Meeting Minutes  
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY El Sobrante  
Municipal Advisory Council  
7:00 PM  
Wednesday, November 12, 2025  
El Sobrante Library (4191 Appian Way, El  
Sobrante) | Zoom:  
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  
00:08:45  
George Cleveland, Teri Edlinger, Jedd Hart, Thomas Lang, Randy  
Loyd, Melinda McLain, Mikki Norris, and Tom Owens  
Present  
Absent  
James Hermann  
2.  
Treasurer's Report  
00:09:11  
the treasurer’s report reflected a balance of $3,000  
3. Approval of Minutes  
00:09:27  
This was approved.  
Motion:  
Cleveland  
McLain  
Second:  
Aye:  
Cleveland, Edlinger, Hart, Lang, Loyd, McLain, Norris, and  
Owens  
Absent:  
Result:  
Hermann  
Passed  
Attachments:  
4.  
Presentations  
P.1. County Update, Supervisor John Gioia  
00:09:54  
Ronnie Mills office provided updates on current county matters, including the permit revocation for the  
Smoke Depot at 3770 San Pablo Avenue due to violations involving tobacco sales to minors and  
unauthorized cannabis sales. The business retains the right to appeal the decision. The office also  
reported progress on ensuring full state-mandated food benefits for eligible residents following a recent  
court ruling. District 1 residents were encouraged to apply for openings on county boards and  
commissions. In response to questions about rabies control services, the office clarified that  
responsibilities previously held by SOS now fall under county operations.  
An update was provided on the development of a revised county noise ordinance, currently in draft form  
and expected to be brought to the Board of Supervisors. Council members discussed how the community  
could support this effort and the importance of resident feedback. Additional clarification was provided  
on the Smoke Depot permit revocation process, including the business' ability to appeal.  
P.2. Sheriff’s Office Bay Station Update, Lt. Fitzgerald  
P.3. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Update, Michelle Rinehart  
00:18:23  
Contra Costa Fire Chief Johnson presented updates on staffing levels, station operations, and call  
activity. The district reported a decline in residential structure fires, with only two incidents recorded in  
2025 and three in 2024. Fire personnel described responses to medical calls, vehicle accidents, and  
public service needs. Updates were provided on fire code adoptions, the annual open house event, and  
ongoing work to map wildfire mitigation projects throughout the region.  
P.4. California Highway Patrol (tentative)  
P.5 Presentation from East Bay Regional Parks District, Wildcat Flow Trail  
00:43:27  
Representatives from the East Bay Regional Park District provided an overview of the proposed Wildcat  
Canyon Trail project. The goal of the project is to reduce environmental impacts, improve safety, and  
accommodate downhill mountain biking while maintaining access for hikers on existing trails, such as  
the Mezu Trail. The project will undergo a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR), allowing for robust  
public review and input. Questions addressed trail directionality, e-bike use, trail maintenance  
responsibilities, and volunteer opportunities. Parking concerns and school-area traffic impacts were also  
raised and will be incorporated into the EIR analysis.  
Residents and council members offered extensive input on the proposed trail. Concerns included the  
need for pre-project data collection on existing trail use, safety issues for hikers, potential impacts on  
wildlife and biodiversity, and the perception that the project may disproportionately benefit a small  
special-interest group. Park staff described current and planned data-gathering methods, including AI  
tracking, Strava data, and trail counters, and reaffirmed the importance of community input in shaping  
the scope of the studies. Questions were raised about long-term maintenance costs, fairness of the  
process, and whether events or races might be held on the trail; staff clarified that no racing events are  
planned at this time.  
Supporters of the project-including youth mountain bikers and community members-highlighted the  
need for safe, legal bike routes and the positive benefits for local youth. Opponents expressed concerns  
about solitude, potential landslides, increased traffic, and environmental impacts.  
Further comments reflected a wide range of viewpoints, including concerns regarding wildlife impacts,  
increased park use, parking limitations, and wildfire risk. Others spoke about the value of youth  
recreation opportunities and the importance of legal, managed trails as an alternative to illegal trail  
construction.  
The council discussed how best to organize community input, suggesting a structured approach that  
groups feedback into pros and cons. Questions were raised about the timeline of the project and  
opportunities for early public engagement. Park District staff noted that the next step will be the release  
of the Notice of Preparation for the EIR, which will begin the formal public comment period.  
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 - (Update) Countywide Noise Ordinance  
6.  
Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this agenda  
(speakers may be limited to two minutes).  
00:30:18  
Community members raised several issues, including speeding and heavy truck traffic along Pebble  
Drive, with suggestions for speed bumps and weight limits. Residents were encouraged to work with  
Supervisor Gioia’s office for next steps. Another resident reported difficulty locating the owner of a  
neighboring property where a deceased deer remained unaddressed; council members recommended  
contacting the county assessor’s office for ownership information.  
7.  
Information Items  
02:12:02  
Council members discussed an coming osteoporosis discussion being held at the Good Table as well as a  
December Market event held by Planting Justice.  
8.  
Subcommittee Reports – Next Clean Up, November 15, 2025  
02:18:46  
Council members discussed the coming third Saturday Community Clean Up and the November 29  
Hometown Holiday Fair event  
9.  
Agenda Items / Speakers for Upcoming ESMAC Meetings  
02:23:54  
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on transparency, ongoing community involvement, and the  
importance of gathering data before final decisions are made.  
The next meeting is currently scheduled for December 10  
Adjourn  
02:24:15  
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