spring 2025
To District 4,
I couldn’t believe that it’s been over 100 days since I was inaugurated as your Councilmember.
As many of you know, I’ve served our city in many capacities: on Monument Impact’s Board of Directors, the Measure V Campaign Committee, and on our Parks and Recreation Commission.
But the view from the Concord City Council dais is different.
It’s both humbling and overwhelming – I feel the weight of the responsibility.
In the city council meetings I’ve been part of so far, I’ve been moved by every constituent who came up to the mic and shared their views, opinions, and concerns with passion and vigor.
On this first edition of our quarterly newsletter, I will provide an update on our City’s progress and share the work I am doing for you so we can continue to grow together.
Sincerely,
Pablo
Changes to our housing policy
Throughout my campaign, I heard repeatedly from many District 4 constituents the challenges with the current rent control and just cause eviction ordinance. I knew it needed to be changed.
In February, we heard from constituents throughout Concord. From tenants and homeowners to landlords and small businesses, I listened closely to everyone’s concerns about changes to our local housing policy. It was clear that housing in our city, and our state at large, is too expensive. Everyone’s costs are going up.
I also heard from many small landlords and the challenges they experienced in keeping properties on the market.
As a city council, we should make strides towards making housing more affordable. It’s why the recent changes to our Residential Tenant Protection Program moves us closer to that mission, which is to pave the way for more housing in our city. We must strike at the root of our housing crisis: there’s simply not enough housing. Our updated policy carefully balances the concerns of tenants and landlords, while ensuring the development of more housing in our city remains our top priority.
I want to express my gratitude to all the constituents who voiced their opinions at our recent city council meetings. It’s this spirit of democracy that strengthens the policies we debate.
My hope is the changes will stop the exodus of rental properties off the rental market and hopefully continue to expand our rental housing supply.
CITY SERVICES
Public Works
In February, I met with our incredible Public Works Department. These are the men and women who, quite literally, power, maintain, and build our city.
Public Works is responsible for infrastructure, like paving our roads and setting up street lamps, among many other important functions.
If you want to learn more about Public Works or want to report a concern, visit their website here.
Meeting with Our Firefighters and Our County Animal Services
I participated in the Contra Costa Fire Protection District training day to get a taste of what our first responders do to protect us every day.
Supervisor Carlson invited local city council representatives to join him for a tour of Contra Costa Animal Services to share the services they provide our community to support the health and well-being of animals. I strongly encourage our community to learn more about their services and check out available animals for adoption. For more information, please visit CCASD.org.
League of Cities
We met with representatives of federal agencies and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier to seek clarity regarding funding allocated to Concord under President Biden. The federal representatives expressed uncertainty about whether the present administration will follow through with previously awarded funding. We will fight for the funding that is rightfully ours.
Concord Neighborhood Cleanup Schedule 2025
Summer City News and Activity Guide
Exciting news, Concord! The 2025 Summer City News & Activity Guide is here, featuring community updates, day camps, classes, trips, swim lessons, and more. Residents will receive copies by mail or can view it online here.
National Night Out
National Night Out is on August 5th! This annual event fosters police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to enhance safety.
Hundreds of Concord residents participate, providing a chance to socialize and connect with local officers and neighbors. To learn more, please visit here.
Baldwin Dog Park Closed until April 21
Baldwin Dog Park is closed for annual renovations until April 21. Renovations include aeration, re-seeding, fertilizing, adding organic mulch, and allowing time for the natural turf grass to grow and fill in the worn areas. Gopher abatement will also be performed. Consistent turf renovations will keep the facility attractive and safe.