Los Banos, CA (December 5, 2025) — At a packed December 3 meeting, the Los Banos City Council tackled an ambitious agenda spanning housing development, emergency shelter options, and community celebrations—while also pausing to honor one of the city’s longest-serving public servants.
Mayor Michael Amabile called the meeting to order with all council members present: Mitzy Perez (District 1), Evan Sanders (District 2), Marcus Chavez (District 3), Deborah Lewis (District 4, Mayor Pro Tem), and the mayor himself. After approving the agenda, the Council recognized Accountant II Rosemarie Souto as November’s Employee of the Month for her outstanding performance in the Finance Department. Though unable to attend due to illness, Souto was praised for her dedication and annual efforts decorating City Hall for the holidays.
A more emotional tribute followed as the Council honored City Attorney William “Bill” Vaughn, who is retiring after 22 years with the city. Vaughn received a proclamation and retirement watch from the mayor and heartfelt words of gratitude from each council member, staff, and community members. Vaughn called the role “the highlight of my professional career,” noting he’ll miss the people more than the late-night meetings.
During public comment, residents voiced strong opinions on homelessness and city services. One speaker described firsthand efforts to support the city’s unhoused population, including distributing food, mattresses, and seeking donations of floodlights, generators, tarps, and plastic bins. The speaker emphasized the need for canopies, proper sanitation, and heating sources as winter deepens. Another resident expressed gratitude to the city’s Public Works team for addressing hazardous sidewalks near the Elks Lodge. A third praised the city’s support for pet welfare efforts, including a community campaign to rehome shelter pets for the holidays and an upcoming spay/neuter clinic.
Two written public comments were also entered into the record. One resident urged the city to adopt Option 3—a plan to purchase and rehabilitate a local motel—as the most stable and responsible emergency shelter solution. The letter cited the site’s central location, access to services, and potential for long-term impact, downplaying concerns about lost hotel tax revenue. Another letter called for quarterly transparency reports on the homeless encampment and One Tree Project, requesting public updates on management, placement fairness, and program outcomes to build community trust.
All items on the consent agenda were approved, including financial audits, land leases, subdivision map approvals, and a one-year agreement with Los Banos American Little League for use of Colorado Ballpark.
A major focus of the evening was the approval of Northpointe at Regency Park, a large-scale development on 114 acres featuring 543 single-family homes, up to 127 multi-family units, six parks, and a site for a future fire station. City staff and developer Stonefield Homes emphasized the project’s contribution to citywide housing goals and walkability. After a public hearing that raised concerns about school capacity and pet-friendly amenities, the Council approved the project unanimously, including a General Plan amendment, zone change, and reimbursement agreement for sewer upgrades.
The Council also weighed options to expand emergency shelter services. After reviewing four alternatives—including continued status quo, purchasing homes, building a tiny shelter village, or converting a motel—the Council gave informal direction to proceed with a managed “Tiny Shelter Village” on city-owned land. Staff said they would return in January with a detailed proposal and funding plan. The decision was informed by the potential to scale up quickly without displacing existing residents or losing tax revenue, unlike the motel plan, though the Council acknowledged the strong case made in public comment for that approach.
Later in the meeting, Fire Chief Paul Dwelle announced a wave of promotions and new hires in the fire department, including the addition of two new battalion chiefs and 12 incoming firefighters. Council members praised the Human Resources team for keeping pace with growing city staffing needs. Parks staff reminded residents of the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting scheduled for the upcoming weekend, while Police Chief Joe Reyna invited the community to the “Cocoa with the PoPo” event and highlighted the department’s annual holiday food drive.
In their closing reports, council members echoed public concerns. Perez proposed “little pantries” throughout the city to ease food insecurity, Chavez called for increased pothole repairs, and Lewis encouraged digital 3D presentations for future developments. Sanders emphasized the need to ensure high-density housing is actually built in planned neighborhoods and requested better internal communication about public events.
Mayor Amabile closed the evening by recognizing the city’s festive downtown decorations and inviting the public to the City’s annual Holiday Open House on December 17. He concluded with warm words for City Attorney Vaughn, whose retirement marks the end of an era.
With the Council’s next regular meeting canceled for the holidays, the group will reconvene on January 17, 2026.
