MEETING OF
CONTRA COSTA MAYORS CONFERENCE
Thursday, July 10, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
Hosted by the City of Brentwood
Program: District Attorney Diana Becton will present updates from the District Attorney’s Office.
Location:
Trilogy's Club Los Meganos,
1700 Trilogy Parkway, Brentwood, CA 94513
Meeting and dinner will be at same location.
DINNER RESERVATIONS ARE MADE THROUGH THE CITY OF BRENTWOOD
RSVP TO: CityClerk@brentwoodca.gov
DEADLINE TO RESERVE OR CANCEL DINNER: FRIDAY June 27, 2025 at NOON.
Dinner Reservations: Two dinners are prepaid for each City. Please RSVP with the names and titles of all attendees, including prepaid attendees. Others interested in having dinner should e-mail or call the City of Brentwood, as noted above at City of Brentwood, 150 City Park Way, Brentwood, CA 94513; Attn: City Clerk's Office. For questions, contact CityClerk@brentwoodca.gov. Individuals will be billed for reservations made but not cancelled by the deadline.
Dinner Cost: $70
Use Google or other GPS system for driving directions.
MEETING OF
CONTRA COSTA MAYORS CONFERENCE
Thursday, July 10, 2025
6:30 P.M. BUSINESS MEETING
Call Mayors Conference (Conference) to Order, Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, & Roll Call. (Note: For roll call, Mayors or representatives authorized to act on behalf of mayors, such as mayors pro tempore, and vice mayors, or a council member authorized by the city council to act in lieu of a mayor are qualified to vote for each city as members of the Conference.)
1. Program: Diana Becton, Contra Costa County District Attorney will present updates from the D. A’s Office.
2. Approval of Minutes: (attached) of the June 5, 2025 meeting.
Action: Move to approve June 5, 2025 Conference minutes.
3. Adoption of Port Chicago Remembrance Day Proclamation: (Attached).
Action: Move to adopt Proclamation of Port Chicago Remembrance Day.
4. Chair Announcements:
5. Conference Appointee Reports: City representatives to area-wide boards, commissions, and agencies may report on activities of the agency to which they are appointed at this time.
6. Mayor Announcements:
7. State and Federal Legislators Update:
8. County Supervisor Announcements:
9. League of California Cities Update: Samantha “Sam” Brightman, East Bay Division Public Affairs Manager.
10. Public Comments: Members of the public are advised that public comments at this place should be confined to items not on the agenda and should be limited to no more than 2 minutes in length. No more than one speaker from any organization should address the mayors on the same evening.
11. Welcome to Brentwood by Mayor Susannah Meyer:
12. Adjourn Conference to Aug. 7, 2025 in Antioch.
Deadline for next agenda is 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Brown Act Reminder: The Contra Costa Mayors Conference/City Selection Committee has a policy of complying with the letter and spirit of open meeting laws. Generally, off-agenda items maybe taken up only if: Two-thirds of Conference voting members find a need for immediate action exists and the need to take action came to the attention of the Conference after the agenda was prepared (Note: If fewer than two-thirds of Conference members are present, taking up an off-agenda item requires a unanimous vote). Or a majority of the Conference finds an emergency (for example: work stoppage or disaster) exists.
A majority of any city council may not, consistent with the Brown Act, discuss specific substantive issues among themselves at Conference meetings. Any such discussion is subject to the Brown Act and must occur at a City Council meeting that complies with Brown Act requirements.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
2025
August 7, Antioch
September 4, El Cerrito
October 9, Martinez (One week late because of holiday)
November 6, Danville
December 4, Pinole
2026
January 8, Pittsburg (One week late because of holiday)
February 5, Richmond
March 5, Hercules
April 2, Walnut Creek
MINUTES OF THE
CONTRA COSTA MAYORS CONFERENCE
Thursday, June 5, 2025 – 6:30 p.m.
Hosted by the City of San Ramon
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Walker-Griffith called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL OF CITY DELEGATES:
Antioch: Mayor Pro Term Louie Rocha
Brentwood: Not present
Clayton: Mayor Kim Trupiano
Concord: Mayor Carlyn Obringer
Town of Danville: Mayor Renee Morgan
El Cerrito: Mayor Carolyn Wysinger
Hercules: Mayor Dion Bailey
Lafayette: Council Member John McCormick
Martinez: Mayor Brianne Zorn
Moraga: Mayor Steve Woehleke
Oakley: Mayor Shannon Shaw
Orinda: Mayor Latika Malkani
Pinole: Mayor Cameron Sasai
Pittsburg: Mayor Jelani Killings
Pleasant Hill: Vice Mayor Zac Shess
Richmond: Council Member Cesar Zepeda
San Pablo: Vice Mayor Elizabeth Pabon- Alvarado
San Ramon: Mayor Mark Armstrong
Walnut Creek: Mayor Cindy Darling
Presiding: Conference Char: Alex Walker-Griffith, Hercules
The above delegates comprised a quorum for the meetings.
1. Program: Kristin Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk Recorder reported on the 2024 general election and procedures in place to ensure the security of the voting and election process. She talked about the Office’s election initiatives including bilingual outreach. She also reported on the Office’s participating in the Mapping Prejudice Projects and offered statistics from the recent survey of public views about election confidence. Ms. Connelly answered questions posed by the Mayors about election costs and how to participate in the Mapping Prejudice Project. She also discussed ID issues around voting raised in the federal discussions and the need for ID in accessing vital records.
2. Approval of Minutes: of the May 1, 2025 meeting.
Action: Motion to approve the minutes of the May 1, 2025 Conference meeting: Voting aye were delegates from Antioch, Clayton, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek. Brentwood was absent.
3. Appointments to the Association of the Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Board: The terms of Cindy Silva, Walnut Creek, and Lisa Motoyama, El Cerrito, as members of the Board of ABAG as well as the terms of Kevin Wilk, Walnut Creek, serving as First Alternate Board Member and of Maureen Toms, Pinole, serving as Second Alternate Board Member expire in June. Appointments were made to new terms ending June 30, 2027 for each of these positions. Walnut Creek Council Member Cindy Silva was nominated for reappointment to her member position, El Cerrito Council Member Lisa Motoyama reapplied for her member position, San Ramon Council Member Marisol Rubio applied for appointment to a Board Member position and Sam Ramon Council Member Robert Jweinat applied for a Board Member position.
Kevin Wilk applied for reappointment to the first alternate position on the ABAG Board and Maureen Toms applied for reappointment for the Second Alternate on the ABAG Board.
3-A.Action: After each of the four candidates for full membership spoke to her/his appointment, an election was conducted and Lisa Motoyama, El Cerrito, and Cindy Silva, Walnut Creek, were appointed to the ABAG Board of Directors for terms ending June 30, 2027.
Voting for Council Member Motoyama: Antioch, Clayton, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, Walnut Creek. Voting for Council Member Rubio: San Pablo. Voting for Council Member Jweinat: no delegates. Voting for Council Member Silva: Antioch, Clayton, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Ramon, Walnut Creek. Brentwood was absent for all votes.
3-B Action: Conference rule was applied and Kevin Wilk, Walnut Creek, was reappointed to the First Alternate position and Maureen Toms, Pinole, was reappointed to the Second Alternate position on the ABAG Board of Directors for the term ending June 30, 2027. Voting aye were delegates from Antioch, Clayton, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek. Brentwood was absent.
4. Appointment to the East Bay Economic Development Alliance Executive Committee (EBEDAEC). The terms of Carlyn Obringer, Concord and Chris Kelley, Hercules as Members, as well as the term of Devin Murphy, Pinole, as an Alternate Member of the EBEDAEC end in June 2025. Hercules Council Member Chris Kelley and Concord Mayor Carlyn Obringer applied for reappointment as Members. Pinole Council Member Devin Murphy reapplied to be either a Member or Alternate member.
Action: After Each of the candidates spoke, Carlyn Obringer, Concord and Chris Kelley, Hercules were appointed as Members for the terms ending June 30, 2027. Devin Murphy, Pinole, was reappointed as The Alternate Member for the term ending June 30, 2027. Voting for Council Member Obringer: Antioch, Clayton, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo, San Ramon, Walnut Creek. Voting for Council Member Kelley: Antioch, Clayton, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Ramon, Walnut Creek. Voting for Council Member Murphy: Martinez, Pinole, Pittsburg, Richmond, and San Pablo. Brentwood was absent for all votes.
5. Chair Announcements: None.
6. Conference Appointee Reports: Council Member Silva reported that the EBRCSA radio system had adopted new provisions to the bylaws updating administrative procedures, adopted a balanced budget, and that there will be an increase in fees to maintain capital investment and staffing. Regarding ABAG she expressed concerns about the proposed ABAG Transit Oriented Communities requirements. Council Member Motoyama announced the upcoming ABAG General Assembly on June 20th at which time the annual budget and work plan, as well as proposed bylaws changes will be voted on. Mayor Obringer reported that the most recent EDA Economic outlook expert panel, on May 15 in San Ramon, addressed vacancy rates, tariffs and the impact of AI on office workers. She reported on East Bay Regional Park District activities for the coming month and asked Mayors and Council members to participate in the District survey which is on-line on the EBRPD website. Council Member Wilk report on the Family Justice Center and its successful fundraising event. He expressed concerns about the cuts in federal funding and the importance of State funding, especially considering the increased demand for immigration legal services. Vice Mayor Quinto discussed stationary source pollution projects and the need to clear the backlog of projects by increasing staffing/specialized positions for the Air Board. He also expressed concerns about the loss of local refinery jobs.
7. Mayor Announcements Various Mayors announced upcoming events in their communities. Danville announced the retirement of long time Town Manager Joe Calabrigo and he received an ovation from the Conference. Concord announced the upcoming recognition of the Port Chicago Remembrance and asked the Conference to consider a resolution supporting it. The Conference agreed to bring it back to the July meeting. Martinez celebrated Pride Month and raised the Pride Flag on June 4th. Walnut Creek reported on a presentation on human trafficking for hotels that was presented by the District Attorney’s Office. El Cerrito reported on a George Floyd Remembrance and raising the Pride Flag. Pleasant Hill reported on their upcoming June 26th Pride Celebration. Richmond reported on their Pride Celebration on July 1 and the upcoming Rosie the Riveter celebration on June 7th. San Pablo reported that the design of its community park is near completion and the park will be named in memory of former Mayor and Council Member Leonard McNeil. The City’s new Police department and training facility will be completed in the fall of 2025. Antioch reported on revitalization activities, the start of the summer Farmers Market, and the celebration of Antioch’s 2025 high school graduates. Moraga reported its 4th of July celebration with a fair the Commons Park, followed by live music and fireworks in the evening. Hercules reported on its Juneteenth Celebration. Orinda recognized the City’s 40th anniversary of incorporation, reported on its flag raising ceremony for Pride Month on June 2nd, and reported on the Wildfire Prevention Round table hosted by Senator Grayson. Lafayette and Orinda expressed appreciation to Senator Grayson for hosting the program. Lafayette reported on its various summer festivities. Pinole is completing a 100% affordable housing project for veterans. The city is also hosting a Juneteenth and Pride parade. Clayton passed a 2-year budget with funding for the library. Concerts in the Grove will be held throughout the summer and the 4th of July Parade will host three Grand Marshals who are the past and current volunteer parade chairs.
8. State and Federal Legislators Update: Staff for Congressman DeSaulnier reported that he attended many of the local community Memorial Day Celebrations and hosted a town hall with the MDUSD. He hosted the House T&I Ranking Member in the Bay Area and honored Supervisor Federal Glover on the House Floor. Staff for Senator Grayson reported on the Wildfire Round Table that he hosted in Orinda and introduced District Field Director Rachael Zenner. The Senator looks forward to working with the League of Cities and receiving city feedback on budget priorities and other issues of city importance.
9. County Supervisor Announcements: Supervisor Anderson welcomed the Conference to District 2. She recognized the passing of Supervisor Glover and expressed concern about State and Federal cuts to medical care funding as well as Covid and Section 8 housing vouchers funding. The County is currently recruiting for an interim Auditor/Controller. She encouraged cities to get involved in the East Bay EDA and reported that County Connection, Tri Delta, and West Cat transit agencies will be offering free youth bus rides for the next two months.
10. League of California Cities Update: East Bay Division Public Affairs Manager Sam Brightman reported on the work of Cal Cities and current legislation moving through both houses of the Legislature. Cal Cities advocates on behalf of California Cities and encourages Cities to get involved in efforts to pass or defeat bills of local importance to them. Sample letters for all bills the League is actively working on are located on the Cal Cities website. Cal Cities will host a webinar on current legislation on June 11th and the East Bay Division’s CitiPac annual fundraiser will be held on June 26th in San Ramon. Registration for the LOCC Annual Conference is now open.
11. Comments: BART Director Matt Rinn reported on the Fare Gates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Pleasant Hill BART station and expressed appreciation for the cities, taxpayers and riders for their support. Sustainable Contra Costa announced its annual Award program and encouraged Mayors to make nominations. Forms are on the group’s website. Yulie Padmore of the Port Chicago Alliance announced events on July 17th and at Rosie the Riveter Museum. They are working with the EBRPD and requested that cities adopt the resolution recognizing Port Chicago Remembrance Day on July 17th. Meg Stern, newly appointed Policy Director for EBLC, spoke about the work of the Council and the importance of collaboration with cities in advocacy work and announced the annual Installation and Awards dinner on July 31 at the Pleasant Hill Community Center. The Automotive Services Council reported on legislation of concerned and requested that cities oppose SN 682 and reach out to their legislators.
12. Host City Welcome: Mayor Mark Armstrong welcomed the Conference to San Ramon and introduced current and past Council Members and Mayors and City Staff. He highlighted the Community Memorial Day event at Civic Park. He reported on the new partnership with the golden State Grizzlies, a minor league cricket team. The Iron Horse trail overcrossing will be completed soon and a ribbon cutting is scheduled for July 19th.
13. Conference adjourned in memory of Federal Glover to July 10, 2025 in Brentwood. (One week late because of the 4th of July Holiday.)
Deadline for next agenda is 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
PROCLAMATION OF PORT CHICAGO REMEMBRANCE DAY
WHEREAS, on July 17, 1944, the deadly munitions explosion known as the Port Chicago Disaster occurred and most of the dead and injured were African-American sailors with no formal training in the handling and loading of explosives, and
WHEREAS, from April-July, loading officers pushed the enlisted men to load the explosive cargoes very quickly, placing bets with each other on whose 100-man crew would be fastest, and
WHREAS, the enlisted men were told by officers that the larger munitions were not active and so could not explode; and
WHEREAS, on July 17, 1944 a loud noise, described as a “metallic sound and rending timbers” was heard, immediately followed by an explosion, and then a fire; seconds later, the majority of the ordinance exploded, resulting in a fireball, and all 320 men on duty died instantly, with 390 civilians and military personnel being injured; and
WHEREAS, the Disaster played a critical role in exposing the systemic weakness of racist segregation in the military as 50 African-American survivors were charged with mutiny for refusing, after the explosion, to continue the status quo, and
WHEREAS, in 1994, the Pt. Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial was dedicated in memory of the lives lost in the explosion.
NOW THEREFORE, WE, THE MAYORS OF THE CITIES OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, on behalf of our cities, do hereby proclaim Thursday, July 17, 2025 as “Port Chicago Remembrance Day” to commemorate the 81st Anniversary of the Port Chicago explosion. In addition, we recognize the sacrifice and suffering of the residents of the town of Port Chicago who also suffered greatly that day and had the unfortunate fate of experiencing their town being absorbed by the federal government when it became part of a new safety zone around the weapons station.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we, the mayors of Contra Costa hereby adopt this proclamation on July 10, 2025.