LOS BANOS, CA — The Los Banos City Council held two meetings in March, addressing a wide range of topics including long-awaited park development, infrastructure upgrades, public safety improvements, and housing initiatives. The meetings, held on March 5 and March 19, reflected the Council’s continued efforts to enhance city services and respond to community concerns.
One of the most significant developments was the advancement of the Shaughnessy Village Park project, which had faced years of delays. On March 19, the Council unanimously approved a 2.33-acre land dedication that will allow construction to begin this spring. The park’s final design includes a shaded playground, picnic areas, walking paths, and perimeter fencing. Parks and Recreation Director Joe Heim emphasized that community input played a critical role in shaping the project, which is expected to open in fall 2025. Mayor Mike Amabile and councilmembers thanked residents for their patience and praised the collaboration of Interim City Manager Gary Brizzee and Greg Hostleter in moving the project forward.
In a continued focus on infrastructure, the Council on March 5 approved the annexation of 170 acres between the San Luis and Santa Fe Canals for a stormwater capture and groundwater recharge facility. The land’s zoning was officially changed from agricultural to civic/institutional to align with its use as a public utility site. Councilmembers also authorized an addendum to the city’s lease with the Central California Irrigation District to install solar lighting along the H.G. Fawcett Canal Trail, supported by a $125,000 grant and additional city funds. Officials noted that lighting was one of the most requested safety upgrades in the city’s parks master plan.
Housing development remains a key focus for the city. On March 19, Community and Economic Development Director Stacy Elms presented the 2024 Annual Housing Element Progress Report. Los Banos issued 181 new housing permits this year, bringing the city’s total to 315 units toward its eight-year Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) goal of 3,132 units. While the city is between housing cycles, Elms confirmed that Los Banos remains in good standing with the state and expects its sixth-cycle housing element to be approved soon.
The Council also heard updates on the $14 million One Tree Housing Project, which will create 58 units of permanent supportive housing aimed at reducing homelessness. Interim City Manager Brizzee reported that the project is on schedule, with groundbreaking expected within the next 90 days and full occupancy targeted by June 2027. In tandem with this initiative, cleanup efforts continue at encampments near G Street as the city balances public safety with long-term housing solutions.
Public safety received attention at both meetings. Seven new police officers are set to graduate from the academy on March 28, a record number for the Los Banos Police Department. Brizzee praised existing staff for maintaining service levels during staffing shortages. In a separate matter, concerns were raised about the safety of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), including fire risks and the need for first responder training. These concerns were echoed during both public forums, with residents urging city leaders to advocate for improved safety protocols and state oversight.
The March 19 public forum brought forward a variety of additional community voices. A resident applauded the city’s progress on Shaughnessy Village Park but also raised concerns about the proposed Caltrans roundabout at Highway 152 and Volta Road, citing heavy truck traffic. Mayor Amabile acknowledged that discussions with Caltrans are ongoing. Another resident, representing the union’s Public Works and Miscellaneous Employees Negotiation Team, urged the Council to finalize a labor agreement, citing financial and emotional stress caused by previous administrative actions.
Community organizations also took the opportunity to share updates. The Elks Lodge reported over $1.25 million in local grant donations to date, including a recent $6,000 grant for Kings View kitchen equipment. A spokesperson from Golden Valley Health Centers invited the public to a March 25 town hall to discuss healthcare access and celebrate the center’s 50 years of service in Los Banos. A member of the Friends of the Los Banos Library urged city leaders and residents to oppose any county-level moves to close or privatize public libraries, emphasizing the library’s role in serving youth and underserved populations.
Peninsula Clean Energy representatives announced a March 28 ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new solar carport at the Community Center and commended the city’s HVAC upgrade project, which they helped fund through a grant partnership. City leaders stressed the importance of ensuring backup power at essential facilities like the Community Center and Public Works offices.
During the March 5 meeting, the Council recognized Arbor Day and encouraged residents to attend a tree planting event on March 7 at Meadowlands Basin Park. Trisha Sova, an administrative clerk in the Community & Economic Development Department, was named Employee of the Month for February. Councilmembers also made several commission appointments and rescinded a prior resolution that had designated middle management employees as “at-will,” restoring traditional probationary periods. Additional updates included increased certification stipends for police and dispatch personnel and expanded administrative leave for department leaders.
The Council approved routine consent items throughout the month, including over $1.17 million in warrant expenditures, budget adjustments, subdivision agreements, and resolutions related to the August 26 special election to fill the District 1 council vacancy. However, a planned street rehabilitation project was temporarily delayed after the Council rejected the only bid submitted. Staff advised that rebidding the project alongside a larger summer paving contract could yield better pricing, though some councilmembers expressed concerns about discouraging future contractor participation.
In response to evolving state water quality mandates, the Council also voted to co-sponsor and support Senate Bill 466, authored by State Senator Anna Caballero. The bill provides legal protections for cities striving to comply with new chromium-6 drinking water standards. Los Banos is actively working on a treatment plan to meet the compliance deadline.
City Council meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 520 J Street. Meetings are open to the public and livestreamed on the city’s website. Agendas and public comment submission options are available online at www.losbanos.org.
