Tuesday, April 28, 2026

The council spent most of the evening on three major items: a $300,000 consultant contract for community engagement on the $550 million Chevron settlement, a $300,000 study for relocating the Red Oak Victory Ship, and presentations on earthquake preparedness and BART's fiscal crisis.

The Chevron settlement engagement sparked debate about budget priorities. Martinez opposed the consultant contract, arguing the council should review the entire city budget holistically rather than treating the settlement as separate funds. Brown also voted no, questioning why residents must wait for studies before seeing tangible benefits from the settlement. Staff explained the money is earning interest that could provide $4 million annually for city programs without touching the principal. The contract passed 5-2 with Martinez and Brown dissenting.

The Red Oak Victory Ship relocation study generated passionate testimony from volunteers who donate 15,000 hours annually to maintain the vessel. They argued moving the ship from its isolated location to Ford Point near the ferry terminal could increase revenue from $150,000 to nearly $1 million per year. Wilson opposed the study, citing lack of a clear funding path for the estimated $16-20 million construction costs. The contract passed 6-1 with Wilson dissenting.

UC Berkeley seismologists presented sobering earthquake projections, warning of a 32% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake on the Hayward fault by 2044. Richmond faces MMI 8-9 shaking intensity, meaning considerable to substantial damage. Bana requested an ad hoc committee on emergency preparedness, which Martinez appointed with Brown and Jimenez.

BART Director Berenali Goch outlined the transit agency's existential crisis, facing a $376 million annual deficit starting in fiscal year 2027. Without a regional sales tax measure passing in November 2026, BART would close at 9 p.m. daily, reduce weekend service, and potentially close 15 stations by 2028. The agency depends on fares for 71% of operations, far above industry norms.

The council moved the Pullman Park acquisition study to first position after Vice Mayor Robinson described the neighborhood's 20-year quest for green space. The area has 9,000 residents, 25% under age 18, but no parks within safe walking distance due to dangerous roads. Miss Naomi Williams, the Pullman Neighborhood Council president, received enthusiastic support for exploring acquisition of a vacant lot for park development.

The sidewalk vendor ordinance amendments were continued to May 5th after Zepeda requested adding a definition of solicitation and caps on exceptions. Stephanie Sanchez testified that her family's Super Churros business has operated from the same location for 27 years and deserves to be grandfathered in.