MINUTES
City of Guadalupe
Regular Meeting of the Guadalupe City Council
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:00 pm
City Hall, Council Chambers, 918 Obispo Street, Guadalupe CA 93434
1. ROLL CALL:
Council Member Eugene Costa Jr.
Council Member Whitney Furness
Council Member Amelia M. Villegas
Mayor Pro Tempore Christina Hernandez
Mayor Ariston Julian
Mayor Julian called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Council Member Villegas, Council Member Hernandez, and Council Member Costa, Jr. were present.
Council Member Furness was absent.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. MOMENT OF THANKS, APPRECIATION OR CONDOLENCES
4. AGENDA REVIEW
At this time the City Council will review the order of business to be conducted and receive requests for, or make announcements regarding, any change(s) in the order of business.
No changes were made to the agenda.
5. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FORUM
Each person will be limited to a discussion of three (3) minutes or as directed by the Mayor. Pursuant to the provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on these matters unless they are listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. City Council may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future City Council meeting.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR (A-D)
The following items are presented for City Council approval without discussion as a single agenda item in order to expedite the meeting. Should a Council Member wish to discuss or disapprove an item, it must be dropped from the blanket motion of approval and considered as a separate item.
A. Waive the reading in full of all Ordinances and Resolutions. Ordinances on the Consent Calendar will be adopted by the same vote cast as the first meeting unless City Council indicates otherwise.
May 26, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 5 B. Ratify payment of warrants for the period ending May 8, 2026, and May 15, 2026.
Approve the Minutes of the City Council regular meeting of May 12, 2026.
D. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-21 approving an agreement for contractor services with ADA General Engineering for the Guadalupe Jr. High School Sidewalk Project and authorizing the Mayor to sign the agreement on behalf of the City.
Motion was made by Council Member Costa Jr. and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to approve the Consent Calendar.
Motion passed. 4-0.
Council Member Furness was absent.
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
7. CITY ADMINISTRATOR: (Information Only)
A. City Administrator's report for May 26, 2026
8. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY: (Information Only)
A. Director of Public Safety report for May 26, 2026
B. Police Department report for April 2026
C. Fire Department report for April 2026
D. Code Compliance report for April 2026
REGULAR BUSINESS
9. Discussion and direction regarding the proposed Guadalupe Harvest Festival at Jack O'Connell Park.
Written report: David Trujillo, City Administrator
Recommendation: That the City Council:
a. Confirm the City's willingness to move forward with the permitting process for the proposed Guadalupe Greens Festival at Jack O'Connell Park; and
b. Authorize the event organizers to begin marketing and advance ticket sales while permit conditions are finalized; and
c. Direct staff to continue working with the event organizers to finalize operational requirements, fee structures, public safety measures, and regulatory compliance prior to final permit approval; or
d. Decline to move forward with the proposed festival.
Staff presented the item and requested Council direction to either continue for permitting or decline the festival proposal.
May 26, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 5 Austen Connella, founder of Root One dispensary and organizer presented an overview of the proposed festival as a fully enclosed, ticketed music event in partnership with Good Vibe Presents.
Public Comments made by email:
Gina Cortez
Ms. Cortez wrote in expressing her serious concerns to the proposed Guadalupe Harvest Festival (cannabis event). In her remarks she argued that allowing the proposed festival contradicts the city's commitment to public health, youth safety, and community values. The festival risks compromising Guadalupe's hard earned "Grade A" recognition and its efforts to create smoke-free spaces that support families and youth activities. Guadalupe's small size and lack of necessary infrastructure is a safety concern. The issues with limited police presence and existing parking problems are exacerbated by the anticipated number of visitors.
With no hotel accommodation for the large, anticipated crowd attendees would be driving in and out of our small city after consuming substances, leading to increased dangers from intoxicated driving. She questioned why the community is being asked to normalize cannabis culture in public spaces intended for youth and recreation. That undermines the community's commitment for healthier lifestyles, exposure to substances, safe recreational environments and disregards the voices that have worked so hard to preserve the character and values of Guadalupe.
Santiago Segovia, Program Coordinator, Tobacco Prevention & Cannabis Education Mr. Segovia stated representatives of Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley and residents of Guadalupe contacted him about the proposed festival. He urged the city council to consider the State and local regulations before approval.
Guadalupe has a local ordinance that prohibit smoking in public parks. A state regulation for Prop Proposition 64 restricts consumption of cannabis in public places, including parks, sidewalks or streets. The city of Avila Beach previously denied the permit for the same festival within their city limits due to the prohibitions in Prop 64 at the state level.
Dawnette Kingsley-Smith, Programs Director Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Ms. Kingsley-Smith wrote to thank the council for their leadership and commitment to protecting the youth and outdoor spaces in the city of Guadalupe. She referenced the adoption of Ordinance No. 2020-489 in 2020. She argued allowing the events components, specifically the 21+ Cannabis Village might conflict with city's smoke free policies.
The policies adopted under the ordinance showed a commitment to reducing exposure to harmful substances and protecting substances and protecting public spaces for residents, especially youth.
Introducing cannabis in such a large all ages public event anticipated to draw 11,000 to 14,000 attendees raise concerns regarding normalization, exposure, and consistency with the City's values of prioritizing clean air and safe public spaces. She asked the council to maintain a strong and consistent stance on public health and community safety when considering.
Council Members discussed the proposed Guadalupe Harvest Festival acknowledging the potential benefits of hosting a local festival, including increased community activity and opportunities to attract visitors.
Members noted that while Guadalupe has held small events in the past, it has not hosted a large-scale music festival. Comments included interest in the economic potential of such an event, as well as concerns regarding the cannabis -related component, traffic impacts, public safety, and compatibility with nearby residential areas.
Several council members expressed openness to considering other types of festivals in the future.
May 26, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 5 Phil Sinco, City Attorney clarified that the festival and the cannabis area would require separate permits, and that approving the festival would not authorize any cannabis-related activities. The cannabis component would need its own independent regulatory review and compliance. Mr. Sinco also confirmed that the council had the option to decline the proposal under the agendized item.
Council Member Costa Jr. made a motion to adopt items A, B, and C there was no second for the motion.
Council Member Villegas made a motion and seconded by Council Member Hernandez to approve item D to decline to move forward with the proposed festival.
Motion passed 3-0.
Council Member Villegas: Aye
Council Member Hernandez: Aye
Mayor Julian: Aye
Council Member Costa Jr.: Nay
Councill Member Furness: Absent
Mayor Julian called a break at 7:22 p.m. and resumed the meeting at 7:26 p.m.
10. City of Guadalupe Preliminary Draft Budget FY 2026-27 Workshop.
Written report: Eli Martinez, Finance Director
Recommendation: That the City Council review the preliminary draft budget for fiscal year 2026- 27 and provide necessary feedback during this workshop.
Staff presented the Preliminary Draft Budget for fiscal year for 2026-27 and provided an overview of projected revenues, expenditures and major costs drivers for the upcoming year. The report outlined anticipated operational needs, departmental funding requirements and expected changes in revenues. Staff explained that's the document is an initial working draft intended to give the council an early look at the city's financial outlook and to receive directions before preparing the final proposed budget. No formal actions were requested at this stage as the budget will return for further review and adoption at a later meeting.
Council members reviewed the preliminary draft budget and asked clarifying questions regarding revenue projections departmental funding needs and expected operational cost increases. Members discussed areas where expenditures may rise and acknowledged that adjustments will be made as updated financial information becomes available. The council expressed appreciation for receiving the early overview and noted that the draft provides a useful foundation for continued budget development. No action was taken.
11. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
12. ANNOUNCEMENTS - COUNCIL ACTIVITY/COMMITTEE REPORTS
May 26, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 5 Council Member Villegas:
Attended the Memorial Day Ceremony at the cemetery
Will attend the Back a Youth Night at the Boys and Girls Club CCWA meeting was cancelled and will attend the June 25th public hearing for the Urban Water Management Plan
Council Member Hernandez:
Attended Hancock Scholarship Celebration
Attended Cruize Night in Santa Maria
Shared she saw a video of Catholic Charity workers from Guadalupe being roughed up by ICE Officers at the jail and felt this was unfortunate.
Mayor Julian:
Attended the Memorial Day Ceremony at the cemetery. The American Legion Post 371 and the Vietnam Veterans 982 had to double the chairs for the attendees and Nardos provided the food for the feed.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Villegas and seconded by Council Member Hernandez.
Motion passed. 4-0. Council Member Furness absent.
Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
-Palisar
Judy Mylson, Ariston Julian, Mayor
May 26, 2026 City of Guadalupe Council Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 5