City Council

Housing Progress Report Shows 20 Permits Issued Against 1,897-Unit RHNA Target

Community Development reported 20 housing units permitted in 2025, with the rezoning program and housing element certified by HCD, while builder's remedy applications remain pending.

Why it matters: With a 2027 HCD mid-cycle review approaching, the city must demonstrate meaningful progress on zoning modernization, objective design standards, and public sites planning to maintain compliance and prevent further builder's remedy applications.

Mid-Year Budget Passes 3-2 as Mayor Objects to Creating Permanent Economic Development Position

Council adopted mid-year budget amendments showing $462K in new general fund revenue offset by $1.9M in expenditure increases, splitting 3-2 over a permanent economic development specialist position.

Why it matters: The $106K cut to federal senior services funding, unresolved $1.1M VLF exposure for next year, and the contested new permanent position signal growing fiscal pressure as the city approaches its FY 2026-27 budget cycle.

Public Commenters Clash with Council Over Speech Limits and Hiring Transparency

Several residents challenged council for limiting public comment scope and criticized the lack of public input in the city manager hiring process.

Why it matters: Recurring tension over public comment rules and the closed city manager search process signals an ongoing trust deficit that the incoming permanent city manager will need to address.

Council Appoints Carter as Interim City Manager, Saving $22K/Month During Transition

Council unanimously appointed Assistant City Manager Yulia Carter as interim city manager at $296K annual salary while the permanent recruitment enters its final weeks.

Why it matters: The leadership transition during budget season is the most consequential staffing decision in a decade; the permanent city manager hire is expected within 6-8 weeks and public involvement remains a flashpoint.

Pacifica Officer Honored Twice for Exemplary Domestic Violence and Emergency Response

CORA recognized Officer Roberto Martinez with its quarterly ERP award for the second time for outstanding advocacy for a domestic violence survivor and her children.

Why it matters: The award highlights Pacifica PD's collaboration with CORA, which has been cited as a model partnership for domestic violence response among Bay Area cities.

Bayview Road Hillside Residential Development Appeal

Council continued deliberations on a resolution ratifying the denial of an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of a site development permit and tree removal permit for a 3,100 sq ft single family residence with attached 3-car garage and ADU on a steep hillside lot at Bayview Road/Calera Terrace. Staff presented revised conditions of approval including tree protection requirements, storm drainage design for 100-year events, driveway redesign efforts, storm drain verification, neighbor notification of driveway rendering, and an improvement agreement/bond before grading. Council members expressed confusion about what was decided at the prior late-night hearing and requested updated accurate renderings of the driveway and street views before final action. Council member Espinosa visited the site and reported concerns about slope steepness and neighboring property distress. Council member Beckmeyer focused on neighborhood protection through the improvement agreement/bond. Planning Commission Chair Hauser spoke about the improvement agreement mechanism. Deputy Public Works Director Roland Gibb explained the bond/security deposit process for site stabilization. The matter was continued to a date uncertain (5th and final hearing) with direction for updated renderings.

650 Cape Breton Drive Rezoning - Iglesia Ni Cristo Property

This contentious public hearing concerned a rezoning from R1/CR with Hillside Preservation District overlay to Planned Development with HPD overlay at 650 Cape Breton Drive, owned by Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC). The rezoning was required under staff's interpretation of the HPD ordinance in order to obtain a retroactive grading permit for illegal grading done in 2021 (100-300 cubic yards of sand/soil moved without permits). The Planning Commission unanimously recommended denial, finding the rezoning would reward a violation. Numerous neighbors spoke against approval, citing a pattern of unpermitted activities, intimidation, noise, traffic, property damage from flooding, and fears about future development. The church representative Bernard Deos expressed willingness to work with the city on any path to resolve the violation. Mayor Boles raised concerns about HPD coverage calculations, arguing the grading area exceeded allowable coverage. Vice Mayor Wright expressed concern about setting precedent with a zoning change. Planning Commissioner Davis reported the commission's recommendation and suggested a variance as an alternative pathway. Council unanimously continued the matter to a date uncertain, directing staff and legal counsel to explore alternative solutions that would not require rezoning.

Wastewater Facilities Master Plan

Council approved a master agreement with Woodard and Curran (with Carollo Engineering sub) for a comprehensive wastewater facilities master plan combining three CIPs: Force Main Condition Assessment Update, Calera Creek Water Recycling Plant and Pump Stations Condition Assessment Update, and Sequencing Batch Reactor Feasibility Study. The plan covers approximately 100 miles of pipelines, 5 sewer pump stations, 2 stormwater pump stations, and the Calera Creek plant. A key component is a systems resiliency analysis considering sea level rise, tsunami inundation, and flood risk for coastal pump stations, with two scenarios: business-as-usual and pump station relocation. Vice Mayor Wright asked about solar energy expansion and future growth planning. Council member Beckmeyer asked about involving former staff. Mayor Boles asked about climate change scenarios and public input during the process. The consultant confirmed they are doubling existing solar generation capacity.