DPC Minutes 2026-01-08

    Meeting Minutes
    Delta Protection Commission

    Thursday, January 8, 2026, 5 p.m.
    The Delta King, 1000 Front Street, Old Sacramento, CA 95814

    Agenda

    1. Call to Order and Flag Salute

    Chair Diane Burgis called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.

    2. Welcome and Roll Call

    Commission Clerk Heather McClure called the roll. Present at roll call: Chair Diane Burgis; Commissioners Oscar Villegas, Pat Hume, Steven Ding (for Sonny Dhaliwal), David Kent, Cameron Bregman, Tom Slater, Gloria Sandoval (for Karen Ross), and Brian Bugsch (for Matthew Dumlao); and Ex Officio Member Designee Gary Prost for Senator Jerry McNerney. At this time, a quorum was present.

    It was noted that Ex Officio Member Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom joined the meeting at 6:10 p.m. during Item 9.

    Not present were Vice Chair John Vasquez; Commissioners Anissa Williams, Jim Paroli, and Toks Omishakin; and Alternate Dean Ruiz.

    3. Public Comment – an opportunity for members of the public to address the Commission regarding items not on the agenda

    Chair Burgis asked for public comment and there was none.

    Consent Agenda

    4. Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes for November 3, 2025; November 13, 2025; and November 17, 2025.

    Motion: It was moved by Commissioner Villegas and seconded by Commissioner Ding to approve the meeting minutes for November 3, 13, and 17, 2025; in a voice vote, the motion passed 9-0-0, all Commissioners present voting aye.

    Regular Agenda

    5. Report on Delta Stewardship Council (Council) Activities – Chair Diane Burgis

    Chair Burgis reported that the December Council meeting included preparation for the upcoming year and a substantial presentation on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission/Association of Bay Area Governments’ Plan Bay Area 2050+. She further reported that a Council meeting will be held later in January and that certification of consistency hearings for the Delta Conveyance Project are scheduled for February.

    Chair Burgis asked for public comment and there was none.

    6. Report on Delta Protection Advisory Committee (DPAC) Activities – Anna Swenson (DPAC Chair)

    DPAC Vice Chair Russ Ryan highlighted several reports from the December meeting, including a presentation by the Angels Recovery Dive Team, during which Commissioner Hume presented the team with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of their volunteer service in dangerous conditions. He also noted that a Clarksburg Trail update was presented and will be continued to the next DPAC meeting to allow for further discussion and additional public comment. In addition, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife provided a report on the golden mussel, which he stated has become a pervasive issue in the Delta.

    Chair Burgis asked for public comment and there was none.

    7. Executive Director’s Report – Amanda Bohl, Executive Director

    Executive Director Bohl reported that Congress is moving forward with an increase to $500,000 per year for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area (NHA). The legislation must pass before the increase can be implemented for the current federal fiscal year. She also reported that she and Program Manager Blake Roberts will be traveling to Washington D.C. next month to attend the annual Association of National Heritage Areas gathering.

    Commissioner Sandoval commented that the California Natural Resources Agency will host its first Outdoors for All Convening on February 3 and noted that information on the NHA Area will be shared at the event to highlight how it supports the state’s Outdoors for All efforts. She also reported that Commissioner Villegas has agreed to participate on a panel with the California State Parks Director and other agency leaders.

    Executive Director Bohl announced that Program Manager Virginia Gardiner retired from the Commission at the end of December and thanked her for her nearly ten years of service. She expressed appreciation for Gardiner’s willingness to remain longer to guide the DPC through the Delta Conveyance Project appeal as well as her many contributions to the Commission’s work.

    Gardiner thanked the Commission for the opportunity, describing her time with the Commission as an “amazing ride.” She reflected on several projects completed during her tenure, including the Economic Sustainability Plan and the Great Delta Trail Master Plan. Gardiner also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to “go out with a bang” by working on the Delta Conveyance Project appeal and concluded by commending the Commission’s “outstanding staff.”

    The Commission presented Gardiner with a framed print depicting a Delta landscape by local artist Merle Axelrad in recognition of her service.

    Chair Burgis expressed appreciation for Gardiner’s service, noting the special expertise and skills she brought to the Commission and commenting that the impact of her work will continue to be felt for years to come.

    Chair Burgis asked for public comment and there was none.

    8. Potential Approval of Proposed Rio Vista General Plan, Based on Review of the Land Use Resource Management Plan Policies – Blake Roberts, DPC Program Manager

    Roberts presented an overview of the City of Rio Vista’s proposed General Plan and explained the Commission’s role under the Delta Protection Act to determine whether local general plans are consistent with the Land Use and Resource Management Plan (LURMP). He described the required findings related to wetlands, water quality, flood risk, agriculture, public access, and other resource protections, and noted that the City submitted documentation demonstrating consistency with these requirements. Changes in the updated Rio Vista General Plan land use diagram were reviewed, including clarification of existing land uses and a reduction in land designated for industrial use in favor of open space and natural resources. Roberts recommended that the Commission approve the Rio Vista General Plan. A representative from the City of Rio Vista, Paul Junker, provided additional background on the comprehensive update process and noted that the Plan reflects changes to bring it up to current state requirements.

    Commissioner Villegas asked whether the review applies to areas in the secondary zone as well, and Roberts replied that the code only requires review for consistency with the LURMP for areas in the Primary Zone.

    Chair Burgis asked for public comment and there was none.

    Motion: It was moved by Commissioner Hume and seconded by Commissioner Kent to approve the proposed Rio Vista General Plan; in a voice vote, the motion passed 9-0-0, all Commissioners present voting aye.

    Chair Burgis recused herself and left the meeting at 5:38 p.m. Vice Chair Vasquez was unable to attend, so Commissioner Oscar Villegas led the remainder of the meeting.

    Commissioner Sandoval explained that she needed to share an announcement at that time because she would not be present later in the meeting during Commissioner comments. She announced that the California Natural Resources Agency, in partnership with California State Parks, is leading the California Trails Survey to gather input from outdoor users, agencies, and community leaders on statewide trail needs and priorities. She encouraged Commissioners to participate and noted that feedback will help inform future trail investments, including potential funding from the climate bond. Sandoval also noted that the survey (californiatrailssurvey.com) will close in February and offered to share the information with staff for distribution.

    Commissioner Villegas commented on the importance of including the Great Delta Trail in these trail planning efforts.

    9. Update on Delta Conveyance Project Appeals and Potential Approval of Additional Comment Letter pursuant to PRC 29773 – Amanda Bohl, Executive Director

    Executive Director Bohl provided an update on the Commission’s appeal of the Delta Conveyance Project certification of consistency with the Delta Plan. She reported that staff filed an appeal and submitted comments pursuant to Public Resources Code section 29773 on November 17. Following the submission, staff requested two extensions. The first request, submitted in coordination with other appellants, sought to delay the hearing date and was granted. The second request sought additional time for the Commission to submit comments under Section 5028 of the Council’s appeals procedures; this request was denied. Bohl reported that staff submitted an additional written filing on January 2 expanding on the Commission’s appeal and addressing issues raised by other appellants, and also submitted eight maps for inclusion in the record. She noted that the appeals hearing is scheduled for February 26–27 and that staff is preparing for the hearing. Bohl recommended that the Commission present its arguments using a panel format and invited Commissioners to provide input on potential panel participants.

    Commissioner Sandoval requested a brief pause. She stated for the record that she was recusing herself from the agenda item because her agency, the California Natural Resources Agency, has publicly supported the Delta Conveyance Project due to its importance in ensuring a stable water supply and responding to the effects of climate change. She noted that the conveyance project is intended to advance the state’s coequal goals for the Delta by providing a more reliable water supply for California while protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Delta ecosystem. She then left the meeting at 5:47 p.m.

    Following Commissioner Sandoval’s recusal, Executive Director Bohl informed the Commission that staff is considering submitting an additional letter pursuant to Public Resources Code section 29773 expanding on the recommendations previously submitted with the Commission’s appeal. She noted that the draft letter in the meeting packet proposes both procedural and substantive recommendations, including consideration of a collaborative process led by the Council and greater involvement of Delta community representatives in future discussions related to conveyance. Bohl indicated that staff initially believed Commission approval would be required to submit the additional letter but later determined that it falls within the authority already granted by the Commission. She invited Commissioners to provide feedback on the draft.

    Commissioner Hume asked for clarification regarding language describing a “standing amicus curiae” role under Section 5028 and whether that role carried greater weight than participating as an appellant. Counsel Nicole Rinke responded that it does not. She explained that “amicus curiae” is a concept from judicial proceedings in which a party provides perspective on issues raised by others. Rinke stated that staff disagrees with the Council’s interpretation that the Commission must choose between participating as an appellant and providing comments under Section 5028, and noted that staff intends to reflect that position in its response to the Council. Rinke also noted that staff honored the Council’s request to consolidate submissions within the 20-page limit.

    Commissioner Slater asked how much time appellants would have to present at the appeals hearing. Executive Director Bohl responded that the Council will determine the time allotted for each appellant once the hearing schedule is released. She noted that, based on past proceedings, presentations may be limited to approximately 15–20 minutes and would therefore focus on highlighting the most important points from the written submissions rather than presenting them in full, as the Council will already have the written materials as part of the record.

    The Commission discussed the potential use of a panel to present the Commission’s arguments at the hearing. Commissioner Villegas described the panel approach used during the 2018 WaterFix appeals proceedings, explaining that panel members were identified in advance and later coordinated their testimony after reviewing the Council’s draft determination to ensure presentations addressed key issues without duplicating one another. He suggested a similar approach for the upcoming hearing.

    Commissioners Hume and Slater volunteered to serve on the panel.

    Commissioner Bregman asked that information regarding panel participation and developments in the appeals process be shared with the full Commission.

    Executive Director Bohl noted that staff may also reach out to additional representatives, including Don Nottoli, former Sacramento County Supervisor and Delta Protection Commission Chair, to help ensure the panel reflects the range of interests represented by the Commission. She also noted that staff may call a meeting on February 19 to obtain Commission input prior to the February 26–27 appeals hearing.

    Commissioner Villegas asked for public comment and there was none.

    Closed Session

    10. The Commission may meet in closed session to discuss the appeals pending before the Delta Stewardship Council (C20257-A01 – A10) regarding DWR’s Certification of Consistency for the Delta Conveyance Project pursuant to Government Code, Section 11126(e)(2)(A)

    Counsel Nicole Rinke announced there was no need for a closed session.

    Return to Regular Agenda

    11. Commissioner Comments/Announcements

    Commissioner Villegas asked for Commissioner comments and announcements, and there were none.

    12. Adjourn

    Commissioner Villegas adjourned the meeting at 6:15 p.m.