City Council — March 10, 2026

Meeting Summary

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The Council proclaimed April as Donate Life California Month following a family presentation.
The Belko family was recognized for their advocacy work in organ donation.

Library staff selected The Fox Wife by Yangshi Qiu as the 2026 program title.
Upcoming events include a free concert in March and an author appearance in April.
Council members received copies of the book during the presentation.

Staff opposed ten design modifications citing reduced architectural quality compared to original plans.
Applicants requested changes due to economic constraints and rising construction costs.
The Council voted to deny the amendments to the Specific Plan and Development Agreement.

Staff presented data confirming the City met its Regional Housing Needs Allocation.
The report highlighted 2025 achievements including the Thrive Grove Navigation Center opening.
A public speaker urged the Council to explore mechanisms for more lower-income housing.
The Council accepted and filed the staff report.

A closed session was convened to discuss potential litigation matters.
Allegations regarding age discrimination and harassment were the subject of the discussion.

The City Council meeting was called to order following a roll call. A closed session was held regarding potential litigation involving allegations of age discrimination and harassment. Upon reconvening, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
A proclamation was presented regarding Donate Life California. The Belko family was recognized for their advocacy, and the Council proclaimed the month of April as Donate Life California Month.
Library representative Natasha Buran presented the 2026 selection for the "One City One Book" program. The selected title is The Fox Wife by Yangshi Qiu. Upcoming events were announced, including a free concert on March 28 and an author appearance on April 26. Copies of the book were presented to Council members.

Two members of the public addressed the Council. Scarlett requested the placement of "In God We Trust" within the council chambers, citing historical American traditions. Madison Richeson spoke regarding federal immigration enforcement, expressing concerns about the impact on the local community and urging transparency in policy discussions.

Item: Ordinance 1747-NS / MCA 2025-7003 amending the Municipal Code regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) to align with state law.
Discussion: One public speaker, John, addressed the Council regarding ADUs and Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCRs). He requested full disclosure in the application process regarding potential constitutional conflicts with CCRs and the risk of lawsuits. Council members acknowledged the comment.
Action: A motion was made to approve the consent calendar.
Vote Outcome: Passed.

Item: Item 10A regarding Specific Plan 24 Amendment, Development Agreement Amendment, and Development Permit Major Modification for the Latigo Hillcrest project (2150 West Hillcrest Drive).
Discussion: Senior Planner Justine Kendall presented the request for 10 major modifications to the project design, including changes to trellises, downspouts, doors, headers, storefront transparency, awnings, cladding, brick veneer, and window materials. Staff noted that these requests deviate from the original specific plan, development agreement, and objective design standards approved in July 2023. Staff estimated the changes would result in a reduction of architectural quality relative to the original agreement.
Representatives for the applicant, Latigo Group and KTGY Architects, argued that the modifications were necessary due to economic constraints, rising construction costs, and budget feasibility. They stated that denying the requests could place the project at financial risk. The Council discussed the precedent of modifying a signed development agreement, the protection of objective design standards, and the balance between developer viability and community agreements.
Action: Council Member Newman moved to deny all requested amendments to Specific Plan 24, the Development Agreement, and the Development Permit. The motion specified that this action is CEQA compliant.
Vote Outcome: Passed.

Item: Item 12A General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report for the 2025 calendar year.
Discussion: Senior Planner Ian Holtz presented the report, which included data on housing applications, building permits issued, and progress toward RHNA allocation. The report noted that the City met its RHNA obligation through zoning and highlighted 2025 achievements, including the opening of the Thrive Grove Navigation Center and various affordable housing programs.
One public speaker, Jackson Piper, urged the Council to explore further mechanisms to produce more lower-income housing. Council members commented on the increase in housing production and the impact of external economic factors on development.
Action: A motion was made to accept and file the staff report.
Vote Outcome: Passed.

The meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2026.