Director to deny a project where it would create equal or greater traffic problems by diverting traffic to nearby residential streets. That provision provides a more objective and technically sound safeguard.
2. Speed Humps Should Be Allowed as a Traffic Calming Tool Even When Speed Survey Thresholds Are Not Met
The proposed eligibility criteria require a speed survey showing that more than 67 percent of motorists exceed the posted speed limit.
While excessive speed is certainly an appropriate criterion, speed humps are also a recognized and effective tool for reducing cut-through traffic volume and discouraging non-local traffic from using residential streets as shortcuts.
According to the Caltrans Traffic Calming Guide, speed humps act as a deterrent because traversing a series of humps is inconvenient and increases travel time. As a result, non-local drivers often seek alternative routes on arterial roads better suited to carry through traffic.
Transportation agencies have documented substantial reductions in traffic volume on residential streets following installation of speed humps.
For this reason, the policy should not limit eligibility solely to situations where speeding thresholds are exceeded. I recommend modifying Criterion No. 3 to read:
"A speed survey must show that more than 67 percent of motorists exceed the posted speed limit, or the Public Works Director has determined that speed humps are otherwise an appropriate traffic calming measure."
This revision would allow the City to address neighborhood traffic concerns where excessive traffic volume, cut-through traffic, pedestrian safety concerns, or other circumstances justify traffic calming measures even if speeding data alone does not meet the threshold.
3. Inconsistency Regarding Project Costs
The staff report states that speed hump installation costs will be paid by the City and that funding will be budgeted through the Capital Improvement Fund. However, several provisions within Attachment A continue to require petitioners and property owners to fund installation costs.
387
Mayor and Councilmembers
June 22, 2026
For example:
• Policy No. 1 requires petitioners to deposit funds equal to the estimated installation cost.
• Policy No. 4 states that construction costs shall be paid by the property owners who sign the petition.
• The application form requires applicants to agree to fund both construction and removal costs.
These provisions appear inconsistent with the staff report and could create confusion for residents and City staff. I recommend revising Attachment A so that all provisions regarding funding are consistent with the City's stated intent that installation costs be funded by the City.
4. Additional Minor Revisions
My redlined versions of the staff report and Attachment A contain several additional clarifying edits and typographical corrections for the Council's consideration. These revisions are intended to improve consistency between the policy document, application materials, and staff report.
Conclusion
I support the City's effort to establish a speed hump policy and believe the proposed program can become an effective tool for improving neighborhood safety. However, I respectfully request that the Council direct staff to revise the policy to:
1. Remove the requirement for approval by adjoining streets and instead rely on Public Works' professional evaluation of traffic diversion impacts;
2. Allow speed humps where the Public Works Director determines they are an appropriate traffic calming measure, even if the speed survey threshold is not met; and
3. Resolve the inconsistencies regarding responsibility for installation and removal costs.
Thank you for your consideration of these comments.
Respectfully submitted,
Adam Kear
388
Administrative Report
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Ben Harvey, City Manager
Lindy Palmer, Public Works Director
MEETING DATE: June 23, 2026
SUBJECT: Concept Review for City of Ojai Speed Hump Policy (City Council Direction)
RECOMMENDATION
1. Review the recommendations for a City of Ojai Speed Hump Policy and provide feedback to staff; and,
2. Decide whether to adopt the policy at a future meeting or have it reviewed by the Public Safety Commission.
DISCUSSION
In direct response to guidance from the City Council and requests from community members, staff recommend that the City Council conduct a concept review of the draft speed hump policy. This recommendation is consistent with Public Safety Tactic 5.3, which specifically calls for the creation of a speed hump policy and designates the Public Works Department as the responsible entity for its development and implementation.
Staff conducted a review of speed hump policies from municipalities throughout the County of Ventura, with particular attention to the County of Ventura's Speed Hump Policy. This policy served as the reference standard for the Public Works Department, most notably during the installation of speed humps on Drown Ave. Ojai possesses unique characteristics that distinguish it from unincorporated county areas. As a result, staff recommends modifications to the County criteria to more closely align with Ojai's specific needs and context.
The key elements of the proposed draft policy, with Ojai-specific modifications noted, are as follows:
389
1. Policies (Modified from County of Ventura Speed Hump Policy) Policy County of Ventura Standard Proposed Ojai Modifications Petition Minimum of 67% of the property
owners along the street(s) listed must
approve of the installation of these
speed humps/cushions.
Minimum of 67% of the property
owners along the street where
the devices are to be installed
as well as the residents on the
immediately adjoining street(s)
must approve of the installation
of the speed humps
How will adjoining streets be
defined? If the concern is redirection of traffic, the Public Works Director is in the best
position to determine that.
Installation/Removal Additions, alterations, or removals of any or all speed humps/cushions may
be directed at any time
None
Emergency Response The County must notify Ventura
County Fire Protection District, the
Sheriff’s Department, and the
California Highway Patrol.
None
Speed Hump Costs Must be paid by the property owners
who sign the required petition
City will cover these costs
Policy Review The Transportation Department will
reassess the speed-hump/cushion
program and report to the Board of
Supervisors at approximately five-year
intervals.
The Public Safety Commission
will review the policy as they
deem applicable or as
requested by the City Council
2. Eligibility Criteria (Modified from County of Ventura Speed Hump Policy) Criteria County of Ventura Standard Proposed Ojai Modifications Street Classification Residential and local roads only None Speed Limit Only residential or local roads of
25mph or less
None
Speed Survey More than 67 percent of motorist
exceed the 25mph speed limit
NoneSuggest “More than 67
percent of motorists exceed the
posted speed limit or the Public
Works Director has determined
speed humps to be an
appropriate traffic calming
measure.
Street Width Must have a paved width of 40 feet or
less and no more than two traffic lanes
None
Traffic Volume The average week day traffic volume
must exceed 1,000 vehicles in a 24-
hour period.
None
390
Street Characteristics No speed hump/cushion may be
installed on any street with:
- Severe horizontal or vertical curves
- Inadequate sight distance to the
humps/cushions
- Excessive street downgrades
None
391
SPEED HUMP/CUSHION GUIDELINES
CITY OF OJAI
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
392
CITY OF OJAI
SPEED HUMP/CUSHION
POLICY
Approved by the City Council on XX/XX/XXXX
POLICIES
1 Speed humps/cushions will be installed only:
• If the location meets the warrants established by the City Council. • Upon receipt of the required petition or when the Public Works Director or their designee initiates the proposal
-and-
• The City Council approves the request
-and-
• In conformance with the standard design in effect at the time of installation.
A petition for installation of speed humps/cushions must be signed by a minimum of 67% of the property owners on the street or the portion of the street affected concurring in the proposed installation. The petition must contain language to the effect that, if the petition is approved, the petitioners must deposit with the Public Works Department funds in the estimated amount of the cost of installation of the speed humps/cushions before work will be authorized. This is inconsistent with staff report that costs will be borne by City. 2 Since speed humps/cushions are in the travel way, additions, alterations, or removals of any or all speed humps/cushions may be directed at any time. 3 Prior to the approval of new speed humps/cushion on any street, the Public Works Director shall notify the Ventura County Fire Protection District, the Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol. 4 Speed-hump/cushion construction costs shall be paid by the property owners who sign the required petition. If the Public Works Director or their designee originates a proposal and the property owners concur, construction costs will be paid by the City.
Edit to be consistent with staff report.
5 The Public Works Department will reassess the speed- hump/cushion program and report to the City Council at approximately five-year intervals. Critical program issues that require Council action prior to the five-year review will be scheduled for policy guidance. 393
CITY OF OJAI
SPEED HUMP/CUSHION CRITERIA
Approved by the City Council on XX/XX/XXXX
CRITERIA
Satisfied
Yes No
1 The road must be either a residential road or a local road defined as follows:
a. A residential road, or “residence district,” as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 515 is that portion of a highway and the property contiguous thereto, other than a business district, (a) upon one side of which highway, within a distance of a quarter of a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 13 or more separate dwelling houses or business structures, or (b) upon both sides of which highway, collectively, within a distance of a quarter of a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 16 or more separate dwelling houses or business structures. A residence district may be longer than one-quarter of a mile if the above ratio of separate dwelling houses or business structures to the length of the highway exists. The “residence district” determination must be consistent with California Vehicle Code Section 240.
Buildings must be located within 75 feet of the roadway curb face or edge of pavement and they must face and gain access from the road, to be considered as “fronting” on the road.
b. A local road is defined for the purpose of this guideline as a road intended primarily to provide direct access to abutting residential buildings. Residential buildings Include separate dwelling houses, apartment buildings, or multiple dwelling houses.
2 The speed limit on the road must be 25 miles per hour or less, established in accordance with State law or Board of Supervisors’ action. 3 A speed survey must show that 67 percent of the motorists exceed the posted miles-per-hour speed limit or the Public Works Director has determined speed humps to be an appropriate traffic calming measure. 4 The road must have a paved width of 40 feet or less and no more than two traffic lanes.
5 The average traffic volume must be greater than 1,000 vehicles in a 24-hour period.
6 No speed hump/cushion may be installed on any street where the Road Commissioner Public Works Director or his their designee determines it cannot be safely installed due to:
a. Severe horizontal or vertical curves
b. Inadequate sight distance to the humps/cushions
c. Excessive street downgrades
7 No speed hump/cushion may be installed on any street where the Road Commissioner Public Works Director or his their designee determines it will create equal or greater traffic problems by causing traffic diversion to a nearby residential or local road.
394
City of Ojai
SPEED HUMP/CUSHION APPLICATION
PUBLIC WORKS D EPARTMENT
408 South Signal Street, Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-5581 ext. 200
THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT
The undersigned requests the construction of speed humps/cushions on the following City-maintained street:
Street Name:
Between: and
I understand speed humps/cushions are still considered an experimental roadway feature and are an evolving technology. Therefore, I agree to fund the cost of construction and removal of speed humps/cushions on the street listed above. I understand a minimum of 67% of the property owners along the street(s) listed above or along the petition portion of the street(s) must approve of the installation of these speed humps/cushions. Attached to this application is a petition with the signatures of 67% of the affected property owners. I understand the Public Works Department will review the speed hump/cushion policy every five years. I understand the City may revoke this application and remove the speed humps/cushions at any time at the City’s discretion.
Applicant:
Number and Street:
City and Zip Code:
Phone:
Signature of Applicant:
Date:
THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETED BY THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT The Public Works Department approves this application for the activities described above subject to the special conditions listed below:
Special Conditions:
Approved by:
Date:
CONTSRUCTION COMPLETION
Inspector:
Date:
When approved – copies to Applicant, Ventura County Fire Protection District, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, emergency medical services agencies, and others as directed by the Public Works Director, City of Ojai.
395
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Michael mendizza <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, June 20, 2026 3:23 PM
To: City Clerk
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: FW: Michael Mendizza Olive Press Ojai
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
City Planning – Ojai
Tony Yanow, Ojai Mountain Farm, is requesting additional footage for outdoor dining. As the owner of Olive Press Ojai, adjacent to Tony’s patio and he business most impacted by his patio plans, we have no objection to his requested expansion. In fact, we believe that it is an excellent use of this popular Ojai promenade.
Sincerely
Michael Mendizza
396
2 397
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Dan Parziale <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2026 1:28 PM
To: City Clerk
Cc: Tony Yanow
Subject: City council meeting public comment
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Please accept this email and support of Tony Yanow and the Ojai Mountain Farm restaurant. Tony and his team have worked tirelessly to create a beautiful space in Ojai for our community and visitors. They have been intentional in the design and menu and I believe supports the overall culture we are continuing to build in our valley. I know that in time Tony aims to create a space that is welcoming both for residents in our town and for visitors and that the outdoor space will push that effort forward. I believe that having access to comfortable outdoor spaces adds so much vibrancy to our downtown and know that Tony will oversee the creation of a beautiful gathering spot. I support him and the Ojai Mountain Farm team in moving forward with a patio space that is supportive of community building and good times for all.
Dan Parziale
_________________________
Dan Parziale
Executive Director/Co-Founder
www.mesafarm.org
PO Box 481 Ojai CA 93024
Cell: 323-308-0060
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Cultivating Possibility for Young Adults Facing Homelessness Get to Know Mesa
398
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Bill <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 3:34 AM
To: Weston Montgomery
Subject: Council meeting 6/23/26. Item 11…Mountain Farm Restaurant Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
6/22/26
To: Ojai City Council
From: Bill Miley
Subject: council meeting 6/23/26. Item 11, Mountain Farm Restaurant…support Hello.
I am mostly aware of the planning department issues involved here. And the review by the HPC commission. And the end decision 3-2 by the council to appeal the recent Planning Commission’s denial.
I want to skip to the key question in my thinking…what is best for our city now and in its future. Our city centers the eastern end of the Ojai Valley. And certainly makes an impact there.
I would like to suggest that issues raised by the HPC could be worked out one by one…at least most. The facts of HPC compliance will not add a vibrance to Ojai City’s economic future.
Only the success of a business like this one which serves locals and tourists will help. And certainly an important element is they, the farmers and restauranteurs are local folks. Growing their food, storing it and serving it.
The freezer….without it no restaurant exists, i understand.
The patio size….without some sort of expansion for customer tables and chairs the economics of cooking and serving patrons is questioned. That is the position of the owners.
The freezer… large for walk-in function. The owners say it will not fit effectively inside the current building size. Without it the Mountain Farm Restaurant is DEAD.
I WANT THIS BUSINESS TO SUCCEED AND BE PART OF OUR CITY ECONOMIC FUTURE. SO…
PLEASE CONSIDER WHAT MAKES OUR CITY ATTRACTIVE TO LOCALS AND TOURISTS. PLACES TO WALK, HIKE, VIEW, EXPERIENCE, EAT AND STAY. And remember the term EAT. And now a new issue … having an ARCADE that does not burn down. 399
2 ON OCCASION WE HEAR ABOUT AN INTEGRATED INDUSTRY OR BUSINESS. THEY SOURCE THEIR MATERIALS, FORM THEIR PRODUCT AND SELL THEIR RESULTS…THEY DO EVERYTHING. I AM SURE THEY ALSO BUY FROM OTHERS. The Mountain Farm Restaurant is one.
THIS BUSINESS IS AN INTEGRATED BUSINESS. FROM FARM TO MOUTH.
HERE IS WHAT I SUGGEST YOU CONSIDER FOR THE FREEZER…and RESTAURANT…
1. Location…allow it to be placed as is-outside next to the rear entrance.
2. Sound/noise…the city ordinance says for businesses 65 decibels with shorter times for noise spurts. THAT NOT THE PROBLEM.
THE PROBLEM IS THE SOUND IS GENERATED 24 hours each day, seven days a week. It is not a patron group of 4 folks for 2 hours. IT WILL BE HEARD ANYTIME THE COOLING MOTORS RUN TO KEEP IT BELOW 32 degrees. Even when THEY ARE closed.
There is an easy solution which neither the Commissions of Planning or HPC discussed…which was providing sound insulation for it walls and ceiling. A one-time act which pays off forever. The installed insulation will dampen sounds which, if the Freezer had a mind, it would say i don’t want folks eating and enjoying their time here… “having to accommodate MY NOISE”.
Up to 65 decibels are what folks talking and laughing produce. This freezer produces the same level…competing with voices. WITH TODAY’S TECHNOLOGY NO ONE HAS TO SUFFER THAT.
SO, PLEASE GIVE MOUNTAIN FARM A PERMIT (freezer) TO BE ON CITY OWNED PLAZA LAND.
NOT A CUP… FOR THE LIFE OF THE RESTAURANT IF CERTAIN CONDITIONS ARE MET.
ALSO REQUIRE THE COVERING OF THE FREEZER TO ZERO OUT ITS FUNCTION TO PATRONS AND OTHERS., INCLUDING THE INSULATION.
REGARDING THE PLAZA EATING AREA EXPANSION, IT SHOULD NOT EXTEND TO THE GRASS AREA OF THE REAR PLAZA. BUT IT SHOULD BE ABLE TO BE VISUALLY SEEN AS BELONGING TO THE MOUNTAIN FARM RESTAURANT. ALSO ITS PERIMETER SHOULD BE CLEAR. NO PATRON WITH NEFARIOUS THOUGHTS CAN EASILY LEAVE THEIR TABLE AND DISAPPEAR BEFORE PAYING.
FOR OJAI CITY’s FUTURE, PLEASE SERIOUSLY CONSIDER SAYING YES TO MOUNTAIN FARM AND ITS OUTDOOR FREEZER AND PATIO EXPANSION.
SINCERELY, BILL MILEY, Ojai since 1968
400
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Kali Coultas <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 8:01 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Strong Opposition to Appeal of Planning Commission Denial – Ojai Mountain Farm Encroachment at Arcade Plaza (242 East Ojai Ave)
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Dear City Clerk,
I am writing as a fourth-generation Ojai resident, business owner of Ojai Wellness (Ojai Garden Spa), and steward of regenerative practices on our family’s 125-acre historic ranch. I strongly oppose the City Council’s appeal of the Planning Commission’s denial regarding the unpermitted additions and encroachments by Ojai Mountain Farm at the Arcade Plaza.
The Arcade Plaza is public property owned by the people of Ojai and maintained collectively by the shopkeepers who respect its historic integrity. The proposed (and already constructed) addition, including a large walk-in freezer, electrical panel, fencing, storage, and obstruction of the historic brick facade and original window represents an inappropriate takeover of shared public space. This not only violates the Arcade Plaza Design Guidelines but sets a dangerous precedent that could encourage other businesses to encroach similarly, eroding the unique character that defines downtown Ojai.
The Planning Commission, after careful review, denied the necessary permits (design review and conditional use) multiple times. Their decision should be upheld.
Approving this after-the-fact would undermine the Commission’s authority, reward non-compliance, and disadvantage businesses that follow the rules by keeping their storage and equipment inside their own buildings.
Beyond this specific encroachment, I have serious concerns about the broader impacts of this project on our community. Ojai’s small-town charm, historic preservation, and equitable use of public resources must take priority over individual business expansions that compromise shared spaces and the visitor experience we all rely on.
I respectfully urge the City Council to uphold the Planning Commission’s denial and reject the appeal at the June 23 meeting. Protecting the Arcade Plaza is essential to preserving Ojai’s legacy for future generations.
401
2 Thank you for your service and for ensuring public input is considered. I am available for any questions.
Sincerely,
Kali Kealoha Coultas
Owner, Ojai Wellness / Ojai Garden Spa
8052562690
Come visit us at the Ojai garden spa, make time for you. #selflove www.Ojaigardenspa.com
My Honey and ethically hive derived products here:
www.Darkmooresupplyco.com
402
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Debby Swetek <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 8:04 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: OMG Agenda item # 11
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Mayor Gilman and Council Members,
This is the addition on the Plaza that fronts "Ojai Mountain Farm" on the Arcade Plaza. The whole structure was placed on public property and includes a large walk-in freezer, electrical panel, fence, and storage area under the oak tree. The historic brick facade has been obstructed from view, with an original window boarded up. Other businesses on the Plaza keep their appliances and storage inside their building. The Planning Commission denied a permit for this encroachment twice, but here we are.
Why even have a Planning Commission and HPC if you are not going to respect their decisions? This is WRONG, you all know it is WRONG but you are trying to cover an employee’s mistake. This is where the City of Ojai should be protecting our historic buildings. Do not pass this mess . It looks terrible, it’s noisy and it’s wrong.
The public has also written many letters against this.
This will be a future problem in the preservation on Ojai’s buildings.
Also this buisness has had illegal signs out front on sidewalk advertising their business.
What else are you going to let them get away with?
Sincerely,
Debby Russell Swetek
403
2 404
3 405
4 406
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Larry Steingold <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 8:07 AM
To: Weston Montgomery
Subject: Agenda Tuesday Council meeting agenda item 11
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
To Weston Montgomery
From Leary Steingold
Re Mountain Farm Reject
Hello,
I am fully aware that the Planning Commission provided the applicant with an opportunity to make changes. Any changes may have altered the vote. However, the applicant did not offer to make any modifications.
Personally, I had hoped that the applicant would have reached an accommodation, such as installing brick panels to conceal the freezer so that it looks like the back wall of his space, and that this point would ask the City and my tax dollars to pay for it. This would have effectively eliminated the issue.
In my history, I have been seen and been involved in properties where hidden and camouflaged items resolved the issue at a minimal cost to the project. Why is this so difficult? Regrettably, such an accommodation was never publicly offered. Therefore, in my opinion, the owner has chosen to adopt a confrontational approach with the residents, forcing the issue, including the fence, and privatizing public land. This decision is unfortunate for all parties involved.
I am also aware that he is a resident of Ojai and that many who live within city limits don't think the freezer is an issue. It would not be an issue, aside from the exemption, for most, if it looked like it was part of the building, was soundproofed, and was not privatizing public land with a CUP.
The issues raised by HPC must be addressed comprehensively and not in isolated instances, as this entire episode demonstrates. One of the defining characteristics of Ojai is its history, aesthetics, and the preservation of its unique identity for both its residents and visitors. The Arcade is one of those jewels. This precedent will lead to similar occurrences elsewhere on City property, and not just in an area that is widely regarded as protected space and sacred, if not in reality, or in the view of all.
A no vote is not indicative of anti-business sentiment. It is a rejection of wrongdoing. It is unacceptable that this situation has occurred. This is not an isolated mistake; it was a deliberate act which has to be dealt with, even if it was “legal." Why didn’t he go through the process? Because it would have been most likely denied. I assume they went for an encroachment permit which is available for being on public land and if thats an acceptable avenue asked for, was denied. Someone thought of a workaround, and here we are. However, the vote here is not intended to deal with that as it will either be addressed publicly in full view of the community or in the confines of a closed meeting.
The City Council must prioritize the long-term best interests of the City, not short-term gains. Approving this proposal opens up the entire city. Precedent in this case signifies change and enables actions that 407
2 would have been denied but now might be approved after the fact because of fear of litigation, or some other fear.
It is widely acknowledged that there is a financial risk to our tax dollars, and the opportunity cost of denying it. That’s an unfortunate result of being put into this position. At some point in one’s political career, there are difficult decisions with significant ramifications, and this is one of those instances.
Money can be replaced, but the Arcade and its future cannot, and precedents have a way of being never undone only changed and not always for the better.
The concept of a ground lease appears appealing, but in reality, any purchase of the business as a restaurant will likely include the freezer as part of the sale, and we will return to our current situation.
However, if he relocates the freezer, or changes its appearance, addresses the noise issue, and removes the 8-foot fence, this situation will be resolved. Any transfer of the space to any entity must require a complete permit request. No CUP should be issued.
At this point, depending on your vote, will your rallying cry be “Don’t change Ojai, let Ojai change you”, or will it be “Don’t let Ojai change you, change Ojai”
To reiterate what is evident to me, since the applicant has not attempted to reach a compromise, much sympathy has vanished. It’s not his fault that he, we, and you were initially put in this position. I am sure he probably didn’t expect it. You have others to thank for that. But because of the lack of compromise, he, you, and we are now at fault for what will happen next. I genuinely hope that everyone can find a compromise, which, if ignored and this proposal is approved, in my opinion will have long-term, unacceptable, and predictable consequences. You are in a position of creating real precedents, in addition to a real consequence overriding our commissions for reasons that have nothing to do with the reasons it was denied.
You are faced with a difficult decision. Vote to deny the appeal and accept the predictable consequences of being placed in this position with money at risk. Or vote to approve the project and accept the predictable consequences of being placed in an entirely different position and an acceptance for issuing exemptions, accepting workarounds to avoid commission denials for legitimate reasons, and privatizing public land use.
Simply put, we have all been put between a rock and a hard place on something that never should have occurred. This is truly unfortunate for everyone.
Always vote for Ojai. Vote to deny the appeal if there is no real compromise.
Sincerely
Larry Steingold
408
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Sunny Bower <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 9:54 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Ojai Mt. Farm permit
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
I am writing in protest to the expansion of Ojai Mountain Farm restaurant's expansion into the arcade courtyard.
This restaurant needs to keep their inventory within their building as all businesses before them in that location have done.
Also, allowing this eyesore expansion sets a terrible precedent for all other businesses who "need more space".
Please respect the building codes and standards already in place-for good reason! Thank you, Sunny Bower
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
409
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Chelsea Sutula <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 10:05 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Item 11 on 6/23/26 agenda - approve the proposed modifications for OMF Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Greetings Mayor and City Council,
I'm writing to express support of OMF's application for repositioning their back patio and use of their outdoor freezer. The applicant has submitted changes that align with plaza design guidelines, so I urge your approval today.
Tony Yanow has opened a beautiful farm-to-table restaurant and it's in his own best interests to keep the back patio area looking beautiful and minimize the freezer noise impact to dining patrons. As a fellow small business owner, I applaud all the work the applicant has done to appease various commissions while trying to build a viable and thoughtfully designed business. It's not easy.
Thank you for your consideration and for approving the requested patio changes.
Chelsea Sutula
Owner/CEO Sespe Creek Collective Inc.
408 Bryant Circle, Unit C
Ojai CA, 93023
C10-0000028-LIC
410
1 Weston Montgomery
From: shannon nelson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 10:55 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Subject: Yanow appeal
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
June 22,2026
Mayor Gilman and members of City Council
Without going into all the ways that your vote to appeal the Planning Dept. decision regarding Mr.
Yanow’s freezer location on public property was in error, I direct you to listen again to the public comments from Craig Walker at the last council meeting. Craig’s comments reflect a historical understanding of what has made Ojai such a desirable and attractive place to live. Your vote failed to support that.
City codes and standards are difficult in many ways, as are all restrictions on individual behavior. Someone always disagrees with them for one reason or another. However, they preserve the integrity of agreed upon aesthetics and help to ensure that chaos does not take over. What you have done invites that chaos in and will be a problem in the future preservation of the Ojai “look” and in decisions by future councils.
At one time my family was the largest contributor to the original Arcade Plaza redevelopment assessment and for 30 years we paid a substantial addition to our City taxes for the plaza area of the historical arcade. We did so on the promise that this area would adhere to agreed upon standards of aesthetics and for many years this promise was fulfilled. Please do not betray us now by allowing these standards to be ignored.
Shannon Nelson
1212 Forest dr.
Santa Paula, CA
93060
411
1 Weston Montgomery
From: River Sauvageau <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 11:21 AM
To: [email protected]; City Clerk
Subject: Encroachment on the public space behind the arcade Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
I Vehemently oppose a private business and encroaching on the public space behind the arcade. Please do not approve Of Ojai Mountain home’s fencing, storage, and refrigeration which is encroaching on public property. We love the beauty of our town and if they need that space, they should be in an industrial park, not in our downtown.
Thank you
River Sauvageau
Sent from my iPhone
412
1 Weston Montgomery
From: ANITA CRAMM <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 11:51 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: June 23rd Agenda Item #11
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Thank you for your service to our community.
Please deny the Ojai Mountain Farm request for expansion that will destroy or block historic features of the downtown historically significant building they wish to alter. Expanding into and taking over current community space should be rejected. That is our space, why would you give it to them? There is plenty of room to add more dining inside the restaurant. Currently, they are under using and wasting their indoor space, all while wanting to take over more. It seems that greed is a potent motivation.
The freezer they have placed in their outdoor dining space needs to be removed . It is noisy and an ugly eye sore. You can see the brown monstrosity from most vantage points across the entire backside of the Arboleda.
This is unacceptable. It needs to go, or more of these breaches will pop up further denigrating the historic features of our town that need protection.
Our community is under tremendous pressures from restauranters, retailers and developers to reap financial reward from our quaint, historic town. In that process, they are destroying our quaint, historic town. When is enough, enough? How much more should we bend the knee to financial gain? The time to start saying no is now. If not, we will pass a tipping point, where it is too late. We are at risk of becoming a hollow soulless boutique town, catering to the money that comes here to be spent in tourist establishments marring our unique town. We will be void of character, history, culture - a mere plastic version of the town we love.
Just say no.
Thanks,
Anita Cramm
Ojai Resident
413
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Vickie Carlton-byrne <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 12:02 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Ojai Mountain Farm appeal
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Dear Councilmembers,
I urge you to deny the appeal of Ojai Mountain Farm. The outdoor refrigerator is an eyesore, and the dining area encroaches on the public right-of-way. If Mr Yanow cannot fully realize his creative vision in the indoor space that he occupies, then he should find another space. An approval would set a terrible precedent.
Additionally, why is the City Council initiating an appeal in the first place? That should be left up to the applicant, not the council.
Please deny the appeal.
Vickie Carlton-Byrne
Ojai city resident
414
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Teena Broumand <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 12:37 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: RE: Ojai Mountain Farm ENCROACHMENT
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Hello City of Ojai -
I am writing to you today regarding the structure(s) that have been placed in the COMMUNITY area behind the arcade by Ojai Mountain Farm. WE THE COMMUNITY have been very engaged on this issue, both with the Planning Commission and now with the city council.
SEVERAL individuals have written in, attended planning commission AND city council council meetings on the DISAPPROVAL to place UNSIGHTLY restaurant equipment in the community DOMAIN. Our arcade plaza is a place where we see people often enjoying this public space, with picnics, kids playing, or just enjoying the shaded community space.
We all want the businesses in Ojai to be successful. We understand that operating a restaurant is difficult in these economic times. HOWEVER they need to find a way to operate successfully within the footprint of the rented space of the INTERIOR of their restaurant.
PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW THE DECISION ALREADY MADE BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO BE RECONSIDERED.
The prioritization of business profits over the desires of the public and decisions already made by the planning commission sound an awful lot like someone is gleaning SPECIAL favors in terms of a second stab at decisions already made.
Is Mayor Gilman personal friends or acquaintances of the owners? If so, he needs to recuse himself from the decision making process. Has council member Rachel Lang been invited to the opening of the restaurant in order to “experience” their food or beverages? If she has stepped foot inside this establishment, she needs to recuse herself too.
Allowing RETAIL businesses and RESTAURANTS to overstep their bounds or expand their operational footprint into the public space does not serve the wider community of ojai - it picks favorites and has our local government handing out special favors.
please do not allow for an exception for this business nor its owners.
Thank you,
Teena Broumand
415
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Mary Nelson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 12:42 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Screwing up the plaza
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
To Whom It May Concern,
Please remove the freezer and fence in back of the arcade. We had a large piece of property there and paid a fee every year to support that area. It’s breaking the agreement we had with the city, it’s OUR property so prepare for a lawsuit.
Sent from my iPhone
416
1 Weston Montgomery
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 1:01 PM
To: City Clerk; City Council
Subject: Additions to Arcade Plaza by "Ojai Mountain Farm".
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Dear Ojai City Clerk and Ojai City Council:
I'd like Ojai City Council, its Historic Preservation Commission, and its Planning Commission to read this old article before taking any votes concerning the recent additions (walk-in freezer, electric panels, fencing, and more) behind "Ojai Mountain Farm" in the Arcade Plaza.
After reading the article, I trust all will agree the additions should be removed immediately to be in compliance with the original intent of building the Arcade Plaza.
Sincerely,
T. Drew Mashburn
75 year Ojai Valley Native
http://ojaihistory.com/whats-new-downtown/
417
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Susan Karst <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 11:52 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Ojai Mountain Farm
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Dear City Council,
The business Ojai Mountain Farm should be required to eliminate the eyesore they have illegally constructed on city property. If their business cannot be contained within the legal perimeter of their store, they should relocate to a property capable of doing so. This additional structure is ugly and trashy looking. It has become a blight on the Arcade Plaza and must be removed! Bruce and Susan Karst
805-320-8369
418
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Malcolm Brooks <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 1:29 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Ojai Mountain Farm Patio - public comment
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Dear Ojai City Council Members,
I’m a resident of Ojai (Meiners Oaks) writing in support of Ojai Mountain Farm’s application for a patio expansion. I regret that I will not be able to participate on Tuesday but I will be on a plane at the time of the meeting.
I believe this is a great addition to our downtown core for two main reasons.
First, we need more outdoor dining options in the area, especially in the Arcade Plaza. Patio space adds vibrancy and gives residents and visitors more ways to enjoy our town.
Second, supporting an ultra-local business like Ojai Mountain Farm strengthens our local economy and keeps Ojai’s character intact.
Thank you for considering this application favorably.
Sincerely,
Malcolm Brooks
Ojai resident
419
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Leslie Hess <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 1:36 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Item #11 - Freezer etc.
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Dear Mayor Gillman, Mayor Pro Tem Mang, and City Council Members:
Thank you for serving the city. The Ojai community appreciates your diligence in doing what is best for Ojai.
Please vote to have OMF remove the 8 ft. x 7 ft. freezer. Also, please vote no against this: “The current request seeks to amend the prior CUP approval from 360 square feet of patio area to allow for a total of approximately 580 square foot outdoor patio area.” It doesn’t make sense that because his freezer is taking up some of his seating space the city should allow more public land encroachment.
Perhaps Mr. Yanow may have the grace to make other arrangements for his freezer.
Please vote no.
Thank you,
Leslie Hess
Ojai
420
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Lynda Garrett <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 1:57 PM
To: City Clerk
Cc: Lynda Garrett
Subject: Oppose Ojai City Council Appeal & Resolution Re: OMF Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
City Clerk,
Please note my strong opposition to the recent action of the Ojai City Council to appeal the Planning Commission denial of Ojai Mountain Farm request for outdoor storage and a walk in freezer on public property.
I also strongly disapprove of any consideration of a resolution approving the above rejected request.
The Planning Commission, after careful review, denied the necessary permits (design review and conditional use) multiple times. Their decision should be upheld. Approving this after-the-fact would undermine the Commission’s authority, reward non-compliance, and disadvantage businesses that follow the rules by keeping their storage and equipment inside their own buildings.
I respectfully urge the City Council to uphold the Planning Commission’s denial and reject the appeal at the June 23 meeting. Protecting the Arcade Plaza is essential to preserving Ojai’s legacy for future generations.
Thank you,
Lynda Garrett Garibaldi
319 Raymond Street Ojai, CA
Ojai Native, Family here since 1920
Lynda Garrett-Garibaldi
[email protected]
415-516-2799
Sent from my iPhone
421
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Susan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 2:10 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Arcade freezer debacle
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
This should never have been built! You don’t get to say “ oops, sorry” and move on. It needs to be removed and the area completely restored to its previous state.
City clerk - please do your due diligence and make sure ALL emails concerning this issue are presented to the council! Sent from my iPad
422
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Heidi Whitman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 2:24 PM
To: City Clerk; Weston Montgomery
Subject: Public Comment City Council Agenda June 23, 2026: Item #11 – Appeal of Ojai Mountain Farm Freezer
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
22 June 2026
Re: City Council Agenda June 23, 2026: Item #11 – Appeal of Ojai Mountain Farm Freezer Dear City Council members,
I am writing to ask that the City Council deny any appeal by Ojai Mountain Farms related to the freezer, fencing and other modifications to the historic building and make the applicant relocate the freezer to a place within the building footprint. I frankly cannot imagine how this was even considered by City staff as something that was possible as any of the following are not allowed anywhere in the City of Ojai.
1. This freezer has been installed on City property, property that neither the business owner nor the building owner own.
2. The freezer and its foundation have been installed within and immediately under the dripline of an oak tree.
3. A fence has been installed within and immediately under the dripline of an oak tree.
4. The back of the historic building is now covered up with items that you might find in an alley.
5. No CEQA process appears to have been followed.
6. The business owner has proposed expanding their seating area into yet more of the public space as well as the space behind other businesses because the freezer takes up so much of the dining space.
Any one of these things would stop a project.
Not to mention, did the applicant get a tree permit or an encroachment permit (and thus the required insurance) or approvals from the Planning Commission or the Historic Preservation Commission? It almost seems like all of the regular approvals were ignored.
City of Ojai residents spent a great deal of time and money developing the back of the Arcade as a welcoming public space. I have not heard any public explanation on how this could possibly happen, or any public acknowledgement that a mistake has been made, or any discussion of how we make sure this never happens again.
423
2 John Adams once said, “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." It’s time for the City staff to explain what happened and deal with the consequences of their gross error in judgement. Please do not change the rules or mis-state what happened to cover up this mistake. Please remove the freezer from City property.
Sincerely,
Heidi Whitman
424
1 Weston Montgomery
From: Jack Davis <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2026 2:31 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: "Ojai Mountain Farm"
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
no fucking way
Thanks, Jack @ Beat City Records
425
Ojai City Council – June 23, 2026
Agenda Item 11: CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 26-27
DESIGN REVIEW PERMIT (DRP 26-003) AND CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT (CUP 26-003)
I urge the City Council to reject outright the proposed staff resolution asking Council to overturn the prior rejections of this project by the Planning Commission. Before you is a de novo hearing to consider any issues associated with the appeal.
From the standpoint of a resident, the resolution cannot be amended sufficiently to be acceptable. The City should require removal of the freezer, redesign of outdoor dining without the freezer, and any required freezer should be moved inside the restaurant where it will not be an eyesore in the arcade.
Please consider the following:
• For more than a dozen years, a neighborhood and visitor favorite, Osteria Monte Grappa, operated as a full-service restaurant without requiring an outside freezer or refrigerator. So why does a limited-menu restaurant and bar require a large outdoor freezer?
• The staff report on this agenda item is one of the worst, and least transparent, planning documents I have ever seen from a Community Development Department. It minimizes community input from two public Commissions and from extensive public comment.
• If approved by Council, the proposed staff resolution would set a terrible precedent for any future applications in the arcade. We need to protect the visual and historic integrity of our downtown. This is not a back alley in a large urban downtown.
• The freezer unit is an eyesore and detracts from the beauty and historic uses in the arcade. The freezer was initially labeled as an unpermitted use, and it should NEVER have been permitted by city staff.
• I must blame both the applicant and our Community Development Department for getting us into this mess. A proper requirement to place needed cooking and storage functions inside the building should have been required from the beginning.
426
• The staff draft resolution is out-of-line with our community standards and community opinion. Please deny the applicant’s request and staff resolution at the conclusion of the de novo hearing.
• My understanding is that the applicant wants such a large freezer due to not having sufficient (or any?) electric power at the ranch. In that case, the Arcade should not be the location for the storage freezer, and the applicant should either find some way to store his produce at the farm or at another commercial facility near town.
• Ojai is unique and projects like this threatens our character. The uniqueness and aesthetics are a large part of the visitor draw and financial viability of our city. Let’s keep it that way and not establish precedents that diminish our uniqueness.
Respectfully,
Steven Colomé, Sc.D.
Ojai
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
Zone Change from
BP to C-1
1124 Maricopa
Highway
OJAI CITY COUNCIL
Public Hearing
436
Ojai Gas
1124 Maricopa Highway
C-1 zone
BP zone
R-O zone
I-R-1
zone
C-1 zone
BP zone
R-1 zone
Distance to
Matilija Jr. HS
approx.748 feet
BP
zone
437
Existing
Site Plan
and
Exterior
Photos
1124
Maricopa Hwy
438
Thank
you!
The picture can't be displayed.
439
F Y 2 0 2 6 - 2 7 P R O P O S E D B U D G E T
R E V I E W
City of Ojai
June 23, 2026
440
C H A N G E S F R O M J U N E 9 T H M E E T I N G
$7K for Ojai
Day
Mandala
$1M for
Fire Safety
& Mitigation
441
B U D G E T I S A
L I V I N G
D O C U M E N T
The budget may be amended throughout
the fiscal year to:
Allow for the pursuit and achievement of
City Council goals
Respond to economic fluctuations and
forecast changes
Respond to unanticipated events and
unexpected emergencies
Reallocate funds
Add new grant funded projects
442
B AL AN C E D B U D G E T
P O L I C Y
The City will maintain a balanced
budget. This means that:
- Operating revenues must fully
cover operating expenditures,
including debt service;
- Under this policy, it is allowable for
total expenditures to exceed
revenues in a given year;
however, in this situation,
beginning fund balance can only
be used to fund capital
improvement plan projects, or
other “one-time”, non-recurring
expenditures
M I N I M U M F U N D B AL AN C E :
M I N I M U M F U N D B AL AN C E :
• The City Council and City staff shall
maintain a minimum fund balance of
one hundred (100%) of the prior year’s
General Fund Operating Expenditures
as the City’s minimum General Fund
Reserve.
GFOA recommends that governments maintain structural balance where recurring revenues are greater than or equal to recurring expenditures in the budget
443
F Y 2 0 2 6 - 2 7 G E N E R A L F U N D S U M M A R Y
General Fund Budget June 9th June 23rd
Ongoing Revenues 18,668,490 18,668,490
Ongoing Expenditures 18,549,733 18,556,733
Structural Surplus 118,757 111,757
OUSD Grant Match (125,000) (125,000)
Historic Inventory Survey (88,000) (88,000)
Fire Mitigation & Safety - (1,000,000)
Decrease in Fund Balance (94,243) (1,101,243)
444
E S T I M A T E D G E N E R A L F U N D B A L A N C E
FY 26/27 Projection June 9th June 23rd Change
Beginning Balance 21,672,411 21,672,411 -
Revenues 18,668,490 18,668,490 -
Operating
Expenditures
(18,549,733) (18,556,733) (7,000)
Non-Recurring;
Capital
(213,000) (1,213,000) (1,000,000)
Ending Fund
Balance
21,578,168 20,571,168 (1,007,000)
100% Reserve (17,279,070) (17,279,070) -
Unallocated 4,299,098 3,292,098 (1,007,000)
445
G A N N A P P R O P R I AT I O N S L I M I T
Appropriation Limit for FY 2025-26 $17,252,819
Adjustment Factors: % Ratio
Population Factor 0.9932
Growth Factor 1.0495
Population Ratio x Economic Ratio 1.0424
Appropriation Limit for FY 2026-27 $17,984,338
Appropriation Under Allowed Limit $895,880
446
Q U E S T I O N S ?
Thank you
447
CITY COUNCIL APPEAL of
PLANNING COMMISSION DENIAL
448
Introduction
Outdoor Dining History (The Arcade Plaza):
-Original Approval for 242 E. Ojai Avenue through Director: 2007 * 360 sf
* 6 tables, 24 chairs
-One of Seven Approved Outdoor Dining Permits
-Outdoor dining areas range:
* 250 sf (Sam’s Place) to
* 1,286 sf (Magic Hour)
Proposed Outdoor Dining Modification |
-Increase Outdoor Dining Area to approx. 580 sf
-Up to 14 tables, up to 28 chairs
-Include Unpermitted Outdoor Use of Freezer
-Screen the Freezer
-Modified Boundary Fencing Design
449
Introduction
Outdoor Dining History (The Arcade Plaza):
-First Approval | Rainbow Bridge – 1997
-Recent Approval | Bonnie Lu’s – 2022
-Outdoor Dining Approval Requires Encroachment Permit – Public Works Dept. -CDD Recently Shifted to Proactive Code Compliance
-Previous Compliance Review conducted by Public Works Dept. -Future Compliance Review being conducted by Community Development Dept. 450
Site Location
242 E Ojai Avenue (APN: 021-0-140-370)
451
Existing
Outdoor
Dining
Outdoor Dining Area |
-Boundary In RED
-~360 sf
452
Proposed Outdoor Dining
Legend
453
Proposed Roof Plan
454
Proposed
Outdoor
Dining
Elevations
455
Looking West
Looking South
Looking East
Walk-In
Freezer
456
Proposed
Screening
• Overlap Lap Screen Panels
• Raised to the height of the Walk-In
Freezer
• Use Existing Posts
• Light Weight Design to Minimize
Existing Tree Impact
• Painted Dark Color to Match Outdoor
Dining Area Boundary fencing
457
Project Findings
Conditional Use Permit |
Zoning Compliance, Consistent w/ [E] General Plan Land Uses, Access to Utilities, CEQA Compliance – No Potential Significant Negative Effect.
Design Review Permit |
Zoning Compliance (setbacks, height, floor area ratio, site coverage, parking), Lighting + Signage Compliance, Access to Utilities, walls, fencing, landscaping. 458
Key Conditions of Project
• Discontinued restaurant use for a period of six months shall result in removal of the freezer by the property owner of 242 E. Ojai Ave. [COA NO. 8]
• Required maintenance and repair of the freezer shall be required at property owner’s expense within 30- days of diagnosis. Need for replacement shall result in replacement to within the building walls within 30- days by the property owner. [COA NO. 9]
459
CEQA
• Three Exemptions Apply To This Project |
-Section 15301(E)(1) – Minor Alterations of existing public/private facilities (outdoor dining area) -Section 15303 (E) – Construction/location of small facilities or structures (walk-in freezer, screen and Umbrella)
-Section 15311 – Construction/placement of minor structures accessory to existing restaurant facility (walk-in freezer, screen and Umbrella)
• The project is within a State Designated Historic Downtown District. • The Existing Brick Façade is identified as a contributor to the State Designated Historic Downtown District
• The existing Edison Panel (Utility Panel), Walk-In Freezer and screen do visibly alter the view of the rear brick façade however, they do not alter the materially physical characteristics of the resource as they are temporary and reversable. They do not permanently modify the physical characteristics of the structure and thus, are not significant.
460
Recommendation
Consider the following |
• Receive the information and presentation provided by staff and the applicant; • Open the Public Hearing for public comment and input; • Consider the draft resolution and associated conditions of approval for the modifications of the outdoor dining area and use of the walk-In freezer as an outdoor use located at 242 East Ojai Avenue 461
Ojai’s Social Media Policy
City Social Media Framework for respectful and secure public dialogue aligned with the law.
June 23, 2026
462
The Challenge: Audience Expansion Without
Guidelines
Staff actively monitors these high-traffic channels, but without City Council-approved operating rules, staff cannot take action to moderate violations.
+1,625%
Facebook Comments Growth
+172,749%
Instagram Organic Impressions*
+390,450%
Nextdoor Impressions*
+760%
Instagram Followers Growth
*Impressions: are the number of times a post was shown on someone’s screen. 463
How It Works: Viewpoint-Neutral Enforcement
The policy focuses on conduct of speech, never the opinion expressed.
Grounds for removal (hiding content) would be strictly limited to:
● Public safety threats or illegal activity
● Obscenity or sexual content
● Discrimination or harassment
● Spam or commercial solicitation
● Interfering with law enforcement
Grounds for blocking user accounts:
● A last resort reserved strictly for severe, repeated violations.
Mandatory archiving:
● All actions are fully documented for California Public Records Act compliance. 464
Our June 2 Pride Flag Raising post drew over 202 comments. It demonstrated why staff need objective, legal boundaries to protect free speech while addressing clear safety violations.
Case Study: Pride Flag Raising Facebook Comments
Comment on Pride Post Action Under Policy Legal & Policy Justification Protected Speech: Criticism of public policy, flag
choices, or municipal activities must remain
protected.
"The only flags raised should be state & USA... not Allowed a fake flag for sexuality."
Protected Speech: Public employees and local
government are subject to criticism, regardless of
tone.
"Truly awful. Look at all the complicit employees... Allowed liberal clowns."
Public Safety Threat: Prohibited under Section IV.
Promotes or encourages illegal activity and physical
arson.
"Torch it" / "Flag burning? I am in...." Removed/Logged Discrimination & Harassment: Violates the
Community Code of Conduct targeting protected
traits.
"...abomination... Democrat Nazis Traitors" / "ghey Removed/Logged brigades on loose"
465
Operational Safeguards and Legal Compliance
We cannot hide comments
because they are harsh, angry or
critical of city decisions. The
policy restricts only the manner
of speech (direct safety threats,
harassment, spam) but never the
opinion itself.
Under Section VI, all social media
interactions are subject to the
California Public Records Act).
Content must be preserved and
retained in accordance with the
City's Records Retention
Schedule.
Section III requires all accounts to
have an approved archiving plan.
To ensure transparency, any
moderated comment must be
recorded in an official, auditable
Moderation Log.
Viewpoint Neutrality State Compliance Approved Archiving Plans 466
Our Path Forward
1. Adopt Policy
Formally approve the
Social Media Policy to
secure our legal
framework.
2. Post Public Rules
Post and pin the Community
Code of Conduct on our pages
so the public knows our safety
guidelines upfront.
3. Train Page Moderators
Implement the Authorized User
Acknowledgment so staff can
uniformly separate protected
criticism from safety threats.
4. Central Security
Centralize credential
inventory and enforce MultiFactor Authentication
to secure all official accounts.
467