Meeting Minutes

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY East Richmond

Heights Municipal Advisory Council

6:30 PM

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Open Door United Methodist Church, 6226

Arlington Blvd |

https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/89528918999?

pwd=4uftQvRgGrauBDkPTc6DbK4VqlQiAB.1

Jon Sargent (Chair), Victoria Lynn Curtis (Vice-Chair), Jinwei Zhang, Joann Pavlinec, Pam

DeWitt, Bara Sapir

Agenda Items: Items may be taken out of order based on the business of the day and preference of the

Committee

Roll Call and Introductions

Treasurer's Report

Approval of Minutes

26-302

erhMACMinutes_11.19.25

Attachments:

Presentations

P.1. Presentation by Contra Costa County Supervisor’s Office

County staff have initiated preliminary internal discussions regarding potential updates to the

County’s noise regulations. An initial meeting was recently held to begin outlining the possible

scope of proposed regulations and to identify key considerations that may

inform future policy development. Formal drafting of proposed regulations is not expected to

begin until these preliminary discussions are complete. Community input opportunities will be

shared as the process advances and additional milestones are reached.

P.2. Presentation by Sheriff’s Office Bay Station Commander, Lt. Brian Fitzgerald

P.3. Presentation by Richmond Police Department, Sgt. Terry Thomas

P.4. Presentation by California Highway Patrol, Officer Rivera (tentative)

P.5. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Update, Michelle Rinehart

i. Code Adoptions Fire Prevention staff worked with other fire departments in the

County to evaluate local amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code (effective

January 1, 2026) and the new 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (effective

January 9, 2026). The coordinated effort ensures greater consistency and alignment

among jurisdictions.

ii. ISO Classification Improvement The District completed the Insurance Services Office

(ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating system process. This review,

conducted every 10 years, improved the ISO PPC score to a rating of Class 2/2Y for

the entire District. This is an improvement from a Class 3/8b rating previously held by

the District. The improved ISO rating validates the work performed by the District in

improving structural firefighting capabilities through staffing, apparatus procurement and

deployment, training, fire prevention, emergency communications, and dispatch.

iii. New Fire District Website A refreshed website was launched in December 2025

provides easier navigation to information and tools for the public. In addition, the new

website is fully compliant with all applicable ADA regulations and requirements. Same

address: www.cccfpd.org

iv. Zone 0 and Insurance Resources Next state Regulatory Committee meeting on

Zone 0 is scheduled in March 2026. Additional homeowner resources (shared in chat):

California Department of Insurance for legislation updates @

https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/200-wrr/ Safer from Wildfires @

https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/200-wrr/Safer-from-Wildfires.cfm United

PolicyHolders (insurance advocacy) WRAP Resource Center @

https://uphelp.org/preparedness/wrap-resource-center/ United PolicyHolders Buying

Tips @

https://uphelp.org/buying-tips/dropped-by-your-insurer-where-to-go-for-help-in-california

v. Fireworks Update (SB 828) Deputy Fire Marshal Aubert provided testimony in

support of SB 828 on January 13 before the Senate Governmental Organizations

Committee and on January 14th before the Senate Local Government Committee, on

behalf of the District and the California Fire Chiefs Association. SB 828 strengthens

California’s fireworks licensing and storage laws by closing regulatory gaps that have

allowed unsafe operations to go undetected.

P.6. Presentation by West County Wastewater, Judy Chen

Judy Chen explained West County Wastewater’s sewer lateral compliance program, which ensures

property owners maintain and repair private sewer laterals to protect public health and the environment.

The agency offers up to $4,500 in incentives for repairs in high-infiltration areas, with possible

expanded rebates for low-income homeowners. The council and public posed questions about eligibility

and program administration.

P.7. Presentation by Animal Services Director, Ben Winkleblack, "County Animals Services

Ordinances"

Contra Costa County Animal Services provided a comprehensive operational update. The department

has expanded clerical support and added an adoption coordinator to streamline processes and improve

accessibility. Plans are underway to open the adoption center seven days per week, with implementation

anticipated upon completion of staff training.

The shelter facility was designed to house approximately 112 dogs and a similar number of cats but has

recently experienced significant capacity pressures, including managing approximately 170 dogs. Staff

emphasized that capacity is fluid and dependent not only on total numbers but also on animal stress

levels and care needs. Regular operational meetings are held to assess and adjust care plans accordingly.

Field Services has implemented a new deployment model assigning officers to specific geographic areas

to improve continuity of care and response times. This approach has resulted in reduced response times

and increased enforcement actions for serious animal welfare violations. The department continues to

prioritize injured or aggressive animals and critical investigations.

Community outreach efforts have expanded, including vaccine clinics, microchip events, and

partnerships with community-based organizations to assist low-income residents and pet owners

experiencing housing instability. Adoption remains a priority over fostering due to capacity needs, with

a foster cap of approximately 40 animals at any given time.

The department also addressed concerns related to backyard breeding and emphasized the importance of

humane education initiatives to reduce demand and promote responsible pet ownership. Collaboration

continues with nonprofit partners, including the House Rabbit Society, which remains active and

supportive in rabbit rescue efforts. Updates regarding Jelly’s Place are pending as discussions continue

regarding future location and sustainability plans.

Discussion Items

Subcommittee Reports

SR.1 Land Use Committee: Joann Pavlinec, Jinwei Zhang

The Council reviewed a land use permit application for a proposed boutique winery at 6102 Park

Avenue. The applicant seeks approval for on-site tasting and limited special events within an existing

1,440-square-foot facility.

Proposed tasting hours would occur Fridays through Sundays from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.,

accommodating approximately 20-25 guests per session. Up to six special events per year are proposed,

with a maximum of 125 attendees per event. Weddings would not be permitted. Twelve on-site paved

parking spaces are proposed, and the applicant is exploring additional parking arrangements for larger

events.

Recommended conditions for approval include fire district review and approval of fire apparatus

turnaround access, hydrant testing and maintenance planning, submission of a parking management

plan, and a noise management plan limiting outdoor music to 60 decibels consistent with neighborhood

standards. An alcohol risk management plan addressing food service, alternate beverages, and safe

transportation options was also recommended, along with advance notification to nearby residents for

special events.

Council members raised concerns regarding bathroom and leach field capacity for larger gatherings and

emphasized the need for County review of maximum occupancy levels. Additional concerns were

expressed regarding wildfire risks associated with nearby open space and potential trail activity. These

concerns will be conveyed to the Fire District for review and awareness.

Agenda Items / Speakers for Upcoming ERHMAC Meetings

Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this agenda

(speakers may be limited to two minutes).

Public comments included interest in wildfire mitigation efforts, concerns about fire safety related to

parkland and trail use, and general questions regarding land use and infrastructure. The importance of

public participation and access to project information was emphasized.

The next meeting is currently scheduled for February 18, 2026

Adjourn

The Council will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities planning to attend the

Council meetings. Contact the staff person listed below at least 72 hours before the meeting. Any

disclosable public records related to an open session item on a regular meeting agenda and distributed by

the County to a majority of members of the Council less than 96 hours prior to that meeting are available

for public inspection at Open Door United Methodist Church (6226 Arlington Blvd, Richmond, CA

94805) during normal business hours. Staff reports related to items on the agenda are also accessible

online at www.contracosta.ca.gov. If the Zoom connection malfunctions for any reason, the meeting may

be paused while a fix is attempted. If the connection is not reestablished, the committee will continue the

meeting in person without remote access. Public comment may be submitted via electronic mail on

agenda items at least one full work day prior to the published meeting time.

For Additional Information Contact: Ronnie Mills, ronnie.mills@bos.cccounty.us, (510) 942-2222