WRITTEN
PUBLIC
COMMENTS
CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
JANUARY 20, 2026
1 From: Bunny B <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2026 9:03 PM
To: City Clerk Mail
Subject: Kratom Regulation
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Hello, my name is Bunny Baker
Pure, plain leaf powder Kratom has had a profoundly positive impact on my quality of life. Before I started using it, I had been diagnosed with severe depression and struggled with chronic migraines. My days were often spent in bed, exhausted and unmotivated. I felt disconnected from my family and from life itself.
Since incorporating kratom into my wellness routine, I’ve experienced a complete turnaround. My energy levels have improved dramatically, and my migraines have become far less frequent. Most importantly, the heavy cloud of depression that once controlled my life has lifted. I now wake up feeling motivated and capable.
I’m an involved mother, a supportive wife, and an active member of my community. I’ve been able to return to regular exercise, eat healthier, and live fully again—something I never thought I’d be able to say.
Kratom hasn’t just improved my mood; it’s given me back my sense of purpose, balance, and well-being.
It’s helped me reduce dependence on antidepressants and reconnect with life in a natural, sustainable way.
Please regulate and keep lab tested plain leaf kratom legal.
Thank you,
Bunny Baker
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 20, 2026 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY CITIZEN BUNNY BAKER BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1 - PROPOSED ORD 628 TO ADD LQMC CHAPTER 5.94 RE: KRATOM REGULATIONS 1 From: Misty Brown <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2026 11:01 AM
To: City Clerk Mail
Subject: RE: Kratom
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Categories: Purple Category
Dear Members of the City Council,
I am writing to clarify an important scientific distinction between traditional whole-leaf kratom and the products now being sold as "7-hydroxymitragynine" (7-OH).
Whole-leaf kratom is the dried leaf of Mitragyna speciosa. Its primary alkaloid, mitragynine, is what produces kratom's effects. When consumed, the human body converts only a very small fraction of mitragynine into 7-OH, typically well under 1%, through normal liver metabolism. This process is slow and self-limiting.
By contrast, today's 7-OH products are not naturally occurring kratom preparations. They contain laboratory-isolated or chemically converted 7-hydroxymitragynine in concentrations far beyond what the body could ever produce from kratom leaf. At these levels, 7-OH behaves much more like a traditional opioid, with significantly higher risk.
Conflating these high-potency 7-OH products with the kratom plant itself leads to inaccurate risk assessments and poor public health policy. Regulating or restricting 7-OH does not require banning whole-leaf kratom, which has helped many adults avoid far more dangerous substances.
I urge the City Council to consider this distinction when evaluating policy and enforcement decisions.
Here’s my testimony…
From 2008 to 2019, I lived in the grip of FDA-approved pain pills, benzos, and muscle relaxers prescribed for my degenerative disc disease. For 11 years, chronic pain management fueled my addiction. What started as a dependency slowly slid into a destructive cycle of misuse and despair.
In April 2019, I was dismissed from pain management after failing a required pill count. I was 11 pills short, and my usual drug dealers didn’t have the pink oxy 10s I needed. Cut off from prescriptions, I turned to the streets in desperation and eventually slipped into cocaine use while searching for another doctor.
Then, in June 2019, while suffering through cocaine withdrawal, I stumbled upon the documentary A Leaf of Faith. That single moment changed the course of my life. The very next day, I began my journey with CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 20, 2026 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY CITIZEN MISTY BROWN BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1 - PROPOSED ORD 628 TO ADD LQMC CHAPTER 5.94 RE: KRATOM REGULATIONS 2 whole-leaf Kratom, not synthetic 7OH, by walking into a smoke shop. The Kratom was in a glass case, locked up and i was carded when purchased.
Kratom quieted the relentless cravings, the constant voice whispering, one more pill, one more snort, one more escape. For the first time in over a decade, I felt peace. Kratom gave me the space and clarity to confront the deeper reasons behind my addiction and to rebuild my life from the ground up.
I have not returned to pain management in over six and a half years. Today, I am a thriving mother, a proud first-time grandmother, a functioning member of society, and a tax-paying citizen. Most importantly, I’m no longer a burden to my children. I’m an example of hope and healing.
I will forever be grateful that I found safe, lab-tested, whole-leaf Kratom. Now, I share my story, knowledge, and the science behind it to help others facing addiction, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
Yours truly,
Misty Brown
Kratom Consumer, Advocate & Activist est. 2019
California Narcotic Officers’ Association
28245 AVENUE CROCKER STE 230 - SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA 91355-1201 (661) 775-6960 • (877) 775-NARC • FAX (661) 775-1648 WWW.CNOA.ORG President
BOB COOKE
WSIN
1st Vice President
DEVIN CHASE
Torrance PD (Ret.)
2nd Vice President
JAMES APPLEGATE
El Dorado D.A.'s
Office/DEA TF
Sergeant at Arms
JAMES HOFFMAN
San Bernardino Co.
S.D. (Ret.)
Executive Director
JOE STEWART
CNOA
Director of Training
JOHN KENNEY
Orange Co. D.A.’s
(Ret.)
General Counsel
DAVID R.
DEMURJIAN
Huntington Beach
Legislative Counsel
RYAN SHERMAN
Sherman Consulting
Conference Chair
MIKE KENNEDY
SLO Co. D.A.’s (Ret.)
Legislative Chair
ANTHONY MUNOZ
Alameda Co. Sheriff's
Office
Region I Chair
TOM MORENO
San Jose P.D.
Region II Chair
SCOTT BACHMAN
DOJ/BI
Region III Chair
JESSE BRAVO
Irwindale P.D.
Region IV Chair
PAUL PAXTON
San Diego P.D. (Ret.)
Region V Chair
ALEX NAOUM
San Bernardino Co.
S.D.
Region VI Chair
JASON DICKEL
San Luis Obispo P.D.
Region VII Chair
DAVE GARZA
Fresno PD (Ret.)
Region VIII Chair
BRETT LETENDRE
CA ABC
Immediate Past
President
ERNIE COLASSO
Orange Co. D.A.
January 19, 2025
Honorable Councilman Steve Sanchez
La Quinta City Council
78-495 Calle Tampico,
La Quinta, CA 92253
Re: Support for Prohibiting the Sale and Distribution of 7-OH Products Dear Councilman Sanchez,
On behalf of the California Narcotic Officers’ Association (CNOA), I am writing to express our strong support to prohibit the sale, distribution of concentrated synthetic 7- hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and regulating natural kratom in La Quinta. 7-OH, the psychoactive component of kratom leaves, is being synthetically concentrated into various products that are sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and other retail and online venues in the county. High doses of concentrated synthetic 7-OH and/or co-used with alcohol or other sedatives can cause severe respiratory depression and death. As they are unregulated, many contain unknown concentrations synthetic 7-OH, increasing the risk of unintentional overdose.
Medical research has shown that 7-OH binds to the same receptors in the brain as traditional opioids, creating a risk for dependency, withdrawal, and overdose when combined with other substances. Despite being marketed as a “natural” product, concentrated synthetic 7-OH has no approved medical use and is widely recognized by public health authorities as dangerous.
In July 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters to firms for illegal marketing of concentrated synthetic 7-OH products and posted product images. The FDA indicated that “7-OH is not lawful in dietary supplements and cannot be lawfully added to conventional foods. Additionally, there are no FDA-approved drugs containing 7-OH, and it is illegal to market any drugs containing 7-OH. Consumers who use 7-OH products are exposing themselves to products that have not been proven safe or effective for any use.” Just this past summer, the FDA formally requested that the DEA designate concentrated synthetic 7-OH as Schedule 1.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recently issued a news release entitled, Multiple Fatal Overdoses Tied to Synthetic Kratom Compound in Los Angeles County which warned its residents about the fatal dangers posed by this synthetic opioid which has resulted in at least 6 deaths.
The Los Angeles Times recently reported on these 6 deaths attributed to concentrated synthetic 7-OH and the highlighted the lack of action by the state legislature.
The CNOA has been extremely active in addressing the recent explosion of the use of kratom and the abuse of concentrated synthetic 7-OH throughout the state. We have been strong advocates for AB 1088 which would restrict sales to persons 21 and over and prohibit the marketing of natural kratom to children. The bill also prohibits the sale or distribution of concentrated synthetic 7-OH. AB 1088 passed the full Assembly, with support from Riverside County’s Assembly members and currently awaits action in the Senate Health Committee.
“FOR BETTER NARCOTIC ENFORCEMENT”
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 20, 2026 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY CALIFORNIA NARCAOTIC OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT DEVIN CHASE BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1 - PROPOSED ORD 628 TO ADD LQMC CHAPTER 5.94 RE: KRATOM REGULATIONS In August, we worked with Orange County Supervisors, resulting in the unanimous passage of their Ord. 25-014, regulating kratom and prohibiting the sale or distribution of concentrated synthetic 7-OH. The County of Riverside enacted a similar ordinance in October and Fresno County adopted the same approach earlier this month.
To be clear, the CNOA is not seeking a ban on natural kratom as that product does not pose a deadly threat to our communities as does 7-OH. However, we do support restricting natural kratom sales to persons 21 and over.
Our efforts throughout the state have mirrored the FDA’s approach, focusing on raising awareness and leading the charge to ban concentrated synthetic 7-OH which presents a unique health risk and has been determined to have contributed to numerous deaths.
Most recently, the California Senate Public Safety Committee unanimously passed SB 758 (Umberg) which makes illegal the sale or distribution of 7-OH in the state. The bill is pending a vote in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
As previously noted, communities across the state have taken steps to restrict kratom and ban concentrated synthetic 7-OH in the interest of protecting residents, especially young people, from its dangers. By adopting this ordinance, La Quinta would join other local governments in prioritizing public safety and public health.
On a daily basis, our dedicated members witness first hand the dangers these substances can pose to our children, families and communities which is why the CNOA urges you to prohibit the sale and distribution of concentrated synthetic 7-OH and limiting natural kratom purchases to persons 21 and over. Taking action now will help prevent future deaths and reduce harm - especially for our youth.
For these reasons, we respectfully request your support to prohibit 7-OH, a deadly substance. Please contact our legislative counsel Ryan Sherman at 916.580.5464 with and questions.
Sincerely,
Devin Chase
President
California Narcotic Officers’ Association
The California Narcotic Officers' Association mission is to educate the public and our membership on the dangers of narcotic and drug abuse, provide a medium for the exchange of ideas and the new techniques used by both criminals and investigators; and keep the membership and the public informed of current statute changes and judicial decisions. The over 7,000+ members of CNOA include local, state, and federal peace officers, prosecutors, law enforcement personnel and other national and international associates. “FOR BETTER NARCOTIC ENFORCEMENT”
1 From: dijonevans <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 11:30 AM
To: City Clerk Mail
Subject: Kratom
My name is Dijon Evans and I am a California resident who is very concerned about this potential ban on kratom products.
Kratom has literally saved my life and given me the hope that I had lost due to the opioid epidemic and my medical history, losing the pain meds, because of the new opioid laws and the inhumane new rules that
no longer permitted patients such as myself and millions of others who were also cut off from the opioid medications due to the illegal selling of opioids by the illegitimate sales of the medications, the illegal prescriptions that were given to those who absolutely didn't need them, but they were obtaining them in order to sell them to those who were trying to make a lot of money by selling them to those who were either addicted to illicit drugs or those who were now desperate because they had been cut off of the medications that they had Legitimate reasons for taking them and had been given Legitimate prescriptions for years, sometimes decades by doctors for Legitimate reasons. I was injured when I had just turned 16. I had a short leg cast put on too tight and it killed the nerves and cut off the circulation.
The cast was only on for 4 days, but that was over 3 days too long. After that first week we were told that I was going to end up losing my leg, but I said that that wasn't going to happen! I was wrong!
The top specialists had tried to save my leg for 10 years. Doing experimental surgeries and procedures, doing procedures that at the time were considered to be the correct procedures, surgeries and the proper treatments, but now we know that those only made the situation worse and made the nerve damage spread throughout my body, and the 10 years that my leg remained on, only helped to spread the infections, pulmonary embolisms, sepsis, gangrene, deep vein thrombosis,and allowed the osteomyelitis to find a place to hide in my system. It doesn't take much of an injury, a simple bruising to a bone, or just a bruise to anywhere and it leads to another bout of osteomyelitis ( bone infection).
I have been legally dead several times and on my deathbed several other times.
I have full body CRPS with organ involvement, optical, occipital and trigeminal Neuralgia, multiple organ failure, and I have had more than 240 surgeries and procedures.
I wasn't supposed to live to be 30, but here I am after a very difficult 30 years beyond that age, several near death escapes, and I just turned 62. I have had amputations, pulmonary embolisms, sepsis, CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 20, 2026 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY CITIZEN DIJON EVANS BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1 - PROPOSED ORD 628 TO ADD LQMC CHAPTER 5.94 RE: KRATOM REGULATIONS 2 gangrene, 17 bouts of osteomyelitis and now also have osteonecrosis of my jaw, sinuses and facial bones, including the left inner ear, and soon to be the right. It is now affecting the entire inside of my skull, the soft inner bones. There is nothing that can be done for me because I am too high risk for the needed surgeries to repair my skull and inner ears. They can't do surgery because of the extremely high risk that I will develop osteomyelitis of my skull and the chance that it will lead to the infection of my brain. If by chance that I don’t develop osteomyelitis, there's an even higher risk that the surgical bone placement would fail because of the necrosis.
The only places that could put me into a medically induced coma and provide prophylaxis antibiotic treatment, and then do the surgery while still keeping me in a comatose state, are far enough away that I would have to be flown there. This cannot be done because I don't have any bone in-between my brain and inner ear that we need to provide the protection to our brain when we experience the pressure changes while in flight. So, now with everything else that I have encountered and fought to live through, I am nearing the end of the road. Not just because of my medical conditions, but because of my age. For over 15 years I was bedridden and unable to care for myself. Everything had to be done for me, and it included in home nursing care for the PICC lines..
My daughter has lived with this her entire life. My grandkids have as well! James, my partner has been subjected to this the entire time that he has known me and he's been an amazing, loving and caring man who has taken very good care of me! He's been subjected to so very much! So many times he has been told that he needed to say his goodbye to me because I wouldn't make it through the night. But each and every time that I pulled through the night- I would wake up to him holding my hand, watching me and crying tears of joy as I would open my eyes. Each time he would explain to me why I was in CCU, and he would begin to tell me what happened.
Each time he would just look at me and tell me how much he loved me.
When opioids were removed from the picture, even though I was diagnosed as a terminal patient, but because I wasn't a terminal cancer patient- so I wouldn't be able to get through the worst known painful conditions that are known to us, this is what I experience. Every single second of every single day. Every single second of every minute. Every minute of every hour. Every hour of each day of every month.. Every month of each year.. Decade after Decade for the past 46 years.
It feels like I am being electrocuted from the inside out and that my tissues are being seared together.
That's on a good day! Unfortunately I had reached the point where I felt that I was not able to take it anymore and I was ready to take my own life. This has been very difficult to admit because I have a beautiful daughter, and 3 beautiful grandchildren, and an amazing man that I love and he loves me! I have so very much to live for! But each time something else happened, I could see what my health was doing to them and every other person that I love , have loved; I was able to see what it was doing to them, in their eyes. Each time I felt like I was being electrocuted, I felt as if it was going through my body and directly into them. It wasn't only killing me, but it was chasing everyone that I loved- right out of my life.
After the first amputation, I spent most of my younger years in college and then medical school. I thrived in college! I was so happy and I felt better than I had in years! But when I was in college, I was in a extremely abusive marriage and I was seriously injured,which made the damage spread through my 3 upper arms and body. I ended up taking a medical leave of absence, but I was very good at research,so when the word kratom was introduced to me, I researched everything that I could find out about kratom! After several months of researching it, talking to my medical team, my mentors, and my family- I decided that if I was going to look at ending my own life, that kratom would definitely be worth a shot.
I ordered some pure, unadulterated kratom leaf powder from a reputable vendor and waited. Because of a holiday, and a long weekend- it took longer than expected to arrive.
I had already thought that kratom was just a scam anyway... another " get rich scam.. a way for unscrupulous people to take advantage of very desperate people who were in serious pain,looking for a way to find anything to help.. even just a little bit: I held no HOPE that it would help.
I was, after all from the science background and I held no belief in dietary supplements.
I have spent the past 9 years eating crow for that lack of belief because as I said,I didn't believe in it AT ALL!!
BUT AS I SAID, KRATOM QUITE LITERALLY SAVED MY LIFE! I was leaving the house to follow through with my plans to take my own life when the mailman showed up with my first package. I WAS LESS THAN A HALF HOUR AWAY FROM TAKING MY OWN LIFE!!
SUCH A DIFFICULT THING TO SAY!!
I HAD ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO LOSE, BUT EVERYTHING TO GAIN by going back in the house and trying kratom. I did.
I AM SO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL THAT I DID!!
Approximately 20 minutes later my pain was at a tolerable level. Instead of being in bed, crying and begging for the torture to end, James came home and found me sitting on the couch smiling.
He knelt beside me and cried.
He knew that the kratom had arrived and that it was helping! Kratom doesn't get rid of all of my pain, but it allows me to be at tolerable levels.
I was never supposed to live to be 30 years old, and I have fought very hard to live. For the past 9 years I have been able to experience the miracles of life that most people take for granted.
In approximately 15 days, I will be able to see what I was never going to be able to see- the miracle of the birth of my Great Granddaughter. This is what kratom has given me. Please don't ban kratom products. Regulations are what we need, not prohibition!! 4 Thank you very much!
Dijon Evans
Sent from my Galaxy
1 From: Denise Geltman <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 2:15 AM
To: City Clerk Mail
Subject: Jan 20 - Chapter 5.94 to Title 5 -PLEASE DO NOT BAN NATURAL LEAF KRATOM Dear City Council:
My name is Denise Geltman and I live in California and have been taking NATURAL LEAF KRATOM for 10 years. I am diagnosed with body wide nerve damage, fibromyalgia, severe IBS and Migraines, which cause me chronic nerve pain and spasms.
NATURAL LEAF KRATOM is the most important tool in my chronic pain toolbox. It has enabled me to work part time and contribute to my family, community and the economy instead of just existing in pain in my bed.
I have ALWAYS been against 7-OH products and find them extremely dangerous and believe they should be banned.
You may not know this, but The FDA has found that NATURAL LEAF KRATOM is safe in every dose.
Please do not ban NATURAL LEAF KRATOM because it helps so many people.
Thank you for your kind consideration of my request.
Sincerely,
Denise Geltman
818-486-4904
[email protected]
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 20, 2026 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY CITIZEN DENISE GELTMAN BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1 - PROPOSED ORD 628 TO ADD LQMC CHAPTER 5.94 RE: KRATOM REGULATIONS 1 From: Shane Maciel <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2026 11:27 AM
To: City Clerk Mail
Subject: Kratom Regulations
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Categories: Purple Category
To whom it may concern,
Thank you for taking the time to hear this written request. I am writing to advocate for raw leaf kratom, asking that the board consider regulating raw leaf kratom while outright banning the synthetic product known as “7-OH.” Currently, there is widespread misinformation/miseducation in the public media regarding kratom’s safety.
Unfortunately, the synthetic product 7-OH has appeared in smoke shops across America, marketed as a kratom product over the last 2 years causing problems with break-ins at smoke shops (to steal the product) concerns of children under the influence while also possibly being linked to some overdose deaths;.
Most 7-OH products are displayed alongside Raw Leaf Kratom products misleading consumers all the more while also trying to entice the younger under aged consumers with brightly colored packaging using familiar cartoon characters and grandiose wording to further entice others who are not looking for a maintenance level adjustment but seeking more of a "trainwreck" like experience.
While 7-OH shares a common alkaloid with kratom, it is in fact a very different substance—chemically manipulated and derived from compounds similar to those found in pool-cleaning solvents. It is far stronger and far more dangerous than natural kratom.
There is several years of reliable scientific fact based evidence of raw leaf kratom's safety and use over 100 to possibly thousands of years. Used for pain management, mood enhancement, energy or even soothing withdrawal symptoms for those with SUD. Kratom has been a savior for millions in America allowing them to remain in the community as productive individuals seeking self help and independence.
And you may hear from organizations like “Mothers Against Kratom.” or the "Kratom Danger Awareness" group that have testified in Congress and receiving support from state legislatures and others who have professional medical license to push for kratom bans.
At the same time, not recognizing, ignoring, or are they possibly being misled that the pharmaceutical interests—including those tied to opioid treatment medications like Suboxone—have financial incentives to oppose kratom’s legalization?. Medical professionals prefer medications over nature though the natural supplements come with far less side effects or adverse effects as compared to medications such as Suboxone. Relying on shorter trial times than that of kratom's known historical use is several countries as well as information available in the U.S. If one would "Follow the money"funding these advocacy groups , much of their support is coming from these medical professional groups standing on their "institutional and clinical success" within the prescription treatment regime and (ironically) their stance that addiction is the problem and not the initial prescribing issues, be it the weaning or length or strength of initial prescription that got the patient needing treatment in the first place.
I respectfully ask that you consider the lead of the several states across the US that have adopted Kratom Consumer Protection Act– style regulations, ensuring safe access to raw leaf kratom while banning 7-OH altogether.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 20, 2026 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY CITIZEN SHANE MACIEL BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1 - PROPOSED ORD 628 TO ADD LQMC CHAPTER 5.94 RE: KRATOM REGULATIONS Raw leaf kratom has been shown to provide beneficial and positive support for harm reduction, particularly for individuals struggling with opioid use disorders and chronic pain. Personally, I was introduced to kratom while working to remain sober from alcohol. It has truly changed my life, giving me a healthier outlook and helping me maintain sobriety.
The FDA itself has recognized the potential benefits of raw leaf kratom and does not consider it a significant threat to public safety in the way that 7-OH currently is.
2 Please take into Consideration:
Not a Controlled Substance: Kratom is not scheduled under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). An attempt by the DEA to place its active compounds (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) on Schedule I in 2016 was withdrawn after significant public and congressional opposition.
FDA Position: The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use and states it is not lawfully marketed as a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive. The FDA has issued import alerts and seized products due to safety concerns and potential contamination (e.g., with Salmonella or heavy metals).
Ongoing Research: Federal agencies like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) are funding research into kratom's potential benefits and risks, including its use for pain relief and opioid withdrawal management.
Focus on 7-OH: The FDA is currently focused on the active compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), especially concentrated or synthetic forms found in many commercial products, recommending it be scheduled as a controlled substance due to its potent opioid-like effects.
Regulation (Kratom Consumer Protection Act): Many states have adopted versions of the American Kratom Association's (AKA) Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), which aims to regulate the product rather than ban it:
Age Restrictions: Prohibits sales to individuals under 18 or 21 years of age.
Labeling and Packaging: Requires labels to list all ingredients, the amount of mitragynine and 7-OH content, serving sizes, and manufacturer information.
Product Quality & Testing: Bans the sale of adulterated or contaminated products and mandates testing for heavy metals and pathogens (e.g., Salmonella).
Synthetic Alkaloids: Prohibits synthetic kratom or products with unnaturally high concentrations of 7-OH.
Misleading Claims: Forbids unproven claims about treating medical conditions or diseases.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Shane Maciel
**********************
1 From: Anthony Rosa <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2026 7:54 PM
To: City Clerk Mail
Subject: WRITTEN COMMENTS - Anthony Rosa | Kratom
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Hello Mayor, Councilmembers, and staff —
My name is Anthony Rosa, and I’m a lifelong California resident. I’m 29 years old, and I’ve been a kratom user for six years. I’m not here to defend synthetic 7-hydroxy derivatives — I’ve never used them, and I fully agree they should be restricted. But please don’t punish responsible adults who use natural kratom leaf powder. It’s a mild, traditional plant that has been safely used for generations.
I still struggle every day with anxiety, stress, and depression. The pressure of my life is constant — but kratom is what gets me through it. It’s the only thing that keeps me functional, stable, and able to provide for my family. Without it, I would likely fall back into alcoholism.
Kratom didn’t turn me into an addict — It helped me overcome crippling lethargy, rebuild my motivation, and become a small business owner. I am living proof that kratom can save lives.
Lumping lab-tested kratom leaf together with synthetic 7-OH is a scientific and moral mistake. Those synthetic capsules contain up to a thousand times the alkaloid concentration of natural kratom powder.
Even The federal dept of health and human services. reached out to the state in late September urging California to make that distinction clear. Texas chose a 7OH limit over a blanket ban. Why can't we? The actions of our state public health department are authoritarian, and are not making that distinction.
How can we allow adults to legally buy alcohol and cigarettes — substances proven to kill — yet criminalize a natural plant that helps people live?
Please, Do not force people like me back into despair and addiction.
Thank you for your time and compassion.
Anthony Rosa
Sonoma State University Alumni
BS in Business Administration - Management
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 20, 2026 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY CITIZEN ANTHONY ROSA BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1 - PROPOSED ORD 628 TO ADD LQMC CHAPTER 5.94 RE: KRATOM REGULATIONS ----------------------------
Cell: (707) 280-4130
Work Email: [email protected]
School Email: [email protected]
1 From: Amanda Rainer <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 2:06 PM
To: City Clerk Mail
Subject: Kratom ban
Please DO NOT BAN KRATOM & 7OH
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Amanda Rainer <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, Jan 20, 2026, 5:05 PM
Subject: My testimony
To: Amanda Rainer <[email protected]>
I am asking for regulation and NOT A BAN ON KRATOM & 7OH My Kratom journey茦茧茨茩茪茫곒곓곔곕
I have been using Kratom for the last 8yrs after being on pain medication for 30yrs anxiety and depression meds for 10. I have degenerative and cervical disc disease, spinal stenosis, herniated and bulging disc, bone spurs on the spine, which has given me scoliosis as an adult , fibromyalgia, trigeminal neuralgia aka suicide disease, basically I live with 10/20 of the most painful conditions to live with and many more other chronic pain conditions.
I lost my mother to the pain clinic and big pharmas drugs in April 2013...She didn't abuse them, she took less than what she was prescribed, but tramadol and morphine took her life. After losing my parents 7 months apart and seen what the struggled with medication wise per Dr's orders and how it destroyed them...I vowed to live a holistic as possible life style. I just recently came off my blood pressure medication as well. In 8 yrs I haven't had to consume over 50,000 pills.
I get yearly blood work, as well as yearly ultra sounds on my organs. I have improved so much and all under my Dr's care with tapering off off my medications.... my blood work and organs scans have improved every year as well as my organs reversing the damage that the medication has done for the most part. Without kratom i wouldn't be able to enjoy the simple things in life such as taking a simple walk outside or just the ability to get out of bed daily. I don't believe I would still be alive today if it wasnt for kratom.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 20, 2026 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY CITIZEN AMANDA RAINER BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1 - PROPOSED ORD 628 TO ADD LQMC CHAPTER 5.94 RE: KRATOM REGULATIONS 1 From: Venus Lynn <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2026 12:13 PM
To: City Clerk Mail
Subject: Written Comments – Venus Usher – Ordinance No. 628 (Kratom Regulation) Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Categories: Purple Category
Dear City Clerk,
My name is Venus Usher, and I am submitting written comments regarding Agenda Item under Business Session: Ordinance No. 628 – Adding Chapter 5.94 to Title 5 of the La Quinta Municipal Code related to regulating the sale and distribution of kratom products within the city.
I respectfully urge the City Council to carefully consider the impact of this ordinance on responsible adult use of plain leaf kratom tea, which has been used safely for many years by individuals seeking natural alternatives for pain management and overall well-being. Kratom is not appealing to children due to its bitter taste and lack of psychoactive effects similar to recreational drugs, and responsible vendors already follow strict age verification and safety practices. Overly restrictive regulations could unnecessarily limit access for adults who rely on kratom for health purposes while not addressing the real public safety concerns.
I encourage the Council to rely on scientific evidence and expert guidance when considering any regulations, ensuring that public safety is balanced with the rights of adults to access kratom responsibly.
Thank you for accepting my comments and for your consideration of this important matter.
My Story: https://share.google/FmmBi7LTUucD1NZQD
#JusticeforMarshallPrice
https://www.newsweek.com/how-brutal-jail-death-exposes-arkansas-punishing-justice-system1841257 Sincerely,
Venus Usher
New Castle, Delaware
302-983-3265
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 20, 2026 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY CITIZEN VENUS USHER BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1 - PROPOSED ORD 628 TO ADD LQMC CHAPTER 5.94 RE: KRATOM REGULATIONS 1 From: Justin Wolf <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2026 12:37 PM
To: City Clerk Mail
Subject: Written Comment re Kratom Ordinance / Justin Wolf / Los Angeles, CA Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Categories: Purple Category
This comment is regarding the following agenda item: INTRODUCE FOR FIRST READING AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 5.94 TO TITLE 5 OF THE LA QUINTA MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATED TO REGULATING THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF KRATOM PRODUCTS WITHIN THE CITY [ORDINANCE NO. 628]
Dear Members of the La Quinta City Council,
My name is Justin Wolf, and I’m the Founder & CEO of New Brew, a 21+ alcohol-free beverage company based in California. Our products contain small, clearly disclosed servings of natural kratom leaf and kava root -- two natural botanicals that have helped countless adults, including myself, move away from alcohol.
First, I want to acknowledge that your intent is rooted in protecting public health and safety, especially for young people. I genuinely appreciate that. You’re trying to do the right thing.
Unfortunately, I’m writing because I’m concerned that many local ordinances across California are being shaped by confusion and misinformation that incorrectly lumps kratom leaf together with 7- hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) isolates. This confusion is understandable -- the issue is complex and has been misrepresented in public conversations. But getting the distinction right is essential to avoid doing real harm.
1) Kratom leaf and 7-OH are not the same thing
There are indeed dangerous products in the marketplace today, and the biggest problem is the rapid expansion of isolated or synthetic 7-OH products being sold under the umbrella of “kratom.” These high-potency products often come in concentrated forms that are far more likely to be misused.
Natural kratom leaf is not the same category as 7-OH isolates.
Treating them as the same leads to the wrong policy outcome: banning the plant, while the truly dangerous products simply shift underground or into even less regulated channels. 2) The right path is regulation -- not prohibition
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 20, 2026 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY CITIZEN JUSTIN WOLF BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1 - PROPOSED ORD 628 TO ADD LQMC CHAPTER 5.94 RE: KRATOM REGULATIONS 2 New Brew is an example of what responsible regulation looks like in practice:
clearly labeled 21+ adult use
plain-language warnings
transparency about serving sizes
third-party testing and COAs
responsible marketing with no youth targeting
Outright prohibition does not remove demand. It simply pushes it into an unregulated market where products are untested, unlabeled, sold without age restrictions, and far more dangerous. 3) California already has a model solution: AB 1088
California is actively working toward the appropriate solution through AB 1088, which establishes a common-sense regulatory framework that:
allows responsible kratom products for adults
sets testing and labeling standards
limits potency
bans dangerous synthetic and spiked products, including 7-OH isolates creates enforceable rules for retailers
Many cities and counties in California have already chosen this same approach after reviewing the facts: regulate natural kratom responsibly and ban 7-OH isolate products. 4) Consumers deserve safe access to natural alternatives This is deeply personal for me. My brothers and I built New Brew in Los Angeles after I moved away from alcohol, which had taken a massive toll on my life. We wanted to create an alternative for adults who are trying to live healthier lives -- and that’s what this category provides.
More and more Americans are reducing alcohol consumption and looking for natural alternatives.
Responsible kratom products, under a regulated framework, can be part of that safer path.
My request to the City of La Quinta
I respectfully urge the City to:
1. avoid a blanket ban on natural kratom leaf, and instead
2. adopt AB 1088-style principles that:
o regulate kratom with meaningful safety standards
o ban 7-OH isolate and synthetic/spiked products
o support enforcement against bad actors and irresponsible retailers I would welcome the opportunity to speak with City staff or Council members directly, and to provide additional information including product labels, testing standards, and customer testimonials.
Thank you for taking the time to approach this issue thoughtfully and with nuance. La Quinta has an standards and oversight, not bans.
We don’t claim kratom is risk-free -- no effects-forward product is. But the responsible path forward is 3 Respectfully,
Justin
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
photo
Justin Wolf
Co-Founder & CEO, New Brew
drinknewbrew.com
---
Confidentiality Notice: The information contained in this communication may be confidential and may be privileged. It is intended solely for the use of the intended recipient(s) and may be shared within their organization only with individuals who have a legitimate need to know. This message is not intended for further distribution or redissemination. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, disclosure, copying, distribution, or taking any action based on the contents of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you believe you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete it from your system. To the extent this communication pertains to the potential provision of goods or services, it is subject to and includes New Brew’s terms and conditions, which will be stated in writing should a transaction be initiated.
products that truly create harm -- without unintentionally creating a black market. opportunity to help set a smart standard: protect public health, protect consumers, and remove the 1 From: Melody Woolf <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 11:14 AM
To: City Clerk Mail
Subject: HHS/FDA Press Conference Speaker – 12-Year Kratom Consumer Attachments: IMG_0278.jpeg; IMG_9597.jpeg; IMG_0025.jpeg Kratom Case Report: Long-Term Kratom Use in Chronic Pain and Functional Recovery (Patient-authored with input from consulting scientists) Patient: Female, 61 years old
History: Chronic pain for over 20 years due to fibromyalgia, arthritis, sciatica, and other conditions. Prior treatments included care from top specialists at the Cleveland Clinic and the head of the University of Michigan’s Rheumatology Department. No sustained relief without significant side effects.
Baseline Function (Pre-Kratom):
Frequently bedridden
Required wheelchair or other mobility aids
Missed significant family milestones
Emotional connection with children diminished due to functional limitations Children assumed adult responsibilities prematurely
Severe pain at night; children used fans to mask the sound of mother’s crying Intervention:
Introduction of plain leaf kratom 11 years ago for chronic pain management. Self-administered as part of a personal wellness regimen.
Outcomes:
Patient discontinued prescription analgesics and no longer required use of a walker or wheelchair Able to engage in physically demanding and recreational activities (camping, zoo visits, community participation)
Increased presence and participation in family life
Restored emotional closeness with spouse and children
Notable Functional Milestone:
In 2022, patient served as full-time caregiver for newborn granddaughter for 9 months following unexpected childcare closure. Activities included daily caregiving and ambulation with stroller, including walking through same zoo where patient was previously pushed in a wheelchair by her children.
Patient Perspective:
“Kratom gave me back the roles that matter most — being a mom, grandmother, wife, and someone who can show up for her community. These are parts of my life I thought were gone forever. My only regret is not finding it sooner.”
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 20, 2026 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS BY CITIZEN MELODY WOOLF BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 1 - PROPOSED ORD 628 TO ADD LQMC CHAPTER 5.94 RE: KRATOM REGULATIONS 2 Conclusion:
This case demonstrates the potential for kratom to restore function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life in long-term chronic pain patients. The patient’s experience highlights both the physical and emotional dimensions of recovery, and the impact on family relationships.
Irvine Office
2030 Main Street, Suite 1500
Irvine, California 92614
t 949.752.8585 f 949.752.0597
Westlake Village Office
2815 Townsgate Road, Suite 200
Westlake Village, California 91361
t 805.230.0023 f 805.230.0087
www.jacksontidus.law
January 19, 2026
Direct Dial:
Email:
Reply to:
File No:
949.851.7424
[email protected]
Irvine Office
9740-126507
VIA EMAIL AND U.S. MAIL
Monika Radeva, City Clerk
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, California 92253
Email: [email protected]
Linda Evans, Mayor
Deborah McGarrey, Mayor Pro Tem
Jose Pena, Council Member
Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Council Member
Steve Sanchez, Council Member
Jennifer Nelson, City Council & City Manager
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, California 92253
Email: [email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected]
Re: Request to For Minor Modifications to the 111 Corridor Specific Plan, Public Hearing Scheduled for January 20, 2026.
Dear City Clerk and Council Members:
We represent Washington 111, LTD (“Washington Park”), the operator and developer of the Washington Park Shopping Center.
We are respectfully requesting that the City Council consider the following modifications to the 111 Corridor Specific Plan. At the November 18, 2025, City Council meeting, Washington Park raised some of its concerns about the current draft of the Highway 111 Corridor Specific Plan. Council asked that we meet with City Staff to address Washington Park’s concerns.
On December 18, 2025, we had a lengthy Zoom call with the City’s Staff, including Bill Ihrke (City Attorney), Jonathan Linkus of GHD (City’s Consulting Planning Firm) and internal City Staff, and after a lengthy discussion, we agreed to a verbal framework subject to Washington Park submitting a more detailed written proposal. So concurrent with Staff’s work towards that goal, Washington Park is submitting the following solution which is consistent with the meeting discussion.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 20, 2026 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM JACKSON TIDUS ON BEHALF OF WASHINGTON 111,
LTD (WASHINGTON PARK) - REQUESTING EXCLUSION FROM CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE PROPOSED SPECIFIC PLAN PUBLIC HEARING ITEM NO. 1 - HIGHWAY 111 CORRIDOR SPECIFIC PLAN - EA 2024-0002, ZC 2024-0002, ZOA 2024-0002, SP 2022-0002 La Quinta City Council Email: [email protected] January 19, 2026
Background Information and Discussion of Issues
Washington Park shopping center (Washington Park) was approved by the Washington Park Specific Plan, Amendment No. 4 on May 7, 2003. One of the purposes of the WP Specific Plan was to create a development that has clarity, focus and is well designed (including highlighted architectural site and building components). In following the WP Specific Plan, the Washington Park Shopping Center incorporated design features, CC&Rs and mitigation measures, that make it difficult, if not impossible to comply with some of the provisions of the 111 Corridor Specific Plan.
After the November City Council meeting and the December meeting with Staff, due to constructed boundaries in-place, improvements already installed, and constraints created and incorporated into the CC&R’s of WP, Washington Park is respectfully requesting it be excluded from requirements outlined below in the 111 Corridor Specific Plan.
Exhibit “A” depicts the Ownership Legend for Washington Park. Washington Park has many entities and are governed in part by Recorded CC&R’s. Exhibit “A” also depicts the remaining Development opportunities that were included in the Approved Specific Plan and also in part governed by the CC&R’s. See areas shaded and defined and described in the Legend.
Exhibit “B” depicts the proposed Site Plan for the vacant Outpads (Parcel 74, 75 and 76) along the frontage of the Cinemark parcel. The existing Outpads have been partially and mostly developed to its parcel limits and include existing Washington Street frontage landscape, Public Sidewalk, parking fields, interior landscaping, landscaped pedestrian paseo walkways (to adjacent developments) and utilities to Pad areas. The remaining Pad areas are intended for immediate vertical construction of Parcels 74, 75 and 76.
Exhibit “C” depicts the existing Easement locations supporting the installed utilities at Parcels 74, 75 and 76.
Exhibit “D” depicts the proposed Site Plan for the 4.81 Acre parcel. This parcel has yet to be developed but includes ½ width of La Quinta Center Drive (15,832 SF) which is maintained by stakeholders and Bioretention Rain Areas (29,015 SF) that may be converted to Bioretention Rain Landscape Area. The as-built conditions also include existing Ave 47 Public Sidewalk and frontage landscaping. The areas noted (La Quinta Center Drive and Bioretention Rain Areas), total 44,847 SF (1.02 Acres) and should be considered as meeting requirements of the HWY111 Corridor Specific Plan.
Exhibit “E” depicts the existing Easement locations supporting the proposed utility locations for Parcel 25.
Exhibit “F” depicts the proposed building areas for the two remaining In-Line buildings/Parcels (Parcels 70 and 72). As shown on Exhibit “A”, all adjacent Common Area La Quinta City Council Email: [email protected] January 19, 2026
Improvements including parking fields, landscaping and utilities are constructed and inplace.
As a result of the realities on the ground, Washington Park is requesting that the Council to agree to the following:
1. 9.105.020 Highway 111 Mixed Use (HMU) Zone Standards Section C. Zones Established – 2. Overlay Zones - b. Auto-Oriented Development Overlay Zone (AOD) : “The AOD Overlay Zone implements the “AutoOriented Development Policy” and applies to all parcels or portions of parcels within 300 feet of Highway 111 as measured from the edge of the Highway 111 right-of-way, see Figure 9.105-020-3 (in the Development Code).”
Washington Park Request: The Auto-Oriented Overlay Zone, as proposed only encompasses that part of the frontage along Hwy 111 noted above. Some of the Permitted Uses that are now only allowed within the AOD have been stripped from the overall HMU (due to the prescribed areas that define the AOD, see Figure 9.105-020-3 AOD Overlay) that results in negatively impacting the property value and therefore not allowed within the greater portion of the Washington Park Shopping Center. The Uses that were previously allowed within the current CG Zone (and Washington Park Specific Plan) are now not allowed in the proposed Highway Mixed Use Zone (HMU) that unilaterally changes the anticipated uses originally agreed upon in the original Specific Plan.
Stakeholders of parcels outside of the AOD are now limited to Uses that do not include, restaurants with drive thru’s, service stations, auto repair, auto repair-specialty shops, car washes, vehicle sales (New and Used), vehicle leasing. Washington Park would like the uses restored via a Conditional Use Permit process.
2. 9.105-030 Supplemental Standards
Section D. Open Space and Section H. Civic Space Standards.
Washington Park Request: Washington Park parcel ownership(s) consist of multiple entities (for various parcels). Thus, if and when a project is proposed on remaining pads, and/or a site or building is modified (and meets building modification requirements of the proposed development code), the applicant is required to meet the requirements of the proposed Open Space and/or Civic Space. However an applicant cannot impose requirements of the required Civic and Open Spaces (or other common areas requirements) on other owners of the shopping center. The Washington Park Shopping Center has CC&Rs that control the relationship of the property owners to each other. The City has reviewed and approved these CC&Rs so it would be almost impossible to impose these new requirements on any applicant when control of common areas is not in control of the applicant for a project. For example, should the carwash be submitted for approval, the approval (by Conditions) cannot impose open space or civic space requirements on Cinemark as they do not own or have control of the Cinemark property.
La Quinta City Council Email: [email protected] January 19, 2026
Washington Park is respectfully requesting that the public space requirement of the 111 Specific Plan not apply to it.
3. Table 9.105-020-5 Permitted Uses in the HMU and AOD Overlay This Table depicts the Permitted Uses within each of the noted Overlay Zones. The current Specific Plan was Approved to allow certain Uses including but not limited to restaurants with drive thru’s, service stations, auto repair, auto repair-specialty shops, car washes, vehicle sales (New and Used), vehicle leasing.
Washington Park Request: That the following Uses be added to the Use Tables with the following designations “Permitted, Conditional Use Permit, Minor Site Use Permit” a. Auto Dealership (New and Used)
b. Carwash
c. Auto Concierge/Automotive Country Club (e.g. Finish Line Auto Club) d. Self-Storage
e. Service Station
f. Convenience Store
There has been expressed interest for above “Uses” and negotiations with property stakeholders have been underway, therefore it is our opinion that not allowing these Uses would be a conflict with existing Specific Plan. While the fact that IID cannot service properties at this point has caused stalls in negotiations, we expect that development would increase and negotiations would continue forward once those IID issues are resolved.
Washington Park was approved by the City of La Quinta Planning Commission as a Specific Plan (Washington Park SP-1987-011). The purpose of this approval method was to insure adequate implementation of the General Plan and for providing guidance for ensuring high quality development, and orderly growth that aligns with the community vision. Requirements of this Specific Plan along with “Permitted Uses” are part of stakeholder expectations. This new Development Code and Specific Plan may cause many of the stakeholders concern about liability for future needs. In as much as Washington Park has successfully implemented the Specific Plan requirements. It is our opinion that Washington Park should be exempt from the proposed Specific Plan and Development Code as they relate to the above requirements and further, that the Uses noted above be allowed as suggested.
We will be at the hearing on January 20th to discuss with you directly.
La Quinta City Council Email: [email protected] January 19, 2026
For this reason we would appreciate the Council considering these changes and then modifying the Project to incorporate these changes.
Very truly yours,
Michael L. Tidus
MLT/ay
w/encls.
cc: William Ihrke, Esq., La Quinta City Attorney (w/encls.); (via email: [email protected]) Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager (w/encls.); (via email: [email protected]) Cheri Flores (w/encls.); (via email: [email protected]) Jonathan Linkus, (w/encls.); (via email: [email protected]) 1731243.1
DLR Group
EXHIBIT B
, .. ..,�-,,,-� ................. .,,�eouoo,., ____ _ IWICQ.2.S-#rlMRat-JOIOJlr<fUIIIIX«�,w;tfS)'8/HfDQ/J1,IJFl'MCO.Wl.Rrn1illSIJF--,C«t,,11. ="""IIOUliCll""1""',U,UMll-�-.J/ArJ1'/ll(J(Sl!,l-ro-lJFC,Sl•Olll't;,II//Qlf'i'il/lil!C�-llll/'65JQISl/lil!O•>ON'l"Oln..Sto:lllll!OIIN<-AAllC,SO,O,T ,CIIClJKIII-D.....wll100J.S-Mlo11--WJMIJF(m(JO[IIRMfiS/Jf'_"""'7Y._ ,,.c,SOl/.�fft;,ll�-,S-Cl/lfUS.SU.-011,_...:assfA'ilWI/TIIR'Ollltl'<llt -· tot;J.SMSIIII.MHINO.OJ-..-11JFt:1'1IOII..IICMOSGf".,._.<Xltlll,.<lU- ,�C,SOI/.Mf<"AC'!US;�'11D,_.S.S.,,_ll,............,...:assc,_,,,....,.,.,,,, <IISLll'l'ln;J.SIN'J""1MQi1Ml()J--IJF""""'I._IJF __ """1Y.el!.<-. '· ..,.,,;,,,,._,.,,_,..,,,..,.., ____ .,..
,_.,. ... �- 1, .... .,, .. _.,.._ __ ., ... _..., __ .,. ... __ ,,,.(11 ....... , ____ ..... ......,,.. ... ,__,,, ___ JO.
lilJhllo,Ol,-,.(,J,.,.d- �-.. ,,
,.,
,
_d"'""'�--;,-_,_,...,
._,_.,..,,.,..,.,.
__ �,./Hloo
�-�-"'".::'<&l'-.,':.,�"':.-.'::.::-... a
..:."""""""'--·'"'-""
__ ,,,,,4
_..,_., __ ... __ ..... _
---- .,..
·---__ _ --- .-.---- ..
-
�� IH7 .. ·�-��; ____ :;:-::•-·
.
,.
.
,
of-__
,. -.-r.,.. __ ... ____ ..,,,.,.,.,.,..,,,.._.,.,_,_eo,,,..,,sa.�1""""',__ ,.,.,..,_ ""''""""'--· _.,_;
l ____ _,, ___ 1..1."!m._.,._.,,,...._.,_, ___ ..._ __ , ,_...,.11l:Jt!OJ•-'"'1'',..., __ ,,,,,,,,_,,._,..,.,
,.
._ , ______ .,._.,.,._'".., __ � ...
,.
�
�
.
,--,.,
,..w_., ___ ""'.,.,,
___ .
.... ..,., ___ ,_
"· -,\1.<;'1 ............
., _ _,,., ...
_,..,,,.._
_,..,, ____ ..,.
., ___ _
�r:-··.,--,.,,,,.-.,_,,._..,.., ___ ........... ____ _
,
,.
.. ···-·-· ...
--- ---
,
_.,,_ ... _____ ._NXJJ .. ----... ----
�::.=-:..�,,:,:�--=��==��to:.....---=�r-i. .. ·, �,t.. ,.,_,_., ___ � __ .,. ___ ,ll,.,._ia..�- .... - ""'--""·""---,.,..,.lllrll.---1 .... ,..__,., _____ ,,.
4.::..--::·=::.::::-,.,;.,-..:;:--,.;r,;-....:.:',"';;:;3,,"'J::"-=.•:=.-.::?·· �/::,.. .,,,.,_,_., .. __ ,., __ .,. __ ,.,.,""'-_,....__�.,,,, ..,,..,. ____ ..,..lll»S•---of-- tl - IVOO.GOO.llO •--., ... ,.,_..,.__.,,,,. ____ ..,._�-- - _...,,,_,
--
,...,,..,.......,.,,,.u
,.., ____ ...-.. --, __ :":.."':""'-...:::.:::';";..;; __ .... --�----·-.. -----·--� ..... ----- ___ ,,.. __ d:"'e::"'·"'·'-�-,.�-,.,.--"'"--·--- .. __ ., .. ____ ,, __ ., __ ., ______ ,... __ -::---••< ...... .._ ....... ____ ..., __ °" ___ ... __ _ .., __ .,., __________ ,, __ ,, ..... ____ ,..,
,-..-•-,:---d':"""'""J'\' .... ------•--a..-----.....
,._,.,_.,., __________ ,, __ ,, ____ _
�--�-.. -:,�,.7 �-,--::::,· ·..:..�- ____ ..,,.,. .. , __ �"-·-·-··--·-···- ______ ., __
=��-::.;.,--:;=.·= ::.= =::::::::---"· --... -
::2::=.::tS=::..�s���-:=-...:: .��
l� r., ___ .,..,.,,_ .. ,...,.,."$ ___ _
==��=f.:":��--��-�--...... m,--
t�1==::....;...�""!:e-=-:i;;:-.:..-:=..=.----�tr;:."':"'� ���:,���«,�"'!..--=-:...��=-��.�
�.:':i'ioo,":'=:;:-:::,t.':""",.,:.�:;:-,. .
... °::".:::--·
.
.
...
.
.
..
.
- 1� ,.,.,._,,_.,, ___ JJ.�-.,,-.,,..m . ...._, ___ ....,.,_,_ m: .. - .... •--•-•--of-�-�•�N!Df•.,.-le.H-Ht!,llol°"""" ,,,,
,.,_,_...,.,,., __ .,. _____ ........, ... _., ... _,.. ... __ ..,, -.. � ....... -.............. _ ... _....,,_., ... �_,.,_,....,.�-., ....
, ___
.... -..,,._.,
..,,.-., ____ ..... -"'---·,..,.,..
., __ _ ____ .,.. ____ _ --"-=•-,.,o,-,_., __
--- "'"�- ,,.,,,.,,_,,_.,.. ____ _.
,_.,_ .. _.,._.,.,.._,,...
.,_., --�---,., ..... _,,,., _____ _ �..z��=.:.:.=�--;;:: :::.:.t:.-� _' ···----..,· _ __ .,.,_, .. ,.._,., ... __ _ _ __,,,., .. . _,., ... ,,.;,,,, ____ .,._,_<-,.,,,,......, .. =�,-,-.,,._-....,; .. -·•--"-f.101/o,-/lo.!l-toNOJd JJ. ,.,_,..,_.,.,
._.-.,_,......,,_u,,. i.;.;i,o ___ _,,,, __ .,.._,..,._,,. .-
"· ,..,_.., __ ,,,,,_
.
,.,.. ___ ,,_.,.. _____ .,, __ ,.. ..
,,., ____ . ..,_., ..... - ..... _, ___ ..
-
__
...
..,.,_
"'""""!,"'_"_
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
\
I
\ 21
\,__ <:,l.J :e: '-'
� e: V)I V) �I
I
PARCCL I
PM J268J-J
-
·,n
PARCEL 2
PM J268J-2
wsf 'Jf::O� • a
� PARCEL D • A
•••
m
�,f'/.
"!fc";I';.';" =
,�x, '. P�'ffec��• A
PARCEL 8
PM J268J-J
Scale I" = 60'
,oo
IOJ!CS1'1£ f'U/INST.M).Jo IIEC. •-5-!H.!O.
�.,,-;:\
��l, -- -
'-)��:!iii
PARCE
.a NXf.SSf;OSUOI
/,• .• / I
/l}/ • �.•/
SS£Slll.
GEL C
cx,snNG TARG£T
PARCEL 5
PIIJ J090.J
PMB 205/48-57
�
JIE:IIISISl)F--IIJR"'5-IS/lrf_,,.l"'t:I'
·•ilkan
.,....,�,::.,��=;::'fc,.�
EASEMENT EXIUBIT
A POl/nQN or THC
WASHINCTON PARK RCTA/l CCNTCR
11/GHWAY 111, LA OU/NTA, CAL/TORN/A
cuc,mJACK TARR
-;;,-I
_I_
JN.7002.C4
EXHIBIT C
IN THE CITY OF LA QUINT A, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, ST A TE OF CALIFORNIA SHEET 1 OF 1 WASHINGTON PARK SPECIFIC PLAN 87-011 AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP# 32683 OVERLAY# 2 ------ --
:i , ----..,,,,_�- i ��� �'�=-----
---_;; --�- ·---- -�IM.4r-----,
EXHIBIT PARCEL 16, 17 & 18
AVENUE 47
PARCEL 18
------
PARCEL NO. ACCESS ROAD SO. FT
PARCEL 16 6,629 SF
PARCEL 17 3.764 SF
PARCEL 18 1,586 SF
EXISTING TARGET STORE
NA.P.
PARCEL20
"----��- . ----· ,--
~\·-"<·----- ------ ·
NU BVILOABL£ AREA
58,702 SF
79.731 SF
59,160 SF
SCALE, 1• 60'
EXHIBIT D
" "'
SCM.E, 1· - ..aBOUNDARY AND TOPO SURVEY EXHIBIT FOR PARCEL 1 OF PM 30903 fl1i (.!:(;A, .:::o;cP.!Pi'()l,'.a,1/C) 5".""D'.t£ 6 t°.(wJ''ll':.� f,rn' �� ;:RQIJ S'El'NII'' fr.t.£ �U ?�flfV,w,.,lr' .�;>()Ir.. Cf/::0. -�- /!�:'.':;t,151"7, l),'l'f,: 1)1,"::Jfl(� .... l"f,,j I ffi'I DfSCR/PVQH
'i-'£:..1.�Jllllf'lfiE.C 1C-1lli£.1,ss.11 .. �;-.:-1, 11.::s1,1t,:.. """,."""'" �u.N,rct -.iot.-"� �•f.> ;)f:;Cll.6d)A)•:)_•�
i"Y:Z I.S �O»o' /1" P,'lCll. ,.,.,, 'iC JOSG3 j]II �. r f!. Nl,11( f()"i i'AJ..�,�- 4(! r.,,...('.jj(,H 57 (J>' f��ru .<An lt"(�J ':£ �>Q>3''.Jf y..,,..,'t'. c1o1.1r�·o.
SURVCYOR'S MITT
� ...:;,,col"[!; 5CAAC;lr;), ... �"""'� ',:U,.'ll
(<..l)~<ll.•"(;1"U i<c,:;,oil,I .O,.U <'<"R <'>I f,t) J�� ,:,.ae 119/58-4! 1�2) �l'[S ffi:-C::>'W n<,r� <>rR "" no JlloC3, <o'D m/�-57
8.4SJS Of BfA.l?INGS:
71-!F r..-:,,•�'«!'ii ("IF �r.-. ,·K1.:r; �w. ,I//Jfl.".i wn•·11• E•sr "fi? �� '-'AP .'fJ. ."<&tbJ, P!J8 U'i./�7,J. i.:.s .
1£l.C AS 1'I;; 3/S.'S Cr �,,s FCil T...S IMA
C-"93'.l' D!S�'<l'IO il't � U,,,TrR C,S')!:;,: r.111trr��A n�, )tr�"'� NF.of< '4£_ ,.�scc;r:;,r. � iw:;1 nr, J.."ll'J s.<1 :.r .11 "f£T '9u 11) '£1,,;'7 �• ;>,£ Cf.lflc.'t'.JI,,£ Ct :r,, �•. 1'1 IFr' (l\'fU) M)im, ;)<" r,A",::Qtl(ll'..-"'f OF•£� 41\.. � � itJ.. ('� ol) '«M>'lt:, ->£ �on" £-.c "> ;'"<( 1".�"..f'6o" � l<t.-.,..,1\ ,, •v :.- '"- � UE\l<f.C,-; 244'8f F!C}-..-'SJ liI/J/m CO,\C;':\ ..... ,.�.,.,..r.:l< :J��cr -• .. ca; Z(l'fl Z/JNC X; ,''I(\ OF"''"''!' r:r.oo J..,V).q() 7!-!•� r flC,0,£( .:A-.C ·� � Wl' Na �!.:.z.
.z.in �,a, �-l9-X17
;:t;-��:��-CJ 9?�11 :.;'JY t:;, :..\ 1,Jt.'J•IIJ �'SOi'OSI -·Z'".,11, .. :;.; P';.� ::.OTV or �A a.Jl'i·A Orrl0.4l.. l'C.1'·,�a l<:N' �A•� �"<-",,IM,, � �•uu,
'7-."£'".X.,,N. �J.'!.lf""<W., ill\1,SS()'f"�;>Al_"F.N.'lll'..._11'f. -��.,,,..a: ,,:,. 'Ufi.!S •
.-a ,.A ,�w.-.. �'M:.t�· ""'-�, �... .-,.��11 GN-�rt . .,.,,,,,_.,�!.t· VAW,fo(f f;A�IR..r.t I'(...,- '1,-"t:,� "l'NTI"�/": (]
'
/ 1>:•••
-.,,,;,i_� fl:ll1Af5. i..•� �J;:!.'#.J.'i � 07� ,:irc.r::,r,K'-'1 ffM1. .'ll,<; ��
a.v�'!O c•1 511£ c::<6:�•
:
f'l11 siuw =�tT r.;.�<:IGI ...:n• Q'.»JJfJCC c,a;.o�-:;r c,;, OM/,/ Ur'��,�•� A tlt.,'L'll"""1V�I.
-r.r,n TM.):'.;'1 ....... 1,(: �.•.'J'if'Y J<t.,[£: I� ;,�_•1· ,".J!'( {Ji/,LN /1.r'Q(;lo{,t,-,.:,,:.•u-N>et·!' �n t(.-1.\C ea�• «1-17�tA ""CI.LC,.<:C �r -
.c: �•Ml'i!,J 10 :;t.TO!CfflloC' RC(,'X�.
A,'¥;1J:i.,o'YAl'f''fa�,;'ff
AlNL TQfQGIWlta
,l<:../1.'tJ.l!tJQN..!,1,ttltl'ci..'I'<.'
7:17'-"U'/CT{WA•'i,5':,Jt:)
i?,.,.�,Cl,�lSW
;>;I: �1-5$7-4.?Sl F')."l( �SI-C!Jl--M¢
.•!1<1.c.. P>,l')Tr.�;;,-•rnc""o.� ,o 2s x,a
ir �A',=IIT$}�
[ (,IIS,Hl/'l'..::.OSL'l<'i' c«.c_ UIJl.l((IXo',oC.�ITr � XJ. '
l(,iC.,.,-.,;r, "A1'<:1"M, Ji. A o· � C�A�; IN,.,,, FF,-.C� ,-. ! =�2:f ����-� -'-J. ��il�1/��.f��
-0- fl'/f.'/'f:.,,,;,.,,,l -__,i; :;,of(�
.!" �'\'��f>f>M:..,T.O'V ','4.:.1'!'"� \i:A.J!'i !.•'If P? f'()l,.'ft."Yl t>v�i •
t"'!fi! IJ-:J'/'-l).-f',I� CO,.,'ll!CT'f}'•i f:f
��, :��.�'�· ,
'.
�';;�! .,,w."GJ. ��
�- ����•,
'\,
'fXE ;
c,,;c,1�•
!v �J\��";;;_:·��
U/� IJ,�cn.;<;TRIK;T,()f,/
W/, W�I!', l£\I£\.
"
c-
:;�
PO,lff:<;i Cl(;:.(
�,>IUI lA"r'S
;;:�,!: rr.,i·�·
.-.-.;.I'( CCliP.
�;�� <o,,.rs
1,111.·� fl();(
f'l.lti;P(X.(
S':'�J ?fC[
Wfle"">Gl,Tl!'P.
t,,\}�f"IA.I.SC,
==
' 0�
���¾�4� -�:;::,��/��" Cc,,<'"£;
:rwc; ...;.;� .
,....-r �,./,1,,Cu,/
�,IFK>,,'[ C{)IJ.lt'.J1<¢.1,'C� LW!.
_ _: �Ill
On
...
� �"l"-�T :.tits
c,;:r�.,
&t,U)ff,� ::i!:f""'-'.;,<' LJ/\f
r/>t'"'S<'Ofi/,l'f]I
S[ANDARD $!18Yft
�B�
�; �:.1 ... :
>iW S<'f'L&WJ.11�.?
dll fif'HCI" 11/R�
� ��Zf�����Y" ...
� ���•l();f(JI.\V:J
'.�i .:rr.m, ™.,.
�r. U,</(..'1111.CO;v
D)l;-7. C.� a:J. c,rn, ,"Ir "tM I": 1l\'.ll1fl$ ;:/U!) k:U<' XC ¼.!l't,\::"" c,,,ur.:;n,.•111 �:i.,. �)..� D/1€ P,,?., .r. "'•,.., �,.s�r
�--:,,,,.. O"�
"•-"
�;n =•
EXHIBIT E
SUb-Msjorl
(E) Amazon Fiwll
36,6008.F
/
PROPO SED SITE PLAN JV® OPTION
-o
l
·
Cl
5GAL..E, l"•..20
EXHIBIT F
Irvine Office
2030 Main Street, Suite 1500
Irvine, California 92614
t 949.752.8585 f 949.752.0597
Westlake Village Office
2815 Townsgate Road, Suite 200
Westlake Village, California 91361
t 805.230.0023 f 805.230.0087
www.jacksontidus.law
January 20, 2026 Direct Dial:
Email:
Reply to:
File No:
949.851.7424
[email protected]
Irvine Office
9740-126507
VIA EMAIL ONLY
Monika Radeva, City Clerk
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, California 92253
Email: [email protected]
Linda Evans, Mayor
Deborah McGarrey, Mayor Pro Tem
Jose Pena, Council Member
Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Council Member
Steve Sanchez, Council Member
Jennifer Nelson, City Council & City Manager
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, California 92253
Email: [email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected]
Re: 111 Corridor Specific Plan, Public Hearing Scheduled for January 20, 2026.
Dear City Clerk and Council Members:
We represent Washington 111, LTD (“Washington Park”), the operator and developer of the Washington Park Shopping Center.
We have reviewed the Staff’s report for the hearing tonight recommending that the hearing be continued to February 17, 2026. We agree with the recommendation. The continuance will permit us to meet again with Staff and bring to the Council on February 17th our final suggested solution.
As a result, we do not intent to appear in person tonight. Thank you again Very truly yours,
Michael L. Tidus
CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 20, 2026 - WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM JACKSON TIDUS ON BEHALF OF WASHINGTON 111, LTD (WASHINGTON PARK) - PUBLIC HEARING ITEM NO. 1 - HIGHWAY 111 CORRIDOR SPECIFIC PLAN - EA 2024-0002, ZC 2024-0002, ZOA 2024-0002, SP 2022-0002
January 20, 2026
MLT/ay
cc: William Ihrke, Esq., La Quinta City Attorney (via email: [email protected]) Jon McMillen, La Quinta City Manager (via email: [email protected]) Cheri Flores (via email: [email protected])
Jonathan Linkus (via email: [email protected])
1731724.1