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RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, February 17, 2026
Community Services Building
440 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804
_____________________________________________________________________
A. SPECIAL OPEN SESSION TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED
SESSION
The Richmond City Council Evening Special Open Session was called to order at 5:01 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
B. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson (Via Zoom pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449), Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: None.
C. CLOSED SESSION
C.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of Subdivision (d) [as applicable] of Government Code Section 54956.9) • Two Cases
D. PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE CLOSED SESSION (limited to items on the Closed Session agenda only)
Ben Therriault gave comments in person.
E. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The Open Session adjourned to Closed Session at 5:05 p.m. Closed Session adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
F. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE RICHMOND HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Special Meeting of the Richmond Housing Authority was called to order at 6:10 p.m. by Chairperson Eduardo Martinez.
G. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairperson Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
H. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson (Via Zoom pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449), Cesar Zepeda, Vice Chairperson Doria Robinson, and Chairperson Eduardo Martinez. Absent: Tenant Commissioner Jaycine Scott.
I. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
J. REPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Housing Authority Director Antoinette Terrell presented the report. Link to report: Report from the Executive Director
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K. AGENDA REVIEW
None.
L. HOUSING AUTHORITY OPEN FORUM
Cordell Hindler gave comments in person.
M. HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Commissioner Cesar Zepeda
Seconded by Commissioner Jamelia Brown
To approve all items on the Housing Authority Consent Calendar.
Ayes (7): Commissioners Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Chairperson Doria Robinson, and Chairperson Eduardo Martinez.
Absent (1): Tenant Commissioner Jaycine Scott
Passed
M.1 Contract Amendment No. 1 with SWCA Environmental Consultants for Testing and Environmental Review of Richmond Village
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE the first contract amendment with SWCA Environmental Consultants to include Radon Testing for the Part 50 Environmental Review of the Richmond Village Property, increasing the payment amount by $20,304.32, for a total payment limit of $37,804.32, with a term expiration of June 30, 2026 – Richmond Housing Authority (Nannette Beachem/Antoinette Terrell/Greg Palomino 510-621-1300).
Adopted Resolution No. 2223
M.2 Meeting Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the November 18, 2025, special Housing Authority meeting - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
N. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:18 p.m.
O. REGULAR MEETING OF THE RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
The Regular Meeting of the Richmond City Council was called to order at 6:19 p.m. by Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
P. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson (Via Zoom pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449), Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Absent: None.
Q. STATEMENT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
R. AGENDA REVIEW
The following items were pulled from the consent calendar for discussion:
Item V .3.a (Additional Loan for Capital Cost related to the Civic Center Apartments (Homekey) Project)
Item V .6.a (Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Calendar Year 2026 - 2027 Grants)
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Item V .7.d (Opposing the Unlawful United States Military Intervention Against Venezuela)
S. REPORT FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY OF FINAL DECISIONS MADE
DURING CLOSED SESSION
Interim City Attorney Shannon Moore reported that no reportable action was taken on Item C.1 (conference with legal counsel - anticipated litigation).
T. REPORT FROM THE CITY MANAGER (public comment allowed under Open Forum)
Deputy City Manager Nickie Mastay provided a report. Link to view report: City Manager's Report
U. OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
(public comment on items that remain on the Consent Calendar or items not on the agenda - limited to 2 minutes unless otherwise specified - Back and forth dialogue with the Council is prohibited)
The following individuals gave comments in person:
Cordell Hindler gave comments thanked the Mayor's office for hosting the Mayors' conference. Mr. Hindler suggested the City conduct an updated classification and compensation study.
Andrea McKelvy, Lewis McCray, and Joezette Guillebeau gave comments regarding the Castro encampment and homelessness they are experiencing. Ms. McKelvy also gave comments regarding personal losses she experienced.
John McKinney gave comments regarding labor negotiations between the Police Officer's Association and the City. Mr. McKinney also gave comments regarding officers recently placed on leave and police officer retention.
Claudia Citroen gave comments regarding police officer retention, the Council Rules of Procedure and Order, and officers recently placed on leave.
Bruce Brubaker urged the Council to increase recruitment efforts for the Planning commission.
Nate Lonso, Chais Fuller, and Roberto Lopez gave comments regarding labor negotiations between the Police Officer's Association and the City. Mr. Lonso, Mr. Fuller, and Mr. Lopez also gave comments regarding officers recently placed on leave and police officer retention.
Ben Therriault expressed concerns regarding City leadership and officers recently placed on leave.
Colton Stocking, Don Nelson, and Andy Domenici gave comments regarding labor negotiations between the Police Officer's Association and the City. Mr. Stocking, Mr.
Nelson, and Mr. Domenici also gave comments regarding officers recently placed on leave and police officer retention.
Savannah Stewart gave comments regarding recent officer involved shootings, how they affect the parties involved, and the Police department's policies/procedures related to officer involved shootings. Ms. Stewart and Michael Pagaling gave comments regarding officers recently placed on leave and urged the Council to return them to duty.
Harry Wiener gave comments regarding the Jewish community.
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Ivette Blandon gave comments regarding a claim she recently filed against the City related to vehicle damage.
The following individuals gave comments via teleconference:
Tarnel Abbott gave comments regarding the United States' relations with Cuba.
Daniel Sanchez and Jae Mallari gave comments regarding labor negotiations between the Police Officer's Association and the City. Mr. Sanchez and Mr. Mallari also gave comments also gave comments regarding police officer retention and officers recently placed on leave. Mr. Sanchez expressed concerns regarding social media posts made by Councilmembers.
Isabella expressed concerns regarding the Police department's work environment and urged the Council to improve conditions for officers.
Sara Cantor gave comments regarding a recent officer involved shooting and labor negotiations.
V. CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items placed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and noncontroversial. These items will be enacted upon together with a motion and second, without discussion, of any member of the City Council, and each item shall be deemed to have received the action recommended.)
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
To approve all items on the consent calendar excluding Item V .3.a (Additional Loan for Capital Cost related to the Civic Center Apartments (Homekey) Project), Item V .6.a (Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Calendar Year 2026 - 2027 Grants), and Item V .7.d (Opposing the Unlawful United States Military Intervention Against Venezuela).
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
V. 1 City Attorney's Office
V .1.a Legal Services Agreement Amendment No. 5 with Bennett, Gelini and Gelini, APC, for Litigation Matters
APPROVE a fifth amendment with Bennett, Gelini and Gelini, APC, to increase the payment limit by $300,000 for a total amount not to exceed $1,159,990 with a term ending December 31, 2027, for litigation representation – City Attorney’s Office (Kimberly Chin 510-620- 6709/Shannon Moore 510-620-6509).
V .1.b Legal Services Agreement Amendment No. 3 with Stoel Rives, LLP for Land Use Matters
APPROVE a third amendment to the legal services agreement with Stoel Rives, LLP, to maintain adequate representation in future and pending land use and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) related litigation (Guidiville/Land Use), in the amount of $100,000 for a total amount not to exceed $175,000 with term ending December 31, 2026 – City Attorney’s Office (Kimberly Chin 510-620-6709/Shannon Moore 510-620-6509).
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V. 2 City Clerk's Office
V .2.a City Council Minutes
APPROVE the minutes of the January 20, 2026, Regular City Council meeting - City Clerk's Office (Pamela Christian 510-620-6513).
V. 3 Community Development
V .3.a Additional Loan for Capital Cost related to the Civic Center Apartments (Homekey) Project
ADOPT a resolution increasing the City loan amount from $8.3 million to up to $10.3 million to 425 Civic Center LP for the Civic Center Apartments project, which will convert an existing motel into a 49-unit permanent supportive housing development for the chronically homeless - Community Development Department (Lina Velasco 510-620-6841/Jesus Morales 510-620-6649).
Community Development Director Lina Velasco introduced the item. Ms.
Velasco and Hillmann Development Advisors representative Eric Swakon presented a PowerPoint. Link to view presentation: Civic Center Apartment (Homekey) Project
Claudia Citroen gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Soheila Bana
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
To approve the item.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 15-26
V. 4 Finance Department
V .4.a Contract with SCI Consulting Group for On-Call Consulting Services APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to negotiate and execute a sole-source contract with SCI Consulting Services to provide financial and technical advisory services for priority City projects, including Advanced Life Support in the Fire Department and evaluation of the Craneway Pavilion, in an amount not to exceed $70,000, for the term of November 3, 2025, through December 31, 2026 – Finance Department (Emily Combs 510-620-6740/ Mubeen Qader 510-412- 2077/Jerry Gurule 510-620-6591).
V .4.b Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, Documentary Transfer Tax Report, and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) and Pension Report for the Month of December 2025 RECEIVE the City’s Investment and Cash Balance Report, Monthly Overtime Reports, Documentary Transfer Tax Report, and Other Post- Employment Benefits (OPEB) and Pension Report for the month of December 2025 – Finance Department (Emily Combs 510-620-6740).
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V. 5 Fire Department
V .5.a Contract with TargetSolutions Learning, LLC dba Vector Solutions to Provide a Web-based Fire Industry Training and Compliance Management System
APPROVE a sole-source contract with TargetSolutions Learning, LLC dba Vector Solutions in an amount not to exceed $30,494, for a three-year term effective January 1, 2026, through January 1, 2029, with two one- year extension options not to exceed an additional $12,000 per year for the extended term – Fire Department (Chief Aaron Osorio 510-307- 8021/Chief Rico Rincon 510-307-8041/Den Mark Marcelo 510-307- 8038).
V. 6 Library and Community Services
V .6.a Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Calendar Year 2026 - 2027 Grants ADOPT a resolution approving grant award recommendations from the Richmond Fund for Children & Youth (RFCY) Oversight Board for Calendar Years 2026-2027 to eight (8) youth-serving nonprofit organizations in a total amount not to exceed $1,217,161 annually and AUTHORIZE the city manager, or their designee, to negotiate and execute grant service agreements with approved grantees - City Manager’s Office (Patrick Seals 510-307-8016/Jora Atienza Washington/Nicholas Delgado 510-620-6523).
Administrative Chief Patrick Seals introduced the item. Mr. Seals presented a PowerPoint. Link to view presentation: Richmond Fund for Children and Youth Grants
Claudia Citroen gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Seconded by Councilmember Soheila Bana
To approve the item.
Ayes (7): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Jamelia Brown, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 16-26
V .6.b Contract with Cheryl Maier for American Job Centers of California (AJCC) One-Stop Operator Services
APPROVE a sole-source contract with Cheryl Maier to serve as the American Job Centers of California (AJCC) Coordinator for the Richmond Workforce Development Board (RWDB) for a term
commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027, for a total payment limit of $20,000 – Community Services Department (Tamara Walker 510- 307-8006/LaShonda White 510-620-6828).
V .6.c Contract Amendment No. 3 with Epic Limousine for Youth Outdoors Richmond Transportation
APPROVE a third contract amendment with Epic Limousine to provide transportation services for the Youth Outdoors Richmond Program,
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increasing the contract by $56,520 for a new total contract amount of $85,820, and extending the contract term to June 30, 2027 – Community Services Department (Tetteh Kisseh 510-620-6919/ Ranjana Maharaj 510- 620-6972/Jene Levine-Snipes 510-307-8132).
V .6.d Contracts with Libraria, Ingram Content Group, Mackin Book Company, and Midwest Tape LLC, for Library Materials Services
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE contracts, upon approval by the City Attorney’s Office, with Children’s Plus DBA Libraria, Ingram Content Group, Mackin Book Company, and Midwest Tape LLC, for library materials and preprocessing services, each in an amount not to exceed $300,000 per year, for a term of three years from February 2026 through January 2029, with two optional one-year extensions, and AUTHORIZE the city manager or their designee to execute the contracts – Community Services Department (Christopher Larsen/Kate Eppler/LaShonda White 510-620-6561).
Adopted Resolution No. 17-26
V. 7 Mayor's Office
V .7.a Amend the 2025 Appointments to Committees and Liaison Positions AMEND the 2025–26 appointments of the Mayor and City
Councilmembers to Regional Committees, Ad Hoc Committees, and Liaison positions to add the Community Crisis Response Program Advisory Board and designate Councilmember Claudia Jimenez as its liaison, and to confirm the exchange of liaison assignments between the Mayor and Councilmember Zepeda on the MCE Clean Energy Board - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503).
V .7.b Re-appoint Brian Carter to the Design Review Board APPOINT Brian Carter to the Design Review Board with a term that expires on March 17, 2028 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503)
V .7.c Direct the City Manager to identify funding for the Shimada Sister City Delegation Visit in Recognition of the 65th Anniversary of the Richmond– Shimada Sister City Relationship
DIRECT the city manager to identify funding in an amount not to exceed $23,000 for expenses associated with hosting an official delegation from Shimada, Japan, in coordination with the Richmond–Shimada Friendship Commission, and at mid-year provide an update on potential requests from other Sister Cities for City Council consideration - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503) and Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).
V .7.d Opposing the Unlawful United States Military Intervention Against Venezuela
ADOPT a resolution opposing unauthorized United States military intervention in Venezuela, affirming the City of Richmond’s commitment to peace, human rights, constitutional governance, and the prioritization of public resources for local community needs - Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510-620-6503) and Vice Mayor Doria Robinson (510- 620-6568).
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Mayor Martinez introduced the item and gave background information on why the item was brought forth. Mark Wassberg and Juan Reardon gave comments in person. Claudia Citroen, Tarnel Abbott, and Elsa Stevens gave comments via teleconference. Discussion ensued.
Motion by Vice Mayor Doria Robinson
Seconded by Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
To approve the item.
Ayes (6): Councilmembers Soheila Bana, Claudia Jimenez, Sue Wilson, Cesar Zepeda, Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, and Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Abstentions (1): Councilmember Jamelia Brown
Passed
Adopted Resolution No. 18-26
V .7.e Appointment of Shahzaib Shahid to the Planning Commission APPOINT Shahzaib Shahid to the Planning Commission with a term that expires on June 30, 2028 – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Eduardo Martinez 510- 620-6503).
V. 8 Public Works
V .8.a Purchase of Twenty (20) Fleet Vehicles for Fire, Police, and Abatement Operations from Dublin Chevrolet
ADOPT a resolution to APPROVE the purchase of twenty (20) fleet vehicles from California Automotive Retailing Group, Inc. DBA Dublin Chevrolet, utilizing Alameda County Master Contract No. 901979, in a not-to-exceed amount of $1,125,000, for use by the Fire Department, Police Department, and Abatement operations – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria/Darin Fitzpatrick 510-231-3008).
Adopted Resolution No. 19-26
W. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: REFERRALS TO STAFF, AND GENERAL REPORTS (INCLUDING AB 1234 REPORTS)(limited to two minutes per Councilmember) Vice Mayor Robinson reported attendance to the following: an Economic Development Commission meeting; a meeting with the Green Empowerment Zone (GEZ); a Pullman Neighborhood Council meeting; and the East Bay Center for Performing Arts performance day. Vice Mayor Robinson announced the following upcoming events: the Sustainability Expo on April 18, 2026, at the Civic Center Plaza and Taste of Richmond on March 28, 2026, at the Civic Center Plaza.
Councilmember Bana thanked Fire Chief Aaron Osorio and Emergency Services Manager Richard Diaz for their work in organizing an evacuation drill to be held on May 30, 2026, in the El Sobrante area. Councilmember Bana invited residents to register to participate in the upcoming evacuation drill.
Councilmember Zepeda thanked the Richmond Neighborhood Coordinating Council for a recent Black History Month celebration event they hosted. Councilmember Zepeda announced that there was an upcoming community meeting at the Parchester Community Center on February 19, 2026.
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Mayor Martinez reported attendance to the East Bay Center for Performing Arts performance day and the Literacy for Every Adult Program (LEAP) graduation. Mayor Martinez encouraged members of the public to donate to the Snowball Scholarship Fund.
X. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m. in memory of Jesse Jackson and Norma Jean La Bat, to meet again on February 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
Clerk of the City of Richmond Mayor
From: Claudia Citroen
To: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Shannon Moore; Lina Velasco; LaShonda White; Jamelia Brown; Cesar Zepeda; Eduardo Martinez; [email protected]
Subject: Open forum public comment part 1 of 2 emails council meeting 02.17.26 (Governance Failures) Date: Monday, February 16, 2026 8:42:17 PM
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
I. Governance and Quorum Failures on Richmond Boards and Commissions: (separate email 2 of 2 summary of legal issues including applicable laws) Documented evidence shows that mandated seats on boards and commissions remain vacant for extended periods, preventing quorum (design review board & planning commission). Such dereliction continues to obstruct project approvals and regulatory decision-making, in contravention of the City of Richmond Municipal Code §2.50 et seq., the Ralph M. Brown Act (Cal. Gov. Code §§54950–54963), California Government Code §§54970–54974, and California Government Code §§87200–87203.
Identified Administrative Risk Factors:
Required staff levels persistently unmet. Extended
vacancies incapacitating voting functions. Development applications and permitting processes stalled, creating risk of arbitrary or selective enforcement in violation of Cal. Gov. Code §§815.6 and 11135. Prolonged inactivity of statutory boards constitutes a structural oversight failure under California Government Code §11340 et seq. and California Code of Civil Procedure §1085. City missed permit deadlines on the Marina housing project allowing developers to move forward even though plans are not in accordance to city ordinances and permits, contrary to Cal. Gov. Code §§65950–65957 (Permit Streamlining Act) and Cal. Gov. Code §65860. The Grove housing project developer currently requests a preliminary building approval even though Point Richmond to date are still not informed on the expected cost of “Keller Beach sanitary” nor been informed on any homeowner financing liability, implicating disclosure requirements under Cal. Gov.
Code §§66014–66016 and constitutional due process protections (U.S. Const. Amend.
XIV; Cal. Const. art. I, §7). This sanitary project can be avoided if the builder is forced to use common practice septic tank solutions. Additionally non of the required EIR and other standard geological surveys have been performed, in violation of the California Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Res. Code §§21000–21189) and Cal. Gov. Code §65302. -> Failure to halt permitting processes contrary to lawful timelines. -> Delaying enforcement actions intentionally and willfully (Cal. Gov. Code §§91000–91100; §1222).
-> Creating unequal protection risks depending on political interest and affiliation (Cal. Const. art. I, §7; U.S. Const. Amend. XIV).
-> Shifting covertly decision-making power away from independent boards (Cal. Gov. Code §1090; §87100).
II. Systemic Governance Deficiencies, Allegations of Political Alignment in Appointment Authority Scrutiny Standard:
City charter states all council members are supposed to control and vote on all appointments to commissions and advisory boards pursuant to the City of Richmond Municipal Charter and Cal. Gov. Code §40605. Mayor
Martinez continues to overstep his powers by erroneously claiming his legislative powers in contravention of Cal. Gov. Code §§36501 and 36801. A related statement on the mayor office page was recently removed on orders of city manager and city attorney. Recently a cluster of crucial police departments related board liaison seats are filled with the outspoken “defund police” aligned and professionally unqualified council C. Jimenez. Effective art commissions were intentionally dissolved by mayor E. Martinez only to be replaced by RPA leadership run non profit organizations like Reimagine Richmond, raising conflict concerns under Cal.
Gov. Code §§1090, 1126, and 87100. And vacancies are intentionally left open or strategically filled in conjunction with the mayor’s vices. These practices create obvious government corruption environments and implicate Cal. Penal Code §424 and Cal. Gov. Code §1222. Failures are across audits, contested permits, board governance records, and public- funding oversight. It emboldened council Jimenez twice to egregiously ignore council procedures by obstructing and blocking me to speak out against questionable agenda items during the allotted public speaking period, in violation of the Ralph M. Brown Act (Cal. Gov. Code §54954.3). She intentionally motioned a vote before the city clerk could announce public comment speakers in a timely manner, contrary to Cal. Gov. Code §§54953 and 54957.5.
These deficiencies indicate a municipal environment requiring immediate transparency and stronger oversight, particularly regarding appointments and board staffing. Evidence of selective or strategic appointment timing constitute an administrative- law violation under California Government Code §§11400–11425 and 11135, and may warrant relief under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§1085 and 1094.5. Failure to maintain diverse board quorums and enforce nonprofit oversight exposes the City to civil liability for selective enforcement or procedural bias under Cal. Gov. Code §§815.2 and 11135, administrative law challenges, including writs of mandate (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1085) or claims of arbitrary and capricious conduct. Remedial action must include immediate appointment of qualified and unbiased commission members, verification of nonprofit compliance, adherence to the Ralph M. Brown Act (Cal. Gov. Code §§54950–54963), strict enforcement of CEQA (Pub. Res.
Code §§21000–21189), compliance with the Permit Streamlining Act (Cal. Gov. Code §§65950–65957), and enhanced transparency in board operations, or the City risks sustained legal exposure, potential findings by the California State Auditor (Cal. Gov. Code §§8543– 8546.5), erosion of statutory authority, and becomes subject for another CA state financial audit cycle.
-> Timeliness of vacancy fillings and unclear nomination authority for appointees (Cal. Gov.
Code §36502).
-> Consistency of delays across boards. Correlation of delays with pending projects or decisions.
-> Persistent administrative control weakness. Contested, delayed permitting decisions.
Structural capacity gaps in decision-making bodies.
III.
Nonprofits receiving public or federal funds:
Failure to adequate disclose fund distribution to non profit organizations located within city limits. City administered funds must comply and can NOT be assigned to public or private schools as requested in consent calendar council agenda 02.17.26 without compliance with Cal. Gov. Code §§53060, 1090, 87100, Education Code §§35160 and 41020, and 2 C.F.R. §200 (Uniform Guidance). Municipal exposure arises when public funds are granted without verifying compliance, including missing audits, unexplained expenditures, or related-party transactions, implicating the California Nonprofit Integrity Act (Corp. Code §§5230–5240), 2 U.S.C. §2001 et seq., and Cal. Gov. Code §§12410.6 and 50075.1. The absence of verification systems increases risk under California Government Code §§1090, 53060, 87100, and 2 C.F.R. §200, and Independent audit requirements (Cal. Nonprofit Integrity Act §§5230–5240; 2 U.S.C. §2001 et seq.). Currently audit committees, internal financial controls and timely financial disclosures and compliance reporting are inconsistent, inadequate or nonexistent, contrary to Cal. Gov. Code §§53891 and 53907. This additional funding from the Chevron settlement fund was egregiously discussed behind closed doors and intended to be approved without public transparency and without public consultation!
IV. Risk of federal and state audit findings:
Include potential clawback of public funds.
Civil ethics violations – Moderate risk (Cal. Gov. Code §87100 et seq.).
Administrative
compliance violations – Moderate risk (Cal. Gov. Code §§11135 and 53060). Governance inefficiency findings – High risk, undermining statutory obligations for functional, equitable boards under Cal. Gov. Code §§54950 et seq.
From: Claudia Citroen
To: City Clerk Dept User; Shasa Curl; Shannon Moore; LaShonda White; Jamelia Brown; Cesar Zepeda; [email protected]; Eduardo Martinez; Irene Lozano Subject: Open forum / public comment part 2 of 2 council meeting 02.17.26 Date: Monday, February 16, 2026 8:51:08 PM
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
I asked a legal expert to draft a short legal brief summing up my statement of observed government shortcomings:
PLEASE READ THE SUMMARY CAREFULLY.
(YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON
PUBLIC NOTICE):
Additional applicable legal exposure may also arise under Cal. Gov. Code §§54960 and 54960.1 providing civil actions to prevent or nullify violations of the Ralph M. Brown Act, and §54959 establishing misdemeanor liability for intentional violations, particularly where public comment was cut off before speakers were called in violation of §54954.3; under the California Public Records Act (Cal. Gov. Code §§7920.000–7931.000) and Cal. Const. art. I, §3(b) guaranteeing constitutional access to public meetings and records; under Cal. Gov. Code §§36505 and 36506 governing mayoral versus council appointment authority in general law cities, §34902 regarding charter city powers, and §37100 concerning ordinance adoption procedures if commissions were dissolved without proper amendment; under Cal. Gov. Code §§53234–53235
(AB 1234) mandating ethics training compliance; under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov. Code §§81000–91014), including §§84308 and 82048, as well as §§1125–1129 governing incompatible activities and the common law conflict-of-interest doctrine recognized in People v. Honig (1996); under CEQA provisions including Pub. Res. Code §§21081, 21081.6, and 21167, along with Cal. Gov. Code §§65864 et seq., 66473.5, 65583, and 65009 governing development agreements, General Plan consistency, housing element compliance, and judicial review timelines; under the Permit Streamlining Act including Cal. Gov. Code §§65943,
65950–65957, and 65956 establishing deemed approval consequences, and §§66020 and 66022 governing fee protests and challenges; under financial oversight statutes including Cal. Gov. Code §§53895, 12463.1, and 8546.7, the Single Audit Act (31 U.S.C. §§7501– 7507), and 2 C.F.R. §200.303 requiring internal controls over federal funds; under 42 U.S.C. §1983 and Monell v. Department of Social Services (1978) for potential municipal liability arising from policy or custom, alongside Cal. Gov. Code §§815.6 and 820.2 addressing mandatory duty liability and discretionary immunity; under whistleblower protections including Cal. Labor Code §1102.5 and Cal. Gov. Code §§53296–53299; and, where supported by documented evidence, potential penal exposure under Cal. Penal Code §§86, 424, and 182, with the most structurally significant enforcement mechanisms appearing to be Brown Act nullification (§54960.1), CEQA statute of limitations triggers (§21167), deemed approval consequences under §65956, and Political Reform Act §84308 where campaign contributions intersect with pending permit proceedings.
From: Claudia Citroen
To: City Clerk Dept User; Jamelia Brown; Shannon Moore; Irene Lozano; Cesar Zepeda Subject: Open forum / public comment council meeting 02.17.26 Date: Monday, February 16, 2026 9:01:40 PM
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
This email originated from outside of the City's email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
WHY HAS THE COUNCIL FAILED TO ADDRESS BELOW ITEMS IN NEW BUSINESS?! please improve your task list: (generated by Andrew Butt/ architect and former design review board) Current status of the City of Richmond’s General Plan (Richmond, California):
Last Comprehensive General Plan Update
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The Richmond General Plan 2030 was adopted by the City Council on April 25, 2012. This is the city’s last full general plan update and serves as Richmond’s overarching long-range planning framework, including land use, housing, transportation, community health, environmental goals, and other policy elements.
Elements and Partial Updates Since 2012
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Since the 2012 adoption, certain individual elements — most notably the Housing Element — have been updated to meet state requirements (for example, the 6th Cycle Housing Element covering 2023–2031). •
Other pieces of the plan (such as the Public Safety and Noise Element) are also being revised incrementally as of the most recent public information.
When a New or Major Update Is Required
Under California Government Code:
•
Cities are required to periodically update general plans to ensure conformity with state planning law and reflect current conditions. Many cities target roughly every 10–15 years for a comprehensive update, though the statute doesn’t prescribe a fixed interval; rather, it requires that plans stay current with state requirements and local conditions.
For Richmond specifically:
•
Because the General Plan 2030 was adopted in 2012, many of its projections and policies are nearing the point where a major comprehensive update (beyond piecemeal element updates) is appropriate. Practically, this would mean moving toward a General Plan 2040 or similar in the mid-to-late 2020s — roughly 2025–2030 — based on a typical planning horizon and emerging planning priorities (such as housing, climate resilience, and equity goals).
Richmond’s current actions updating elements and planning documents reflect preparation for this broader update.
Current Planning Activity
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While a full General Plan overhaul has not yet been formally adopted, the City is actively updating key elements and related policy plans. For example, the Housing Element update process (state-mandated) is underway to cover the 2023–2031 cycle — a critical part of the General Plan framework.
Summary Timeline
• Last comprehensive General Plan: Richmond General Plan 2030, adopted April 25, 2012. •
Next comprehensive update likely due: Mid-to-late 2020s (as state requirements evolve and the plan ages). •
Current updates: Housing Element (2023–2031 cycle) and other individual elements are in progress.