Minutes — Santa Cruz City Council, November 18, 2025

Approved at the December 9, 2025 City Council Meeting
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060

MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 18, 2025
Closed Session
9:30 AM
Mayor Keeley opened the City Council Closed Session at 9:32 a.m. in a public meeting via Zoom and in Council Chambers, for the purpose of announcing the agenda, and receiving public testimony.

Roll Call

Present: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.

Absent: Councilmember Golder.

Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Director of Finance E. Cabell, City Attorney T. Condotti, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.

Statements of Disqualification – None.

Public Comment
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period at 9:32 a.m. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period at 9:33 a.m., at which time the meeting was closed to the public and Council adjourned to the Courtyard Conference Room.

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Closed Session

1. Conference With Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95) 1) Claimant: Pacific Terrace HOA C/O King Management LLC 2) Claimant: David Turner
3) Claimant: Sonia Rodriguez
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
Council received a status report, took up under agenda item 20, and no reportable action was taken.

2. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) Property: 1330 and 1344 Pacific Avenue
APN: 005-081-35 and -37
Owner: Palomar Associates
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Palomar Associates Under Negotiation: Price, Terms of payment, or both
Council received a status report from the City Negotiator, and no reportable action was taken.

3. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code §54957.6) SEIU Temporary Employees
SEIU Service Employees
Supervisors, OE3
Fire Management
Fire, IAFF
Police Management
Police Officers Association
City Negotiator - Sara De Leon
Council received a status report from the City Negotiator, and no reportable action was taken.

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Closed Session (continued)

4. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Gov’t. Code §54956.9(d)(2))
Significant exposure to litigation (four potential cases to be discussed) Council received a status report, and no reportable action was taken.

5. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(1))
Rhode Island State Council of Churches, et al. v. Rollins, et al.

U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island (Providence), No. 1:25-cv-00569- JJM-AEM (request for amicus support)
Council voted unanimously to ratify the City Attorney’s decision to join in an amicus brief filed in the case titled, “Rhode Island State Council of Churches, v. Rollins,” which is a litigation involving the federal government’s suspension of SNAP benefits due to the recent federal government shutdown.

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City Council
11:30 AM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 11:37 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Roll Call

Present: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder (arrived at 11:56 a.m.), O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.

Absent: None.

Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager M. Templeton, City Attorney T. Condotti, Assistant City Attorney C. Bronson, Deputy City Manager/Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb, Director of Finance E. Cabell, Chief of Police B. Escalante, Chief of Fire R. Oatey, Deputy Chief of Police J. Bush, Chief People Officer S. De Leon, Director of Public Works N. Nguyen, Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler, Director of Parks and Recreation T.

Elliot, Recreation Superintendent T. Hedden-Jones, Senior Planner C.

Stanger, Code Compliance Manager L Landry, Principal Planner M.

VanHua, Division Chief of Prevention/Fire Marshal T. Shields, Park Planner N. Downing, Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer K.

Crossley, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.

At this time, Mayor Keeley reordered the agenda to hear the Presiding Officer’s Announcements before Oral Communications.

Oral Communications - The Mayor provided a brief announcement about Oral Communications.

At 11:49 a.m. Mayor Keeley opened Oral Communications for members of the public who wished to speak regarding items not listed on the City Council agenda.

Unidentified person spoke regarding Council meeting times and requested some meetings be held in the evenings, and the removal of heritage trees.

Kevin Cummings spoke regarding the November election, thanking Mayor Keeley and all who brought forth Measure C to the ballot, particularly the faith-based leaders in the community.

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Oral Communications (continued)
Ami spoke regarding FLOCK’s national sharing of data despite their denial of sharing data and how easy it is to hack into their cameras.

Nina Eliza Stratton spoke in opposition to using surveillance cameras in the City of Santa Cruz.

Peter Gelblum spoke regarding FLOCK cameras, inquiring what internal policies are being updated to address the use of FLOCK.

Lee Brokaw spoke regarding FLOCK cameras and cloud flare interruptions.

Ken Bare spoke regarding the SEIU labor negotiations.

Sofia Laurent spoke regarding the community’s desperate need of food and acknowledging a local program called “tabling for tuna.” Tom Davis spoke in support of building a pedestrian and bike path along the Murray Street Bridge.

Unidentified person spoke regarding ensuring data protection, and the day services provided by Housing Matters that are expected to discontinue, particularly the shower and mail services.

Hector Marin spoke in support of the “Get the FLOCK Out” campaign.

Brett Garrett spoke regarding FLOCK, thanked Council for their response to community concerns regarding the company and for their support in keeping Santa Cruz a Sanctuary City, and asked Council to be careful with the community’s data.

Martha Legare spoke in support of the potential walking and bike path along the Murray Street Bridge.

Ron Pomerantz spoke regarding the contract with FLOCK.

Reggie Meisler spoke regarding FLOCK, and providing a “reality check” for Council that the State regularly works with higher levels of government to enclose and keep its residents in threat.

Julia Monahan spoke regarding FLOCK, thanking Council for their support in holding FLOCK accountable, and the need to protect Civil Rights, and 4th Amendment rights.

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Oral Communications (continued)
Manny spoke regarding FLOCK camera data, and various data breaches that have occurred across the nation.
[Unintelligible] spoke regarding FLOCK, thanking Council for their attention to each speaker, suggested a book for Council, requested Council to rescind their contract with FLOCK and adopt a resolution to encourage neighboring cities to do the same.

Erica Stanojevic spoke in opposition to FLOCK and requested Council to remove the cameras and rescind the contract.

Ian McCrae spoke regarding downtown parking, requesting Cathcart be made to go one-way during the construction at the corner of Cathcart and Cedar.

Andrea Alvarez spoke regarding FLOCK cameras, the data that FLOCK has shared with ICE, and the danger that brings to immigrant communities.

Catherine Hedges spoke regarding FLOCK, asking Council to remove or cover the cameras and rescind the contract.

James Ewing-Whitman spoke regarding FLOCK cameras and surveillance capitalism.

Unidentified person spoke regarding the FLOCK cameras, data privacy and safety, and how the FLOCK company has responded to the data breaches, and their negligence in sharing data.

Athena spoke regarding the FLOCK cameras, requesting Council to rescind the contract, and the day services that Housing Matters that are planning to limit.

Katie [unintelligible last name] spoke regarding FLOCK, making five requests of Council regarding the cameras.

Brian Peoples spoke regarding FLOCK cameras and asked for Council to support the police in utilizing the cameras we previously used.

At 12:36 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.

At this time, Mayor Keeley reordered the agenda to hear item 8.

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Presentations

6. Sister Cities Sestri Levante, Italy Restaurant and Chef Exchange Delegation Recreation Superintendent T. Hedden-Jones, Carola Barton, Chair of the Sister Cities Committee, and Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson spoke. Chef Daniele Ballarini spoke.

7. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring November 29th as Small Business Saturday Councilmember Brunner read from a proclamation declaring November 29, 2025 as Small Business Saturday.

8. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring December 11th as Jon Bush Retirement Day Councilmember Golder read from a proclamation declaring December 11, 2025 as John Bush Retirement Day. Deputy Chief of Police J. Bush spoke.

At this time, Council returned to item 6 and heard all remaining items in order.

Presiding Officer's Announcements – Mayor Keeley spoke. Councilmember O’Hara and Chief of Police B. Escalante provided an update on the Automated License Plate Reader Annual Report.

At this time Council heard Oral Communications.

Statements of Disqualification – Councilmember Brunner announced in an abundance of caution, she is recusing herself from item 18 as it relates to her employer.

Additions and Deletions – None.

City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See pages 8088-8089 for the report.

Council Meeting Calendar

9. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.

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Consent Agenda
Chief People Officer S. De Leon announced the tentative agreement for item 23 needs to be amended to update the Longevity Proposal effective date from September 25, 2027 to read July 3, 2027, and the recommendation and respective resolution for item 21 needs to be amended to be effective August 30, 2025 instead of October 28, 2025.

Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson made a comment on items 14, 15, and 25.

Councilmember Newsome made a comment on items 21, 22, and 23.

Councilmember Brunner made a comment on items 14, 21, 22, and 23.

Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.

MOTION: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Newsome, to approve the amended Consent Agenda.

ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.

AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner (with the exception of item 18), Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

DISQUALIFIED: Councilmember Brunner (item 18).

10. Resolution Extending the Emergency Declarations in Connection with the 2022/2023 Winter Storms and 2023/2024 Winter Storms (CA) LOCATION:

Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,569 was adopted extending by sixty days the Local Emergency Declarations in connection with the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 Winter Storms.

11. Resolution Extending the Emergency Declaration in Connection with the December 2024 Municipal Wharf Emergency (CA/CM) LOCATION: District 4 Resolution No. NS-30,570 was adopted extending by sixty days the Local Emergency Declaration in connection with the December 2024 Municipal Wharf emergency.

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Consent Agenda (continued)

12. Minutes of the October 28, 2025 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None Motion carried to approve as submitted.

13. Transportation and Public Works Commission Appointment (CC) LOCATION:

Citywide
Motion carried to approve Councilmember Trigueiro’s nomination of Carlina Rose to the Transportation and Public Works Commission with a term ending January 31, 2029, eligible for reappointment.

14. Agreement with Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County to Address Food Insecurity Resulting from the Federal Government Shutdown (CM) LOCATION:

Citywide
Motion carried to:
 Approve a contribution up to $100,000 for emergency food procurement and distribution through Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County; and/or support Second Harvest through mutual aid support for food distribution efforts as needed; and
 Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County in an amount up to $100,000 in a form to be approved by the City Attorney.

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Consent Agenda (continued)

15. Approval of County of Santa Cruz Memorandum of Understanding and Save Our Shores Professional Services Agreement to Coordinate on Strengthening Opposition to Offshore Drilling and Seabed Mining (CM) LOCATION: Citywide Motion carried to:
 Approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County of Santa Cruz specifying the City of Santa Cruz’ contribution in the amount of $29,000 and the activities for coordinating funding and administration of the Offshore Oil Coalition Coordination Effort (OOCCE); and  Authorize City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Save Our Shores in a form approved by the City Attorney in the amount of $25,000 to update and strengthen the City of Santa Cruz’s ordinances and related policies opposing offshore oil and gas development and onshore facilities for seabed mining, and to coordinate regional collaboration on coastal protection and policy consistency.

16. Regional Interoperable Next-Generation Radio System (RING) (CM) LOCATION:

Citywide
Motion carried to:
 Authorize the City Manager to negotiate final business terms and return with the Master Service Governance Agreement (MSGA) for Council approval, consistent with the governance and cost principles described herein;
 Designate the City Manager as Santa Cruz’s voting member on the RING Executive Committee; and
 Direct staff to validate City radio counts across departments, evaluate capital payment shaping options, and coordinate with the County to develop a Funding Plan.

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Consent Agenda (continued)

17. Amendment to Professional Services Agreements for On-Call Landscape Architecture Services (CM/PR) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Sixth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Conger Moss Guillard (CMG) and execute the Third Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with SWA Group (SWA) for on-call landscape architecture services in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.

18. Jayson Architecture – Library Architect for the Downtown Library Affordable Housing Project; Change Order and Contract Amendment (EDH) LOCATION:

District 4
Motion carried to:
 Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Jayson Architecture P.C., in the amount of $286,042, for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,769,038 and any related documents; in a form approved by the City Attorney; and
 Authorize the Deputy City Manager, or designee, to execute future change orders within the approved Downtown Library Affordable Housing Project (c512002) budget.

19. Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Development Impact Fee Annual Reports for Public Safety Impact Fees CEQA: Exempt 15061(b)(3) and 15306 (FD/PD) LOCATION: Citywide Motion carried to accept and approve the attached FY 2025 Development Impact Fee Annual Report for the Public Safety Impact Fees.

20. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion carried to reject the liability claims of 1) Pacific Terrace HOA C/O King Management LLC, 2) David Turner and 3) Sonia Rodriguez, based on staff recommendation.

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Consent Agenda (continued)

21. Mid-Management Association of the City of Santa Cruz Memorandum of Understanding (HR) LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,571 was adopted adopting the successor Memorandum of Understanding for Mid-Management Association of the City of Santa Cruz effective August 30, 2025 through December 8, 2028.

22. 2025-2028 City of Santa Cruz Services Employees International Union, Local 521, Tentative Agreement for Successor Memorandum of Understanding (HR) LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,572 was adopted adopting a tentative agreement between the City of Santa Cruz and the Service Employees International union effective October 11, 2025 through October 10, 2028.

23. 2025-2028 City of Santa Cruz International Association of Firefighters, Local 1716, Agreement for Successor Memorandum of Understanding (HR) LOCATION:

Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,573 was adopted approving a tentative agreement between the City of Santa Cruz and the International Association of Firefighters Local 1716 effective September 27, 2025 through July 3, 2028.

24. Resolution Amending the City of Santa Cruz Compensation Plan (HR) LOCATION:

Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,574 was adopted amending the compensation plans by correcting compensation range for Wastewater Facilities Lead Electrical/Instrumentation Technician classification.

25. Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Development Impact Fee Annual Report for Childcare Impact Fee, CEQA: Exempt 15061(b)(3) and 15306 (PL) LOCATION: Citywide Motion carried to accept and approve the FY 2025 Development Impact Fee Annual Report for Childcare Impact Fee.

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Consent Agenda (continued)

26. 2025 Santa Cruz Wharf Bent 103-104 Repair (c302613) - Notice of Completion (PR) LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to accept the work of Power Engineering Construction Company (Alameda, CA) as completed per plans and specifications and authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the 2025 Santa Cruz Wharf Bent 103-104 Repair Project (c302613) and authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.

27. Budget Adjustment for Measure Q Allocation and Associated Expenditure Plan (PR) LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,575 was adopted amending the FY 2026 budget to appropriate the 2026 Measure Q per capita allocation of $544,567 into the following projects: the Wildfire Resilience, Biodiversity, Improved Urban Forest Management Project (p3026XX) and the Wildfire Resilience, Biodiversity, Improved Open Space Management Project (p3026XX).

28. Amending the FY 2026 Budget and Appropriation of Funds for Citywide Intersection Daylighting HSIP 12 (c402607), Water Street Protected Bike Lanes HSIP 12 (c402608), and Unsignalized Crossing Improvement Project HSIP 12 (c402610) – Budget Adjustment (PW) LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,576 was adopted amending the FY 2026 budget and appropriate funds in the amount of $2,624,310 from unanticipated revenue for expenses for Citywide Intersection Daylighting HSIP 12 (c402607), Water Street Protected Bike Lanes HSIP 12 (c402608), and Unsignalized Crossing Improvement Project HSIP 12 (c402610).

29. Engineering and Traffic Survey Extension to 2032 (PW) LOCATION: Citywide Resolution No. NS-30,577 was adopted certifying the 2018 Engineering and Traffic Survey to be extended 14 years to 2032 for radar enforcement and rescinding Resolution No. NS-29,452.

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Consent Agenda (continued)

30. Downtown Intersection Improvements (c401903) Front Street Improvements Phase 1 (PW) LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to:
 Approve the construction plans and specifications for the Front Street Improvements Project (Phase 1) as the initial phase of the Downtown Intersection Improvements (c401903). The Public Works Director, or designee, is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget; and
 Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,578 approving the construction plans for the Front Street Improvements Project (Phase 1) pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6.

31. Resolution to Apply for and Reimburse Future Capital Expenditures from State Water Resources Control Board Funding for Project WEER (Wastewater Treatment Facility Energy and Electrical Resiliency) (c401405) (PW) LOCATION:

District 3
Motion carried to:
 Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,579 authorizing the Public Works Department to apply for State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) funding for Project WEER in a form to be approved by the City Attorney; and  Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,580 authorizing the Public Works Department to be reimbursed by State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) for costs related to Project WEER.

32. Water Supply Augmentation Planning – Kennedy Jenks Consultants Contract Amendment (WT) LOCATION: County
Motion carried authorizing the City Manager to execute the Seventh Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement Phase 2 Recycled Water Facility Study/Water Supply Augmentation Implementation Plan in the amount of $186,102 with Kennedy Jenks Consultants (San Francisco, CA) in a form to be approved by the City Attorney.

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Consent Agenda (continued)

33. Beltz 8 Upgrades for Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project (c702503) – Approval of Plans and Specifications, Authorization to Advertise for Bids and Award Contract, Award Contract to Carollo Engineers, Inc. for Engineering Services During Construction, Approval of Contract Amendment for Construction Management Services with MKN CPM LLC, and Approval of Budget Adjustment (WT) LOCATION: County
Motion carried to:
 Approve plans and specifications for the Beltz 8 Upgrades for Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project (c702503) (Project) and authorize staff to advertise for bids. The City Manager, or designee, is hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract as authorized by Resolution No. NS-27,563;  Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract in a form to be approved by the City Attorney with Carollo Engineers, Inc. (Walnut Creek, CA) for engineering services during construction for the Project in the amount of $375,912;
 Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract amendment in a form to be approved by the City Attorney with MKN CPM, LLC. for construction management services for the Project in the amount of $266,801;  Authorize the Water Director, or designee, to approve future construction change orders and contract amendments for construction management and engineering services during construction for the Project that are within the approved project budget; and
 Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,581 amending the FY 2026 budget and transfer funds within the Water Department’s CIP budget in the amount of $4,150,000 from project c702002, Brackney Landslide Area Pipeline, to project c702503, Beltz 8 Upgrades for ASR.

End Consent Agenda
November 18, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8102
Consent Public Hearings
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.

MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Trigueiro, to approve the Consent Public Hearing Agenda.

ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.

AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

DISQUALIFIED: None.

34. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-22 Amending Chapter

18.15 of the Municipal Code to Adopt Local Amendments to the California Energy Code of the 2025 California Building Code Cycle to Require Energy Conservation Measures for Certain Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioner Replacements and Installations in Existing Nonresidential Buildings (PL/CM) LOCATION: Citywide
Ordinance No. 2025-22 was adopted amending Municipal Code Chapter 18.15 to adopt local amendments to Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations (California Energy Code) creating an energy reach code for existing nonresidential buildings that requires either the installation of a heat pump to State code minimum standards or additional energy measures for new and replacement air conditioning (AC) systems.

35. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-21 Adopting the TriAnnual, 2025 Building Standards Code, Consistent with the State Building Standards Commission and the International Code Council Tri-Chapter Uniform Code Committee Amendments through Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Building Regulations Contained in Title 18 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code and Adopting the California Code of Regulations Title 24, 2025 Building Standards Code to Establish Minimum Requirements to Safeguard Public Health, Life, Safety and General Welfare. CEQA: Exempt per Guidelines Sections 15061, 15305, and 15308. (PL) LOCATION: Citywide Ordinance No. 2025-21 was adopted acknowledging the CEQA exemptions, amending Title 18 of the Municipal Code, and adopting the 2025 editions of the California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Parts 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11 and 12 including referenced appendices, amendments and modifications.

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Public Hearings

Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler spoke and advised Council the definition of “Tenant” in Section 21.03.020(g) should be amended to include the underlined language as follows:
“Tenant” shall mean each person who occupies a structure for residential purposes with the knowledge and/or consent of the property owner and/or the property owner’s agent. Persons residing in homeless shelters, persons encamped on public lands, and persons residing in vehicles are not tenants under this definition.”
Code Compliance Manager L. Landry responded to Council questions.

Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.

Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.

MOTION: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember O’Hara, to:
 Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-23 amending Titles 21 and 24 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) related to relocation assistance associated with substandard housing cases and right of first refusal and other minor changes related to demolition of housing incorporating the suggested amendment to Section 21.03.020(g) and amending Section

21.03.040(d) to add the underlined language as follows:
“Properties owned by the City are not subject to the large rent increase relocation assistance provisions of this chapter.”
 Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-24 amending the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Implementation Plan (IP) and Title 24 of the Municipal Code related to the approving body for demolition of three or more dwellings; and
November 18, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8104
Public Hearings (continued)

36. Amendments to Municipal Code Title 21, Chapter 21.03 – Relocation Assistance for Displaced Tenants and Title 24, Chapter 24.08, Part 14 - Residential Demolition/Conversion Authorization Permits Related to Displacement of Tenants Due to Enforcement of Unsafe Living Conditions and Demolition of Housing (PL) LOCATION: Citywide (continued)
MOTION (continued):
 Acknowledge the determination that the proposed amendments are exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) as they can be seen with certainty to have no possibility for causing a significant effect on the environment.

ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.

AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

DISQUALIFIED: None.

Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler responded to Council questions
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.

Gillian Greensite
Lynn Robinson
Brian Peoples
Garrett
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.

November 18, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8105
Public Hearings (continued)

37. Update to the City of Santa Cruz Local Coastal Program to Incorporate the Previously Approved General Plan 2030 Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Types Maps and to Add a New Chapter Titled “Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation” (PL) LOCATION: Districts 2, 3, 4, and 6 (continued) MOTION: Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to:
 Approve the proposed amendments to the City of Santa Cruz Local Coastal Program;
 Acknowledge the determination that the proposed amendments are exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15265 and Public Resources Code Section 21080.9;
 Add “The development of, outreach for, and interagency coordination on the Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation Chapter also informed the 50 Year Vision for West Cliff. Additionally, the community outreach and engagement from the Resilient Coast effort and 50 Year Vision for West Cliff processes informed the Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation Chapter.”  Request that staff:
a. Explore how the wave maps and other Save the Waves report components can inform and, where appropriate, be integrated into the Recreation and Visitor Serving Uses chapter of the LCP work or other ongoing Resilient Coast efforts such as the Shoreline Adaptation Management Plans (SAMPs).
b. Evaluate how the City can collaborate with various non-profits and regulatory agencies on metrics and monitoring efforts around surfing resources, such as wave quality, break integrity, and user access. c. Edit the following language on Page 4 within the first paragraph of Beaches, Bluffs and Shoreline Area Resources Protection:

Residents and visitors from around the world enjoy the City’s coastline, including offshore resources the surfing resources, which are part of the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve, dedicated in 2012, and the 13 surf spots located in the Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area and the associated four zones along West Cliff.

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Public Hearings (continued)

AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

DISQUALIFIED: None.

38. Adoption of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code and Fire Code Standards, including Annual Supplements and State Amendments and Errata (FD) LOCATION: Citywide
Division Chief of Prevention/Fire Marshal T. Shields spoke.

Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.

Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.

MOTION: Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember O’Hara, to introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-25 amending the Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 19.05 to adopt and incorporate by reference the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code and make other amendments and amend Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 19.10.

ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.

AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: Councilmember Newsome.

DISQUALIFIED: None.

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General Business

39. Adoption of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, including Annual Supplements and State Amendments and Errata (FD) LOCATION:

Citywide
Division Chief of Prevention/Fire Marshal T. Shields spoke.

Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.

Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.

MOTION: Councilmember Brunner moved, seconded by Councilmember Trigueiro, to introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-26 to add Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 19.30 to adopt and incorporate by reference the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code and make other amendments.

ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.

AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

DISQUALIFIED: None.

40. Harvey West Park Design and Program Assessment (PR) LOCATION: District 5 Director of Parks and Recreation T. Elliot spoke and responded to Council questions.

Park Planner N. Downing and Patricia Fonesca Flores, Principal at CMG Landscape Architecture, gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.

Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.

Unidentified person
Jeremy Sanford
Mark Dettle
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.

November 18, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8108
General Business (continued)

40. Harvey West Park Design and Program Assessment (PR) LOCATION: District 5 (continued)
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Golder, to:
 Accept the Harvey West Park Design and Program Assessment; and  Adopt findings for categorical exemption pursuant to sections 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies), 15306 (Information Collection), and 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
 Direct the Council’s Ad Hoc Budget and Revenue Committee to report back to the full Council within six (6) months with a comprehensive set of revenue options, including bond and revenue measures, to support nearterm and long-term capital investment in the City’s parks and open spaces.

ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.

AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

DISQUALIFIED: None.

November 18, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8109
General Business (continued)

41. Murray Street Bridge Project Temporary Pedestrian Path (PW) LOCATION:

District 2
Director of Public Works N. Nguyen spoke and responded to Council questions.

Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer K. Crossley gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.

Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.

Michael Spadafora
Brian Peoples
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Trudie Ransom
Hans Haveman
Liz Engfer
Wiley Tollette
Charles Maier
Unidentified person
Six Peña
Bob Hickman
Unidentified person
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.

MOTION: Councilmember Brunner moved, seconded by Councilmember Trigueiro, to accept the information and to not move forward with a temporary pedestrian path across the Harbor rail bridge.

ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.

AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

DISQUALIFIED: None.

November 18, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8110
General Business (continued)

42. Amendment to Santa Cruz Municipal Code § 10.36.040 Pertaining to Medians (CN) LOCATION: Citywide
Councilmember O’Hara spoke.

Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.

Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.

MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Trigueiro, to:
 Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-27 amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) § 10.36.040 pertaining to medians; and  Direct staff to: (a) collect information related to “Average Daily Trips” (ADT) of busy thoroughfares and arterial corridors in the City, and (b) report that information to the sponsoring Councilmembers. If an amendment to SCMC § 10.36.040 is warranted based on ADT data, the sponsoring Councilmembers will return to the Council with a proposed amendment to SCMC § 10.36.040.

Director of Public Works N. Nguyen responded to Council questions.

ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.

AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

DISQUALIFIED: None.

November 18, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8111
General Business (continued)

43. Amendment to Santa Cruz Municipal Code 5.82.120 Pertaining to Sidewalk Vending (CA) LOCATION: Citywide
Assistant City Attorney C. Bronson spoke and responded to Council questions.

Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.

Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.

MOTION: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Trigueiro, to introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-28 amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) 5.82.120 pertaining to sidewalk vending.

ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.

AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

DISQUALIFIED: None.

Adjournment – Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to adjourn. By consensus City Council adjourned at 4:36 p.m.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.

Santa Cruz City CouncilNovember 18, 2025

Santa Cruz City Council
November 18, 2025