City Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening everybody. We'd like to call this meeting Oh, I'm sorry. One moment. We have to wait for the filming to start or the broadcast, not filming. Thank you. Call this meeting to order. Mr. Cindy, Attorney, are there any reports from close session? Thank you, Madam Mayor. Nothing to report out of close session tonight.

All right. Thank you. Former council member Barbara Williamson, will you please lead us in the pledge of pledge of allegiance? I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Roll call, please. Council member Ayala, here. Council member Rhodess, here. Council member Judge, here. Mayor Pro Tim Litster here. Mayor Kavanagh

here. Are there any items for agenda review? Madame Mayor, there are none. Thank you. I move that all resolutions and ordinances presented tonight be read in title only and all further reading be waved. Second. Call for the vote. The motion passes unanimously. Thank you. If any member of the city council may have a conflict of interest or any reason why that member must abstain from consideration of any matter on this agenda, he or she should so declare at this time. Seeing none, we can move on. Madame Clerk,

Madame Mayor and members of the city council, the first item on the agenda is item 1D1, presentation and of an honorary resolution to the recipient of the Wayne Templeton Volunteer of the Year Award. An office specialist Candace Gray is here to present this item. Good evening, Mayor Kavanaaugh. Oops, get this closer. and members of the city council. The Wayne Templeton Volunteer of the Year Award for the City of Seami Valley honors a senior whose selfless volunteerism improves the lives of seniors in our community. Tonight, the city council is honored to uh is proud to honor an individual who embodies the spirit of volunteerism and whose service has had a lasting personal impact on our countless lives. This year, I am pleased to announce that Bill Oliver was nominated and selected by his peers for this honor. At this time, I would like to invite Bill Oliver to come forward to accept [applause] to accept the 2025 Wayne Templeton Volunteer of the Year Award. For the past nine years, Bill Oliver has delivered meals to home outbound seniors through the meals on wheels program. His steady and compassionate present office presence off offers more than nourishment. Seniors know they can depend on Bill's warm greeting, friendly smile, and brief conversation to help them feel remembered, respected, and not alone. For the past nine years, Bill has also been an active and trusted leader on the Council on Aging, serving as chair, treasurer, and on multiple ad hoc committees. He has chaired the Arts and Crafts Fair and the Stars and Stripes Ice Cream Social for the past three

years. While his volunteer contributions are extensive, it is the way that he serves that sets him apart. Bill approaches every interaction with humility, patience, and genuine care. Taking time to listen and to connect. Those who work alongside Bill describe him as dependable, calm, and kind-hearted. He offers not only his time, but his heart, reflecting a deep belief in dignity, human connection, and the importance of showing up for others. The city council is honored to recognize Bill Oliver as the 2025 Wayne Templeton volunteer of the year and to thank him for his compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of seniors in our community. Thank you, Bill. [applause] It looks wonderful. Thank you. And I thank you for all that you do. Everywhere I go, I see you. So, you're involved in everything and you're helping this community and really making it a special place for everyone else. So, thank you from the entire city council and myself. Would you like to say a few words?

Well, thank you very much for this. It was unexpected. I didn't really expect it, but I will tell you the last couple of days before the last council meeting, nobody was talking about this award. And for the last nine years, I knew who was getting it before it came up. So, I'm I'm very honored. Um, I just feel like giving back helps me more than it helps the other people. And just seeing the senior's face when you go in their house with the meals on wheels, the face lights up. They just don't see people a lot of times. And we're the only person. So, it really helps me more than it does anybody else. I've always believed that if you give without expecting anything, expectations, it comes back to you in very, very many ways. cept it's my honor to serve and to be a part of semi valley but thank you

well thank you picture [applause]

now we have to face this way [snorts] and while they're posing I just want to comment I asked Bill I said don't think this means you got to quit just because you're getting awarded and he said again oh no I'm going to be there driving Thursday. Isn't that what you said? This This man is a fixture. He has He has to give it back if he's not there on Thursday. Thank you, Bill, for all you do. Thank you again. Thank you again. Well, we're going to see him again pretty soon. [applause]

Madame Mayor and members of the city council, next on the agenda is item 1D2, presentation of certificates of appreciation to outgoing members of the Seami Valley Council on Aging Executive Board and Community Services Manager Kimberly Post is here to present this item.

Good evening, Mayor Kavanaaugh and members of the city council. This evening, the city council is recognizing three outgoing Council on Aging executive board members. Please come forward as I call your name. Bill Oliver. Clyde Bill Oliver has been an outstanding example of volunteerism, leadership, and compassion during during nearly nine years of service with the Seami Valley Council on Aging with close to,400 recorded volunteer hours and countless more unrecorded. Bill strengthened every aspect of the COA's mission. As a dedicated board member and treasurer, he act he actively welcomed and engaged seniors at COA programs and events. His 10 years as a meals on wheels driver along with his ongoing support of senior center programming helped ensure independence, safety, and well-being for older adults. Bill also made lasting contributions to fundraising and financial sustainability, serving as chair of the arts and craft show and volunteering at numerous signature COA events. His generosity, reliability, and commitment have left a meaningful and lasting impact on the senior community.

Right, that's we can clap now. Yes. [applause] Thank you, Bill. Thank you, Al Brown. Stay up here. Yes. This is the troublemaker. [laughter]

Oh, he's your inspiration. Okay. [applause] Al Brown served two terms on the COA executive board and represented Seami Valley as a delegate to the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. In this role, he helped ensure the needs and priorities of local seniors were shared at the regional level, strengthening collaboration between city and county services. Also served on the community projects grant review committee and played an active role in planning and supporting many COA events, including the wellness expo, Thanksgiving dinner, and arts and craft show. His talents were also showcased during the COA's 50th anniversary celebration where his live entertainment brought joy to this important milestone. A recipient of the city's volunteer of the year award, Al's steady leadership and dedication have greatly advanced the COA's mission. Thank you, Al. Thank you, Al. [applause] He also is everywhere I look.

So, and always attends our council meetings. We really appreciate everything you've done. you gentlemen just really help make this city a better place for everyone. So, thank you. And last but not least, we have Jean Cecil.

Come on, Jean. Uh, Jean has served on the COA executive board during the past term and was a valued contributor to several key COA programs and events. As chair of the dance committee, she helped create welcoming and joyful opportunities for seniors to stay active and socially connected. Gan also supported the street fair, wellness expo, and arts and crafts show. Her reliability, teamwork, and dedication have meaningfully enriched the lives of seniors throughout Semi Valley. Thank you, Jean. [applause]

On behalf of the city of Seami Valley and its residents, we sincerely thank each of you for your service and commitment to the Council on Aging. Your contributions have left a lasting impact in our community and we wish you all the very best in your future endeavors. Thank you. Thank you. [applause] [laughter]

Yeah, exactly. For signatures, just start charging. Madame Mayor and members of the city council, next on the agenda is item 1D3, presentation of certificates of appreciation to outgoing special events support review committee members and senior management analyst Heidi Dinardo is here to present this item.

Good evening, madame mayor and members of the city council. Tonight we are recognizing five special event support review committee members who donated their time to review 16 city support of special event applications requesting $67,000 and had the difficult job of making grant funding recommendations of the budget amount of $25,000 to the city council. Committee members chaired a public meeting held on December 10th, 2025 and listened diligently to presentations from many of our nonprofit organizations. Tonight, we would like to recognize these individuals for their generous service given to the community as a special event support review committee member. I'd like to first take a moment to recognize Gail Sutton, an alternate representing neighborhood council number two, who volunteered her services, but what was not needed. And now I'd like to invite any of the committee members who might be in attendance to come on down to the podium as I call their names. From neighborhood council number four, chair Bobby Calderon. From neighborhood council number two, vice chair George Bowman. From neighborhood council number one, Laura Herd. From neighborhood council number three, Serena Comm. And representing the Council on Aging, Gloria Bowman. We thank you for your dedication and service to the city of Semi Valley's community.

[applause]

We really thank you for doing that. That's a very difficult thing to do. That's why the city council decided at some point to give it to a committee. Um you get a much more fair view and you know we all have our different nonprofits. but for you guys to take the time and effort to read everything and to divide the money as equally and as best way possible for youth. We really really appreciate all that you do. So, thank you very much. Thank you. Good to see you, Bobby. Madame Mayor and members of city council, next on the agenda is item two, public statements on appointments, special presentations, andformational reports. We have no public speakers for this item this evening. Madame Mayor, members of the city council, next on the agenda is item 3A1, appointment of Seami Valley Council on Aging Executive Board Members and Community Services Manager Kimberly Post is presenting this item. [clears throat] Okay. Good evening, Mayor Kavanagh and members of the city council. Six positions on the Council of Aging Executive Board will be filled due to upcoming and exiting vacancies. Four positions will become vacant with the expiration of terms on January 31st, 2026. An additional vacancy incurred in January of 2025 and a sixth vacancy recently occurred in December of 2025, which will be filled as a partial term. The council of aging executive board serves an advisory capacity to the city council on matters impacting seniors and

conducts fundraising efforts to support senior programs within the committee. I mean the committee recruitment to fill these vacancies began began on October 13th of 2025 and concluded on November 14th of 2025. During this period, the Council on Aging received 10 applicants and consideration by its membership. At its January 12th, 20 26 meeting, the Council on Aging conducted an election and is recommending six nominees for appointment to the executive board. These appointments include one partial term beginning February 1st, 2026 and concluding on January 31st of 2027 and five two-year terms concluding January 31st of 2028. If you are here this evening, please come forward as I call your name. Deborah Lane, Nancy Garcia, David Lewis, Mark Lucer, Jamuna Ramnoth, and Candace Score. It is recommended that the city council approve and the mayor appoint the six applicants nominated to the council on aging executive board. This concludes the report and staff is available to answer any questions at this time.

I if I might make a comment and then a motion. I had the pleasure of s of attending the uh council on aging event where I got to hear them all speak and they're brilliant, wonderful. We are in fantastic hands. So, thank you all of you and each has special talents and abilities that that will make this such an amazing council. So, just thank you for your willingness to serve and I would love to make the motion that we appoint them. Would you please? Thank you. Do I have a second? Second. Please vote yes for me. Sorry about that. All right. Got make we have to make sure you all got appointed. Got appointed. They're going to tell us. Council member Rhodess.

All right. The motion passes unanimously. That means you can't get away with not doing it now. Your names are up on the our names are up on the screen. All greens. So, thank you all. We really appreciate [applause] your dedication. Thank you.

Thank you all again. Appreciate it. Madame Mayor and members of the city council, next on the agenda is item 3B1,formational presentation by youth council member Seria Raikmar. All right.

[snorts]

Good evening, Mayor Kavanaaugh and members of the city council. My name is Surya Ravi Kumar and I'm a freshman at Royal High School. I'm truly honored to be a member of the prestigious Seami Valley Youth Council and we truly appreciate all of your continued support which allows us to organize impactful programs and events that benefit youth throughout our community. This evening, I'll provide an update on recent Youth Council activities, current initiatives, and upcoming events. On November 22nd, the Youth Council had the honor of hosting a financial literacy workshop at the Young and Gifted Conference, an event dedicated to promoting youth entrepreneurship. During the workshop, students identified common financial challenges and worked together to create solutions. All attendees had the opportunity to network with several businesses in various industries, develop new skills, and learn how entrepreneurs grow and manage their businesses. The event was a huge success, encouraging not just our youth council members, but all youth that attended the conference to take initiative and to work to make a positive impact in our community. On December 15th, the Teen Wellness Committee hosted a teen wellness study night to help students prepare for finals. The event welcomed 60 students from multiple school districts. Attendees enjoyed hot chocolate while receiving peer support and a calm space to study. Finals week can be a stressful time, and this event helped to remove some of that stress while getting our peers ready for finals and supporting academic success. On December 22nd, the Youth Council participated in the Metroink Holiday Express, a holiday themed event to spread joy and holiday spirit. The Semi Valley Youth Council had the opportunity

to organize pre-boarding festivities and hosted interactive events at the Semi Valley Station, such as craft stations and festive games for families. The event was also a huge success with over 2,000 attendees and participants and the youth council was honored to be a part of it. Later that day, the youth council hosted our annual holiday party. This included holiday themed activities including a gift exchange and a gingerbread house building contest. This event was a fun way to end the year and celebrate all that we accomplished. Currently, the youth council is working on administering the Friday Night Live betting on our future grant. This initiative focuses on raising awareness about underage gambling and effect and its effects on youth and the community. As part of the grant, we conducted a gambling survey and received over 100 responses from students in the Semi Valley Unified School District. We are also creating a twominute public service announcement or PSA that addresses underage gambling and the risks associated with it. Gambling addiction can lead to serious financial and personal challenges and youth are especially vulnerable. That is why the youth council is actively working to spread awareness and to prevent this problem from spreading. Upcoming events include the youth council's youth impact forum. The Youth Impact Forum is a youthled event where attendees participate in several breakout sessions focusing on issues such as discrimination, bullying, and online safety. The event promotes awareness, encourages discussion, and promotes solutions to effectively reduce these challenges facing youth in our community. This year's youth impact forum will be held on Monday, February 23rd at the

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. To support our upcoming events, the fundraising committee is currently reaching out to local businesses across semi valley for sponsorships and donations. These partnerships are essential in helping the youth council expand our programs and to continue making a positive impact. The next youth council meeting will be held next Tuesday, February 3rd, from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. These meetings are open to the public, and we encourage the community to attend. To stay connected and informed, be sure to follow the Youth Council on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube at Semi Valley Youth Council, as well as on Tik Tok at SVYC2929. Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight and for all your continued support of the youth council and our initiatives. I'm available to answer any questions you may have. Thank you.

Thank you, Seria. That was a great presentation. And what school did you go to? Royal High School. Yay. It's my alma mater, so I always have to pick on it. Um speakers, council member Rhodess.

Thank you, Madame Mayor, and thank you for that report. Um uh I've been watching student counselor uh the student report for three years now and it is a master class in how to come and present information give a report and uh you're top of the list. It was well done well executed. My only problem is I don't think the youth council is getting any younger so I think I'm getting older but um a freshman to come up here and do that just fantastic. Good job. Thank you. Thank you so much, [applause] C. Mayor Prom Litster.

Thank you, Syria. That was a wonderful report. I do have a question. I um I didn't realize there had been a teen wellness study night on December 15th. You had 60 people attend. Did studying really get done or was it a party? [snorts] Well, yeah. I it was a really it was a really fun event for peers to be able to connect and network a lot. But we also did get a lot of studying done. That's kind of the main part of the event and we got it done. That's I'm not calling you. I'm just I just think actually what I I' I've never ceased to be amazed at the quantity of events and quality activities that you're engaged in and so thank you for making such a difference. Thank you so much,

Council Member Ayala. And to add on to what you were saying, it's the events that they are doing are so relevant to today, right? You could redup duplicate things that happen all the time, but to choose topics such as youth gambling, such as financial literacy, right? The youth council is always choosing things that really affect the youth of what's happening now. And I think that's really the value of the youth council is really being um bringing things to the attention of the students that are really relevant to the time. So thank you for that. Thank you for Mr. Fowler for leading that group and keeping you guys focused and um I love being part the liaison to your group and I will see you soon.

Thank you so much.

Thank you very much. [applause] Madame Mayor and members of the city council, next on the agenda is item four, public statements. Since there are no public hearings under agenda item five, agenda items four and six are combined and the city council will hear all public statements under this agenda item four. Agenda items four and six are the times allotted for public statements on all items other than public hearings, appointments, andformational reports. Speakers will be called on in the order in which the car was submitted to speak for this public statement item four for a period of no more than three minutes each. Persons addressing the city council are requested to state their name and committee residence for the record. Madame mayor, unless you have any comments, we can begin public statements. Please proceed. I will be calling three names at a time so you know who you follow. The first three speakers, Heather Moss, Anthony Een, Alin Een.

Good evening, Madame Mayor, Council members, Miss Argabbrite, and Mr. Ford. My name is Heather Moss. I'm a longtime Seammy Valley resident and member of the local business community. I'm here tonight with an update and to urge you to ban short-term residential rentals citywide. After reviewing the proposed ordinance and hearing extensive public comments, residents in all four neighborhood council areas overwhelmingly want a citywide ban. That unified view reflects what residents across Seami Valley collectively expressed. Residents raised the same concerns repeatedly. declining neighborhood safety and privacy, loss of housing for people who want to live here, and homes increasingly being purchased by investors and LLC's rather than residents. Most STRs and SEMIs are not mom and pops. They are investor-run properties with no on-site host. Even the number of STRs operating in Seami Valley is unclear because estimates rely on constantly changing platform listings. Many, if not most, operate without the required city of Seami Valley business tax certificate, further obscuring the widespread intrusion of STR activity in our neighborhoods. Residents also raise concerns about unfair competition to local lodging. Hotels must comply with zoning, licensing, ADA requirements, inspections, insurance, staffing, fire safety, and emergency protocol, and taxes. STRs are not required to meet these standards. The city's August 2025 memo shows that hotel occupancy was only 72.5% in 2024, suggesting STRs are siphoning business from regulated lodging. Seami

Valley has ample licensed accommodation, including six hotels, motel, and an extended stay in where visitors can stay locally. The proposed ordinance has serious gaps that make regulation ineffective. No booking or turnover caps, no startup or routine safety inspections, including for pools and spas, vague occupancy limits, no commercial lodging standards, no required exterior signage. Despite Ventura County TRU guidelines, weak neighborhood notification, and no accountability when most STRs operate without on-site hosts. Neighbors should not be forced to act as STR chaperon, security, parking attendants, concierge, or janitors. These proposed regulations are deficient. An STR citywide ban is the clearest, most enforcable, responsible choice for Seami Valley. Please ban residential STRs. Thank you. [applause] Hello, my name is Anthony Een and I am a resident of Semi Valley. First, I would like to thank all the neighborhood councils for being welcoming to all the residents that attended this month's meetings. I would also like to give special thanks to Kelly Duffy, the community services director, for her continued hard work in coordinating the meetings. With the conclusion of the four neighborhood council's decisions on the city's proposed ordinance to regulate residential short-term rentals, I would like to ask the council or city manager when the proposed ordinance will be brought before the planning commission for review. The planning commission at their last meeting indicated that one or possibly both planning commission meetings for

February might be cancelled. Secondly, I would like I would ask the city council to look at the city council meeting public statement protocols and instructions. Currently, when there are 20 or more speakers, each speaker's time will automatically be reduced to two minutes. It states that the chair may make further adjustments as needed to ensure the orderly conduct of the meeting. I would ask that you look at taking a broader look at the time limit. When a large number of speakers turn out to a city council meeting, that number will certainly impact the length of time of the meeting. I would like to suggest that the number of items on that night's agenda be also a consideration before limiting the time from 3 to two minutes. The last city council meeting on January 12th, 2026 had 20 speakers whose time was automatically reduced to two minutes. That night's agenda was light. The meeting lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes. Giving the public the 3 minutes that they may have been expecting would have possibly added 20 minutes to the meeting, bringing it to a 2-hour and 5 minute meeting. I believe you all look at the meeting agendas and with your experience know how long certain items could take and might be able to allow the three minutes to speakers. This could be dependent on the night's agenda and number of speaker cards submitted. The council should embrace citizens wanting to bring their concerns. It can be difficult to relay those concerns in only two minutes, let alone three. It is more difficult when you have planned on speaking three minutes and then have to try to cut a prepared statement to two. I ask that you please make this consideration for future meetings. Thank you. [applause] [clears throat]

Good evening. I'm Alin Een and I live in Seami Valley. I would like to know if and why the planning commission is not going to get the STR draft ordinance in February. The city council rushed to push the proposed ordinance down to the neighborhood councils and then to the planning commission. The neighborhood councils reviewed the proposed ordinance, their information packets, heard the staff's presentation, and listened to what the public that attended those meetings had to say. Then they made their decisions. Please explain why there is a delay to complete this process. Now, at the last planning commission's meeting, they indicated they may cancel both of the February meetings. Is there a problem? Is there a problem with the planning commission's schedule? Is there an issue with staff?

This is quite confusing considering some people on the city council appeared to want to fasttrack the ordinance without any consideration for a discussion on an ordinance to ban short-term rentals. I think the public you represent would appreciate and deserves an explanation. Please be forthcoming with an answer. Why hasn't the city council instructed staff to draft an ordinance for a possible ban? How can you be fair and balanced without comparing an ordinance to ban with an ordinance to legalize and regulate? The public has a right to know. Thank you. [applause] The next three speakers, James McGillis, Pam Jordan, and John Smith. Madame Mayor, members of the city council and staff, I'm James McGillis, an 18-year resident of Seami Valley. In November 2025, I stood before you and predicted the future of Seami Valley. Tonight, I will focus from 40 years down to one year, this current year. The city council holds our collective future in its hands. You can continue to take us down the road where dark money and limited liability corporations buy so many homes in Semi Valley that it ceases to be a community or you can listen to your own neighborhood councils and follow the will of the people. In 1994, I was in Semi Valley during the Northridge earthquake while standing in a building that now houses Teresa's pet supplies. An aftershock of 3.8 magnitude hit. Ceiling tiles showered down around us, destroying the musical instrument store that stood there. At a residence near Yusede Avenue, I observed terracotta tiles that jumped off a garage roof and crushed a car. At a home off Kuner, I observed a chimney which had separated from its moorings embedded in the blue shag carpet was crushed

glass, sparkling like diamonds. Are you, the council, managing preparations for such an impending disaster? In my opinion, no. You are spending untold hours of staff time, city council time, planning commission time, and neighborhood council time on a subject that is already decided. At your duly appointed neighborhood councils, all four executive boards and the residents of Semi Valley voted overwhelmingly to further a complete ban on short-term rentals. Rather than advocating for wealthy campaign donors, let us prepare for the future. If you stay the course full speed ahead toward legalization and regulation of STRs, the next disaster in Semi Valley may well be of titanic proportions. Short-term rentals funded by dark money represent the looming icebergs of our time. If legalized, they will sink our city. At the recent planning commission, senior staff indicated that one or both upcoming planning commission meetings might be cancelled. What happened to last December's urgency to put an STR code up or down on the planning commission agenda? In a better future, the city council would redirect its energies away from serving the interest of the moneyed class and into preparation for a looming seismic disaster. At the neighborhood councils, the residents of Seami Valley have spoken. If indeed you are their leaders, as we believe you are, you must stand with the people and ban short-term rentals. Thank you.

[applause]

Good evening, Mayor Kavanagh. Good evening, council members and staff. My name is Pam Jordan and I am the park manager of Villa Del Royo in Moore Park. I'm here representing the management team. Um, the evening of July 24th, 2025 was a pivotal moment for me personally. Two homeless gentlemen were in my backyard area, one holding a shiny knife looking weapon in his hand. Had it not been for my German Shepherd standing between me and them, that night could have ended very differently. The morning of July 25th, 2025, I sent a mass email to everyone I could think of to assist in the process of addressing the homeless encampment east of Villa Dear Reo. Prayers answered. The mayor of Morart, Chris Enigrin, city council member Renee Delgado, and staff along with Ventura County Sheriff's Department answered immediately and thus began our journey to ensure this encampment was going to be addressed ASAP. The individuals in the encampment have been treated with respect and were offered services and the land has now been returned to the beauty of nature. This would not have happened without you, the city valley council and staff, the police department of Seami Valley, Chief Schwarz, Sergeant Chris Johnson, and all their officers and staff. Our Venta County Sheriff's Department, Captain Odinoff, Senior Deputy Pernell, Detective Sergeant Juan Pon, Sergeant Scott Baxter, Deputy Amanda Mel Goza, and the many deputies that stood up to the challenge to be part of this team. and of course my team, Linda Bosley, John Smith, Frank Benelli, Suzanne Taylor, and all the residents of Villa Del Royo. I just want to say I really appreciate and thank each and every one of you, and I personally will continue to support you and be a part of this team's efforts to keep our community a beautiful place to live. So, thank you. Thank you all. [applause]

Good evening. My name is John Smith. I'm your neighbor here in Morark. And I just wanted to begin by sincerely thanking you and city staff and our public safety teams for the recent cleanup of the homeless encampment near our community. The work that was done made an immediate and noticeable difference. This action showed that when the city chooses to enforce existing laws, real results happen. It demonstrated that compassion and enforcement are not opposites. That they can work and should work together. Addressing encampments does not mean turning our backs on people in need. It means maintaining health, safety, and order for everyone who live there. I want to emphasize how important it is that this effort not be a one-time event. Encampments tend to return quickly when enforcement pauses. Consistency is the key. Continued monitoring, prompt response, and ongoing enforcement of existing ordinances will prevent the cycle from repeating will save the city time, money, and resources in the long run. I also want to thank you for listening to the residents who came out and spoke on this issue. Many of us came forward not out of frustration and alone, but of concern of our neighborhoods and of our quality of life. Seeing action taken restores trust that the city is responsive and willing to act. Please continue this approach. Thank you for your time and please know it's sincerely appreciated. Thank you. [applause]

The next three speakers, Justin Link, Eddie Yamamoto, and Rob her.

Good evening, Mayor Kavanagh, members of council. Justin Link, public works principal engineer traffic and president of the Semi Valley Engineers Association. We are now at 777 days without a contract. If this were Las Vegas and I were playing craps, I might consider this string of sevens lucky. But this is Valley and we've officially crapped out. 777 days of missed opportunities. 777 days the city could have done more to attract new engineering talent. 777 days. The city could have done more to keep talented engineers. 777 days of stalling tactics, bad faith negotiations, hearing the word no without a counter or that we could be easily outsourced. At this point, it's as though city management has no interest in coming to an agreement. At the request of PERB, the Semi Valley by the Semi Valley Engineers Association, excuse me, at the request of the Semi Valley Engineers Association, a PERB mediator will finally be coming to the city. By the time he comes, we will be at 800 days without a contract. The good news is is that the city doesn't need to wait for PERB to hammer out a contract. Mr. Mr. Ford, who counts labor negotiations as areas of expertise, will be the first to tell you that neither mediation nor impass nor unfair labor practice charges, however frivolous, prevent the city from coming to the table. In fact, it is encouraged. But it's been since September since we've seen the inside of a conference room with the city's negotiating team. Hearing only from the city by email. I reiterate that what the Seamia Valley Engineers Association has proposed is not monumental. This is the proverbial tripping over a dollar to save a penny. And the majority, if not all of what we have proposed will be absorbed by engineering fees, water and wastewater rates. Just today, we had another meeting to discuss the city's engineering fee study update. Now is the time to make sure these fees incorporate wage increases for engineers. Engineers

who ensure traffic signals operate, street lights stay lit, roads are paved, water flows from the tap, waste water is conveyed and treated, and development is processed and constructed. Supporting engineers supports the city as a whole. Delaying and stonewalling punishes not only engineers, it punishes the city. Somewhere along the way, management decided that for the city to win, its employees had to lose. To control the budget meant to control labor costs at all costs. Nobody wins in that scenario. Encourage all of you to put citizens first with the city first. Support your engineers. And with my last 30 seconds, I'd like to point out in the front row here uh the various engineers that are with us tonight, which represents a third of our membership. We have Todd Cook, associate engineer, traffic, Clauddio Melo, associate engineer, building and safety. Anthony Gallow, senior engineer traffic. Rob Hair, assistant engineer, water. Warren Gallardo, assistant engineer water. And of course, you know Eddie Yamamoto, principal engineer, building and safety. Thank you. [applause] Good evening, Mayor Kavanagh and council members. I am Eddie Yamoto, vice president of Seami Valley Engineers Association. I've been employed at the city for 19 years, currently the principal engineer for building and safety, and I am also a 30-year resident of Seami Valley. As Justin just mentioned, we have yet come to an agreement with the city and its negotiation team on our initial contract since the formation of our association back in November of 2023. As you are all very aware by now, the main purpose of our association is to better compete with the neighboring jurisdictions in being able to attract talent to our city and to retain the talent that we currently have. It does our city no good when we are essentially a revolving door where we have to keep spending our resources and

retraining new hires on the complex state and federal regulations and the specialized processes that the different engineering groups have to deal with in order to keep the city in compliance. At the outset of the formation of our association, we lost three high-erforming principal engineers in the waterworks and sanitation sections of public works. to neighboring jurisdictions within an 18month period, which accounts for about 35 years of institutional knowledge that we lost. We are fortunate to currently have those positions filled, but we are still trying to recover from the time lost in getting them up to speed and having to reverse engineer what processes need to be followed. [snorts]

I'm going to stress that we are not asking the city to be reckless in their spending, but to responsibly compensate their engineering staff that has an active part in keeping our city's econom economic development healthy. We want to reach a deal that provides adequate public services at reasonable costs. So again, we are asking for your support and helping our association get our total compensation back package back to average so we can be a little more competitive in our recruitment and retention. Thank you for the time. [applause] Good evening, esteemed mayor and distinguished members of the city council. My name is Robur and I serve you and those in our water district service area as an assistant engineer. I'm also a resident of Seami Valley since 1979. The city council developed goals and focus areas adopted on in August of 2025. One of those city council goals is to ensure competitive compensation and succession planning for police department and city staff. Our goal is your goal. Your goal is our goal. [clears throat] Two of the six pillars of excellence that the city developed were excellent city government. deliver responsible, responsive, transparent, and customerfocused services that build public trust and improve community outcomes and reliable infrastructure. Maintain and upgrade roads, facilities, and technology systems to ensure safe, efficient, and resilient public services. We and the water department have many projects that we have on hold because we don't have the staff to

complete them. Uh we're asking for your help to hire staff. In the past two years uh of during negotiations, we've hired people and they've left. Uh some of them have left within 6 months, one left within six weeks. Um all within about a year. We're fortunate that we were able to hire uh Lauren Gallardo, a young engineer, and we hope that we can, as she gains experience here at the city, uh be compensated well enough to want to stay here in the city and not look up other places when she gets her experience. Um city of Semi Valley is a great place to work and we want to keep it where we can foster that and keep city keep city staff

[clears throat]

I am grateful to work in the city that I am a resident of and I'm striving to make the city and district a great place to work and I hope that you will help. Thank you for your time. [applause] The next three speakers, Carla Costa, Aaliyah Euing, and Barbara Williamson. evening. Um, [sighs] I would like to say good evening, but I imagine no one's having a good one after the events of this weekend. I know my community community and I are not. I'm glad that some residents who live in an affluent areas resolve their issue in a timely manner. As a pre uh previous speaker said, these houseless encampments tend to return because u because people need safe place and safety nets to thrive. That's our basic humanity. So without those um services and those safety nets, this will continue to happen. Um houseless individuals and their encampments, however, are not an immediate threat to the majority of our cities. ICE raids are an immediate threat. [sighs] Today alone, ICE agents were around our city of Semi Valley harassing businesses, their employees, and driving recklessly. As of today, at 11:50 a.m. in the 805 Tri County area, there has been 1,512 people detained. Ventura County 793 and in Semi Valley 28. After three murders in the streets within the less than three weeks of each other and dozens others this last year, your top priority should be protecting

your constituents. So I ask, how do you plan to enforce and guarantee California law SB 627 is followed in Seami Valley? If you haven't even given it a thought, then shame on you. As a business owner in the city, I am deeply concerned about what will happen in the next few months if ICE rates continue with impunity. We know that Trump is going to send more agents to California. So, what are you doing about it, Mayor Kavanaaugh? We have explicitly demanded that you condemn these [clears throat] actions and reinforce safety protocols that SVPD must follow. Clearly, you don't care about EMI Valley residents. Or maybe you only care about some. Unfortunately, it seems that Semi Valley will continue to only be reactive to violent acts within our city rather than prevent them. Just like the hate crime last year, it seems like you're waiting for another tragedy to transpire is but in our city. Just like in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Northridge, if you all are not aware, look up Keith Porter. He was murdered by ICE on New Year's Eve in Northridge. We need to trust in our representatives, but most of the people sitting in front of me could care less about us. Trust me when I tell you that your days on the Dian are counted because even though we may not have elected you, you represent all of us. There will be a day of justice and you all will be remembered as the ones that let atrocities continue in what used to be the safest city in the US. For the rest of my time, I want to say the numbers of the rapid response is now up. Thank you. 805296119 8058788.

Please respect your time. Thank you. [applause]

Happy [snorts] This Saturday, January 24th, candidates and former electeds of color came together to answer questions about what it's like to run for office locally here in Ventura County. Don't feel bad if you missed it. It was recorded and it'll be uploaded to YouTube later, so you can always watch it again. But I just wanted to remind you, as I'm sure four out of the five of you guys are already aware, most of you guys are going to be running for office, running for reelection this year in 2026. Personally, I'm very very excited. Um there's going to be a leftist unity slate that's coming out specifically to replace, you know, Rocky and uh Mike Judge over here. Um I I remember being 17 protesting Mike Judge um in 2020. I was, you know, fresh out of high school. I had just graduated or I was either still in high school. And um he had made national news for doxing a young black organizer for the Black Lives Matter movement here in Seami Valley. National news. Our own Mike Judge here. Damn. I think he even made Facebook posts talking about spraying sewage on Democratic protesters who were nonviolently peacefully protesting. Um I wonder if it would be considered doxing for someone to do the same thing to him. What would happen if someone posted his personal stuff online? How he would feel about it if his mom and him, you know, his 17-year-old self were getting death threats, how he would feel about that. So to make the audacious decision to run for mayor in Seami Valley knowing that you've got way more haters than you do supporters is just crazy to me, especially because you made the decision to run against another Republican, DD.

And if you don't remember, and I'm I'm sure you don't cuz I, you know, doubt that you barely even passed high school to begin with, but as you're aware, voters in the same party compete when you have two candidates running in the same position. If y'all were smart, one of you guys would step down. But if you were [clears throat] even smarter, you would pass rank choice voting, otherwise known as RCV. You can go to vcvote.org and sign the petition. Um, and rank choice voting means that you could have 10 Republicans running all in the same race and they wouldn't compete any votes with each other because you're just ranking your favorites from top to bottom like how you would rank ice cream. So, you know, um, with the remaining time, I would like to address everyone else in the room that was talking about homeless encampments. you know, um, my family came from homelessness and I would love to see you guys, you know, make it to work and make it to school not having the ability to brush your teeth, not having the ability to wear clean clothes, wearing underwear that's three times too small, uh, and then expect that you're supposed to go out into the world and behave normally knowing that you're eating leftover foods that other people are dropping off to you. Don't not even knowing if it's safe to eat or if they're drugging you. You are more likely to be attacked being a homeless person than being attacked by a homeless person. So anyways, you guys. [applause]

Boy, I'm sure glad I don't sit up there anymore. I have two issues I would like to address tonight. In my opinion, we can do better with a new design concept for commercial and industrial buildings. By collaborating closely with the planning commission and city staff, we have an opportunity to develop a more appealing and functional vision for these structures. Enhanced architectural features, thoughtful landscaping, and community oriented spaces could transform the look and feel of our developments. [gasps]

The complex at Alamo and Tapo Street may have been pushed through due to state requirements, but with stronger design elements such as improved facade and inviting public areas, the buildings would the building would avoid the inst the institutional appearance and better reflect our community standards. Let's prioritize creativity and long-term value in future projects to ensure our buildings contribute positively to the neighborhood in our city. In 20 in 2010, a contract was signed between waste management and the city of Seami Valley. As a reminder, the contract was for $100 million over a 50-year period with the city in exchange for support of the expansion of the landfill. As I stand here today, 16 day 16 years later, to my surprise, there has never been an accounting for those dollars spent, I clearly recall the expenditure for the police shooting range as part of that spending, but I'm at a loss as to whether the other funds have been allocated. [snorts] Given the significant amount involved, transparent reporting, regular updates should be provided to the community to ensure the public's trust, and responsible stewardship of these resources. I urge the city officials to release detailed breakdown of how these how the contract funds have been utilized over the over the years so residents have a clarity and confidence in the management of these public assets. Perhaps the best way to inform the residents would be to address this during the state of the city. Thank you. Thank you. [applause] The next three speakers, Ken Hurst, Ellie Marneck, and Jamie Sanchez.

Good evening. My name is Ken Hurst. I live in Seami Valley on the eastern side. Once again, I am here to ask the council to recognize our fellow Americans killed by ICE and associated agencies. On Saturday, I'm sure you're all aware, Alex Pretty, a nurse, a healer at a V at a Veterans Administration medical facility, was killed by ICE. He was directing traffic, videoing the protest, and helping a woman who had been knocked down in Minneapolis when he was attacked by federal agents. After he was taken to the ground by five or six agents and sprayed, his legally permitted gun was removed from his holster by another agent. Then he was shot multiple times. The DHS immediately declared that he was brandishing a gun and had intended to cause harm to as many agents as possible. A statement that was rapidly debunked by video. This could happen here. We look forward to meeting with the city as is being discussed to explore mitigation of ice impacts. Meanwhile, another eight people have been taken by ICE in SEMI this month. Please again adjourn this council meeting in remembrance of those killed by ICE. Thank you. [applause] Good evening, Mayor Kavanaaugh and members of the city council. Thank you so much for giving us this time to speak today. My name is Ally Mayor Nicknick and I am director for the need foundation. And I'm here to thank you

the council and the grant committee members for choosing to allocate some of the city's funding toward our nonprofit Rocket Day reach for the stars. First of all, I grew up in Seami Valley and that is one of the biggest blessings I hold dearly because I love this city and I'm so blessed and honored to be fulfilling my lifelong dream of now being able to give back to this city and as the director of for the need foundation. So when the grant committee, Gloria, George, Bobby, Laura, and Serena, people I had never met before, chose to support our foundation, it almost made me cry. I was so happy to hear their support and their encouragement to us, these funds. They support our foundation by allowing us to do this incredible day for these kids. And not only is it encouraging to us to continue the fight we're doing against homelessness and for the children and the teenagers and the youth who are experiencing difficulties such as homelessness and poverty, it's encouraging us to continue that work, but it's also directly supporting it by allocating those funds to this rocket day. So, thank you guys so much, you city council members and the grant committee members, um those who were in the room and for your support of our rocket day, reach for the stars, where we are connecting children and teenagers to positive, safe role models, where they're building their confidence, their hope for the futures, and their character. This event is our sixth annual of our rocket day, reach for the stars. And um it's where we invite new children to join our programs who are struggling and facing these difficulties where they're connecting to their mentors and we have um really exciting goals for them to achieve for themselves that they can seek out and try to accomplish themselves with that supportive mentor alongside them. And so

we really thank you. And if you are interested in coming and seeing our dollars at work, you can come February 21st at Rancho Santa Susanna Community Center. That's February 21st at Rancho Santa Cuzana Community Center, also known as Esurn's Park. And in the morning, they will be with their mentors building the rockets and looking at their goal sheets and thinking about the goals that they want to achieve for themselves, writing their own goals and being encouraged in that way. And then in the afternoon at around 1 p.m., we will be launching the rockets. So, if you'd like to come see the rockets being launched, it'll be at about 1 p.m. at Sturns Park on February 21st, and that's with us at For the Need Foundation. So, thank you all so much. Again, I'm Ally, and we appreciate your support and the grant committee support. [applause] James, we had a James next.

Okay. [laughter] Sorry. [clears throat] Okay. Oh, Jamie instead of James. Yeah, got it. Okay. I wrote James down. Sorry, Jamie. I know you are, Jamie. Thank you. [laughter]

Uh, I want to begin by acknowledging that we are on land historically stewarded by the Chumash people. I keep this brief because respect is not a statement, it's a practice. Good evening, council. My name is Jamie Sanchez. As we wrap up January and move into February, we are reminded that public health, public safety, and civil rights are deeply connected. February is both heart health awareness month and Black History Month. Reminders of the basic conditions people need to live with dignity and security. Because of the recent killings, I've been reflecting deeply on our community and our shared responsibility to one one another and on what each of us can do to create safety, accountability, and care. That is what brings me here to tonight. ICE activity has increased across Ventura County. Regardless of political views, fear and uncertainty are very real for many of our neighbors. Families are anxious. Parents are afraid to send their kids to school or go to work. Communities are on edge. So my question to this council are simple. What is our city doing proactively to keep residents safe from random acts of violence, intimidation, or targeting? What steps are being taken to ensure that people can peacefully protest without fear of retaliation or selective enforcement? And what protections are in place to ensure our neighbors are not made to feel unsafe simply for existing in this community. Peaceful protest is not a disruption. It is a cornerstone of democracy. It is how people have historically demanded safe safety, accountability, and justice when other avenues failed them. Leadership is more than words or a simple photo op. It's about action, courage, and setting the tone for our community. So I ask plainly, when will this city council lead by example and show that every resident, no matter who they are or where they come from, is valued,

protected, and heard? I will continue to show show up here and I will continue to ask questions and I will continue to speak because injustice thrives in silence and every voice matters in shaping a safe and strong community. Thank you, [applause] Madame Mayor. That was the last speaker. Next on the agenda is item 4A, city council comments regarding public statements.

Council member Rhodess. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, we had sort of groupings of of comments tonight. I'll start with STRs and um uh it was a desire to have um these items put before the neighborhood councils and have them discussed in the open and uh to make sure that we had transparency and then when we done that well we're accused of not having transparency because the ordinance isn't immediately available. I would ask city manager um do ordinances take time to produce?

They do. Um, and staff is very well aware of the council's priority for this item, which is why we were able to fasttrack it to get it to the January neighborhood councils. Um, however, we do anticipate that there is going to need to be city attorney review because there are multiple areas of the municipal code that will be impacted by any potential changes to it with reflection with regard to STRs. Um so if it's possible we will try to get it on the second meeting in February to planning commission but March is likely more um doable in terms of the amount of staff work across departments that needs to happen in order to get and staff will be taking into account feedback from the neighborhood councils. Absolutely.

Okay. So we're we're proceeding as uh speedily as we can to do it right. Excellent. It's typically about a six week process after the neighborhood councils.

Thank you very much. um on the encampment. Um for those that came from the um Villa de Royo, thank you for the thank yous. Um it means a lot to know that when we actually get asked and we do and we come through that it is recognized and not tossed aside as a oh well okay what's next? Um uh it is interesting that um encampment um as one of the speakers said uh services were offered uh and it was a um well thoughtout and wellplanned execution of removing the encampment. Um Wednesday, Thursday is the point in time count and we're going to see who ended up where. will actually have an opportunity to see they don't disappear when you move them from the encampment. They exist and now they are not in a single place where we can go and offer services. They're going to be spread out. We're going to find out where that is and we're going to continue to offer services because that's the right and humane thing to do. But thank you for acknowledging us uh when we get it right. Um to the engineers um uh thank you for your service to the city and that is in all sincerity because the city doesn't run without engineers and we know that. Um I would only make um one observation um uh to the comments uh in terms of negotiating in bad faith. we're done with all the other groups and they've had contracts every cycle and on time and so um I just know that we want to get to exactly what you uh uh I think you you said it that we're on the same you we want what you want and you want what we want. We're on

that page. Um the negotiations have to have to continue because we still have to fund it. Um, and then, um, yeah, I'm not going to make comments about the ice. Thank you, Mayor Prom Litster.

Thank you. Um, appreciate all of you and your comments as varied as they are. Um, just a few things to comment on. Um um was it it was u Mr. Gillis? No, Mr. Een, Anthony Een. Um you spoke at MS STRs, but specifically you talked about allowing appropriate time if the if the the meeting was light. I believe that was your comments. um that if if it was a lighter agenda, maybe we should go from two to three minutes and not not limit if there's multiple multiple um [snorts] um people to speak and if the agenda is lighter and I think that I would actually concur with that and I think that the mayor does have some discretion when the time comes and so I would lend my voice that we would to look at the full whole um whole agenda as we make that decision going forward. So certainly we want to hear everyone and and as give you as much time as is reasonable and works for the meeting. So thank you for that for that commentary. Um um I wanted to speak to Mr. John Smith who um talked about the desire for cleanup and and to watch out for repeating problems. It is true um that homelessness doesn't go away when you clean it up. You have to keep offering services. You need to find places for people and you need to keep working. It's not just a cleanup and everything's good. Um, but we recognize that that's part of the process to to beautify community though is offering services and working. And I just wanted to be certain to mention that on our consent calendar, if you missed it, there is part of it too is the funds needed to clean up and take care of things. And so part of our consent calendar is to discuss additional funds that allow for that on a more consistent basis, not just when a group comes forward and says there's a problem. it should be more proactive as opposed to reactive. And so

we are discussing that further tonight. Um Lauren, it's lovely meeting you today tonight. Thank you for being here with the rest of the engineers and we do very much value all of your work and I I just thought it was delightful that you be here to meet that we can meet you tonight. So thank you for all being here and reminding us that we need to get to the end of this. So we want it resolved. Um, [clears throat] and I'm sorry I'm losing my voice. Barbara, um, appreciate your comments and certainly we want beautiful designs in our construction and we know that you were instrumental in negotiating that, uh, WM, um, deal way back uh, not way back when, when um, and and there some marvelous things have come because of that negotiation. Thank you very much. Certainly an accounting is wonderful. I will say that it's my understanding that we are meeting again this year or next. It is time for a review to look at that and say what worked, what didn't, what should we be getting additionally to compensate for some of the externalities, etc. And so it is my understanding that that is that did you want to speak at all to that? Um,

I'd be happy to. Um staff has initiated discussions with waste management to uh review the expansion agreement. Um and while we've had preliminary meetings, uh we do anticipate bringing that something back to the city council. Um as that was a city council committee to begin with. Um and I would anticipate that we would uh convene another committee uh to work with waste management on that going forward.

Thank you for speaking to that. Um and Ally with four of the needed. Um, thank you for your great work um, in this space and I my phone was dying but I put it in my calendar February 21st. I'd love to to see some of the great activities that you're doing with youth that need attention and extra extra help. Um, I think I will leave my comments there. It is a it's a difficult time right now and we desire what's best for our whole community and so I hope hopefully we'll go forward doing positive things. But I'll end with that. Thank you, Council Member Judge.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. I just want to say thank you everybody for coming out tonight and speaking. And I want to say to the engineers, the city is working on this contract. We're hoping to get something going, something done soon. We don't dis we, like Rocky said, we understand your importance to the city and we understand exactly what you do and nobody's being taken for granted. Uh, I also want to thank the um lady from For the Need. I want to get your info because I might have some other avenues for donations for you. So, make sure I get your info. And for everybody else coming out, thank you very much and for expressing your opinions and exercising your constitutional right. Council member Ayala,

thank you. I don't want to repeat what everyone else has said, but um to Lauren, we don't want you to leave, right? We want you to be able to stay. And so we're hoping that we're able to come to an agreement that will facilitate you staying and being one of the future leaders of of the group here. Um to the Mr. Hurst, I know that you mentioned ongoing conversations and so I hope that those are ongoing and let me know. You can reach out to me if you need to. for Ally for the need. I also saw council Mayor Prom Litster grab her phone immediately for the calendar and so did I. And so um we would love to see the rockets go and so we'll definitely be there for you and um for the and just once again just to reemphasize for the encampment. Yes, you will see in the uh later on today, we are actually u voting to proactively put in um funds so that we can handle those encampments on an ongoing basis and be more proactive and uh take care of those as they come up. And then uh finally to um Miss Williamson, thank you for being here. I think we all agree that we don't want the buildings to look like institutions, right? We want them to look like they belong and fit into what we want the city to be. So, thank you for making sure that that's always at the forefront of what we're doing. Thank you for that. Thanks everyone. Thank you. Thank you for my NOS STR team, the East McGillis, Miss Moss. Thank you for coming out and sharing um your thoughts and process. And we will be looking at what the new neighborhood council's returned. I know there were a lot of concerns about various areas in the ordinance. So that will definitely be looked at very closely. So thank you all for continuing to fight your fight.

Um I'm glad we made Villa Del Royo very happy with the cleanup. Um that was a very possibly fireheavy area and that would be devastating. So to get that cleaned up and quickly was a very good. So thank you city manager for that. But again, like the others said, we've moved them out, but now there we have to find them again to do the count and to continue to provide services. So that will be handled this week. I think the count's going on. Um engineers, we will do our best to get you guys a contract. We we want to keep all of you. You're very valued. Do you want me to tell you where the lights are out? No, just kidding. Um no, you guys are very valued. Can you imagine if you weren't watching our lights, traffic lights? We'd all be in major trouble. So, thank you for all that you do and we'll make sure we get something taken care of that. Mr. Hurst, I'll continue. We'll set up I sent you an email this morning. I don't know if you've gotten it. Okay. Okay. That's all right. We'll make sure we get something set up and we'll go from there. So, thank you. Appreciate that. And Ally, yes, for the for the need. You guys do a great job. So, thank you. Rockets going off at Rancho Santa gives me a little bit of PTSD. If you know, you know. [laughter] when we had a problem with the fireworks there. I was Yes, I was there. So, luckily nobody was seriously injured in that. So, but I know this will be on a different scale, so everything will be clean. So, thank you very much. Um, and I think that and Miss Sanchez, thank you for coming out and continuing to come out. I really appreciate what you have to say when you come here. We'll have to have a conversation. All right, everyone else. Um, thank you for being here tonight. We appreciate it. We're going to go on to our next item. Madame Mayor, members of the city council, next on the agenda is item seven, the consent calendar. And there are no resolutions for your consideration this evening.

I'll move consent. Second. Call for the vote.

The motion passes unanimously. Thank you, [snorts] Madame Mayor and members of the city council. Next on the agenda is item 9A, right direction to support Semi Valley residents impacted by public safety power shut offs through outreach and education efforts. And Deputy City Manager Heather Sumagis is here to present this item.

[snorts]

Yes, Lucy. There we go.

All right. Fantastic. Good evening, mayor and city council members. It's a pleasure to be here this evening and to talk with you uh related to the item that was just introduced. Today's item focuses on how the city can continue supporting residents impacted by public safety power shut offs, also known as PSPS. The emphasis tonight is a discussion potentially around outreach and education. This presentation is meant to guide the council with some information to support your discussion. It will review recent PSPS impacts, city advocacy, existing backup power programs, generator costs, a look at what our peer cities are doing and how they're approaching this, what our city does, and then finally we'll wrap with where the city council would like to guide the discussion. So why this issue matters and the screen up here what you see on your right side is that is a snapshot of what the Edison circuit grid looks like in Seami Valley and the all the colors are all the different grids that we have in Seami Valley. Electric service is provided by Southern California Edison also known asce which you all know the city does not own or operate our electric utility and we do not control when power is shut off or when it's restored. Decisions regarding the timing, duration, and geographic scope of PSPS events are made withce in accordance with state regulations and wildfire mitigation requirements. We share this information just for context for our community who may be listening or watching this presentation later. What we've seen happen in recent years, specifically last year in 2025, right around the same time, is implemented PSPS events in response to wildfire risk, significantly

impacting our community here. During these major PSPS events, approximately 20 of the city's 24 electric circuits, and I want to bring to your attention on the screen, it does say 25. in your staff report and in my notes it is 24. So that is a typo on that screen. But 24 electrical circuits at its peak were affected last year in January. And during that same peak time, it's estimated that approximately 32,000 customers were without power for some duration of time, while other customers were without power for several days. On this next slide, when we look at community impacts for Seami Valley, these outages, as you're all very aware of, were an extreme inconvenience. And more so than that, they really impacted our community. And we heard an outcry of that. Community members experienced spoiled food, loss of phone, internet service. We saw traffic interruptions throughout our communities. These extended outages also disrupted daily life, created challenges not only for our residents but also our local businesses. Additionally, we saw people who may be reliant on electricity for essential operations or medical equipment also be impacted. For those who rely on electricity for essential needs, these outages could have created serious challenges should they not already be pre-registered for programs throughce or the CPU. In response to these impacts, Mayor Kavanaaugh brought this item to our attention um so that the city council could have a discussion tonight related to how the city can better support our residents in preparing for and responding to PSPS events in the future.

On this next slide here, when PSPS events affect large portions of the community, it's important to note that behind the scenes, your city staff and your city council are advocating for our residents and our businesses by sharing local impacts and concerns with Southern California Edison. We're helping connect those same residents and businesses with representatives at Edison. circulating PSPS [music] preparedness information before, during, before, and during events. We're also sharing information in addition to Edison on where resiliency centers are set up. And we're doing that through our citywide communication channels. Uh we see resiliency centers set up, we saw it at a local hotel last year. We've also seen it here at our senior center uh on property here at our civic center. On the regulatory side of the house, uh, city staff and again your city council frequently engage with the California Public Utilities Commission, also known as CPU, which oversees all the utilities in California, uh, to raise concerns about the impact of prolonged outages, including the need for improved notification, greater utility accountability, stronger protections for medically vulnerable residents, accelerated grid hardening to res to to reduce reliance on shut offs, and of course, stronger for regulatory oversight of the utilities. While utility and state programs exist to support residents during PSPS events, navigating eligibility requirements can be challenging, particularly during or immediately following an outage. And as a result, cities and PSPS prone areas generally have focused their efforts on education outreach and assistance with navigating existing utility and state programs. On this slide, this is an example of

what our peer cities in practice are doing. For tonight's item, we took a look at Thousand Oaks, More Park, Camaro, Ventura, and Malibu, who've also has been most recently affected by a series of wildfire events, and took a look at what they were doing. These cities emphasized preparedness education, also had centralized PSPS resources on their website that connected directly out to supporting agencies or their utility companies. Targeted outreach to vulnerable populations are those most impacted by PSPS events. And then they also did additional outreach and coordination with Southern California Edison, the Fire Protection District, also known as VCFD, and other community partners. These approaches helped these cities improve awareness of available assistance and help community members more easily access existing resources and programs. This slide provides some highlevel context on where our backup power programs actually sit. Backup power incentives and rebates are not administered by cities and in our analysis of those cities nor did we identify any in California that do that. These programs are funded and managed by electrical electric utilities and also by the California Public Utilities Commission which is also the CPU. For CEI residents offers several programs and on the screen you see an example of some of those programs. everything from portable generators and portable power stations to free backup batteries for qualified medical baseline customers and they have other programs specific to battery storage or solar plus storage systems. Uh it's also important to note that when Edison came in January of last night uh last year to provide a presentation um they did a deep dive

into what some of these examples were and then through Edison one of the things they also have recently launched similar to an Amazon cart they have a store where you can go on and purchase some equipment or systems that they recommend related to power backup and they have kind of like their own Amazon cart of uh products. When we talk about programs that are available out there, it's also helpful to understand the cost context of what a backup power generator costs. Portable generators typically range anywhere between $700 to $3,000 and are generally used to support limited essential needs. If you're looking at a permanent installed standby generator that can support an entire home, um that's a much larger investment and can often exceed $10,000 to $20,000 once full installation costs are included. While the CP uh UC andCE incentives can help offset some of these costs, they don't cover full expense reimbursement. For example, a portable generator rebate. Generally, the program will do anything between$200 to6 to $600. That's between $200 to $600 for qualifying uh folks. Additionally, portable power station rebates of about $150 are also available. And some qualifying medical baseline customers may receive free battery systems through the critical care backup battery program. For reference in your staff report, there is full there is additional information surrounding these numbers. But essentially the key takeaway here is that yes, programs do exist as noted in this presentation, but it's not always easy to navigate or understand, especially during an event.

So when we look at what does the city currently do um outside of during PSPS events before or during events consistent with practices in peer cities the city currently provides outreach and education related to preparedness through our city communication channels up on this screen I've just put a highlevel overview of some of those it includes our city's website our monthly city focus newsletter which we leverage various messages throughout the for PSPS orCE programs and incentives. Social media coordination with our community partners, SCVTV, we do ads on our television public access channel,formational materials at all city sponsored events, and we have brochures available at our city facilities. on this next slide. Oh, and then one other thing is we also last year did city council presentations where Edison again came and presented to the council and then we also had 211 come and give an overview of how they can help customers. Just on this screen, this is a visual example to show you some of those elements when we talk about what we do on our website, which is the top left corner. That's a snapshot of our dedicated website. We bolstered that up last year and expanded it and reorganized some of the content. And we also have an FAQs there. Then we created uh specifically identified branding that PSPS big yellow tile to help get people's attention. We did social media messaging. And then what you also see is just a couple of examples of city focus articles. Um and then also we have the Edison flyer right there is in the center and that's one of the flyers that you'll see at our city facilities. Um going to our final two slides. When we look at potential actions for city council consideration, this may include opportunities to build on existing PSPS outreach and education

efforts by strengthening and coordinating our messaging as well as or or expanding our public education programs. In addition to broad community awareness efforts, city staff recommends focused enhanced education and outreach potentially in neighborhoods that are most impacted by PSPS events. And we can use data collected from Edison from 2024 and 2025 to identify those top areas. This could also include targeted informational materials, social media marketing to those neighborhoods, short video PSA announcements, public service announcements, educational presentations at neighborhood council meetings or HOAs, and also partnering with Edison to make sure that they are present at the table and also connecting residents specifically back to the programs that they support. So in to summarize our presentation, what's requested today is receiving and discussing this item, but then also providing direction on where you would like to see us lean in or amplify our efforts and then for reference for um the public's education. There is no fiscal impact associated with this item and the discussion that we're about to have. And should there should there be anything, we can return back to council with further information. That concludes my presentation. Thank you. Does council have any questions of staff? Council member Ayella,

not a question, just a comment for direction going forward. Thank you for bringing this up. Uh, mayor, the group that I'm most concerned with is the the seniors and those with disabilities because there's some great programs, but to try and go to the website to then apply for the programs is difficult to navigate, right? So, if you look at my household where I have some what my sister who is disabled, who has a wheelchair, who has a hospital bed that's run on batteries, a mother who is 86 years old, right? Neither one of them would be able to actually apply for these programs themselves. They're lucky that I'm there with them to actually log onto a computer, fill out an application, and get things done. So, for me, I think it would be great. And the senior center may already be doing something like this, but maybe we think in terms of instead of just giving them the information, doing more of a hands-on workshop where we have volunteers there, which I'm raising my hand to be one of them if we need it, right? to actually say, "Let us help you with the CCB BBB program, which is the crit critical care backup battery, which is free portable backups for power medical devices." Right? That's really important for people to have the um where we actually can walk them through the process and by the time they leave that little desk, their application is submitted. Right? So for me, it's more of a making sure that we're just not giving the vulnerable, the most vulnerable of our community the information, but actually helping them to actually get what they need. But our website, just to let you know, I did look at it before, you know, and took the time and there's a lot of great information on there. I don't think enough people take the time to look to see what's on our website because you have a lot of stuff listed on there's listed on there. Um, but it's just for those people who they're not going to have access to and to a computer, how to

nav know how to navigate those websites. Thank you, Council Member Rhodess. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, so I think I've solved this whole thing. Could you give me a cost estimate, please, of putting up our own power plant, distribution lines, and billing system? The county just declined. [laughter] We're going to have to return back to council with more information on that.

So, since the since the uh complete solution isn't there, um I I thank you for the the report and the the opening the conversation on how to get some of these things done. As council member Ayala said, there are um those that are vulnerable most vulnerable among us um that may not be doing the outreach until there is a problem. So, uh, as direction to staff, I would say, um, have a plan for the next PSPS event to blast out email, get out the sign up for Edison's early warning system. Being forewarned that that's coming is one of the best ways you can defense it. And their system is actually pretty darn good. They let you know days in advance that something is coming down the pike, but if you're not signed up for the system, you won't know. And you're probably not thinking, you know, gosh, I wonder if I can sign up for a system right now. When you have the problem is when you're going to react to it. So, if we could um put some sort of a blast campaign for the next time it happens to make sure, hey, if you don't want this to if you want warning for the next one, sign up now. We might get more people signing up on that system

once we get them. Council member Rhodess to that one because are you going to transition to a second point? Yeah, I'm I'm done with that point. Um can I add some context for that too?

Um also for awareness for the city council and thank you for your question. I am prepared to also add some information to that. So Edison does for every customer on an impacted circuit that's going to experience a PSPS regardless of signing up for it um they are notified. So regardless now what you see on the website to the uh what you see on the screen on the left is a screenshot of their website there are also voluntary notification requests that you can sign up for additional alerts. Um and then you can sign up for specific areas you would like to be alerted. So that is one change that has happened more recently. But to your point, yes, that is also something we can amplify.

Excellent. Um, and the glory of being on council is we get the PSPS notifications for every circuit and uh that's fun. Um, uh, in in LA County and here that affect our area. So, um um so because I'm a representative uh for the Clean Power Alliance, one of the um programs that you didn't mention on there and it's similar to Edison's, but it's actually an additional one are um battery backup systems um uh rebates and you can combine them, clean power alliance and an Edison rebate to make that rebate bigger. that it's a fairly limited program but I think that because we are participating in clean power alliance as the community choice aggregator that we should actually uh reach out to them and say we have a project for high fire zone areas for the most needed ones most vulnerable in that population in a high fire zone. Here's the cool thing about batteries for clean power alliance. For them, it's another power plant. When things are cruising along as they're supposed to, um, solar panels fill up the batteries during the day or you're taking it off the grid. And then, uh, clean power lines can take that off the battery when electricity is expensive. So, it's in their advantage to their advantage to actually get more battery systems out there in this program. And then when there's a PSPS event, they don't take your electricity, you get to use it. Um, if we could uh work up some sort of a program, even a pilot program that says highf fire zone, most vulnerable uh battery backup installations. Um, that that might be another avenue to to get some of the

most vulnerable. Um, and that's what I have for now.

Thank you, Mayor Prom Litster. Thank you. Thank you, Heather, for your presentation information. Um, I have something I wrote up that was as I'm reading this that I I was my angst just that we even have to have this discussion to be very honest. So, let me ask a a question first and then I'd love to just speak to the what I think is the bigger bigger discussion that should also occur. Um, you the website wonderful with all the listings of of availability. Are there live links throughout that website? So it so okay and I absolutely concur with thank you with with council member Ryola that that there should be physical assistance in completing forms because and maybe that's at the help counter at front. One more thing to add to their list of can dos but um I I just think your point is is very valid. Um, so as I was originally reading through the this report, I thought, why do we even need to have this discussion? We shouldn't be having PSPS events. That was that was I have to be honest, that was my first and and we and yes, of course, we should be doing everything to share information. Um, but what I'd also like to take this is what we should be doing to give our residents some hope and that that we are not just allowing it to continue and that it's going to get worse and worse, but that we are actively fighting against it. It was interesting. I did some historical context because I know it seemed like all of a sudden there's PSBS events happening. What, you know, what was the history? And I went back to learn that it was in 2012 that the P CPU um decided that finally that to allow San Diego after some of their fire instances to go ahead and have power safe public safety power shut offs, which also I'll get to in a moment is a misnomer. But anyway, um but I digress. It was in 2018 that that the CPU decided that all of

the privately held um power entities could then start offering PSPS events. And then all of a sudden 2019 it was like do you remember all of a sudden it was it was it it was seemed to be off for ad nauseium every other few weeks. Thanksgiving. How many Thanksgivings in a row that people couldn't cook their turkeys and and I have to tell you as a business owner I would have to send my employees home and still have to pay them but but we just couldn't we our equipment doesn't operate without power anyway. It just so anyway so um coming back to the [laughter] matter I would I would argue that I think our lobbying needs to really be bigger. In fact, um it was interesting um um one of the thoughts in the last paragraph on the first page, it says it talks about what we're doing about it, which is quite a bit to inform and help. But I would um one of the things that that I thought why don't that maybe we demand that our electric companies consider putting these big diesel generators at at our city limits or something where you you know with the power lines where they know it comes over the hill and all of a sudden there's going to be a problem. Maybe we should start lobbying for some type of a maybe like what you were suggesting your backup battery generators. Um but something at at the most frequently areas we know where they are and they tell us, "Oh, it's because they're part of this long thing that comes over the mountain and and so there's nothing we can do about it." Well, maybe we need to say, "Listen, you need to put a at that point that enters our city, we need a a generator of some kind that could at least string things along for a few hours." I don't know. I just I think maybe we need to get creative with our with our um angst and petition againstce. And so um and I think we need to call constantly be speaking but representing beforeCE and the and this CPU all of the problems that are beffect affected because truly they this is where I go

back to the misnomer and I'll get off my soap box. It's a public safety power shut off. This is to provide safety to the public. But the harms that are caused and that are created with this public safety event, and I'm not talking about spoiled food. I'm talking about crashes and intersections that go dark and um environmentally harmful emissions because everyone's now spewing diesel and um you know, I just and the businesses that are think considering moving because it's they can go to an area where there isn't this problem. And so I there's just so much harm to be caused. Anyway, so I'm sorry. I'll get off my soap box, but I just wanted to go there that I think in all of what we're doing for our community, we need to be doing more to let them know that we are really going to fight the fight that this is not okay.

Okay, I'll be done for a little bit. Thank you. And just in response to that, Mayor Promster, u one of the elements when we do lobby the CPU is specifically addressing um power safety, public safety, power shut off um does cause more safety concerns than just necessarily the fire risk. So, um that has been a a platform of ours um in arguing to the CPU that they need to be re-evaluated. So, um staff is definitely in concurrence with that.

Thank you. Thank you, city manager and assistant city manager. No, deputy city manager I say. I always get that mixed up for bringing this forward. My original intent was I was thinking maybe the city could possibly have some type of a assistance program for this, but the cost was just prohibitive. Um, so that's kind of what started it is it can we help the areas that constantly lose power. Um, but in Samantha was looking at it and it's just too prohibitive in in the cost. We would not be able to support everyone and then it would be well we help this house but not this house. So, this is the program or the plan that you guys came up with. I think it's great. I think there's a lot of good ideas here. Um, I really do like the idea of a workshop at the senior center. I mean, I'd be volunteer to help too at something like that. Um, because you're right, there are people that just may not have access to a computer, just don't have the ability to understand it or just get confused. I don't know how many times my sister helps my aunt with her phone, you know, that type of a thing. So, I think that would be a very uh good way to start. Um, as well as well as what council member RH said with the Clean Power Alliance, try and get get some more information on them and the blast out sign up for the Edison warnings. That was a good point. Um, Heather described that it's already on current, but then you can add for more. But I think the more and more advanced notice is best, but again, it's just like an earthquake. They need to be preparing today

for it to happen. And and I think that's where maybe maybe we can help a little bit more. Maybe we can push it a little bit more. Maybe we we can have a workshop. Maybe we can come up with a some type of a check sheet, you know, or something to to help. But we're on the right road in in in my opinion. This is a great start on this. And I think if we just need to run with it. So those are my thoughts. You have any questions of me, Heather? Sorry. Oh, Council Member Rhodess wants to talk again. Um [laughter] um I want to piggyback on the lobbying efforts um and with a question um uh with our lobbying firm with our um membership in Cal Cities um and our advocacy work in SKAG. Are we pushing on all of those uh but utilizing those lobbying groups to say the same thing and and are we getting resistance from any of those other partners? Um, I would say that we are definitely using our lobbying firm. Um, Cal Cities, um, is aware of the issue because it's not necessarily a statewide issue. Um, there are certainly cities that are more affected than others. Um, it's I'm not aware that they've really taken up that cause. Um, and then SCAG, we have not engaged with SCAG. Um, that is something that we could certainly do though. Um, I think that the You want to say something? No, I was going to say I was just I sit in the environmental committee where they discussed energy and we just had our meeting. It was not in the top three pri uh priorities in terms of what they're pushing for and just to piggyback what you're saying.

Well, and I'll also defer to Mayor Prom Litster. Um the environmental quality committee did receive a presentation from a group that does advocate on behalf of rateayers. Absolutely. To the CPU and so staff will be looking into that further [snorts] as well um to see if that's another arm that we can leverage. Good.

Thank you. Uh, city manager Arbright, one of the things also that was a special focus last year is in addition to the regional groups that you mentioned or statewide groups that you mentioned, Council Member Rhodess, there's also our our elected officials um those that sit on the state either through the House or through the Senate and it's working directly with the relationships with them and they advocated very strongly for Seami Valley and for the region of Ventur County as a whole. One of the unique things last year [clears throat] that took place was all cities throughout Ventura County went and lobbied uh in Sacramento specific to this asking for greater visibility and regulation from the CPU specifically because of all the impacts that were impacted uh all the impacts that happened in uh January of last year which I know you guys were also on calls um where there was a lot more transparency and what's happening and why is it happening and why is it taking so long? Um, so I would definitely say in light of recent years of events, advocacy is ramped up significantly and we can look at exploring that further. Thank you. Any other comments or questions of staff? No. Thank you, Heather, for a wonderful program or excuse me, report. Thank you.

Can we get a motion? Do we need a motion to um go forward with the recommendations in um then I think the recommendation or the the motion should include having um special seminars and having um uh assistance with completion of of applications and investigating um clean power alliance backup battery gener uh resources for our residents. Is there anything else? And to continue to focus on um and to continue to focus our lobbying efforts including SCAGs um being very vocal in there of the importance of this issue.

Second. Call for the vote.

The motion passes unanimously. Thank you, Madame Mayor and members of the city council. So, next on the agenda is item 10A, city council member reports. Council member Ayala.

Thank you. On January 14th, I had a my one-on-one meeting with city manager Argite. On January 16th, we had the California Fish Grill [snorts] ribbon cutting grand opening. I had never been to one of them before. I loved it. I've been back three times since then, but probably because it's around the corner from my house, so it makes it really easy to do. And it closes at nine o'clock. So, if you talk really fast, that is for that is my dinner tonight. Uh Janu that's not intended to any one of you. Just if you talk, you buy me dinner, we'll talk about it. [laughter]

January 19th was the MLK Day of Service with our partners through the park district who sponsor different events around the city. And so my assignment was at the equestrian center to do some painting and things like that. It was a great day of service and our youngest volunteer was five years old and he was she did the sanding and everything. So it was really great. Everyone came out. So thank you for all the volunteers who came out for MLK day of service. I then um was fortunate enough to be asked to be the MC um at the peace vigil at St. Francis of Aisi that evening and that brought together between seven and nine seven and 10 nonprofits uh to put this organ this event together to emphasize volunteerism and service in your community. So it's a really great turnout of a packed house really um a great event on January 20th. We talked about this earlier about the homeless count happening on Wednesday. I went to the training for the homeless count on January 20th and I'll take part in that on Wednesday. I also that same day attended the we had as a council put together the um voted to put representation for the 250th ann of birthday of America uh for the 4th of July event. We had our first planning committee meeting and it was very good, very great. And I think by the next council meeting, I should be able to have a little uh report as to what the plan will be to give you guys some highlights. So, we have something to look forward to for that big Fourth of July event. January 21st and 22nd, I was in Sacramento at the Mayor and Council Members Academy. Um, and got to I love going to things where I get to learn more. And I was talking to a couple members earlier that for me the most educational was the session on

effective advocacy and key city issues. And in that session, different lobbyists that were representing things like public safety, housing, transportation were able to brief us on the 2026 advocacy priorities and uh because they know that they brought forth those items that really affect um those at the local level. So, it really allowed me to be educated on those items and to pay attention to them as they come up later in the year for votes and things like that. January 24th was the groundbreaking for the YMCA expansion. A very well attended. That facility is going to be really great when it's when it's done. And uh and a shout out if anyone wants to contribute to the capital campaign. You can go to the YMCA's website and be a contributor uh to help with that expansion. [clears throat] That evening, I attended and volunteered at the Ed Ed Foundation's bowling fundraiser. It was their first one they had. All of the money goes back to schools, to student scholarships, to grants for teacher teachers classrooms. Um, council member Judge was there as a bowler. Yeah. So, I so he was able to bowl there with his family and I was there to to help um with the uh fundraising itself. So, that is the end of my report. Thank you.

Thank you, Council Member Rhodess. Thank you, Madame Mayor. On Tuesday, no, sorry, Wednesday, January 14th, uh, Councilwoman Lit or Mayor Prom Litster and I uh attended the Cranial Technologies ribbon cutting. Um, it was at the town center. The address was the town center. We wandered around for a while and figured out it's mobile and it's in the parking lot of the town center. We found it. Look for the balloons. Just look for the balloons. Um um uh congratulations to that organization. Um they're doing a route between here, Santa Clarita and Thousand Oaks and um Ventura Camrio I think

Camrio. Thank you. Um and uh it it is solving a problem that I didn't even know existed and those that are uh dealing with the issue um it's it's it's very emotional and um and they're able to get help locally. So, congratulations on having them do a route through see me. On uh Thursday, January 15th, I took the Zoom training of the uh point in time count um continuum of care training and um so I'm prepared to do that again. Uh since it wasn't my first time, the Zoom training allowed me to um go faster through the the the training process. Um that afternoon the Clean Power Alliance had a meeting uh which I went over and took at the More Park City Hall just because I wanted to see their facilities. It was a noticed location. Um at that meeting a rate adjustment was um passed through and something that I just need Seami Valley to understand about rates. Um, we opted to be part of the clean power alliance. If you didn't opt out, you are opted in. And, um, there are three tiers of electricity that we could opt in, our city chose the um, lowest cost tier. And since that decision was made with the exception of two months, the power that we are purchasing is cheaper than what we would get the same thing from Edison. If we had gone into the uh fully clean energy, the the most expensive side, um we'd be paying consistently 6 to 12% more for the same energy that we could have purchased through Edison. And so, um I I praise the councils that came

before us for making that decision. Um and uh I argued hard to say we still have to be under. I will tell you that right now we're only about.7% under Edison's base rate, but it's still under and and I fight for that at these rate adjustments. Um it'll probably be set reset again uh around March. Uh and we should be looking even better uh for paying for our energy. So, for those of you thinking about cost of living and affordability, we're paying less for our energy than if we were just going through Edison. On Friday, January 16th, I also attended the opening of the California Fish Grill. And um I didn't eat the food because I was running to the next thing and I'm disappointed I haven't gone back, but I'll do that. Um, if you'll indulge me for a personal moment, on Monday, January 19th was an incredibly special anniversary for myself. Um, uh, it I went to dinner with my wife, Tony Philado, and Evelyn Garfield, and it was the 10th anniversary of Tony receiving my kidney. And I say that out loud for you all because now you know somebody that's donated a kidney. So if anyone in your circle ever says, "Oh my gosh, I need a kidney." You can be past the fear factor and the yuck factor, there's somebody who's done it ahead of you. And my stepmother was my example. And if I can be that for anyone else, uh, and if you ever have any questions about that process, I would love to talk to you about it. So thank you for that indulgence on that. Um, Wednesday, January 21st. Um, I was uh honored to present uh for our region Thousand Oaks more park and

see me. I'm the Skagg Regional Council representative uh at a earlier meeting here. Kaji, the CEO of uh Skagg came and gave us a presentation. Um, I got to give a much more abbreviated version of that and it was probably, if you ask city council there, too long. I presented that to the Moore Park City Council on the 21st and was able to field questions about RENA allocations and those things that are uh coming up again. On Thursday, January 22nd, I attended um a committee for SCAg. It's the general assembly host committee where we are raising money for that event. Um uh that evening uh the mayor and I got to uh attend Assembly District 42 Community Excellence Awards and we were there mostly because one of our own is being uh was being celebrated and um I can't wait to um bring him forward and I would I would doesn't need to be an agenda item but I would like us to present um to celebrate our own his heroic story was one I want to tell at that time. And if I got the name right, it's Malcolm Dixs.

Captain Malcolm Dixs. Dick. Right. Okay. So, we want to tell his story. That was spectacular. And thank you to the assembly uh woman for having those awards in the district. On Friday, January 23rd, um I flew up to Sacramento in the same string of events that uh Council Member Ayala was at. I I attended the uh League of California Cities Housing Committee um subcommittee meeting um and we agreed on what our platform was moving forward. And that is the end of my report. Thank you, Council Member Judge.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. On uh excuse me, Wednesday, January 14th, I attended the swearing in ceremony of four new officers here for the City Valley Police Department. Glad we got them on board. On Thursday, January 15th, I had a meeting with the city manager and staff about relocating a business in our town from one location to another and trying to facilitate that and expedite it for them. On January 16th, I attended the grand opening of the California Fish Grill. And on Saturday, January 24th, I participated, I went over to the Baker to Vegas fundraiser for our police department and bought some tickets and had breakfast. And then I had to take my brother to the airport, which is why I missed the opening of the YMCA. on uh Saturday, Saturday the 24th, I also attended that evening the Super Bowl for Education for Education Foundation. Had a lot of fun doing it and council member Ayola did a great job as MC. That's been my report.

Thank you, Mayor Prom Litster.

Thank you, Mayor. On January 13th, Tuesday, I had a meeting with a resident Doug Lipky with our city manager Argite and Mr. Ron Fujiwalki. He is a he spoken to us previously very concerned about overgrown vegetation cleanup etc. But I think that he was pleased with progress and understood that it takes time but that that progress is being made. So I appreciated that meeting we had together on Wednesday January the 14th. Um it was quite educational to attend the cranial technologies ribbon cutting with council member Rhodess. Um what I what this is the first time this this agency they have brick and mortars all over the place but this is their first um think of a think of a um RV or think I would say like a library u you know whatever office RV anyway but they have scheduled specifically Wednesday appointments here in Seami Valley and here to for if a young parents needed a child who needed a cranial it's those the helmets that help that shape their their um skull, etc. into proper shape for various reasons. We learned um medical as well as um aesthetics, but um they would have to travel to Pasadena or some are quite distant. This and it has to be checked every other week or so. And so this is a great service to have this here in Semi Valley. And so yes, they start Santa Cruz, but Wednesday they in Semi Valley, they go and there was a discussion they didn't have actually Friday set up in Thousand Oaks. We suggested they just come right on back to Seami Valley. It wasn't very far for Thousand Oaks to drive, so we'll see if that materializes, but they very much appreciated our welcome. Um, I too attended the swearing in ceremony for officers Jorge Pineda, Evan Hutchkins, and Timothy Mccon. Um, um, great glad to have some great officers coming on board. Um, and then that evening attended the ambassador's roundt conversation at the Reagan Library where

the ambassador to NATO spoke. in addition to ambassadors um three from that represent of Poland, US ambassadors to Poland, Czech Republic, Netherlands, very timely as as our these international inter um experiences are taking place and to get their perspective as ambassadors. Um it was very very educational. Thursday, January the 15th, I attended a um meeting with Gail Sutton and the Kaneo Semi Valley Morpark Association of Realtors with Mayor Kavanaaugh and it was good to meet with them and to hear their concerns and really they just are looking to address positive housing issues here in Semi Valley. Wanted to know what housing was coming online. Uh we discussed rising costs etc. But it was a very good meeting. That afternoon I had a meeting with VCOG um the administration committee meeting. Five Friday January 16th I too attended the California Fish Grill. I learned that that is their number 66 entity here in um here in Semi Valley. They clearly it's been wellreceived across Southern California and I want you to know I I too have not eaten there. Although I took my husband the next night to but when we saw how long the line was we went next door to Urban Cafe which was lovely as well. So I will get there though. I will get there. Um on Monday, January the 19th, um I stepped at Martin Luther King um Junior Day, appreciated um time to commemorate and I will tell you because it was one of those holidays that's getting more and more attention. I was at a park with my grandkids. You will not believe the number of people who were there with their families. Anyway, but I will tell you that um council member Ayala did a great job mcing the peace vigil that was held at St. Francis of a CC Episcopal Church. Well done. Tuesday, January 20th, I too retook homeless training to be part of the count. Um, and then that evening spoke for the at the youth council about my um involvements with the city and history and what but really my takeaway is great group of youth

doing lots and lots of great activities and there were easily 20 other youth there just observing because they want the opportunity to be part of it next year. So really it's a a great program we have. Wednesday, January 21st, I um flew up with council member Arabbrite to attend the mayor and council members academy. It was a refresher course. Um and I will will say I took several things away from it. First of all, some of it is about meeting with people and and establishing relationships that can mean something for the city. Some of it too and their teeth. They're laughing at me. She's laughing at me because I was encouraging that and mayor council member Ryala was suggesting I didn't want to be hanging out with them but no it was very much the opportunity to meet people um and also certainly to gain insights about government good governance. I will tell you one of the best uh rel uh new relationships was the council members of Tahachchip who have done some amazing things with murals and artistic um with no with this uh budget of zero for their community and I was really inspired and so I'm going to reach out to them to see ways that we can work with our arts um projects here in the in their community. Um just some of my takeaways quickly. I thought I'd just draw jot a few few things with the training that took place on Wednesday and Thursday. Um the opening remarks by the president said cities are like fingers. We need to make a fist and become one. In other words, we need to work together cities to get things done. I like that thought. Just a reminder that we are one of the 74 largest cities in in the state of California. It's good to remember that we we have some mass and we can get some things done. Um I was reminded in the legislative advocacy session um about legal powers, obligations, etc. In a sense, a city we have the opportunity to be three bodies all contained in one. Legislative, judicial, executive, and I just hadn't really thought about that before, but

that was a a good reminder. Um, I also learned that Mayor Kavanaaugh, just so you know this, I learned that yes, agendas have to be posted 72 hours in advance, but if there's a special meeting, they can happen concurrently. Something comes up, you can call a special meeting and and anyway, they could all happen together. So, I just if something happens last minute, Oh, I'm not going there. I'm sorry. I don't know if you heard what he just said. Some cities do allow the mayor protend to be part of the agenda setting, but I but I was not going there. That's mayor that's council member Ball is that no I'm very fine with how it's done right now. [laughter] Um anyway, so that and just good things to be learned there. On um Friday uh January 23rd, I did um actually throw my hat and try to be considered as a city representative for LAFCO. Um it was a I will I was not selected. They did they reappointed Bert Pllo who is of Oxnard but the experience of applying for that position and I I'm grateful to uh Mayor Kavanaaugh and the others who voted for me and and again I wasn't able to be there in person. I always had to be over Zoom but the the experience of applying I became a LFCO um not expert but I did lots of reading etc and learned so much about the process that I actually think it might be nice to have the um director Ky Luo of LAFCO be present a little bit to educate us because those are some issues that we are facing. Um, and a couple quick little things I learned. It was in 200 they laugh was farm in 63. 2003 is when they made the decision that if we annex over more than 40 acres or more that we have to then annex the islands. That was a decision made in 2003. Not specific to Semi Valley, specific to the entire county. And several cities have

already done that. The other thing I learned is they very much are that towards the end of the process that in the last 10 years they have 100% approved every annexation that's come before them. So anyway, I just it was an interesting process. I also attended the environmental quality policy committee there in Sacramento um for the League of Cities. And as um uh our city manager, Argite mentioned, the speaker, Linda Sarzawa, who is the director of California public advocates office exists to advocate for rates for our rateayers. and she brought up the the the the um statistic that I found very telling that our electric rates now right now put us with the what we have to pay for electric vehicle rates and for gasoline are just a hairs away from each other. The idea was it was supposed to be such a power savings. The way rates are going right now that's not you can't say that very much longer and it costs just as much to drive electric car as far anyway. So that was that was but so we but I know that we can work with them and advocating for rate payers. Um that was that was Friday. Saturday, I attended um yes, that wonderful ribbon cutting and reminder that the city's allowance of them to use some of our land there at a re reasonable rate allows much of that to happen. And yes, Super Bowl education was great. Lots of great things happen in our community. That ends my report. Thank you, Mayor Prom. On Thursday, January 15th, I had a busy day. So, from 8:30 to 9, I had my weekly touch base with our city manager. From 9:00 to 10, I also met with CSM, Kaho Sim Park Association Realtors. It was their legislative committee and they like to once a year meet with each of the cities uh to to share thoughts, ideas, and to see if there's anything they could do to help us. And we offered if there's anything we can do for you, just let us know. Um from 12 or at noon,

I went over to the Remax um office on Sei Town Center Way and met with they have a monthly group. met with about 20 to 25 realtors um just to give them an update on what's going on in Semi Valley and to answer any questions they might have. I do have a couple of questions that I will forward to the city manager that I said I would get back to them on. Um one was what the property that sold recently on Presidio and is it Tapo? They wanted to know what was it what that was about, what the um zoning is. They were scared it was going to be apartments. So, I I I'm putting you on the spot, so I I didn't want I will I will send that to you. Um I told them I would get them some answers. And then that afternoon, I had the pleasure of attending the um EDC's annual meeting. So, they do that every January. And I was honored to be a part of the panel where we spoke about film. So, myself and Supervisor Parvin um represented the film industry for this area. and we both uh were ve very able were able to be very proactive about what we want to do with filming and that we're doing our best to to move forward. County CEO Sevette Johnson was also there and so I think we the panel actually was very interesting and I'm not just saying that because I was on it. I'm saying that because past ones have been very dry. So, so this one was a I we got a lot of compliments on it. It was a very interesting uh topic and subject and Alander Gatan uh and facilitated it and she did a great job. Um let's see. Next, on Wednesday, January 21st, I attended the Seroptimist uh stop human trafficking awareness month event. It's always a great event. Um it's very well attended. There were more people here there this year than there were two years ago when they did the same type of thing. Um the speaker Rebecca Bender I believe her name was. She is a um she

was a trafficked at one point in time. She was an awesome speaker. Has a great story to tell about how it work how she got in how she got out and she has a book out if you ever want to look at it. She was very very good really really really good at her speech. She has a f she has had a daughter during the time. So, it was a different story than the speaker we had two years ago. So, you can see it's not a one-sizefits-all when they get trafficked. It hits all areas in all different ways. But, it was a great event. Sir Optimus is very, very passionate about stop human trafficking awareness, stop human trafficking, and they do a great job on that. On Thursday, January 22nd, I also attended Supervis or Assembly Members Irwin's uh awards over over at the Agora Hills Recreation Center. Whoa. It's a beautiful building. It's on top of a hill. It's really gorgeous. I had to call Council Member Rhodess to find it. [laughter] I'm like, where are you? Um and it was very much an honor to uh LA LFD County. Uh, Captain Malcolm Dixs was honored as the first responder for the 42nd district. So, it was great and he has the story behind why he was honored and why he was chosen is just amazing. So, we will have him come to see me valley to our city council. He lives here and and with his wife and two children, his wife Tracy. Um, so it would be great. It will be fun to honor him here and he's just a very humble guy. And the part of the story is that he works on urban rescue, I think is what his in training countywide, statewide, he wasn't working the fires. He wasn't assigned to a fire station. He went down to help. So that's kind of the the part of it. So, but I don't want to spoil the story. So, but it was great to recognize him. On Friday, January 23rd, I attended the city selection committee in the m in the

morning where we uh had Mayor Prom Litster apply for the um this LFCO position. I I will let you know last time we tried we didn't get any votes hardly or one. We had a 5-3 vote. So, we were close this time and Thousand Oaks wasn't there. It might have been even closer. So, but it was great. Um they did reappoint Bert Pllo which was good. But council or mayor prom liter had a very good resume and was very impressive to some of the other cities. So, thank you for applying. And that afternoon of lunchon, I went to the Kaho Sim Park Association Realtor 17th annual awards and installation lunchon. And that runs from two. That's a long lunchon, very long lunchon. Um, but it was great. I was with Supervisor Parvin also at that one. And they did a they installed Ryan Huggin is the new um president for CSMR and he's going to do a great job. He's also on the legislative committee. So he was one of the gentlemen that was here when we met with the mayor prom also. So they do great things and look forward to his year as president. On Saturday I also attended the SE Valley YMCA's groundbreaking event. Again that was very good. They did a great job on that. I'm excited about what they're going to be building there. And like council member Iela said if you can donate please donate. Uh they're looking for the community's information or the community's part now. And that evening, I went to the Semi Valley PD's Baker to Vegas fundraiser um at Cronies. It was a great event. They had people all day long um come in and buy buy tickets. I stayed for the drawings and I didn't win anything, but I probably should have left. But they had a really good turnout. I think they did great on their ticket sales. Um and so if you want to support them, look in you can look into that, too. And then I can't wait to see what place they play place when they

come back. So they're very excited about it. And then this today I had the pleasure of sitting in on a site council meeting with Santa Susanna Elementary School. We did it on Zoom. So we went over their um school safety program, but she also went over the the principal is um I wrote Stacy Walker. Very very nice. and she's been there for a while, so she knows a lot of knows a lot about the community there and and their their student body. And it was interesting to see the different things they do. They have a dashboard that each school has. It's very interesting. The state makes them do that. You can look at statistics on where they are academically, um, English language, mathematics. It it was very, very interesting to share all that. But their safety program is pretty good. They It's I'm I'm impressed by what the schools do. They work very well with the PD. I know she was talking about they had done something with RPD before and I guess it's a new thing. They're going to be some of the schools will be contacting me to go over it with them. So, I know this was Santa Susanna Elementary and I know Crestview has already reached out too, but it's I think it it's a good combination to get city and sing and uh schools working together again. So, it was very um very informative. I enjoyed it meeting them. Um, and I look forward to meeting Crest View, too. So, that's it for my report agenda 10B. Madame Mayor, members of the city council, next on the agenda is 10B, uh, council member requests for future items. Any requests? All right. Not not seeing any. We will be adjourning in memory of Stephanie Tolson this evening. She's the wife of John Tullson who is a very good

big member of our chamber and is also one of our planning commissioners. So we will now be adjourned. Thank you.