STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
April 14, 2026
CONSENT
5 SUBJECT: CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Reject Claim #26-04 filed by Eleanor Martel Gardner;
2. Reject Claim #25-55 filed by Ben Arnold;
3. Reject Claim #26-11 filed by Martin Lopez Rodriguez;
4. Reject Claim #26-47 filed by Julia Reyes;
5. Reject Claim #26-06 filed by Carly Wilner;
6. Reject Clain #26-07 filed by Susan O’Brien;
7. Reject Claim #26-12 filed by James Huff; and
8. Reject Claim #26-05 filed by Cara Castillo.
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
City Staff and the City’s Claims Administrator, George Hills Company, recommend the City Council reject the following claims:
• Claim #26-04 filed by Eleanor Martel Gardner on January 16, 2026, alleging bodily injury. • Claim #25-55 filed by Ben Arnold on December 10, 2025, alleging damages for construction impacts.
• Claim #26-11 filed by Martin Lopez Rodriguez on February 23, 2026 alleging property damage. • Claim #26-47 filed by Julia Reyes on February 11, 2026 alleging property damage. • Claim #26-06 filed by Carly Wilner on January 28, 2026 alleging damages for construction impacts. • Claim #26-07 filed by Susan O’Brien on January 29, 2026 alleging bodily injury. • Claim #26-12 filed by James Huff on February 23, 2026 alleging damages for vehicle tow. • Claim #26-05 filed by Cara Castillo on January 16, 2026 alleging damages for animal shelter services.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The recommended action has no financial impact on the budget.
CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
April 14, 2026
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), a "project" means an action which has the potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. (See CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(a).) А "project" specifically does not include organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5).) Furthermore, the proposed action is exempt from CEQA as there is no possibility that such action would have a significant negative effect on the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).) The proposed action is administrative in nature in that it only approves the rejection of claims as part of the Government Claims Act administration process. As such, the action does not constitute a project.
Alternatively, the action is exempt because there is no possibility that it will have a significant negative effect on the environment as it is a personnel-related action.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Submitted By: Megan Garibaldi Approved: .David A Kiff
Megan Garibaldi, City Attorney Dave Kiff, City Manager
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Katelyn Breaux, Paralegal Megan Garibaldi, City Attorney