Meeting Minutes  
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY El Sobrante  
Municipal Advisory Council  
7:00 PM  
Wednesday, January 14, 2026  
El Sobrante Library (4191 Appian Way, El  
Sobrante) | Zoom:  
https://cccounty-us.zoom.us/j/81525783864?  
pwd=WNF5DpmDaaiSkzDdZE3akAWcgW3i1  
O.1  
Thomas Lang (Chair), George Cleveland (Vice-Chair), Tom Owens, Dr. Melinda V. Mclain, Jim  
Hermann, Randy Loyd, Mikki Norris, Teri Edlinger, Jedd Hart  
Agenda Items: Items may be taken out of order based on the business of the day and preference of the  
Committee  
1.  
Roll Call and Introductions  
00:01:08  
George Cleveland, Teri Edlinger, Jedd Hart, James Hermann,  
Thomas Lang, Randy Loyd, and Mikki Norris  
Present  
Melinda McLain  
Tom Owens  
Excused  
Absent  
2.  
Treasurer's Report  
00:01:57  
$3,000  
3.  
Approval of Minutes  
00:02:06  
This was approved.  
Motion:  
Lang  
Second:  
Cleveland  
26-31  
MeetingMinutes_esMAC_12.10.25  
Attachments:  
4.  
Presentations  
P.1. County Update, Supervisor John Gioia  
00:05:28  
Updates were provided on several countywide and District 1 matters. The Council received an update on  
the proposed County noise ordinance, which is anticipated to be considered by the Board of Supervisors  
later in January. Information was also shared regarding the 48th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day  
Commemoration, scheduled for January 20.  
P.2. Sheriff’s Office Bay Station Update, Lt. Fitzgerald  
P.3. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Update, Michelle Rinehart  
00:19:20 An update was provided on Contra Costa Fire Protection District’s ongoing wildfire mitigation  
efforts within the district. The update highlighted collaborative mitigation projects conducted in  
partnership with Civicor and other local organizations, including recent work completed in the Windy  
Flats area. These efforts were described as multi-agency and community-supported initiatives aimed at  
reducing wildfire risk and improving overall resilience.  
The Council was informed of the adoption of the 2025 California Fire Code and the 2025 California  
Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code, which will guide future fire prevention and safety standards. It  
was also noted that the district’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating has improved to Class 2 and 2Y,  
reflecting enhancements in fire protection services and emergency response capabilities.  
Additional updates included the launch of a new fire district website, which was designed to meet  
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements, improving public access to  
information and services.  
P.4. California Highway Patrol (tentative)  
P.5. 5070-5098 Sobrante Avenue, EPA Grant Application and Project Update, John Promani  
00:31:06 The Council discussed redevelopment plans for the former El Sobrante Christian School site.  
The discussion focused on the proposed mix of uses, including affordable housing, a  
neighborhood-serving grocery store, and space for nonprofit organizations. Council members  
emphasized the importance of community-serving amenities as part of any future redevelopment.  
5.  
Discussion Items: DI. Development plan applications, variance reports, building  
modification requests, appeals etc., received in the previous month from the Contra Costa  
County Conservation and Development Department and Notices of Public Hearing  
DI.1 - County File Number: CDLP25-02046 (4100 SAN PABLO DAM RD, EL SOBRANTE, CA  
94803) The applicant requests approval of a Land Use Permit to allow for the renewal of a licensed  
cannabis dispensary (Artist Tree) previously approved under CDLP20-02016  
01:23:00 The Council considered the renewal of the land use permit for the Artist City Cannabis  
Dispensary. Following discussion, a motion was made to approve the permit renewal. The motion  
passed without objection.  
The Council also discussed the ongoing telecommunications facility issue, including prior community  
concerns related to the cell tower and the need for additional investigation and regulatory compliance  
review. Members emphasized the importance of receiving updated technical and policy information  
before taking further action.  
To support continued review, the Council discussed requesting a presentation from the Department of  
Conservation and Development (DCD). It was agreed that staff would reach out to DCD to invite Jason  
to provide an informational presentation at the next meeting to address the cell tower concerns and  
clarify applicable standards and processes.  
26-32  
CDLP25-02046 ACR  
Attachments:  
DI.2 - (Update) Countywide Noise Ordinance  
DI.3 - Elections for esMAC Chair/Vice-Chair  
00:02:54  
The Council conducted its annual officer elections. Tom Lane was elected Chair, and George was  
elected Vice Chair.  
6.  
Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this  
agenda (speakers may be limited to two minutes).  
01:24:27 The Council also revisited concerns related to electromagnetic field (EMF) levels associated  
with a telecommunications facility located at 435 Valley View Road. Members noted the need for  
additional investigation and clarity regarding regulatory compliance and legal limits, with plans to  
continue the discussion at a future meeting. The possibility of establishing or identifying an appropriate  
oversight body for telecommunications compliance was raised.  
7.  
Information Items  
01:40:05  
8.  
Subcommittee Reports – Next Clean Up, January 17, 2026  
01:42:04 The Beautification Subcommittee provided an update on efforts to organize community  
cleanups within El Sobrante. Discussion included coordination with Republic Services to support litter  
cleanup efforts and reduce County costs. Members also highlighted the importance of utilizing the 15  
free bags provided to residents for defensible space and vegetation management.  
9.  
Agenda Items / Speakers for Upcoming ESMAC Meetings  
02:00:31 The Council discussed inviting Jason from the Department of Conservation and Development  
(DCD) to provide an informational presentation at the February meeting. A Council member also shared  
general information about service on the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury, underscoring the role of  
public oversight in county governance.  
Upcoming and potential presentations were discussed, including informational items related to  
osteoporosis, respiratory diseases, and traffic calming measures such as speed bumps.  
The next meeting is currently scheduled for February 11, 2026  
Adjourn  
02:08:12  
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 El Sobrante Library (4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante, CA 94803) 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 Council 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