San Ramon Adopts Trails Master Plan, Locks In Employee Raises Amid Impassioned Public Comment

The San Ramon City Council moved unanimously on every vote Tuesday night — adopting a 42-project trails master plan, approving a new compensation model for nearly 150 city employees, and directing staff to fill a Planning Commission vacancy — but it was the public comment period that revealed the sharpest community tensions, as residents clashed over Pride flag policy, climate legislation, and conditions at a troubled senior housing complex.

• Council adopts trails master plan with 15 miles of new off-street trails, eight trailheads, and 10 regional connections
• Residents rally for permanent Pride flag policy as advocates warn the LGBTQ community could be "excluded from future events" under a revised flag framework
• Students and climate advocates push council to back California's Make Polluters Pay Climate Superfund bill
• Two seniors describe management intimidation, pest infestations, and disability accommodation failures at Deer Creek Senior Apartments
• New 3% annual raise model replaces market salary studies for 142 city workers and six executives at $1.1 million over two years
• County supervisor targets 2027 construction for $2M Iron Horse Trail bike-pedestrian separation pilot

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42 Projects, 15 Miles: Council Charts San Ramon's Trail Future

Why it matters: Ninety-eight percent of surveyed residents said new trails improve quality of life, and the plan now gives the city a strategic roadmap for grant applications and impact-fee spending — without tapping the general fund.

Where things stand: Ben Fish, a consultant with Design Workshop, presented the San Ramon Trails Master Plan, developed over 15 months with seven in-person events, more than 800 survey responses, and coordination with eight partner agencies including East Bay Regional Parks, the cities of Dublin and Danville, Contra Costa County Fire, and the school district.

"The community survey responses were overwhelmingly supported the creation of a connected trail system in San Ramon," said Ben Fish, Design Workshop consultant.

The plan calls for approximately 15 miles of new off-street (dirt) trails, up to 10 regional connections beyond city limits, and up to eight new trailheads. Community priorities included connecting neighborhoods to open space, regional access to Bishop Ranch Open Space and Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, and — the number one request — more shade on Iron Horse Trail.

Keith Haas, Parks staff, identified six quick-win projects ready for near-term implementation: an Old Ranch Park connection to El Costa Senior Center, a Forest Home Farm trailhead, a Ferreira Preserve connection to Las Trampas, Iron Horse Trail improvements, Tassajara Ridge connections, and HOA partnership conversations.

The other side: Councilmember Sridhar Verose asked about funding sources; staff confirmed the Open Space Fund and park development fees would be used — not general fund dollars. A public commenter, Greg Carr, suggested community center presentations and volunteer labor from hiking groups for maintenance.

Elena Formosa, a frequent public commenter, questioned the outreach process and raised concerns about crime near schools, vandalism costs, and homelessness on trails.

Decisions: The council adopted Resolution 2026-096 unanimously (For: 5, Against: 0, Absent: 0). Councilmember Verose moved; Vice Mayor Marisol Rubio seconded.

What's next: Six quick-win projects can begin implementation. The plan provides the framework for competitive grant applications and development impact fee allocation for the remaining 42 identified projects.

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Pride Flag Policy Draws Largest Public Comment Bloc

Why it matters: San Ramon's 2021 commemorative flag policy is under review, and advocates fear the LGBTQ community that helped create the inclusion framework could be excluded from future events under a new policy.

Where things stand: At least eight speakers addressed the Pride flag during general public comment, making it the most discussed topic of the evening. Speakers from P-FLAG Danville/San Ramon Valley, the San Ramon Valley Diversity Coalition, and individual residents thanked the council for raising the Pride flag again in 2026 — but voiced deep concern that one council member voted against the Pride flag resolution and that the commemorative flag policy is being revised in that context.

Anuradha Gupta, president of P-FLAG Danville/San Ramon Valley, also speaking for the San Ramon Valley Diversity Coalition, requested staff education on LGBTQ inclusion and anti-bullying, and called for a task force to develop concrete community support.

Jamie Wolf, P-FLAG treasurer, warned that it would be "a shame to see the LGBTQ community, which helped initiate the 2021 policy of inclusion to be excluded from future events."

Dan Frank, a public commenter, cited legal precedent including the 2022 Boston Supreme Court decision and the 2026 Stonewall National Monument reversal confirming the legality of flying the Pride flag on government property.

Derek Kimball, a professor and father, urged returning to the 2021 policy to avoid re-debating human rights year after year. Lisa Kanazawa noted the 2021 policy also led to adoption of the Disability Pride flag and the America 250 flag, emphasizing it is "not about elevating one group above another" but affirming all residents belong.

No council action was taken — the comments fell under general public comment — but the volume and emotional intensity signal this will remain a live issue as the commemorative flag policy revision moves forward.

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Students and Residents Make the Case for Climate Superfund

Why it matters: With the LA wildfires alone costing an estimated $250 billion and fire insurance becoming unattainable in many California communities, speakers argued a state climate superfund could directly fund projects in San Ramon's Climate Action Plan.

Where things stand: Three speakers — including two Dougherty Valley High School students — urged the council to support California's Make Polluters Pay Climate Superfund bill.

Liam Rosenczyk, a Diablo Valley College student studying environmental science, cited Data for Progress polling showing 74% of voters nationwide support climate superfund legislation and noted that Vermont and New York have already passed similar laws. He described personal experiences with wildfire smoke and flooding and offered to connect council members with UC Berkeley Professor Claire Brown for fiscal discussions.

Suhani Goyal, speaking on behalf of 350 Contra Costa Action, read a climate change poem titled "Secondhand Smoke" and argued local governance action creates the biggest ripple effect. Amber Cleophas presented artwork from the Tri-Valley Make Polluters Pay Town Hall. Katherine Grace described wildfire evacuation fears in her San Ramon neighborhood — with only one exit route — and called for a superfund to fund safer homes and emergency services.

The other side: Elena Formosa offered a sharp counterpoint, criticizing the young speakers and defending fossil fuel companies' community contributions.

No formal action was requested or taken.

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Seniors Plead for Help at Deer Creek Apartments

Why it matters: Two residents of Deer Creek Senior Apartments described a pattern of management intimidation, untreated pest infestations, and disability accommodation failures at subsidized housing serving some of the city's most vulnerable residents — and said corporate ownership is unresponsive.

Where things stand: Karen Hatchell, a five- to six-year resident, described being yelled at by the property manager in a manner she found "intimidating and disrespectful." She reported ongoing pool closures, water shutoffs, and security incidents dating to 2021, all exacerbating stress for someone living with a brain tumor, PTSD, and anxiety. She asked the council to help facilitate communication with property ownership.

Linda Chipola corroborated the complaints, describing years of the manager screaming at women and making derogatory comments about housing voucher holders. She reported a three-year silverfish infestation connected to a suspected moisture leak, toxic mold treatment prescribed by her doctor for four years, and repeated failures to honor disability accommodations. She said Contra Costa Legal Aid has been unable to get the manager to respond.

No formal action was taken, but the testimony puts city officials on notice about conditions at a subsidized complex within their jurisdiction.

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Council Ditches Market Studies for Fixed 3% Employee Raises

$1.1 Million, Two-Year Pilot

The basics: Resolution 2026-094 replaces the city's old comparator-city salary survey model with a flat 3% annual salary range increase for approximately 142 unrepresented miscellaneous employees — from office technicians to assistant city attorney — effective July 1, 2026 and again July 1, 2027.

Why it matters: The new approach improves budget predictability and maintains workforce competitiveness while allowing the city to reassess after two years whether to return to market-based adjustments.

Where things stand: Megan O'Donohue, a city staff member, presented the proposal, explaining the rationale for the shift: "We kind of thought two years gives us time to try something different and then we can just see where we are. So we're not committing to a really long term plan."

The total fiscal impact is estimated at just over $1.1 million over two years ($442,000 in FY 2026-27 and $671,000 in FY 2027-28), with sufficient funds in the existing operating budget.

Vice Mayor Marisol Rubio connected the salary approach to broader fiscal stewardship, noting "this council and the staff actually did such a great job at identifying a deficit that was inherited from over five years ago and that we have closed that deficit in one year with Measure N and we have a surplus."

Decisions: Passed 5-0 (For: 5, Against: 0, Absent: 0). Vice Mayor Rubio moved; Councilmember Verose seconded.

Executive Raises: Same Model, Smaller Price Tag

The companion item, Resolution 2026-095, applies the same 3% structure to six executive at-will employees hired after November 2024 — assistant city manager and department directors. Total cost: under $46,500 over two years.

Councilmember Sridhar Verose praised the executive team: "I think we have the current executive team is one of the best talented and they well deserve whatever we are giving at 3%."

The city manager rebutted a public commenter's allegation about improper hiring, stating for the record that the position in question was posted publicly and open for competition.

Decisions: Passed 5-0 (For: 5, Against: 0, Absent: 0). Vice Mayor Rubio moved; Councilmember Richard Adler seconded.

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Iron Horse Trail: County Targets 2027 for Bike-Pedestrian Separation Pilot

Why it matters: E-bike and pedestrian conflicts threaten safety for nine schools along the corridor. The $2 million pilot will test a replicable model for the full 18-mile trail from San Ramon to Martinez, estimated at $30–$40 million total.

Where things stand: Supervisor Candace Anderson, representing Contra Costa County, provided extensive history of the Iron Horse Trail dating back to the railroad right-of-way purchase in 1982–86 for $10.6 million. She described AB 1025, passed in 2019, which removed the bus/transit mandate from the corridor and enabled active transportation use.

The current design — at 65% completion — covers a 1.3-mile pilot segment from the Bollinger Canyon Bridge to the future Crow Canyon Bridge area, with construction targeted for 2027.

"My goal really is, and it's an ambitious goal, is to get it built next year," said Supervisor Anderson. She cited growing safety concerns: "Big concern over conflicts, because between wheeled and pedestrian modes that do threaten vulnerable older adults, younger adults, small children."

Carl Rohner, Contra Costa County Public Works engineer, confirmed low hazardous material levels on the pilot segment and no C3 clean water permit requirements — reducing regulatory hurdles.

Funding sources discussed include a $1.5 million congressional request from Rep. DeSaulnier (not yet confirmed), CCTA competitive grants, and potential future East Bay Regional Park District bond measures.

The other side: Councilmember Richard Adler expressed safety concerns about fast-moving bikes near pedestrians. Vice Mayor Rubio suggested emergency signal capability and exercise stations. Supervisor Anderson emphasized the importance of education and enforcement to complement engineering.

No formal vote was required — the item was an informational presentation.

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Planning Commission Seat: Wait-List Policy Gets Its First Test

Why it matters: The decision sets a precedent for how San Ramon's relatively new commission wait-list policy functions when a mid-term vacancy opens.

Where things stand: City Clerk Joan Snatchall presented options for filling the Planning Commission seat left vacant by Commissioner Max Zhang's May 6 resignation. Zhang was appointed in August 2025 with a term through June 30, 2029. A wait-list candidate, Abhijeet Banerjee, was identified at the time of Zhang's appointment.

Councilmember Sridhar Verose argued forcefully for honoring the existing policy: "When we make a policy, we made a policy and I cannot punish that person because someone else showed interest."

Vice Mayor Rubio wanted to first confirm Banerjee's availability before making further decisions. Councilmember Adler agreed with a one-year appointment to allow evaluation.

Decisions: The consensus direction was to contact Banerjee — if interested, appoint him through the 2027 recruitment cycle (approximately one year); if unavailable, begin a new recruitment process. No formal vote was taken.

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Minor Items

• Consent calendar, including Ordinance 538 amending city code to change council meeting times, passed 5-0 with no items pulled despite public requests.
• June 2026 proclaimed Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. Vice Mayor Rubio read the proclamation citing 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer's at a national cost of $384 billion. Sahana Vasudevan, a California High School senior and Alzheimer's Association volunteer with more than 400 hours, accepted on behalf of the Association. Dawnelle Jones announced the East Bay Walk to End Alzheimer's on Oct. 17 at Bishop Ranch. Both Mayor Armstrong and Vice Mayor Rubio shared personal family experiences with dementia and Alzheimer's. A community member requested more respite centers for caregivers, noting only one exists in Danville serving the broader region. The Association's 24/7 helpline is 800-272-3900.
• Contra Costa County Master Gardeners presented community programs including the Great Tomato Plant Sale (36,000 plants), 49 school gardens, and 12,000–14,000 pounds of food donated to Monument Crisis Center annually.
• Greg Carr called for quarterly public meetings at a community center to increase council accessibility.

Looking Ahead

Mayor Mark Armstrong reported the Valley Link board approved $3 million for pre-construction activities on the Dublin/Pleasanton BART-to-Livermore ACE station segment. He warned that Huntington Beach was penalized $160,000 by the state — plus $50,000 per month — for failing to adopt a housing element, contrasting it with San Ramon's early compliance. CCTA approved a call for projects due Aug. 17, with the city eligible for up to two competitive submissions. ABAG previewed the 7th RHNA cycle (2031–2039), expected to be as large or larger than the current cycle. The 9th annual San Ramon Hackathon's winning project was HEARO, an app for children with hearing impairments. Armstrong also reported visiting Byron Airfield for autonomous drone cargo and air commuter aircraft demonstrations, noting "there's talk about even looking for places within San Ramon to put a vertiport."

Councilmember Verose reported the MTC CEO resigned and the board is working on governance improvements before recruiting a replacement. Vice Mayor Rubio reported on County Connection budget cuts, including travel expenses halved, and the success of the Youth Ride Free program. She also noted LAFCO budget approval, a food distribution at the San Ramon Islamic Center (next date July 18), and Historic Foundation activities recognizing Carol Rowley's service. Councilmember Adler reported on the Central Sanitation District's 80th anniversary tour.