4874-6823-0618 v1 4
6. Annual Performance Evaluation
a. Annually, the City Council will define reasonable goals and performance objectives, within the scope of Section 703 of the City’s Charter. The City Council will consider input from Employee when developing the above goals and performance objectives. b. The Council will review Employee’s performance and compensation on an annual basis. The Council, in its sole discretion, may increase Employee’s salary based on Employee’s performance review.
7. Supplemental Benefits
a. Economic Benefits: Employee will receive the same economic benefits as other employees in the City’s Compensation and Benefits Plan for Executive Team (“Plan”), currently and as it may be amended by the City from time to time, unless contradicted by this Agreement, in which case this Agreement will govern. Employee shall not receive the salary increases provided for in the Plan, as Council will determine any salary increase . b. Deferred Compensation: City will contribute a maximum of $10,000 annually into either an International Capital Market Association (ICMA-RC)\MissionSquare Retirement deferred compensation plan, or other similar plan in which the City participates. The annual amount will be divided and paid equally amongst Employee’s pay periods. c. Vacation Accrual: City agrees to provide Employee a maximum vacation accrual of twenty-two (22) days per year, in recognition of her years of public service. Employee’s vacation accrual will be capped at 500 hours. Employee may cash out up to 100 hours of accrued vacation time within three (3) months of execution of this Agreement. d. Professional Development: City shall pay for professional dues and subscriptions during the term of this Agreement necessary for Employee’s continuation and full participation in the following organizations:
International City/County Management Association (ICMA); and California City Management Foundation (CCMA).
8. Severance
a. Employee shall serve at the will and pleasure of the City Council, and her employment may be terminated by the City Council at any time. Termination of Employee’s employment shall not require any showing of cause or justification, nor shall Employee be entitled to any internal administrative appeal of the decision of the City Council, beyond any process required by law.
b. In the event of Employee’s termination for reasons other than her resignation, death, disability, or termination with cause as provided in section 5(b)(ii) above, Employee shall be paid severance pay as provided herein.
c. In accordance with State law, Employee shall be entitled to receive all compensation earned, but unpaid, for actual work performed and accrued unused vacation time as of the date of termination.
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4874-6823-0618 v1 5
d. If Employee is paid severance pay as provided in section 8(e), below, payment of such severance shall be conditioned upon Employee’s signature on written waiver of any claims, grievances or causes of action against City, its employees, agents, officers, and City Council arising out of or concerning this Agreement, Employee’s employment with City, or the termination of her employment with the City. If Employee does not agree to waive such claims, grievances or causes of action, the City shall not pay Employee severance pay. e. If Employee’s employment is terminated, and severance pay is applicable pursuant to the terms stated above, City agrees to pay Employee a cash payment equal to nine (9) months of base salary, minus any required withholdings.
9. Indemnification
The City shall defend, hold harmless and indemnify Employee against any tort, civil rights, personnel, discrimination, professional liability claim or demand or other legal action, whether groundless or otherwise, arising out of an alleged act or omission occurring in the performance of Employee’s duties in accordance with the provisions of California Government Code section 825.
The City shall provide a defense in accordance with California Government Code section 995.
The City may decline to defend and/or indemnify Employee only as permitted by the California Government Code. The City may compromise and settle any such claim or suit and pay the amount of any settlement or judgment therefrom.
10. Bonding
City shall bear the full cost of any fidelity or other bonds the City Council requires of Employee under any law or ordinance or otherwise.
11. Notices
Any notices required by this Agreement shall be in writing and either given in person or by first class mail with the postage prepaid and addressed as follows:
TO CITY: Mayor
City of Watsonville
275 Main St., 4th Floor
Watsonville, CA 95076
TO EMPLOYEE: Tamara Vides
24 Monterey Vista Drive
Watsonville, CA 95076
12. Abuse of Office
California Government Code Sections 53243, 52431.1, 53243.2 and 52431.3 are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
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4874-6823-0618 v1 6
If this contract is terminated, any cash settlement related to the termination that Employee may receive from City shall be fully reimbursed to the City if Employee is convicted of a crime involving an abuse of his or his office or position.
13. Entire Agreement
a. This Agreement and its attachments and exhibit are the final expression of the complete agreement of the parties with respect to the matters specified herein and supersedes all prior oral and written understandings and agreements, and, except as prescribed herein, this Agreement cannot be modified except by written mutual agreement signed by the parties. The Parties agree that the recitals identified in this Agreement are true and correct and are incorporated into the terms of this Agreement.
b. The following exhibit is incorporated by reference to this Agreement:
Exhibit A- Form of Written Waiver
14. Severability, Applicable, Law, and Interpretation
In the event that any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal or void by a court having jurisdiction over the parties, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect unless the parts found to be void are wholly inseparable from the remaining portion of this Agreement. Any dispute concerning this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. The parties consent to the jurisdiction of the California courts with venue in Santa Cruz County.
15. Informed Agreement.
This Agreement has been negotiated between the City Council, on behalf of City, and Tamara Vides as Employee. City and Employee acknowledge that they have each contributed to the making of this Agreement and that in the event of a dispute over the interpretation of this Agreement, the language of the Agreement will not be construed against one party in favor of the other. City and Employee acknowledge that they have each had an adequate opportunity to consult with their own legal counsel in the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement. [Signatures on Following Page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City has caused this Agreement to be signed and executed in its behalf by its Mayor and duly attested by the City Clerk. It has also been executed by the Employee.
EMPLOYEE CITY OF WATSONVILLE
_________________________________
Tamara Vides
________________________________
Vanessa Quiroz-Carter, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Irwin Ortiz, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________________
Samantha W. Zutler, City Attorney
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From: City Council
To: Eduardo Montesino; Vanessa Quiroz; Maria Orozco; Kristal Salcido; Casey Clark; Jimmy Dutra; Ari Parker; cityclerk
Subject: FW: Support for Tamara - updated version
Date: Monday, August 26, 2024 2:48:55 PM
From: Alejandro Castillo <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 2:48:49 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Tamara - updated version
August 26, 2024
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to show my support for Tamara to be the next City Manager of Watsonville. Tamara is a great leader and a strong role model for the Hispanic community. Her dedication to serving our city and her ability to lead with honesty make her the perfect choice for this important job.
Tamara has been helping our community for over 25 years. She has worked hard to create programs that help our residents, stood up for what our city needs, and always been a dependable leader. She knows Watsonville well and understands the challenges and opportunities we face. This makes her the best person to lead us forward.
I truly believe Tamara is the right choice for City Manager. Her many years of service and her strong ties to our community prove that she is qualified for the job. I fully support her for this position and am confident that Watsonville will continue to grow and succeed under her leadership.
Sincerely,
Alejandro Castillo
Sent from my MetroPCS 5G Android device
Get Outlook for Android
From: City Council
To: Eduardo Montesino; Vanessa Quiroz; Maria Orozco; Kristal Salcido; Casey Clark; Jimmy Dutra; Ari Parker; cityclerk Subject: FW: New City Manager
Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 3:19:10 PM
From: Marisa <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 3:18:44 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: New City Manager
Watsonville City Council,
I find it interesting that you have tentatively agreed to grant your candidate for City Manager such a generous contract. Did any of you do any research on what is an appropriate salary range for a City Manager in the area? Below is the list of salaries for the City Managers in the surrounding area. How can you justify a salary higher than that of the City of Monterey, a much larger and affluent community? or that of any of the other 5 agencies below Monterey? And you didn't stop at salary, you will consider an additional 6% increase after 6 months, plus 10k in deferred compensation contributions, an astonishing salary contract for the low income community you represent.
City Administrator
Rank Agency/City Job Title Maximum Hourly Maximum Annual Salary 1 Santa Cruz City Manager
$
151.25
$
314,603.74
2 Salinas City Manager
$
144.23
$
299,998.40
Watsonville
$
281,000.00
3 Monterey City Manager
$
130.72
$
271,896.00
4 Seaside City Manager
$
125.00
$
260,000.00
5 Pacific Grove City Manager
$
121.00
$
251,680.00
6 Marina City Manager
$
119.93
$
249,454.40
7 Capitola City Manager
$
116.42
$
242,157.87
8 Carmel-by-the-Sea City Administrator
$
111.45
$
231,815.00
Your candidate has been with Watsonville for many years, yes, but that does not make them the right person for the role. In fact, her history at Watsonville makes her the least fit person to provide council sound advice, lead the City, its staff, and the community. For someone who spent almost 20 years of hard work and dedication to the City of Watsonville, it is disappointing to see Council continue to make the same mistake of selecting a person not qualified or fit for the role, and then paying them above and beyond what the community can or should support.
Respectfully,
Marisa
August 27, 2024
From: Andrea Samaniego
Current City of Watsonville Employee – previously worked under the direct supervision of Tamara Vides
Good afternoon, Mayor and City Council Members,
I am writing this letter to speak on item 4.i and express my strong opposition to the appointment of Tamara Vides as City Manager.
While I understand that selecting a City Manager is a crucial decision, I believe it is vital to ensure that the individual appointed possesses not only the necessary qualifications but also the integrity and commitment to serve the best interests of our community. A City Manager must also be committed to fostering a peaceful and collaborative workplace, where all employees feel respected, valued, and supported in their roles.
As a city employee there are several concerns I have regarding Tamara’s suitability for this role:
1. One of the core values of integrity is acting ethically and transparently in all business dealings and prioritizing doing the right thing over personal gain, Tamara lacks integrity.
2. Some of the key elements of respect include support, fairness, professionalism and treating all employees and community members with dignity and worth, Tamara lacks respect and this has been evident in the community and in the workplace.
3. Tamara has shown a disregard for others and demonstrated a pattern of a deceit, perceiving to be a social reformer to those in a position to advance her career, all while neglecting and disregarding those below her, which further adds to my concerns about her ability to lead with fairness and equity.
Our city deserves a leader who will work diligently and transparently, ensuring that the voices of all residents as well as city employees are heard and respected.
I urge the council to reconsider this appointment and to seek a candidate who can truly represent the best interests of our city.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Andrea Samaniego
August 27, 2024
Dear City Council,
I wholeheartedly support Tamara Vides' appointment as City Manager. Having worked alongside her for the past eight years, I have witnessed firsthand her unwavering dedication and commitment to our community. Tamara has devoted over 25 years of her life to serving this city, consistently going above and beyond the call of duty. Whether working late hours, weekends, or even during her vacations, she has always put the needs of the community first. Her relentless work ethic and passion for public service make her the most deserving candidate for this promotion.
Tamara's story is truly inspirational, not just to me but to everyone who has had the privilege of working with her. She embodies the qualities of a true leader, and her journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, particularly for Latinos and Hispanics in our community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tamara worked tirelessly to keep Watsonville safe, coordinating efforts and ensuring that our community had the resources and support needed during such a challenging time. She also demonstrated strong leadership during the 2023 floods, guiding the city through an emergency and helping countless residents navigate the crisis. Beyond these critical moments, she has tackled homelessness and countless other issues affecting our city, always striving to make Watsonville a better place for all. Her story resonates with many, showing that success is not only achievable but also can be used to uplift and empower others.
As both a resident of Watsonville and an employee of the city, I have seen Tamara continuously prove herself in various leadership roles, serving as Interim Parks Director, Interim IT Director, Interim Public Works Director, and Interim City Manager on two occasions. In each of these roles, she has demonstrated her ability to lead, innovate, and drive positive change for our city. Her dedication and resilience are unmatched, and there is no one more deserving of this promotion. Tamara Vides is not just a leader; she is a role model and a true champion for our community.
Respectfully,
Suryel Vasquez
District 7 resident &
City of Watsonville Employee
From: City Council
To: Eduardo Montesino; Vanessa Quiroz; Maria Orozco; Kristal Salcido; Casey Clark; Jimmy Dutra; Ari Parker; cityclerk
Subject: FW: Letter of Support
Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 6:00:36 PM
From: Michelle Pulido <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 6:00:19 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: City Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Letter of Support
My name is Michelle Pulido, and I’m here as a member of this community that has embraced me since I began working for the City of Watsonville.
I want to take a moment to express my support for Tamara Vides as the next City Manager of Watsonville. I'll be honest, we didn’t see eye to eye at first. Both of us have strong personalities, and that led to some initial friction.
However, working closely with Tamara during the COVID-19 pandemic, I came to see a different side of her. She earned my respect through her dedication, resilience, and her deep commitment to this city.
Tamara is one of the hardest-working people I know. Her passion for Watsonville is evident in everything she does. The role she is stepping into is not an easy one… it requires her to make tough decisions that won't always make everyone happy. But at the end of the day, her focus is on what’s best for the organization and the community.
Tamara has consistently proven that she is not only highly capable but also the most qualified candidate for this role.
I fully support Tamara Vides as our next City Manager, and I have no doubt that under her leadership, Watsonville will continue to thrive.
Best,
Michelle Pulido
City Plaza Revitalization Project Update
Parks & Community Services Department
August 27, 2024 Page 518 of 553
Provide Direction On:
Restoration
Gazebo
Cannon Relocation or
Removal
Historic Background
Historic Overview
• 1860 – Don Sebastian Rodriguez donates City Plaza land • 1880 – Fountain was installed
• 1893 – Drinking fountain installed
• 1899 – Field artillery cannon was added
• 1906 – Bandstand was constructed
• 1924 – Second field artillery cannon was added
• 1916 – Canopy was added to the bandstand
• 1965 – Canopy on the bandstand was replaced
• 1983 – Added to the National Registry of Historic Places (Gazebo, cannons, drinking fountain, water fountain, pathway layout) Revitalization Efforts
• 2019 – Administrative Use Permit w/ Environmental Review Completed • 2020 – Parks Master Plan finalized
• 2023 – State of California (Prop 68) Awards $3.3M Grant • 2023 – SSA Landscape Architects Contract Executed for Designs • 2024 – 60% Design Drawings Presented to Parks & Rec Commission 90% Design Drawings Completed
2019 Public Outreach Overview
INTERDEPARTMENTAL
STAFF WORKSHOP
TWO STAKEHOLDER
MEETINGS
THREE INTERACTIVE
COMMUNITY
WORKSHOPS
TWO CITY PLAZA
WORKSHOPS COMMUNITY SURVEY
MULTIPLE PARKS AND
REC COMMISSION &
CITY COUNCIL
PRESENTATIONS
2019 Master Plan Discussion: Gazebo is Relocated
2019 Master Plan Final Decision: Gazebo Remains in Existing Location
2020 Adopted City Plaza Master Plan Design
Estimated Budget
Description 2019 2024
Estimated Gazebo Construction Costs $150k $350k + ?
Total Project Costs $3 million $6.3 million + ?
Prop 68 Grant Award $3.3 million
Balance $3 million + ?
Steel Beam
Investigation
Masonry Wall
Survey
Concrete
Slab Scan
Stone
Anchors Scan
Gazebo Structural Testing
Investigation Overview:
Consultant: MME | Civil + Structural Engineering
Option 1: Cosmetic Upgrades
Scope of Work: Projected Cost: Projected Repair Lifespan: Pros: Cons:
• Cosmetic Repairs Only
• Relocate electrical room
$350,000 15 – 20 years • Iconic historic Gazebo remains in place
• Within budget
• No public access
• No staff use of basement
• Expenses to relocate electrical room
• Permanent fencing inside/around the roof Page 527 of 553 Cosmetic Design Overview
Publisher: Edward H Mitchell, Series 2862
Source: University of California, Santa Cruz Library, Digital Collection Option 2: Cosmetic & Minor Structural Retrofitting Scope of Work: Projected Cost: Projected Repair Lifespan: Pros: Cons:
• Cosmetic repairs
• Decommission basement
Remove roof
Cosmetic Repair $350k
Minor Structural Retrofit $200k
Total $550k
• 15-20 years • Iconic historic Gazebo
remains in place
• Occasional public use
• Roof removal
• No staff access to basement
• Expenses to relocate electrical room Page 529 of 553
Option 3: Complete Restoration
Scope of Work: Projected Cost: Projected Repair Lifespan: Pros: Cons:
Full renovation includes
cosmetic & major structural
repairs
Cosmetic Repair $350k
Major Structural Retrofit $530k
Total $880k
50 years • Functional gazebo for
public use & special
events
• Upgraded electrical &
data in basement
• Cost -$500k over budget
• Remains non-ADA compliant
Option 4: Remove Gazebo to Expand Stage
Scope of Work: Projected Cost: Projected Repair Lifespan Pros: Cons:
• Remove gazebo
• Construct & redesign new
redesign new stage
stage
• Design $70k
• Construction $360k
• CEQA Amendment $120k
50 years • Opportunity to design a new performance venue for performance venue for public use
• ADA compliant
• New utilities, sounds system, lighting
• Cost
• Timeline extended:
14 months
• Historical value of plaza
Summary of Restoration Options
Options Projected Cost Projected Repair Lifespan
1. Cosmetic Upgrades
$350K 15 - 20 years
2. Cosmetic & Minor Structural Retrofitting
$550k 15 - 20 years
3. Complete Renovation $880K 50 years
4. Remove Gazebo to Expand Stage
$550k - $650k+
50 years
Background - Historic Cannons
Location: Main St. & Peck St. Intersection
Time Period: Cast in 1899, just after the Spanish-American War Characteristics: 3.2-inch M1897 field artillery gun cannon mounted to a wheeled cannon mounted to a wheeled carriage used by the United States Army.
United States Army.
Significance: Gift to the City
Location: Main St. & E Beach St. Intersection
Time Period: Remounted in the Plaza on March 22, 1922.
Characteristics: Compact six-pounder type used by the United States Navy.
Significance: "Old Betsy" was used to fire the first salute, October 18, 1850, on the arrival of the news in California proclaiming its admission to the Union.
Cannon Relocation or Removal
Current Location
Current Location
1 2 New Location
New Location
Artillery Cannon Relocation
Item Relocate Remove
Summary Create new platforms and relocate near sidewalk on Main St.
Remove cannons from City Plaza and relocate for preservation Pros • Cannons remain in Plaza • More space for seating during events • Addresses concern of some community members
• Cost savings
• Space conflict w/ new art sculptures
Cons • Costs to build new platforms
• Costs to refurbish
• Removal of historical features
• Need to remove from historical registry
Costs $30,000 Minimal
Provide Direction On:
Restoration
Gazebo
Cannon Relocation or
Removal
Questions & Comments
From: Tony N.
To: City Council
Cc: cityclerk; citymanager
Subject: Item 7.b - Watsonville City Council meeting - Aug. 27, 2024 Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 12:15:44 AM
Hello Watsonville City Council,
Five years ago, our city engaged in a comprehensive community-wide visioning process for all its parks, including the Watsonville City Plaza. The outcome was clear: the community strongly supported making slight, thoughtful changes to the Plaza, with a focus on renovating and reinforcing the historic gazebo so it could remain the focal point of this iconic gathering place. This conclusion was not reached lightly; it reflects a conversation we've had as a community multiple times, with the same consensus each time.
Given this, I am baffled as to why the potential elimination of the gazebo is once again before the Council. Why does this issue continue to resurface? The community's stance has been consistent, and I struggle to understand how inflationary pressures could justify a departure from what the people of Watsonville have repeatedly expressed they want.
Many of you, like myself, are lifelong residents of Watsonville. You understand that our city does not have an abundance of locations and landmarks that have withstood the test of time and continue to resonate across generations. The Plaza and its gazebo are the heart of Watsonville, defining our city for decades. Yet, for reasons I cannot comprehend, the leadership in our parks department seems determined to push forward with plans that would erase this cherished piece of our history and culture. We should be embracing and preserving the elements that define us, not demolishing them in pursuit of fleeting trends. We are Watsonville, not Aptos, not Santa Cruz, not Capitola. I believe we have the creative talent and innovative minds within our community to bring the gazebo into the 21st century in a way that honors our heritage.
Perhaps there is a belief that demolishing the gazebo and installing a new, cookie-cutter performance stage might stimulate economic activity in our downtown. However, this approach would be akin to performing plastic surgery on a corpse: it may look appealing on the surface, but the life, energy, and soul of the place would be gone.
Before you consider removing essential parts of our city’s history, identity, and spirit in hopes of sparking an economic revival, I urge you to take a closer look at the neglected historic buildings just steps away from the Plaza. The Mansion House, among others, is in a state of disrepair, and the owners should be compelled to sell for the betterment of the community.
There are numerous case studies where public entities have successfully revitalized downtown areas by reinvesting in their communities, purchasing old buildings, and offering creative, young entrepreneurs the opportunity to make their mark. Some cities have even provided tenants with two years of free rent—essentially a short-term loan without exchanging funds— on the condition that they make necessary physical improvements. As Alvarado Street Brewery in Old Monterey demonstrated, sometimes all it takes is one successful business to transform a neighborhood.
Please, leave the Plaza as it is. Invest in our community by emphasizing and preserving its strengths and culture—don’t destroy them.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Tony
From: City Council
To: Eduardo Montesino; Vanessa Quiroz; Maria Orozco; Kristal Salcido; Casey Clark; Jimmy Dutra; Ari Parker; cityclerk
Subject: FW: OK, , MY TURN as to what to do with the gazebo and the cannons Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 7:28:08 PM
From: steve trujillo <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 7:27:54 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: Nick Calubaquib <[email protected]>; Mayor <[email protected]>; City Council <[email protected]>; citymanager <[email protected]> Subject: OK, , MY TURN as to what to do with the gazebo and the cannons
1. we need to write a grant and get the $500,000 to go with option 3. the roof of the gazebo appears to be rotten. the roof is not needed as it is probably dangerous. and not using the basement is basically signing off on potentially usable space. not a wise move. we have OUTSTANDING grant writers at Cabrillo college. call Matt Wetstein, our campus president. he may have some ideas as to who and how to hire one. guess what? the price of their salary and benefits will be made up from the money they can raise in grant writing. i know. i wrote a number of grants as a school teacher. and they were funded.
2. KEEP THE CANNONS. if it keeps us on the historical registry, then we need them for grant writing, and ALSO they are a tourist attraction. they realllyare a part of what warfare used in centuries past, but having them in the plaza is NOT and indication that we are warlike . we are not. unless you support trump.
3.by the way, thanks for calling on me first and allowing me to get my Harris-Walz T shirt on camera.
4. Nick, you and mr. Berry did a great job with the presentation. the timeline of events from the plaza's past was excellent. please put it on the city website.
5. yes , a stage would be nice, but if we have level lawn or dirt that will accept risers without risk of tipping over , then we can do without it for now. the gazebo and the cannons are frankly, more important. great meeting. so glad i attended. thanks to all of you.
Cabrillo trustee Steve Trujillo
4TH OF JULY
FIREWORKS SALE
• City ONLY allows the temporary sale of Safe and Sane fireworks • City profits from the sale of Fireworks (City receives permit fees, sales tax and a 7% surcharge from the sale of Safe and
Sane products)
• City acts as regulatory agency to process the permitting of the booths
• Every year, about 20 non-profit agencies and youth groups utilize the proceeds of the sale of the fireworks as a fundraising strategy
• The sale and use of the Safe and Sane fireworks is authorized from July 1 to July 4
ILLEGAL
FIREWORKS
• What concerns us is the use of ILLEGAL Fireworks on city streets leading up to, during and after the 4th of July • Illegal fireworks are those that are airborne, loud, and explode
• Those are ILLEGAL and not allowed in the City limits
• Multiple calls and complaints originate from
the indiscriminate use of Fireworks that cause
stress, disturbance during evening hours,
affecting animals, and many seniors and veterans
• ILLEGAL Fireworks are the reason why we need to
have special enforcement
OVERVIEW OF
ENGAGEMENT &
ENFORCEMENT
EFFORTS
• Social Media Posts: June 5, June 19, June 26 +
July 2-July 4
• Enforcement Teams: Scheduled July 1st – July
4th
• Drones were used to assist with illegal fireworks
enforcement for the first time.
• During traditional enforcement, Officers
developed information on someone
selling illegal fireworks in the City and followed-up
on it, leading to the largest seizure ever!
• Otherwise, teams used unmarked Police vehicles
to conduct enforcement, which is still
highly effective.
POLICE
ENFORCEMEN
T TOTALS
• 40 Citations Issued
25 issued on July 4th
$46,000 in fines
• $6,360 in fines collected by Finance, so far for 2024 Citations
• 4,512 lbs. of illegal fireworks seized from the
July 3rd Bust/Search Warrant Services
16000 block of Bonney Road, Royal Oaks
100 block of Santa Clara Street , Watsonville
• 185 lbs. seized during regular enforcement efforts
• 4,697 lbs. TOTAL ILLEGAL FIREWORKS SEIZED IN
2024
• 289 Calls for Service, July 1 – July 4
81% of those calls (233) came in on July 4
During the same period in 2023, we had
135 fireworks calls
• 125.5 hours of PD Overtime = $12,309.86 in personnel
OPERATIONAL EFFORTS
July 1 – July 4
3 on-duty units + Battalion Chief performed
fireworks patrol
Patrolled from sundown to 11:00 pm
On-duty personnel completed firework booth
inspections on June 30
Overtime Cost
No direct overtime cost related to fireworks
Future Efforts
Improved fireworks data tracking in fire
WFD RESPONSE
36 incidents June 1-July 31, 2024
• 9 incidents identified fireworks or were attributed to fireworks
• 1 incident undetermined- charred fence
• 23 wildland/grass fire incidents
3 3
17 4
1 1 1
6 0
2 4
6 8
10 12
14 16
18 DUMPSTER FIRE OUT GRASS SMOKE SMOKE SCARE TREE ON FIRE UNKNOWN
TYPE FIRE
WILDLAND
WFD Incidents June 1-July 31, 2024
1 1
8 3
1 1
0 1
2 3
4 5
6 7
8 9
DUMPSTER FIRE OUT GRASS SMOKE TREE ON FIRE WILDLAND
WFD Incidents July 1-July 4, 2024
WFD RESPONSE TOTAL
9 incidents that identify fireworks or were attributed to fireworks
• 4 wildland/ grass fires
• 1 tree on fire
• 2 smoke investigations
• 1 dumpster fire
• 1 pole-fire out
5 wildland/grass fire incidents
1 smoke investigation
15 incidents July 1-July 4, 2024
NEW IDEAS
• Illegal Fireworks Task Force
• Illegal Fireworks Buy-Back Programs
• Community Reporting Portal
• Youth Education on Fireworks Safety
• Fines Collection Exploration
• Increased Fines
• City-Sponsored 4th of July Fireworks Event
• Prohibit ALL Fireworks?
• Utilize the Fire Department + Code Enforcement
for increased enforcement efforts
QUESTIONS?