to the City Clerk at [email protected]
Proclamation No. 2026-11
Proclamation No. 2026-12
Resolution No. 2026-64
Business from the Public not on the Agenda; any member of the Public may address the Council/Agency for a period not to exceed two (2) minutes on any subject not on the Agenda. The 1 6. CONSENT AGENDA
6.1 Approve the Joint City Council/Successor Agency Meeting Minutes of September 21, 2026
6.2 Approve Accounts Payable Warrants #54443-54516
6.3 Proclamation No. 2026-13, City of Gonzales Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency Due to Statewide Winter Storm "El Niño"
7. GONZALES YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATES
8. BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
8.1 Board/Committee Reports
Transportation Agency for Monterey County
Mayor Selection Committee
Salinas Valley Recycles
8.2 Oral Communication
9. BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
10. ADJOURNMENT
Council/Agency will listen to all communications but may take no action.
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be adopted by one action of the Council unless any Council Member has a question or wishes to make a statement or discuss an item. In that event, the Mayor will remove the item from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
September 21, 2026 Minutes
Warrants #54443-54516
Proclamation No. 2026-13
In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (831) 675-5000. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II). This is a public meeting and as such, can be seen live by people present or online and is being recorded; therefore; anything you say or do here is public information.
The recordings are available online.
Any writing or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at City Hall located at 147 Fourth Street, Gonzales, California, during normal business hours.
I, Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk of the City of Gonzales, do hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing Joint City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Agenda was posted at City Hall, Council Chambers, and on the City’s website by Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 5:00pm.
Mary Villegas 10/1/26
Mary Villegas Date
2 CITY OF GONZALES
AGENDA
ITEM
4.1 STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 5, 2026
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Proclamation No. 2026-11 Proclaiming October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
CITY MANAGER
ATTACHMENTS:
Proclamation No. 2026-11
3 PROCLAMATION NO. 2026-11
WHEREAS, pregnancy and infant loss affect families in every community and have profound emotional, physical, and lasting impacts on parents, siblings, grandparents, and loved ones; and
WHEREAS, on October 25, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5890, officially proclaiming October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and calling upon Americans to recognize the needs of bereaved parents and families; and WHEREAS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to recognize the profound grief experienced by families, encourage compassionate conversations, reduce isolation and stigma, and remind bereaved parents that they are not alone; and
WHEREAS, too many families awaiting the arrival of their little ones go home with broken hearts and empty arms, having to weather medical bills, difficult transitions and funeral arrangements, like Wyatt Braasch’s family, whose life was cut short at just 37 weeks of gestation; and
WHEREAS, families in the City of Gonzales and throughout the surrounding communities have identified a need for greater awareness of local and accessible pregnancy and infant loss resources; and
WHEREAS, organizations like the Star Legacy Foundation, Return to Zero: H.O.P.E., and Sad Dads Club provide education, peer support, bereavement resources, and community for families and fathers experiencing pregnancy and infant loss; and WHEREAS, October 15th is recognized as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, and the annual Wave of Light invites families around the world to light candles at 7:00 p.m. in remembrance of babies and children who passed too soon; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Gonzales recognizes that no family should have to navigate the loss of a baby feeling alone, forgotten, or uncertain about where to find support.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Gonzales, hereby proclaims the month of October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and encourages residents, healthcare providers, and public agencies to promote awareness, compassion, remembrance, and support for families affected by pregnancy and infant loss, and October 15, 2026, as “Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day” and encourages participation in remembrance activities, including the Wave of Light, to honor babies and children whose lives were lost.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Gonzales encourages appropriate community remembrance activities throughout October, including the display of pink and blue ribbons as visible expressions of support for families affected by pregnancy and infant loss.
Jose L. Rios, The Honorable Mayor
October 5, 2026
4 CITY OF GONZALES
AGENDA
ITEM
4.2 STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 5, 2026
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Proclamation No. 2026-12 Proclaiming October 4 - 10, 2026 as National 4-H Week
CITY MANAGER
ATTACHMENTS:
Proclamation No. 2026-12
5 PROCLAMATION NO. 2026-12
WHEREAS, 4-H is the largest youth development organization in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the emblem of 4H is a four-leaf clover with an H on each leaf, and the four H’s stand for head, heart, health and hands; and WHEREAS, 4-H provides programs for children and teens that are grounded in the belief that kids learn best by doing; and
WHEREAS, 4-H gives kids and teens opportunities to complete hands-on projects in areas like science, health, agriculture, and civic engagement in a positive environment and with adult mentorship; and
WHEREAS, 4-H prepares young people with the skills they need today and tomorrow, instills confidence and resiliency, and empowers youth in both body and mind; and
WHEREAS, 4-H members are dedicated members of the community participating in various activities including showmanship by participating at the local fairs and taking on projects that help improve their community; and WHEREAS, in September, the Gonzales 4-H Club hosted the Annual Monterey County 4-H Achievement Award Ceremony to recognize members for their outstanding accomplishments, and honor youth participants for their leadership development, dedication to community service, and the many volunteer hours they contribute to better their communities and clubs; and WHEREAS, the local 4-H Club is active and its members are Beyond Ready, continuously working to sharpen their skills.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the City Council of the City of Gonzales hereby Proclaims October 4 - 10, 2026 as National 4-H Week and encourages residents to celebrate through community events and support our local 4-H Program with this year’s theme “Beyond Ready.” Jose L. Rios, Mayor
October 5, 2026
6 CITY OF GONZALES
AGENDA
ITEM
4.3 STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 5, 2026
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2026-64, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Recognizing the Fanoe Family for Their Longstanding Contributions and Dedication to the Community of Gonzales
CITY MANAGER
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution No. 2026-64
7 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-64
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GONZALES RECOGNIZING
THE FANOE FAMILY FOR THEIR LONGSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS AND
DEDICATION TO THE COMMUNITY OF GONZALES
WHEREAS, the Fanoe Family’s deep roots in Gonzales span five generations, dating back to their immigration from Denmark in 1870; and
WHEREAS, since then, the Fanoe’s have been farming vegetables in the Salinas Valley growing over one million pounds of fresh vegetables weekly; and WHEREAS, multiple generations have lived and worked on the family farm; and WHEREAS, the Fanoe Family contributes to the agricultural economy and works with industry leaders like Taylor Farms to get their fresh vegetables to families around the world; and WHEREAS, the Fanoe’s have been dedicated members of the Gonzales community, contributing to the local economy, civic life, and the Gonzales Unified School District; and WHEREAS, due to their profound love and appreciation for education, in 202, the Fanoe Family generously dedicated 12 acres of their land to the Gonzales Unified School District for the future site of The Fanoe Academy/Academia Fanoe, which will sit within the long-awaited master-planned Vista Lucia Community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gonzales, its Council Members, Mayor, and residents are lucky to have the Fanoe Family’s commitment, dedication and contribution to the betterment of the Gonzales community as 771 acres of their beloved Fanoe Ranch will be the land where new homes will be built for families to establish their roots on, and where the new school sites and parks will go, improving the overall well-being of the City’s residents and the lives of generations to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
GONZALES HEREBY EXTENDS ITS DEEPEST GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION TO THE
FANOE FAMILY FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT TO THE
GONZALES COMMUNITY AND ITS FUTURE GENERATIONS
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Gonzales at the regular meeting held on the 5th day of October, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Jose L. Rios, The Honorable Mayor
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk
8 CITY OF GONZALES
AGENDA
ITEM
6.1 STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 5, 2026
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Approve the Joint City Council/Successor Agency Meeting Minutes of September 21, 2026
CITY MANAGER
ATTACHMENTS:
September 21, 2026 Minutes
9
MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
GONZALES CITY COUNCIL AND
GONZALES SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rios called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Silva led the flag salute.
3. ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Title Status
Jose L Rios Mayor/Chair Present
Liz Silva Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Present
Maria Orozco Member Present
Scott Funk Member Excused Absence
YOUTH COMMISSIONERS
Orlando Rodriguez and Junior Ruiz.
STAFF PRESENT:
City Manager Carmen Gil, City Attorney Michael F. Rodriquez, Community Development Director Taven Kinison Brown, Executive Assistant to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk Mary Villegas, Administrative Assistant II Yoanna Meza, Public Works Director/City Engineer Octavio Hurtado, and Police Chief Keith Wise.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
This meeting is being conducted consistent with State of California Executive Order N -29- 20 dated March 17, 2020 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The public may participate in person or online via zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87020263943 or call 1 (669) 900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 870 2026 3943. If you wish to make either a general public comment or to comment on a specific agenda item, please use the Raise Hand function. You will be allowed two minutes for your comments.
If you choose not to attend the City Council meeting but wish to make a comment on a specific agenda item, please submit your comment limited to 250 words or less by 12:00p.m. on the day of the meeting to the City Clerk at [email protected]
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.1 Update on the Vista Lucia Project
Community Development Director Kinison Brown gave an update explaining the Vista Lucia Specific Plan, project location, project map, open space and park system, first phase consisting of 1,247 units, housing variety and opportunities, infrastructure needed, affordable housing component, recent history, anticipated timeline, and next steps. He announced the LAFCo meeting on September 28th at 3:00pm at the Board of Supervisors Chambers, and explained how individuals could support the project.
He addressed questions from David Bassetti and Andrew Castillo.
5. BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC
Business from the Public not on the Agenda; any member of the Public may address the Council/Agency for a period not to exceed two (2) minutes on any subject not on the Agenda. The Council/Agency will listen to all communications but may take no action.
Henry Martinez Sr. talked about having problems with the landlords, friends and families of the Council members that own properties, read the federal government section code on signs placement on properties, and said they don't want political signs on their property. He mentioned fliers he gave to people with information about CRLA lawyers for suing.
Henry Martinez III said he talked to the Mayor about lights in District 4, it being pitch black, and said police don’t patrol his area, and people complained about high rent, high taxes, and sales tax.
Henry Martinez Jr. talked about leading the fight against Measure B and being called out during the last meeting on that, but 527 people voted against it. He also commented about signs being stolen around town and elaborated on what property owners and tenants can and cannot do. He told the Council they were the reason we are broke and have no money because they don’t give up the power.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and will be adopted by one action of the Council unless any Council Member has a question or wishes to make a statement or discuss an item. In that event, the Mayor will remove the item from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
6.1 Approve the Joint City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes of September 8, 2026 11
6.2 Approve Accounts Payable Warrants #54384-54442
Mayor Rios asked what the warrant for Columbia Bank was.
City Manager Gil responded that was a retention check for the Wastewater Treatment project and was being held by the bank in a separate account and will be released once the project is complete.
6.3 City Manager Report
6.4 Community Engagement & Recreation Activity Report
6.5 Community Development Department Activity Report
6.6 Fire Department Activity Report
6.7 Police Department Activity Report
Mayor Pro Tem Silva thanked Chief Wise for adding the verbiage on the Animal Control section of the activity report letting the public know that the numbers did not reflect the animals that were transported to the SPCA by the public, since the report only showed what has been transported by our Animal Control Officer. She said the Chief clarified about the bill being over $7,000, which was for 27 animals taken to SPCA but only 3 of those animals were transported by our Animal Control Officer, so that was 24 animals that were transported claiming jurisdiction within Gonzales, and she wanted the public to know that the cost is $260 per animal.
6.8 Public Works/City Engineer Department Activity Report
6.9 Resolution No. 2026-62, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Supporting Proposition 1, The Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026
6.10 Resolution No. 2026-63, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Accepting Parcel C, A Public Alley Dedication, as Described in the Proposed and Attached Parcel Map Subdividing the Land Shown in R.983-OR- 406, Being a Portion of Block XIV as Shown Upon the Maps of the Town of Gonzales Surveyed by Chas Healey in April 1875 and Recorded in Volume 1 of Cities and Towns at Page 41, Records of Monterey County, CA.
RESULT: PASSED[UNANIMOUS] Consent Agenda Items
MOVER: Maria Orozco
SECONDER: Liz Silva
AYES: Jose L Rios, Liz Silva, Maria Orozco
ABSENT: Scott Funk
7. GONZALES YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATES
Commissioner Ruiz reported on their first GYC meeting they attended on September 9th, September 16th Town Hall meeting, planning for a future meeting with the Soledad and Greenfield Youth Councils, and announced their next meeting on September 23rd, and the September 28th LAFCo meeting in Salinas, and October 5th Wildland Conservancy meeting with Supervisor Lopez at the Community Center at 4:00pm. 12
Commissioner Rodriguez announced the activities and games happening at the High School.
Mayor Pro Tem Silva asked the Commissioners to tell the public about the new rules at the stadium.
Commissioner Rodriguez said they were going to be having additional security measures such as metal detectors and ensuring safety implementation.
8. BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL
8.1 Consider Appointment of Voting Delegate for the League of California Cities Conference It was the Council consensus to appoint City Manager Carmen Gil as a Voting Delegate, and Public Works Director Hurtado as a Voting Alternate at the League of California Cities Conference.
8.2 Board/Committee Reports
• League of California Cities Monterey Bay Division - No Report. • Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments - No report. • Monterey Salinas Transit - Council Member Orozco reported on the MST Safety Plan, employee awards, and contract for legislative services.
Oral Communications
Mayor Pro Tem Silva attended the POW MIA event in the City of Soledad remembering those who were prisoners of war. She announced right now was the time to apply for utility assistance, and Senior Rebate Programs at City Hall. She announced the Hometown Heroes sign celebration at Central Park on November 10th, and the forms are available at City Hall. She thanked the community who attended the Town Hall meeting to discuss the Vista Lucia project, which was very well attended.
Council Member Orozco also thanked all those who attended the Town Hall meeting, especially staff, City Manager Gil and Community Development Director Kinison Brown, which was very well attended. She said the presentation was well done and very informative and people came out of that meeting with more understanding of what the project entailed. She announced the St. Theodore's Carnival on October 4th with lots of food, entertainment, and raffles.
Mayor Rios asked Public Works Director Hurtado to look at the 10th Street area regarding the lighting.
He talked about a letter he received from the local Legion Hall regarding some issues they're having with leaky roofs and they're trying to raise funds. He said they would appreciate it if the City would consider maybe getting a free permit. He said he would call them back and ask them to submit a request in writing.
9. BUSINESS FROM CITY MANAGER
City Manager Gil reiterated the importance of LAFCo's meeting on Monday, September 28th at 3:00pm in Salinas. She encouraged everybody in our community who had interest in housing to make their voice heard for them, their kids, or grandkids, and encouraged them to support it. She announced the registration for the Hometown Heroes Banners was open and the celebration would be on November 10th at Central Park at 11:00am.
She thanked staff for taking the lead on the Relay for Life ticket sales. She said staff is making great progress on the website which she hopes to bring a demo before the Council soon. 13
Community Development Director Kinison Brown announced the City-wide garage sale on October 10th and 11th, and the Tri-Cities Clean up day the following weekend.
Mayor Rios announced Creative Flowers was a new flower shop in town.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rios mentioned we lost Ralph Yniguez, a former Planning Commissioner and Council Member, and his services would be on the 30th at St. Theodore's Church. He asked for a moment of silence.
A moment of silence was observed by all present.
The Joint meeting was adjourned at 6:55pm.
RESULT: PASSED[UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Maria Orozco
SECONDER: Liz Silva
AYES: Jose L Rios, Liz Silva, Maria Orozco
ABSENT: Scott Funk
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk
14 CITY OF GONZALES
AGENDA
ITEM
6.2 STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 5, 2026
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Approve Accounts Payable Warrants #54443-54516
CITY MANAGER
ATTACHMENTS:
Warrants #54443-54516
15 16
17 18
19 20
21 22
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25 26
CITY OF GONZALES
AGENDA
ITEM
6.3 STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: October 5, 2026
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Proclamation No. 2026-13, City of Gonzales Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency Due to Statewide Winter Storm "El Niño"
CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council consider and adopt Proclamation No. 2026-13, City of Gonzales Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency Due to Statewide Winter Storm “El Niño”.
BACKGROUND
In the past several years, the State of California has experienced increasingly severe and destructive storms including atmospheric river events that have impacted Monterey County and the City of Gonzales. Locally we have experienced widespread flooding that created hazardous conditions and caused highway and road closures impacting life and safety.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is reporting that El Niño is strengthening with greater than 90% change of very strong event during fall and winter 2026-2027, and a 75 percent chance of historic strength during October 2026 – March 2027. Therefore, it’s imperative that the City begin its preparations to help minimize hazards and prevent destruction. To do so, City staff is already working to coordinate clearing out of drains and ensuring the infrastructure is ready to take on the storms.
Additionally, on September 21, 2026, Governor Newsom issued a state-wide “State of Emergency” Proclamation in anticipation of the forecasted El Nino season. Similarly, it is recommended that the City Council consider and approve a proclamation establishing the existence of a local emergency.
REVIEWAND ANALYSIS
During previous significant storm events, Gonzales has seen episodes of flooding and the City has significant exposure to damage and flooding at the wastewater treatment facility, although staff is already working to ensure that the plant can endure predicted coming storms. As such, it is prudent to start emergency preparations now. Staff has commenced work to address problem areas like the slough and clogged drains, and is purchasing sandbags and other 27 equipment to ensure that we are prepared locally to withstand storm impacts. This Proclamation will have staff prioritize preparations and will allow us to work with the community to begin their own emergency preparedness measures.
How Recommendation Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm.
Explain: This Proclamation supports our emergency preparedness efforts and helps to ensure that we will be ready for the storms when they hit the City.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staf of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes __No__ N/A
Explain: Preparing early is imperative to ensure that we do all we can to protect our local residents from the severe impacts of El Niño.
City services will be delivered in a cost-ef ective, respectful and friendly manner to insure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes __No __ N/A
Explain: See Vision explanation above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
Public Safety X Yes __ No __ N/A
Housing X Yes __ No __ N/A
Recreation X Yes __ No __ N/A
Environment X Yes __ No __ N/A
Education X Yes __ No __ N/A
Explain: See Vision above.
ALTERNATIVES
Do not adopt the Proclamation. This action is not recommended as it will prevent City staff from deploying all efforts to keep the community of Gonzales safe during the impacts of El Niño.
BUDGET IMPACT
Adopting this Proclamation does not impact the budget at this time.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council consider and adopt Proclamation No. 2026-13, City of Gonzales Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency Due to Statewide Winter Storm “El Niño”.
ATTACHMENTS:
Proclamation No. 2026-13
28 29
PROCLAMATION NO. 2026-13
CITY OF GONZALES PROCLAMATION OF THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO STATEWIDE WINTER STORM “El NIŇO”
WHEREAS, the past several years, California has experienced increasingly severe and destructive storms, including atmospheric river events that have caused widespread flooding, mud and debris flows, landslides, high winds, power outages, road and highway closures, evacuation orders, damages to homes and critical infrastructure, and disruption of essential services; and WHEREAS, the California Emergency Services Act (California Government Code sections 8639, 8550, et seq.) defines a local emergency as the existence of conditions of disaster or of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within the territorial limits of a city, caused by conditions which are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of a city, and require the combined forces of other political subdivisions to combat; and WHEREAS, California is entering into the 2026-2027 wet season amid the ongoing development of a strong and likely historic El Niño event in the Pacific Ocean; and WHEREAS, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, in its August 13, 2026, diagnostic report, found that the El Niño event is strengthening, with a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event during fall and winter of 2026-2027 exceeding the strength of previous El Niño events; and WHEREAS, the powerful storm of El Niño threatens critical infrastructure, the movement of resources, and potential power outages to thousands of households and businesses, and can threaten river and urban flooding due to excessive and prolonged rainfall; and WHEREAS, the State’s, County’s and City’s recent experiences with atmospheric rivers, debris flows following wildfire, flash flooding, coastal erosion, inundation, and damage to transportation and flood-control infrastructure demonstrates the importance of procuring and positioning resources, clearing waterways, and taking additional actions to prepare before severe storms arrive; and
WHEREAS, in light of previous local experience, where infrastructure and homes were threatened, flood control measures are being taken early on to begin preparations for preventing and responding to impacts of potential flooding; and
WHEREAS, under the provisions of Government Code section 8558(b), Governor Gavin Newsom found that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist due to the developing El Niño event; and
WHEREAS, under the provisions of Government Code section 8558(b), Governor Gavin Newsom has declared that the potential conditions caused by El Niño, by reason of its predicted magnitude, is likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of any single local government and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to appropriately respond; and
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WHEREAS, under the provisions of Government Code section 8625(c), Governor Gavin Newsom believes that the local authority is inadequate to cope with the potential magnitude of the damage that can be caused by El Niño event; and
WHEREAS, on September 21, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom Proclaimed a State of Emergency in anticipation of the developing 2026-2027 El Niño Event (https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SIGNED_Super-El-Niño-SOE-9-21
26.pdf); and
WHEREAS, many cities within Monterey County are taking the proactive step to declare an emergency in anticipation of El Niño; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 2.08-Emergency Services Organization of the Gonzales City Code establishes a broad set of powers and responsibilities associated with disasters and provides that the City Manager is designated as the City’s “Director of Emergency Services;” and WHEREAS, after reviewing all of the afore-referenced circumstances and facts, the Director of Emergency Services requests and recommends that the Gonzales City Council proclaim the existence of a local emergency; and
WHEREAS, after consideration of all items before it, including but not limited to the Director of Emergency Services’ recommendation, the Gonzales City Council now desires to declare a State of Emergency to make additional resources available to address the effects of winter storms and the atmospheric river.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Gonzales does resolve as follows:
1. Threats of conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property have arisen within the City of Gonzales, caused by the effects of a probable El Niño event.
2. The aforementioned conditions of extreme peril warrant and necessitate the proclamation of the existence of a local emergency as recommended by the City’s Emergency Service Director.
3. The City Council does hereby proclaim and declare the existence of a local emergency in the City of Gonzales.
4. During the existence of said local emergency, the powers, functions and duties of the Emergency Services Director and the City’s Civil Defense and Disaster organization shall be those prescribed by State Law, City ordinances, resolutions, and approved plans of the City in order to mitigate the effects of said local emergency
5. This Resolution shall take effect immediately. This Resolution and its contents will be published and promulgated in as widespread a manner as is reasonable feasible under the conditions prevailing during this local emergency. The City Council shall review the need for continuing the local emergency at least once every sixty (60) days until the city Council terminates the local emergency.
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PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Gonzales at a regular meeting duly held on the 5
th day of October, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Jose L. Rios, The Honorable Mayor
ATTEST:
Mary Villegas, Deputy City Clerk
32