c. Construct and Operate Project. The Developer is obligated to construct and then operate the Project as provided herein and in the Declaration of Covenants, and a failure to do so is inconsistent with the City’s Goals and shall be a breach of this Development Agreement.
15. Assignment/Release. This Agreement shall not be severable from the Developer’s leasehold interest in the Property. The Developer shall not have the right to sell, assign, pledge as security or transfer all or any part of its interest in the Property, the Project or any of its right, title and interest in and to all or any part of this Agreement to any person, firm or corporation at any time during the term of this Agreement without the consent of the City, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, except as provided here. It is agreed that the City’s interests in the continued revenue flow from the Project is central to its willingness to enter into this Agreement and that a termination or lessening of that flow, or a change which could place future payment of the revenue in danger of non-payment, is reasonable grounds for City denial of any transfer of the Developer’s leasehold interest in the Property or ownership interest in the Project. Any proposed transferee shall hold all licenses or permissions to own and operate all applicable businesses as may be required by the City’s Municipal Code and/or all applicable law. If it feels it is reasonably necessary, the City may impose additional conditions on the proposed transferee as a prerequisite to the City’s approval. Provided that the City has consented to the proposed sale, transfer or assignment of the Developer’s rights under this Agreement and any other contract or agreement which may apply to the use of the Property and/or the Project, then upon completion of such transfer, the Developer shall be released from its obligations under this Agreement arising subsequent to such transfer in respect of the transferred portion. A condition precedent to such release is the execution of a document confirming that the new Developer agrees to be bound to all of the terms, conditions and obligations to which the predecessor Developer was bound, specifically including an obligation to continue the operation of the Project for its intended use as of the date of this Agreement such that the City’s receipt of the benefits for which it bargained, including, without limitation, the Additional Revenue, are not interrupted, terminated or diminished. Each of the parties, the City, the Developer and the new Developer, agrees to execute any documents reasonably required in order to effectuate the intent and requirement of this Agreement and/or any other contract, document, deed or condition which is applicable.
16. Periodic Review of Compliance. In accordance with Gov. Code, § 65865.1, the City Council shall review this Agreement at least once each calendar year hereafter. a. Developer Burden. At such periodic reviews, it is the Developer’s obligation and burden to demonstrate its good-faith compliance with the terms of this Agreement. The Developer agrees to furnish such additional evidence of good-faith compliance as the City, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion and after reasonable notice to the Developer, may require. It is understood and agreed that the City would not issue any discretionary approvals or enter into this Agreement without the revenue flow which the Developer has agreed to supply. Any interruption in or diminution of that revenue source is sufficient grounds for finding that the Developer is not in good-faith compliance with this Agreement.
b. Developer Compliance. The Developer shall be deemed in compliance with this Development Agreement if the City is not entitled by the terms and provisions of this Development Agreement to terminate this Development Agreement, but shall be subject to the imposition of Agenda Item No. 13 Page 21 of 31 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
additional conditions on the Developer’s performance if the City reasonably deems said performance to be deficient but does not find that the level of performance rises to the level of requiring termination.
c. Compliance Factors. In addition to compliance with this Development Agreement, the following may, either alone or in coordination with one or more other factors, constitute factors which shall, at the City’s sole option, permit the City to unilaterally terminate or modify this Development Agreement:
(i) Breach of any provision or requirement set forth in the CUP; (ii) Breach of any federal or state law, or City ordinance; and/or (iii) Any default in the terms of this Development Agreement, or any of the Related Agreements, which continues after written notice of breach and the lapse of thirty (30) days from the date of that notice, unless cure reasonably requires more than thirty (30) days, in which case if cure is not commenced with said thirty (30) day period and diligently pursued to completion without unnecessary delay, is a breach of the relevant agreement (a “Breach”). The Parties acknowledge that the use of the Property is to operate a business or businesses engaged in one or more aspects of the cannabis industry, which is illegal under federal law but legal under state law and the City’s ordinances. This existing federal illegality shall not constitute the basis for a Breach under this section.
(iv) If a Breach is determined by the City to have occurred, the City may, but is not required to, unilaterally terminate the Development Agreement or unilaterally modify any term or condition of the Development Agreement, including the amount of revenues flowing to the City, or exercise any and all remedies available to it.
17. Amendment or Cancellation. Except as otherwise provided for herein, this Agreement may be amended or canceled in whole or in part only by mutual consent of the parties, or their successors in interest, and in the manner provided in Gov. Code, §§ 65865.1, 65867, 65867.5.
18. Enforcement. Unless amended or canceled as provided in herein, this Agreement shall continue to be enforceable by any permissible party to it, notwithstanding any change or other regulations adopted by the City that alter or amend the rules, regulations or policies applicable to the Project.
19. Supersession of Agreement by Changes in State or Federal Law. In the event that state or federal laws, ordinances, rules, policies or regulations or the laws, ordinances, rules, policies, or regulations of any other governmental or quasi-governmental entity are enacted after the Effective Date of this Agreement, or the action or inaction of any other affected governmental jurisdiction prevents or precludes compliance with one or more provisions of this Agreement, or imposes a requirement on the Project materially different than as otherwise contemplated by this Agenda Item No. 13 Page 22 of 31 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
Agreement, or requires changes in plans or permits approved by the City or the Project standards set forth in the Agreement, the parties shall:
a. Notice. Provide the other party with written notice of such restriction, together with a copy of the applicable law, rule, regulation or policy and a statement in reasonable detail setting forth the conflict of same with the provisions of this Agreement; and b. Meet and Confer. Promptly meet and confer with the other party in good faith and make a reasonable and good faith attempt to modify or suspend this Agreement to comply with such law, ordinance, rule, policy or regulation. Thereafter, regardless of whether the parties reach agreement on the effect of such law, ordinance, rule, policy or regulation upon this Agreement, the matter shall be scheduled for a hearing before the City Council upon notice, for the purposes of determining the exact modification or suspension that is required by law, ordinance, rule, policy or regulation. It is the express intent of the parties to modify the Agreement to allow for the development of the Project in as close conformity to the terms and conditions of this Agreement as reasonably possible. Nothing herein shall preclude the Developer from challenging the conflicting law, rule, regulation or policy.
20. Enforced Delay and Extension of Times of Performance. In addition to specific provisions of this Project Agreement, performance by either party hereunder shall not be deemed to be in default where delays or defaults are due to:
a. Disturbance. War, insurrection, civil commotion, riot, flood, severe weather, earthquake, fire, casualty, acts of public enemy, acts of God, governmental restriction, litigation (including, without limitation, litigation contesting the validity, or seeking the enforcement or clarification of, this Project Agreement whether instituted by the Developer, the City or any other person or entity), acts or failures to act of any governmental agency or entity; b. Labor. Inability to secure necessary labor, materials or tools, strikes, lockouts, other labor disputes, or delays of any contractor, subcontractor or supplier; c. Extension. An extension of time in writing for any such cause shall be granted for the period of the enforced delay, or longer as mutually agreed upon, which period shall commence to run from the time of commencement of cause.
21. Notices. Any notice or instrument required to be given or delivered to either party to the Agreement may be given or delivered by depositing the same in the United States mail, certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed to:
City: Brad Conners
City Manager
City of Port Hueneme
250 N. Ventura Road
Port Hueneme, California 93041
Agenda Item No. 13 Page 23 of 31 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
Copy to: Charles Green
City Attorney
Green de Bortnowsky, LLP
30077 Agoura Court, Suite 210
Agoura Hills, California 91301
Developer: Kristina Valdez
Managing Member
Bleu Diamond, LLC
501 W. Channel Islands Blvd., Suite 202
Port Hueneme, California 93041
Notice of a change of address shall be delivered in the same manner as any other notice provided herein and shall be effective three days after mailing by the above-described procedure.
22. Default and Remedies.
a. Developer’s Default. The Developer shall be in default under this Agreement upon the happening of one or more of the following events or conditions:
(i) If a material warranty, representation or statement made or furnished by the Developer to the City is false or proves to have been false in any material respect when it was made;
(ii) A finding and determination by the City Council made following a periodic review under the procedures provided in this Agreement that, upon the basis of substantial evidence, the Developer has not complied in good faith with a material requirement of this Agreement;
(iii) An express repudiation, refusal or renunciation of this Agreement, if the same is in writing and signed by the Developer;
(iv) Any situation, regardless of cause or fault, which results in the Additional Revenue as provided in this Agreement to be terminated, diminished (for reasons other than market conditions) or placed in serious jeopardy of same, in the reasonable opinion of the City, including, without limitation, liens, criminal or civil enforcement actions of any kind or nature, a judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction which prohibits the City from receiving the Additional Revenue from the Project, civil lawsuits enjoining the use of the Property and/or the operation of the Project, a change in ownership of the Project forced by court order or judgment, assignments for the benefit of creditors, bankruptcy, or a change in state or federal law which has the effect of preventing the operation of the Project or of limiting operation of the Project such that the Additional Revenue to the City is diminished. As used herein, “diminished” shall mean a reduction in the annual amount of the Additional Revenue which is twenty five percent (25%) lower than the three (3) year average Agenda Item No. 13 Page 24 of 31 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
of the amount of the annual Additional Revenue, when such reduction appears reasonably likely to permanently extend for two (2) or more years; (v) Any violation of the CUP; or
(vi) Any uncured violation of the ordinances of the City despite notice and opportunities to cure, or a continuous or repetitive violation thereof. b. City’s Default. The City shall be in default under this Agreement if it shall:
(i) Fail to comply in good faith with the requirements hereof regarding the permitted development standards and uses specified herein, or any other obligation of the City as provided herein; or
(ii) Expressly repudiate, refuse or renounce this Agreement in writing. c. Remedies.
(i) Remedies available to the City: The remedies available to the City upon a Breach by the Developer (or its successor or successors in interest) shall be cumulative, exercisable in any order or sequence at the City’s choice, be broadly interpreted to provide for the maximum ability of the City to protect its interests, and shall include, without limitation, termination of this Agreement, modification of this Agreement on such terms and conditions as the City reasonably deems appropriate, including complementary changes in any Related Document entered into by the Parties or issued by the City in connection with this transaction, exercise of the City’s rights for violation of any condition of the permit or permits issued by the City for the development of the Property, exercise of any other right or rights of the City under its own Municipal Code or afforded to the City by state or federal law, a suit for specific performance or other equitable relief, and an award of all of its attorneys’ fees and costs of pursuing any and all of said remedies. The parties hereto agree that a default under this Agreement, the Conditional Use Permit, any other permit, license or entitlement issued by the City, or any other agreement entered into by the parties herein in connection with the Property or the Project, shall, at the sole option of the City, be a violation and breach of any or all of the other agreements, permits, licenses or entitlements listed herein, at the sole option of the City. In the event a Breach occurs, irreparable harm is likely to occur to the nonbreaching Party and damages may be an inadequate remedy. To the extent permitted by law, therefore, it is expressly recognized that specific enforcement of this Agreement is a proper and desirable remedy. In no event shall either Party be entitled to damages against the other Party based on the other Party’s Breach, except for recovery by the City of accrued but unpaid Additional Revenue. (ii) Remedies available to Developer. Upon a breach by the City of any of its obligations under this Agreement, the Developer shall have all remedies available Agenda Item No. 13 Page 25 of 31 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
to it under law or equity, including, without limitation, an action to mandate compliance by the City with this Agreement.
23. Procedure Upon Default.
a. Breach. The City must first have determined that a Breach has occurred. b. Specific Performance. In the event a Breach of this Agreement occurs, irreparable harm is likely to occur to the non-breaching party and damages may be an inadequate remedy. To the extent permitted by law, therefore, it is expressly recognized that specific enforcement of this Agreement is a proper and desirable remedy.
c. Damages. In no event shall either party be entitled to damages against the other party based on the other party’s default under this Agreement, other than in an action by the City to recover funds due to it under the provisions of this Agreement which have not been paid when due.
24. Indemnification of City. The Developer hereby indemnifies and holds the City, and any of its officials, officers, employees, agents or attorneys, harmless from any legal action or proceeding, administrative action, enforcement procedure, act of seizure or other actions, relating to this Agreement, the adoption of Ordinances 727 and 734 which authorize cannabis facilities, any other action or failure to act of the City in connection with the application of the Developer to be authorized to conduct the Project, any procedures, including without limitation, background checks or the approval of security plans, the Project, the Property or the Development, whether formal or informal, valid or invalid, enforceable or unenforceable (collectively, all of these items shall be referred to herein as the “Civil Claims”). The obligations of the Developer described herein shall also extend to any criminal proceeding against the Developer, the Project, the Property, the owner of the Property, any person or organization associated with any of the same, or the City and/or any official, officer, employee or attorney of the City (all of which shall collectively be referred to as the “Criminal Claims”), whether the City is a named defendant or not, to the extent that the City must reasonably act to protect its interests. The Developer’s indemnity and reimbursement obligations extend to any cost related to officials, officers, employees, agents or attorneys of the City who are required to appear or testify in any Civil Claim or Criminal Claim.
This indemnification and hold harmless obligation shall include: (i) the obligation to defend the City in any Civil Claim with counsel approved by the City and at the Developer’s sole expense; (ii) the obligation to pay or obtain judicial invalidation of any award of money or any other relief obtained by a third party against, either partially or wholly, the City; (iii) the obligation to pay any legal fees or litigation costs incurred by the City in connection with any Civil or Criminal Claim, including the cost of separate counsel (including the City Attorney at the hourly rate that the City Attorney charges to the City for his or her services) for the City either appearing in the action or monitoring the action on behalf of the City, as the City may elect in its sole discretion; and (iv) indemnify the City against and/or reimburse the City for any other cost, obligation or debt incurred by the City in connection with all of the issues described in this section. It is the express intent of the Parties that the language of this section shall be interpreted in the broadest and most inclusive sense for the benefit of the City, and its officials, officers, employees, agents and attorneys. The provisions of this section, and the indemnity and hold harmless obligations of the Developer Agenda Item No. 13 Page 26 of 31 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
hereunder, shall also apply to enforcement of conflicting State and Federal laws. The Developer acknowledges that the operation of the Project may be legal under the laws of the State of California and the ordinances of the City, but is not legal under the laws of the United States, and holds the City harmless from the consequences of this fact.
25. Cross Default. The Parties agree that a default under the terms of this agreement shall, at the sole option of the non-defaulting Party, be a simultaneous default of (i) any and all other Related Agreements, (ii) permits, entitlements or other agreements or documents between the Parties or issued by the City and required to legally operate the Project. Likewise, a breach, default or violation of any of the Related Documents shall constitute, at the sole option of the nondefaulting Party, a Breach of this Agreement, and of each other.
26. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the matters covered herein and is intended by the parties to completely state the Agreement in full, other than as contained in the Related Agreements. Any agreement or representation respecting the matters dealt with herein or the duties of any party in relation thereto, not expressly set forth in this Agreement, is null and void.
27. Severability. If any term, provision, condition, or covenant of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any party or circumstances, shall to any extent be held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the instrument, or the application of such term, provision, condition or covenants or the application of such term, provision, condition or covenant to persons or circumstances other than those as to whom or as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and each term and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
28. Counterparts. This Agreement has been executed in one or more counterparts, each of which has been deemed an original, but all of which constitute one and the same instrument.
29. Waivers. No waiver of a right of a Party under this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing executed by an officer of the Party. A waiver of a right shall not constitute an ongoing waiver of that right.
30. Estoppel Certificate. Either party may, at any time, and from time to time, deliver written notice to the other party requesting such party to certify in writing that, to the knowledge of the certifying party, (i) this Agreement is in full force and effect and a binding obligation of the parties, (ii) this Agreement has not been amended or modified either orally or in writing, or, if so amended, identifying the amendments, and (iii) the requesting party is not in default in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, or if in default, to describe therein the nature and amount of any such defaults. A party receiving a request hereunder shall execute and return such certificate within fifteen (15) days following the receipt thereof. The City Manager of the City shall have the right to execute any certificate requested by the Developer hereunder. The City acknowledges that a certificate hereunder may be relied upon by transfers, owners of the Property or other parties.
Agenda Item No. 13 Page 27 of 31 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
31. Relationship of the Parties. It is hereby specifically understood and acknowledged that the Project is a private project and that neither the City nor the Developer will be deemed to be the agent, partner or co-venturer of the other for any purposes whatsoever.
32. Other Documents. Each of the Parties, the City, the Developer and the new Developer, agrees to execute any documents reasonably required in order to effectuate the intent and requirement of this Agreement and/or any other contract, document, deed or condition which is applicable.
33. Venue. Any legal action must be instituted in the Superior Court of the County of Ventura, State of California, or in the Federal District Court in the Central District of California.
34. Governing Law. The laws of the State of California shall govern the interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement.
35. Cumulative Remedies. Except with respect to any rights and remedies expressly declared to be exclusive in this Agreement, the rights and remedies of the Parties are cumulative and the exercise by any Party of one or more of such rights or remedies shall not preclude the exercise by it, at the same or different times, of any other rights or remedies for the same default or any other default by any non-defaulting Party.
36. No Consideration to any Third Party. Each of the Parties warrants that it has not paid or given, and will not pay or give, any third party any money or other consideration for obtaining this Agreement. Third parties, for the purposes of this Section, shall not include persons to whom fees are paid for professional services if rendered by attorneys, financial or other consultants, accountants, engineers, architects and the like when such fees are considered necessary by the Party. For the purposes of this paragraph, third parties shall include any elected official, officer, employee or agent of the City. This warranty includes each Party’s assurance that it has not employed any licensed real estate broker or salesperson, or other person, licensed or unlicensed, to whom a commission or other form of compensation is due.
37. No Personal Liability. No member, officer, employee, agent or attorney of the Developer and/or the City shall be personally liable to the any other Party, its members or principals, or any successor in interest, or any other party or person whatsoever, in the event of any default or breach by said it for any amount which may become due to another Party or to its successors, or on any obligations under the terms of this Agreement, except for gross negligence or willful acts of such member, officer or employee, unless said person has entered into an express written agreement to be liable.
38. Independent Legal Advice/Interpretation. Each Party represents and warrants the following: it has carefully read this Agreement, and in signing this Agreement, and agreeing to be bound by the same, it has received independent legal advice from legal counsel as to the matters set forth in this Agreement, or has knowingly chosen not to consult legal counsel as to the matters set forth in this Agreement; and it has freely signed this Agreement and agreed to be bound by it without any reliance upon any agreement, promise, statement or representation by or on behalf of the other Party, or its officers, agents, employees, or attorneys, except as specifically set forth in Agenda Item No. 13 Page 28 of 31 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
this Agreement, and without duress or coercion, whether economic or otherwise. This Agreement shall be interpreted as though prepared jointly and severally by both of the Parties.
39. Costs and Attorneys’ Fees. In the event that any Party hereto institutes an action or proceeding for a writ of mandate or declaration of the rights of the Parties under this Agreement for injunctive relief, for an alleged breach or default of, or any other action arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, or in the event any Party is in Breach of its obligations pursuant thereto, whether or not suit is filed or prosecuted to final judgment, the nondefaulting party or prevailing Party shall be entitled to its actual attorneys’ fees and to any court costs incurred, in addition to any other damages or relief awarded, including those incurred in connection with (i) an assertion of any affirmative defense in connection with such action, (ii) any appellate review of the judgment rendered in such action or of any other ruling in such action, or (iii) any proceeding to enforce a judgment in such action.
40. Time Frames. Unless otherwise indicated with respect to a requirement, all time frames for performance of an act required or permitted by this Agreement shall be calendar days.
Time frames measured in months shall be calculated with reference to the actual number of days in the relevant month. Annual time frames shall mean a period of 365 days.
41. Headings. Titles or headings of sections, paragraphs or provisions of this Agreement are provided as an aid and are to be not considered part of the Agreement itself. [SIGNATURES APPEAR ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
Agenda Item No. 13 Page 29 of 31 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above-written.
CITY OF PORT HUENEME
By:
Laura D. Hernandez
Mayor
ATTEST:
By:
Kristy Buxkemper
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By:
Charles R. Green
City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
By:
Brad Conners
City Manager
DEVELOPER:
BLEU DIAMOND, LLC
By:
Kristina Valdez
Member and Manager
Agenda Item No. 13 Page 30 of 31 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
CITY OF PORT HUENEME
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of the City of Port Hueneme on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., or as soon as possible thereafter, in the City Hall Council Chamber, located at 250 North Ventura Road, Port Hueneme, California, 93041, to determine if Bleu Diamond LLC, located at 501 W. Channel Islands Boulevard # 202, is operating out of compliance with the terms of the Development Agreement and/or Conditional Use Permit issued by the City of Port Hueneme, as required per the City's Cannabis Ordinances and implementing Resolutions; and to determine that the project is exempt from CEQA.
Any person may attend this public hearing and be heard on this matter by submitting public comments in person or in writing. Written comments may be submitted in person or by U.S. Mail to: City of Port Hueneme – City Clerk’s Office, 250 N. Ventura Road, Port Hueneme, CA 93041; or by email to the City Clerk at [email protected]. Written comments must be submitted at, or prior to, the Public Hearing.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by operation of Section 15309, which states "Class 9 consists of activities limited entirely to inspections, to check for performance of an operation, or quality, health, or safety of a project." ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on this project may be obtained from the City Manager’s Office, City of Port Hueneme, 250 N. Ventura Road, Port Hueneme, California 93041, telephone (805) 986-6587. If you challenge this action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues raised at the public hearing or in written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk at, or prior to, the public hearing. For ADA accommodations, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 986-6503 or the California TDD Relay Service, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
/s/Georgianna Nicole Alvarez, City Clerk
Published: July 10, 2026
Attachment C
Agenda Item No. 13 Page 31 of 31 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
DATE: July 20, 2026
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: James Vega, City Manager
Charles Peretz, Deputy City Manager
SUBJECT: BEACH EROSION AUTHORITY FOR CLEAN OCEANS AND
NOURISHMENT (BEACON) PROPOSAL
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that City Council receive a presentation from BEACON, discuss the Authority’s goals and objectives and consider the request for additional financial support.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
The Beach Erosion Authority for Clean Oceans and Nourishment (BEACON) is a joint powers authority consisting of the counties of Santa Barbara and Ventura and the cities of Carpenteria, Goleta, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Barbara and Ventura. The Authority seeks regional solutions to sediment management and coastal adaptation issues within the Santa Barbara Littoral Cell. That region spans from Point Conception southeast to the Point Magu submarine canyon.
In FY 25-26, the City paid annual membership dues of $33,168 to BEACON which represented a 15% increase from the prior year. The invoice received for FY 26-27 is in the amount of $38,143, representing a 15% increase in dues from last Fiscal Year.
Every dollar of public funding warrants careful stewardship and should be spent with clear goals for outcomes. In light of the proposed increase, Council should receive information outlining the Authority's work plan and objectives for the coming year to ensure its priorities align with the City's strategic goals. If it determines the City will realize clear and measurable benefits from its continued financial commitment it should then direct staff to increase budget appropriations and process the invoice received.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City’s approved budget does not contain funds for the proposed increase. Approval of this item would require the appropriation of $4,975 from the unassigned General Fund reserves to 101-112-5402 (City Manager – Dues and Memberships).
Agenda Item No. 14 Page 1 of 4 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
First Amendment to Settlement Agreement
July 20, 2026
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Primary Strategic Pillar(s) and Initiative(s):
Safe, Secure, & Beautiful Community
• Actively support on-going beach preservation efforts and funding for prevention of erosion
Strategic Partnerships
• Establish a mechanism for engagement, information sharing, dialogue and ongoing cooperative decision-making with key stakeholders ATTACHMENTS:
A. Letter and Invoice from BEACON dated May 29, 2026
Agenda Item No. 14 Page 2 of 4 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
May 29, 2026
City of Port Hueneme
James Vega, City Manager
250 N. Ventura Road
Port Hueneme, Ca 93041
Subject: BEACON Membership Dues for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Dear Mr. Vega:
Enclosed is the BEACON FY 2026-27 membership dues invoice for City of Pt.
Hueneme in the amount of $38,143.00. BEACON member agency dues are set in three categories: a County rate, a large city rate for Oxnard, Ventura and Santa Barbara, and a small city rate for Carpinteria, Goleta and Port Hueneme.
At the May 2026 meeting, the BEACON Board of Directors approved the following membership dues for FY 2026-27:
Agency Approved Dues
FY 2026-27
County of Ventura $76,271.00
County of Santa Barbara $76,271.00
City of Santa Barbara $63,561.00
City of Oxnard $63,561.00
City of San Buenaventura $63,561.00
City of Carpinteria $38,143.00
City of Port Hueneme $38,143.00
City of Goleta $38,143.00
Total $457,654.00
Payment to BEACON is due and payable on July 1, 2026. Please contact me at 510- 316-6095 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Marc Beyeler
A California Joint Powers Agency
Julia Mayer
City of Carpinteria
James Kyriaco
City of Goleta
Gabe Teran
City of Oxnard
Steven Gama, Vice-Chair
City of Port Hueneme
Doug Halter
City of San Buenaventura
Eric Friedman, Chair
City of Santa Barbara
Laura Capps
Roy Lee
County of Santa Barbara
Vianey Lopez
Matt LaVere
County of Ventura
Executive Director
Marc Beyeler
Santa Barbara Address:
105 East Anapamu, Suite 201
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Ventura Address:
501 Poli St.
P.O. Box 99
Ventura, CA 93001
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
http://www.beacon.ca.gov
Attachment A
Agenda Item No. 14 Page 3 of 4 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
BEACON Member Dues, 2026-27
BEACON Invoice No. 27-01-0007 -City of Pt. Hueneme
Description TOTAL
BEACON Fiscal Year 2026-27 Membership Dues
Please make check payable to Beach Erosion Authority for Clean Oceans and Nourishment and mail to:
County of Ventura
Auditor-Controller's Office
800 South Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA 93009-1540
Attn: BEACON Fund
Due and payable July 1, 2026
$38,143.00
TOTAL $38,143.00
Customer
Name City of Port Hueneme
Address 250 N. Ventura Road
Port Hueneme State CA 93041
Agenda Item No. 14 Page 4 of 4 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
DATE: July 20, 2026
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: James Vega, City Manager
Paul Early, City Attorney
SUBJECT: FIRST AMENDMENT TO 2015 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE
OXNARD HARBOR DISTRICT REGARDING THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT
FUND PROCESS
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the First Amendment to the 2015 Settlement Agreement with the Oxnard Harbor District, approved as to form by the City Attorney. If approved, a discussion for potential City CBF projects will be scheduled for the upcoming City Council meeting.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
In 2015, the City of Port Hueneme and the Oxnard Harbor District entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement that included provisions establishing a Community Benefit Fund, commonly referred to as the CBF. Under the agreement, certain funding was required to be made available for community benefit purposes when the District’s gross operating revenues exceeded the applicable threshold set forth in the agreement.
The CBF was intended to support public benefit projects within specified categories, including shoreline protection, community development, and other opportunities that support the shared interests of the City and District.
The original CBF process included a joint governance structure, including committee appointments, joint project identification, reimbursement requirements, and provisions addressing potential deadlocks between the parties. While the CBF was intended to fund important public benefit projects, the administrative process has proven difficult to implement efficiently.
Last year, the City and District were unable to reach agreement on the use of CBF funds through the existing process. Following that experience, both parties discussed a revised structure that would split future CBF allocations and eliminate the need for joint meetings and joint project approvals. City and District staff worked together to develop the proposed First Amendment, which is intended to provide a more practical and forward-looking process for the remainder of the agreement term.
Agenda Item No. 15 Page 1 of 15 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
First Amendment to Settlement Agreement
July 20, 2026
The proposed First Amendment eliminates the prior jointly administered CBF committee process. Instead of depositing funds into a jointly governed fund, the amount that would otherwise have been deposited into the CBF would continue to be calculated in the same manner as provided in the original agreement and then allocated equally between the City and District. Each agency would retain 50 percent of the applicable CBF allocation amount and would have discretion to identify and fund its own eligible project or projects.
The City would place the 50 percent it receives in a restricted fund to ensure that it is used specifically for the purposes listed in the agreement.
The amendment does not change the general public benefit purpose of the CBF. Funds would still be required to support projects that fall within the eligible categories identified in the settlement agreement, including shoreline protection, community development, and opportunistic endeavors that further the shared interests of the City and District. The amendment also clarifies that eligible community development uses may include contributions to projects and nonprofit agencies serving residents of Port Hueneme.
The amendment is also intended to provide a fresh start between the parties as it relates to the CBF process. Both agencies have expressed concerns regarding prior implementation of the CBF. The proposed amendment allows those issues to be set aside so the City and District can focus on future cooperation and eligible public benefit projects.
The amendment includes a process for each agency to track and report Community Benefit Fund projects to the Attorney for each agency, who will then inform their respective governing body. This change does not affect any other reporting obligations under the settlement agreement or any other agreement between the City and District.
Both agencies would still be required to retain records in accordance with applicable law and adopted records retention schedules, and records would remain available through the California Public Records Act.
The amendment also provides that any currently remaining CBF balance, including accrued interest, would be allocated 50 percent to the City and 50 percent to the District within 30 days of the effective date. The Port has also proposed as part of the settlement to include reimbursement to the CBF of dollars spent on the Bard Memorial Statue, because that project has turned into a much larger project that will utilize other dollars and funding sources from the Port. Including the Bard Monument Project, estimated funding for past projects that remain unspent total approximately $390,000, which would result in an estimated $195,000 per agency available to be reprogrammed. Except as specifically amended, all other terms of the 2015 Settlement Agreement would remain in full force and effect.
Approval of the First Amendment would allow the City and District to move away from a process that has created administrative challenges and toward a more efficient structure that gives each agency direct responsibility for its own CBF-funded projects while preserving the public benefit intent of the original agreement. As noted in the recommendation, if approved, the current CBF process would be repealed and a Agenda Item No. 15 Page 2 of 15 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
First Amendment to Settlement Agreement
July 20, 2026
discussion for potential City CBF projects would be scheduled for the upcoming City Council meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct expenditure of City funds associated with approval of this item. Approval of the First Amendment would revise the future allocation and administration of Community Benefit Fund amounts by allowing the City and District to each receive 50 percent of any applicable CBF allocation amount, as provided in the amendment, and program those funds as each agency chooses. Any existing CBF balance would also be allocated 50 percent to the City and 50 percent to the District within 30 days of the amendment’s effective date.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Primary Strategic Pillar(s) and Initiative(s):
Safe, Secure, & Beautiful Community
• Actively support on-going beach preservation efforts and funding for prevention of erosion
Strategic Partnerships
• Establish a mechanism for engagement, information sharing, dialogue and ongoing cooperative decision-making with key stakeholders ATTACHMENTS:
A. First Amendment to the 2015 Settlement Agreement with the Oxnard Harbor District
B. Sample City and Port Report Templates
C. CBF Project List
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29626.06001\45156445.3
FIRST AMENDMENT TO 2015 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
(CBF Process Elimination)
This First Amendment to the Settlement and Release Agreement and Agreement for Transfer of Property Interest (“Amendment”) is entered into by and between the Oxnard Harbor District (“District”) and the City of Port Hueneme, including the City of Port Hueneme Surplus Property Authority where applicable (collectively, “City”) (together, the “Parties”).
RECITALS
A. The Parties entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement dated October 5, 2015 (“Settlement Agreement”).
B. Sections 9 through 11 of the Settlement Agreement established a Community Benefit Fund (“CBF”), including funding triggers, joint governance, project approval, and reimbursement procedures.
C. The Parties desire to streamline the administrative mechanics of the CBF while reaffirming their shared commitment that funds subject to Section 9 continue to be deployed for projects falling within the categories identified in Section 10 of the Settlement Agreement.
AGREEMENT
Section 1. Revised Section 9 – Community Benefit Funding and Allocation.
Section 9 of the Settlement Agreement is replaced in its entirety as follows:
“(a) In any fiscal year in which the District’s Gross Operating Revenues exceed the applicable threshold (as adjusted by CPI-U in accordance with the original Settlement Agreement), the amount that would otherwise have been deposited into the Community Benefit Fund (“CBF Allocation Amount”) shall be calculated in the same manner as originally provided.
(b) The Parties reaffirm that the CBF Allocation Amount is intended to support projects that fall within the categories described in Section 10 of the Settlement Agreement and provide a public benefit to the District and the communities served by both Parties.
(c) In lieu of deposit into a jointly administered fund, the CBF Allocation Amount shall be allocated as follows:
Attachment A
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(i) Fifty percent (50%) retained by the City and deposited in a dedicated account; and
(ii) Fifty percent (50%) retained by the District and deposited in a dedicated account.
(d) The allocation provided herein replaces the former joint governance and reimbursement process but does not modify or diminish the permitted categories of use described in Section 10. The Parties expressly agree that the CBF Allocation Amount may only be spent on the uses described in Section 10, and may be accrued year-overyear to fund larger projects. The Parties shall have their respective General Counsel and City Attorney approve as to form that each concurs that all spending falls within the categories described in Section 10 of the Settlement Agreement. (e) the District shall make any such deposits in those years in which the threshold is exceeded by January 15th of the year following the end of each fiscal year. (f) The Parties shall acknowledge publicly, through the issuance of a joint press release, any and all project(s) funded in whole or in part through the CBF Allocation Amount within fifteen (15) days of project approval and again within fifteen (15) days of project completion.”
Section 2. Elimination of Joint Governance Mechanics.
(a) Section 10 of the Settlement Agreement is deleted and replaced with the following:
“Each party shall have the sole discretion to identify a project or projects that are of benefit to the City and District for the expenditure of the funds. The projects shall fit within the following broad categories of public benefit:
a. Shoreline Protection. Monitoring beach profiles, scrutinizing biannual sand replenishment operations and constructing associated improvements to protect the NCEL (owned by the District) and Hueneme Beach Park (owned by the City). b. Community Development. Implementing initiatives that foster the community’s economic, social and environmental well-being including, but not limited to, public infrastructure improvements, sponsorship of special events, support of civic organizations, and similar activities which are based in the City of Port Hueneme or primarily support and benefit residents of the City of Port Hueneme. c. Opportunistic Endeavors. Pursing opportunities that foster the shared mission and interest of the City and District not otherwise described above including, but not Agenda Item No. 15 Page 6 of 15 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
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limited to, economic development grants, environmental mitigation, enterprise zone establishment, joint trade missions and similar activities.” (b) Section 11 of the Settlement agreement is deleted and replaced with the following:
“The committee appointment process, joint project identification procedures, reimbursement requirements, and deadlock provisions previously set forth in Section 11 are eliminated.”
Section 3. Reporting Obligations Removed; Project Tracking. (a) Notwithstanding any prior understanding or Agreement to the contrary, there shall be no required reporting or monitoring obligations on either party related to the use of the Community Benefit Funds. Each party agrees to retain all records of any such expenditures in accordance with state law and adopted records retention schedules and to make any such records available to the other party upon request pursuant to the California Public Records Act.
(b) As to the tracking of project and allocated funds discussed in subsection (a), above, the parties shall use the attached Exhibit A (or a form substantially similar to it, as mutually agreed to by each Party’s respective legal counsel) as a mechanism for internally documenting the spending referenced in subsection 1(d), above. (c) No later than 15 days after both the General Counsel and the City Attorney have executed approval as to form as referenced in subsection 1(d), above, each shall inform their respective governing body in writing of such approval, providing a copy of the operative document(s) evidencing the spending.
Section 4. Disposition of Existing CBF Balance.
Any funds (including accrued interest) remaining in a Community Benefit Fund account as of the Effective Date shall be allocated fifty percent (50%) to the District and fifty percent (50%) to the City within thirty (30) days. The attached Exhibit B is an accurate accounting of the funds described in the preceding sentence and to be allocated and distributed pursuant to this Section 4.
Section 5. Waiver of Prior Rights.
(a) In consideration of the modifications set forth herein, the parties agree, on behalf of themselves and their elected officers, administrators and assigns, past, present, and future officers, directors, principals, agents, employees, representatives, associates, affiliates, successors, assigns, insurance companies, and attorneys, to, and hereby do, release, remise and forever discharge the each party and each party’s past, present, and Agenda Item No. 15 Page 7 of 15 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
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future elected officers, directors, principals, agents, employees, representatives, associates, affiliates, successors, representatives, insurance companies, and attorneys, [hereinafter referred to as “Releasees”], of and from any and all rights, claims, demands, causes of action, suits, debts, liens, contracts, agreements, promises, liabilities, defenses, claims for subrogation, contribution, or indemnity (express or implied), set-offs, recoupments, attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses, of every type and nature whatsoever, which they now have, could have had, or may hereafter have, which have or may have arisen, or may in the future arise, based upon, arising out of, or relating in any way to Sections 9, 10, or 11 the Settlement Agreement.
(b) Waiver of California Civil Code §1542: That as further consideration and inducement for this amended and compromised settlement, the Parties hereby knowingly waive any and all rights that they may have under the provisions of California Civil Code §1542 concerning the specific matters which were the subject of or related to Sections 9, 10, or 11 of the Settlement Agreement and which provides as follows:
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE
CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR
AT THE TIME OF EXECUTION OF THE RELEASE WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM
OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Amendment shall not be construed as:
(1) A waiver of any rights or remedies relating to compliance or noncompliance of any Section other than Sections 9, 10, or 11 of the Settlement Agreement prior to the Effective Date;
(2) A release of any claims relating to prior reporting deficiencies or improper expenditures unrelated to Sections 9, 10, or 11 or the Settlement Agreement; or (3) A modification of any payment obligations other than the restructuring of the CBF administrative process.
Section 6. No Other Modifications.
Except as expressly amended herein, all other terms of the Settlement Agreement remain in full force and effect, including but not limited to Gross Operating Revenue methodology, convoy provisions, restricted-use requirements, reporting obligations, and the term through 2036.
Section 7. Effective Date.
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This Amendment shall become effective upon approval by both the Board of Harbor Commissioners and the City Council and execution by authorized representatives IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Amendment as of the dates written below.
SIGNATURE BLOCKS TO BE ADDED
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# Date Project Name Project Description & Benefit CBF Category (Choose the catetgory)
Beginning
Balance
Current Year
Allocation Expenditure Ending Balance
1 7/10/2026 New CBF Procedure Remaining CBF Balance Split 2 TBA FY 2026 FY 2026 Allocation
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23 24
25 Approved as to Form and in Compliance with the 2015 Settlement as Amended:
____________________________________ Dated ___/___/20_____ City Attorney
FY 2027 Community Benefit Fund (CBF) Project Tracking
City of Port Hueneme
Attachment B
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# Date Project Name Project Description & Benefit CBF Category (Choose the catetgory)
Beginning
Balance
Current Year
Allocation Expenditure Ending
Balance
1 7/10/2026 New CBF Procedure Remaining CBF Balance Split 2 TBA FY 2026 FY 2026 Allocation
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23 24
25 Approved as to Form and in Compliance with the 2015 Settlement as Amended:
____________________________________ Dated: ___/____/20___ General Counsel, Oxnard Harbor District
Oxnard Harbor District
FY 2027 Community Benefit Fund (CBF) Project Tracking
Attachment B
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Monday, July 20, 2026
Port Hueneme City Hall
250 North Ventura Road, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
6:30 PM Regular Meeting
Attached is an additional document related to Agenda Item No. 15: FIRST AMENDMENT TO 2015 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE OXNARD HARBOR DISTRICT REGARDING THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUND PROCESS, which was received following the posting and distribution of the July 20, 2026, Agenda:
• Community Benefit Fund (CBF) Project list
Attachment C
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From: Vega, James
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2026 9:52 AM
To: Alvarez, Georgianna
Cc: Paul Early
Subject: FW: Amendment to Selement Agreement Exhibits.
Aachments: CBF Project List-c1.pdf
Importance: High
Council is blind copied:
I wanted to share with everyone the final project list from the Port of the items that have not been paid and therefore would be reimbursed to the “CBF Fund” and then split between city and port. The list of items is aached – this is the most recent version received from the Port on Friday aernoon.
James
From: Michelle Kinnun <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2026 12:59 PM
To: Vega, James <[email protected]>
Cc: Krisn Decas <[email protected]>; Ausn Yang <[email protected]>; Georgia Pulos <[email protected]>; Ruben Duran ([email protected]) <[email protected]> Subject: Amendment to Selement Agreement Exhibits.
Importance: High
Attachment C
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Attachment C
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DATE: July 20, 2026
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: James Vega, City Manager
SUBJECT: DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE(S) FOR THE 2026 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Appoint a voting delegate and up to two alternates to attend the League of California Cities Annual Conference to vote on behalf of the City Council at the General Assembly; and
2. Authorize the City Clerk to affirm Council’s selection and submit the 2026 Annual Conference Voting Delegate/Alternate Online Submission Form to the League of California Cities.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS:
The League of California Cities (Cal Cities) Annual Conference will be held this year from September 23-25, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Long Beach, California.
On the last day of the conference, September 25, 2026, a General Assembly will convene where city officials can directly participate in the development of Cal Cities policy. The General Assembly is comprised of voting delegates appointed by each member city; every city has one voting delegate. The appointed voting delegate plays an important role during the General Assembly by representing the City and voting on resolutions.
In order to vote at the General Assembly, City Council must designate a voting delegate and may appoint up to two alternates, one of whom may vote in the event the designated voting delegate is unable to attend the meeting. Voting delegates may either be an elected or appointed official. The voting delegate and alternates must be registered to attend the conference. They do not, however, need to be registered for the entire conference, they can register for Friday only. For further details please see, Attachment A. 2026 Cal Cities Voting Delegate Information Packet.
The Councilmembers currently registered for the event are: Councilmember Gama, Councilmember Lopez, and Mayor Pro Tem Hernandez.
Agenda Item No. 16 Page 1 of 6 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
Cal Cities Voting Delegate(s)
July 20, 2026
Voting delegates and alternate(s) must be appointed and submitted to Cal Cities by Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact is anticipated with establishing a voting delegate. Funds for registration, travel, and lodging for attendance at the League of California Cities Annual Conference are allocated from the Council travel budget; which is adequately budgeted for attendance each year. Funds and expenditures will vary per Councilmember depending on hotel accommodations and travel methods. Appropriations will be from account No. 101-110- 5411 and the Councilmember’s respective code number.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Primary Strategic Pillar(s) and Initiative(s):
Optimal Levels of Service for Residents and Businesses
• Promote operational excellence in all City functions and embody best practices as a municipality
ATTACHMENTS:
A. 2026 Cal Cities Voting Delegate Information Packet
Agenda Item No. 16 Page 2 of 6 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
1400 K Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814 • 916.658.8200 • calcities.org DATE: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
TO: Mayors, Council Members, City Clerks, and City Managers RE: DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, Sept. 23-25, 2026 Anaheim Convention Center
Every year, the League of California Cities convenes a member-driven General Assembly at the Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo. The General Assembly is an important opportunity where city officials can directly participate in the development of Cal Cities policy.
Taking place on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 the General Assembly is comprised of voting delegates appointed by each member city; every city has one voting delegate. Your appointed voting delegate plays an important role during the General Assembly by representing your city and voting on resolutions.
To cast a vote during the General Assembly, your city must designate a voting delegate and up to two alternate voting delegates, one of whom may vote if the designated voting delegate is unable to serve in that capacity. Voting delegates may either be an elected or appointed official.
Action by Council Required. Consistent with Cal Cities bylaws, a city’s voting delegate and up to two alternates must be designated by the city council. Please note that designating the voting delegate and alternates must be done by city council action and cannot be accomplished by individual action of the mayor or city manager alone.
Following council action, please submit your city’s delegates through the online submission portal by Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. When completing the Voting Delegate submission form, you will be asked to attest that council action was taken. You will need to be signed in to your My Cal Cities account when submitting the form.
Submitting your voting delegate form by the deadline will allow us time to establish voting delegate/alternate records prior to the conference and provide pre-conference communications with voting delegates.
Conference Registration Required. The voting delegate and alternates must be registered to attend the conference. They need not register for the entire conference; they may register for Friday only. Conference registration opens June 2.
For a city to cast a vote, one voter must be present at the General Assembly and in possession of the voting delegate card and voting tool. Voting delegates and Council Action Advised by September 1, 2026
Attachment A
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alternates need to pick up their conference badges before signing in and picking up the voting delegate card at the voting delegate desk. This will enable them to receive the special sticker on their name badges that will admit the voting delegate into the voting area during the General Assembly.
Please view Cal Cities’ event and meeting policy in advance of the conference.
Transferring Voting Card to Non-Designated Individuals Not Allowed. The voting delegate card may be transferred freely between the voting delegate and alternates, but only between the voting delegate and alternates. If the voting delegate and alternates find themselves unable to attend the General Assembly, they may not transfer the voting card to another city official.
Seating Protocol during General Assembly. At the General Assembly, individuals with a voting card will sit in a designated area. Admission to the voting area will be limited to the individual in possession of the voting card and with a special sticker on their name badge identifying them as a voting delegate.
The voting delegate desk, located in the conference registration area of the Anaheim Convention Center, will be open at the following times: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 24, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. On Friday, Sept. 25, the voting delegate desk will be open at the General Assembly, starting at 7:30 a.m., but will be closed during roll calls and voting.
The voting procedures that will be used at the conference are attached to this memo.
Please share these procedures and this memo with your council and especially with the individuals that your council designates as your city’s voting delegate and alternates.
Once again, thank you for submitting your voting delegate and alternates by Tuesday, Sept. 1. If you have questions, please contact Zach Seals at [email protected].
Attachments:
• General Assembly Voting Guidelines
• Information Sheet: Cal Cities Resolutions and the General Assembly Agenda Item No. 16 Page 4 of 6 CC Agenda 07-20-2026
1400 K Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814 • 916.658.8200 • calcities.org General Assembly Voting Guidelines
1. One City One Vote. Each member city has a right to cast one vote on matters pertaining to Cal Cities policy.
2. Designating a City Voting Representative. Prior to the Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo, each city council may designate a voting delegate and up to two alternates; these individuals are identified on the voting delegate form provided to the Cal Cities Credentials Committee.
3. Registering with the Credentials Committee. The voting delegate, or alternates, may pick up the city's voting card at the voting delegate desk in the conference registration area. Voting delegates and alternates must sign in at the voting delegate desk. Here they will receive a special sticker on their name badge and thus be admitted to the voting area at the General Assembly.
4. Signing Initiated Resolution Petitions. Only those individuals who are voting delegates (or alternates), and who have picked up their city’s voting card by providing a signature to the credentials committee at the voting delegate desk, may sign petitions to initiate a resolution.
5. Voting. To cast the city's vote, a city official must have in their possession the city's voting card and voting tool; and be registered with the credentials committee. The voting card may be transferred freely between the voting delegate and alternates but may not be transferred to another city official who is neither a voting delegate nor alternate.
6. Voting Area at General Assembly. At the General Assembly, individuals with a voting card will sit in a designated area. Admission to the voting area will be limited to the individual in possession of the voting card and with a special sticker on their name badge identifying them as a voting delegate.
7. Resolving Disputes. In case of dispute, the credentials committee will determine the validity of signatures on petitioned resolutions and the right of a city official to vote at the General Assembly.
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Sixty days before the
Annual Conference
and Expo, Cal Cities
members may submit
policy proposals on
issues of importance
to cities. The resolution must
have the concurrence of at least
five additional member cities or
individual members.
How it works: Cal Cities
Resolutions and the General Assembly
General Assembly
General Resolutions Policy Committees
Developing League of California Cities policy is a dynamic process that engages a wide range of members to ensure Cal Cities represents cities with one voice. These policies directly guide Cal Cities’ advocacy to promote local decision-making, and lobby against statewide policies that erode local control.
The resolutions process and General Assembly is one way that city officials can directly participate in the development of Cal Cities policy. If a resolution is approved at the General Assembly, it becomes official Cal Cities policy. Here’s how resolutions and the General Assembly work.
The petitioned
resolution is an
alternate method
to introduce policy
proposals during
the annual conference. The
petition must be signed by
voting delegates from 10% of
member cities, and submitted to
the Cal Cities President at least
24 hours before the beginning
of the General Assembly.
Petitioned Resolutions
The Cal Cities
President assigns
general resolutions
to policy committees
where members
review, debate, and recommend
positions for each policy proposal.
Recommendations are forwarded
to the Resolutions Committee.
Who’s who
The Resolutions Committee
includes representatives
from each Cal Cities
diversity caucus, regional
division, municipal
department, and policy
committee, as well as
individuals appointed by
the Cal Cities president.
Voting delegates
are appointed by each
member city; every city
has one voting delegate.
The General Assembly is a
meeting of the collective
body of all voting
delegates —one from
every member city.
Seven policy committees
meet throughout the year
to review and recommend
positions to take on bills
and regulatory proposals.
Policy committees include
members from each Cal
Cities diversity caucus,
regional division, and
municipal department,
as well as individuals
appointed by the Cal
Cities president.
During the General Assembly, voting delegates
debate and consider general and petitioned
resolutions forwarded by the Resolutions
Committee. Potential Cal Cities bylaws
amendments are also considered at this meeting.
Cal Cities policy
development is a memberinformed process,
grounded in the voices and
experiences of city officials
throughout the state.
For more information visit www.calcities.org/general-assembly Prior to the Annual Conference and Expo
Resolutions Committee
The Resolutions
Committee considers
all resolutions. General
Resolutions approved1 by
either a policy committee
or the Resolutions Committee are next
considered by the General Assembly.
General resolutions not approved, or
referred for further study by both a
policy committee and the Resolutions
Committee do not go to the General
Assembly. All Petitioned Resolutions
are considered by the General
Assembly, unless disqualified.2
During the Annual Conference and Expo
1 The Resolution Committee can amend a general resolution prior to sending it to the General Assembly. 2 Petitioned Resolutions may be disqualified by the Resolutions Committee according to Cal Cities Bylaws Article VI. Sec. 5(f).
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