Meeting Minutes  
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY El Sobrante  
Municipal Advisory Council  
7:00 PM  
Wednesday, February 11, 2026  
El Sobrante Library (4191 Appian Way, El  
Sobrante) | Zoom:  
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  
00:00:48  
George Cleveland, Teri Edlinger, Jedd Hart, Thomas Lang, Randy  
Loyd, Melinda McLain, and Mikki Norris  
Present  
Absent  
James Hermann, and Tom Owens  
2.  
3.  
Pledge of Allegiance  
Treasurer's Report  
00:02:03  
MAC treasury was reported to be $3,000  
4.  
Approval of Minutes  
This was approved.  
Aye:  
Cleveland, Edlinger, Hart, Lang, Loyd, and Norris  
Hermann, and Owens  
Absent:  
Abstain:  
Result:  
McLain  
Passed  
Attachments:  
00:02:23  
Meeting minutes were approved without substantive amendment.  
Motion:  
Second:  
Cleveland  
Lang  
5.  
Presentations  
P.1. County Update, Supervisor John Gioia  
00:02:55  
Supervisor Gioia provided an update on several funding initiatives impacting District 1. Each  
supervisorial district has been allocated $1 million through the new Community Impact Fund grant  
program, focused on addressing health and economic disparities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit  
organizations or projects operating with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor, with grants capped at $50,000 per  
award.  
In addition, a separate $36 million funding program, derived from fines and penalties associated with  
refinery pollution violations, is being administered through the regional Air District. These funds are  
designated to improve public health outcomes and support economic transition efforts in impacted  
communities, including portions of El Sobrante and surrounding unincorporated areas. A public webinar  
will be hosted to provide additional details regarding eligibility and application timelines.  
An update was also provided regarding food security investments.  
The County allocated $4 million in Measure X funds to regional food banks, including a $1 million  
opportunity for kitchen and vehicle upgrades for churches and food pantries. Concerns were raised  
regarding the recent transition of Meals on Wheels services in West County. Reports of potential service  
interruptions will be reviewed in coordination with the Employment and Human Services Department to  
ensure eligible residents continue receiving meals without disruption.  
Supervisor Gioia also referenced a proposed temporary 5/8-cent sales tax measure under consideration  
to offset anticipated federal reductions to food assistance and health services.  
P.2. Sheriff’s Office Bay Station Update, Lt. Fitzgerald  
P.3. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Update, Michelle Rinehart  
00:43:25  
The Fire Protection District provided operational updates, including the launch of a new district website  
and preparations for an upcoming large-area evacuation drill scheduled for May 23 in the 94803 area.  
The drill will test community notification systems and evacuation procedures, and residents are  
encouraged to participate.  
The District also announced the purchase of two Cold Cut Cobra suppression systems to address the  
growing number of electric vehicle (EV) and lithium-ion battery fires. The $200,000 investment, funded  
through existing district resources, will enhance firefighter safety and response capabilities when  
managing high-heat battery-related incidents.  
P.4. California Highway Patrol (tentative)  
P.5. Presentations by Contra Costa Public Works on Pebble Drive street/traffic issues and by Cynthia  
Ainsworth on 5 Point Plan for Pebble Dr.  
00:56:33  
Monish Sen (Public Works, Senior Traffic Engineer) presented traffic data for Pebble Drive, noting an  
average daily traffic volume of approximately 2,600 vehicles and an 85th percentile speed of 30-32 mph,  
compared to the posted 25 mph speed limit. Advisory curve speeds of 15 and 20 mph remain posted at  
either end of the roadway. Advanced curve warning signs were previously installed, and the County is  
evaluating additional measures, including solar-powered speed feedback signs and enhanced striping.  
A community proposal was presented by Cynthia Ainsworth outlining potential safety measures,  
including speed humps, crosswalk installations, weight restrictions, and additional traffic calming  
features. Public Works explained that new stop signs and crosswalks must meet established engineering  
warrants and safety criteria. Staff noted that uncontrolled crosswalks may increase collision risks if not  
placed appropriately and that signal-controlled or enhanced flashing crosswalks may be considered  
where warranted.  
Discussion also included truck traffic impacts on La Paloma and surrounding streets. Existing weight  
restrictions were reviewed, and staff explained the legal limitations associated with enforcement,  
including bill-of-lading requirements. Residents shared concerns regarding soil instability, roadway  
wear, and pedestrian safety. CHP enforcement coordination and further evaluation of speed mitigation  
tools were discussed as next steps.  
P.6. Services Introduction, CoCo Family Justice Center  
2:00:58  
LaShara Johnson from the Contra Costa Family Justice Center provided an overview of services  
available to victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, elder abuse, and human  
trafficking. The Center offers coordinated, trauma-informed services including legal assistance,  
counseling, case management, and connections to housing and public benefits.  
In the past year, the Center served more than 6,200 families, including approximately 5,000 children.  
The model emphasizes co-location of services and partnerships with law enforcement and  
community-based organizations to streamline access to care and reduce barriers for survivors.  
6.  
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 - (Update) Countywide Noise Ordinance  
7.  
Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this  
agenda (speakers may be limited to two minutes).  
02:30:33  
Community members shared information regarding upcoming neighborhood cleanups, pop-up  
markets, and local civic events. Residents were encouraged to remain engaged through volunteer  
opportunities and public safety initiatives, including the upcoming evacuation drill.  
8.  
Information Items  
9.  
Subcommittee Reports – Next Clean Up, February 21, 2026  
02:34:28  
10.  
Agenda Items / Speakers for Upcoming ESMAC Meetings  
02:36:11  
The next meeting is currently scheduled for March 11, 2026  
Adjourn  
02:37:19  
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  
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