STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
July 7, 2026
CONSENT
7 SUBJECT: CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Reject Late Claim Application #26-22 filed by Ricardo Valenzuela;
2. Reject Claim #26-20 filed by Melody Hargrove; and
3. Reject Late Claim Application #26-14 filed by Gail Rodgers.
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
City Staff and the City’s Claims Administrator, George Hills Company, recommend the City Council reject the following claims:
Claim #26-22 filed by Ricardo Valenzuela on April 28, 2026, is alleging property damage. Claim #26-20 filed by Melody Hargrove on April 13, 2026, is alleging bodily injury. Claim 26-14 filed by Gail Rodgers on March 6, 2026, is alleging bodily injury.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The recommended action has no financial impact on the budget.
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).) The proposed action is administrative in nature because the processing of claims is governed by the Government Claims Act as a prerequisite to filing suit against a public entity. Accordingly, rejection of the foregoing claims is not a “project” subject to CEQA.
Submitted By: Megan Garibaldi Approved: Dave Kiff.
Megan Garibaldi, City Attorney Dave Kiff, City Manager
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Katelyn Breaux, Paralegal