4.
Presentations
00:03:06
Mills provided an update on a recent site visit to assess safety concerns along San Pablo Dam Road. The
assessment focused on improving access, traffic flow, and driver awareness in the area. Several short
and long term safety improvements were discussed, including updated signage, enhanced crosswalks,
and signal timing changes. Mills shared that the next steps involve collecting more data, collaborating
with nearby schools, and inviting a senior traffic engineer to present findings and recommendations at a
future meeting. In response to a question from MAC member, Hart, Mills confirmed the need for
improved crosswalks on San Pablo Dam Road.
P.1. County Update, Supervisor John Gioia
P.2. County’s Urban Limit Line (ULL) and 65/35 Land Preservation Plan, Department of Conservation
and Development (DCD)
John Kopchik, Director of the Department of Conservation and Development, provided an overview of
the county's urban limit line, explaining its purpose in managing growth and preventing urban
development beyond designated areas since its adoption in 1993. He noted that the current urban limit
line measure is set to expire at the end of 2026 and that the renewal process is underway. Kopchik
presented a map showing proposed expansions and contractions to the line and encouraged public input
during the ongoing comment period. In response to a question about the renewal process, he explained
that any extension of the urban limit line must be approved by a simple majority vote. Council members
and attendees discussed how specific areas, including Bethel Island and Castro Ranch Road, might be
affected by the proposed changes. The importance of community feedback was emphasized throughout
the discussion.
P.3. Sheriff’s Office Bay Station Update, Lt. Brian Holland
P.4. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Update, Michelle Rinehart
Michele Rinehart, County Coordinator for Wildfire Mitigation and Grants, provided updates on the
Local Responsibility Area (LRA) maps and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). She
noted that an online mapping tool is available for residents to identify their fire hazard severity zones.
Additionally, Con Fire received approval to update the CWPP and is actively involving community
members and stakeholders in the process. Michele also announced that Con Fire’s Wildfire Community
Preparedness Day will take place on May 3, featuring educational activities focused on wildfire response
and preparedness.
P.5. California Highway Patrol (tentative)
Officer Gilmore of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported ongoing staffing challenges that have
led to the dissolution of the Community Response Team. Despite these limitations, the CHP is
prioritizing attendance at community meetings and increasing public outreach. Gilmore highlighted the
use of community volunteers in identifying high-speed areas, which supports the agency’s ability to
secure traffic enforcement grants. He urged residents to report crimes with detailed vehicle and suspect
descriptions. Community members raised concerns about excessive speeding on San Pablo Dam Road
and Hilltop Drive, requesting more enforcement in those areas. In response to a question about citizen
crime reporting, Gilmore emphasized the importance of detail and encouraged continued engagement.
When asked about immigration status checks, Gilmore clarified that the CHP does not check status
unless it pertains to a criminal investigation. He also directed attendees to the CHP website for
information on public records and available grants.
