[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6670817,"mediaKeyId","2171917-7b1e6fe050a336cf23b332c2d2140f89","parentId",2171917,"title","Outgoing councilmember Kathleen Rivers thanks community; resignation prompts public comment and council clarifications","audioSeconds",934,"startMs",324000,"endMs",1258000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171917-7b1e6fe050a336cf23b332c2d2140f89&start=324&end=1258","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171917-7b1e6fe050a336cf23b332c2d2140f89/thumbnail_324000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6670817/Cotati-City/Sonoma-County/California/Outgoing-councilmember-Kathleen-Rivers-thanks-community-resignation-prompts-public-comment-and-council-clarifications","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670817-8f52eeed5eb2b65531e0a5e7e4e71392/orig.mp4?Expires=1776572877&Signature=Afrp5A4BAPINQtB5pULfonraPB8fDz92pkxcM8r2t-xrm9uFrV1u2CvAYDgarXvnaHPEjyihRcv8x~9Pnq44fxQk1rIFfb5tv7wCjAJs4YIJEScfpQx0d~EatiK43EIaGb0PMdfsBZBhwoKYh-CSQOsvibtqExaPyGigBUgPwEEaEQPEfxZxl8DmYvuPme9nF1-XVwYAXhWVuggULvtj6TcRQYRQ1Q3NdMMiNgHlyEh1JQxB-zr6uMidYhJV98nAxIYw1MCz2Hzlkh4q4jRMZUG3m8gyvMgy6H~Wi5qFcSv6uJ3jq1ZxcwUvXpq86xWxs-8SSjPTEBWwk0MPl52Wgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Cotati, CA","date","2025-01-30T05:17:19.277Z","article","Former Councilmember Kathleen Rivers addressed the council during public comment to explain her decision to resign and to thank the community for her time in office.

Rivers said the primary reason for resigning was family: all three of her adult children recently moved back into her home and she wanted to spend more time with them. She also said a new teaching position requiring additional preparation contributed to her decision. Rivers clarified that discrimination she experienced was at her school employer and not by the city; she praised city staff, the police and several council members for participating in recent flag-raising ceremonies for LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

Following Rivers’ remarks, several members of the public commented. One speaker asserted ethics and code-enforcement concerns and urged the council to “lawyer up” or file ethics charges; another speaker praised Rivers’ service and said Rivers had held office hours in the community. A third public speaker who identified himself as a former councilmember urged the council to use respectful forms of address for individuals and criticized the mayor’s approach to a speaker’s chosen title; several speakers called on the council to be civil and fair in handling public business.

Council members responded to Rivers’ statement: Mayor Ford said he had one conversation with Rivers and the city manager before her resignation email; other council members described how they learned of the resignation by phone or from her emailed letter received shortly before or at meetings. The city attorney said there was no further action around that matter.

Public-comment items also included a range of other concerns raised by residents during the meeting’s public-comment periods, including complaints about code enforcement expenditures and requests that the council place emergency-preparedness and downtown plan reviews on future agendas.

The council made no formal policy changes during public comment; the meeting record shows councilmembers acknowledged Rivers’ service and discussed procedural awareness about how and when resignations are communicated.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting Jan 28 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Former Councilmember Kathleen Rivers spoke at the meeting to explain her resignation and thanked the community; other residents used the public-comment period to urge ethical and procedural reviews and to comment on how the council addressed her departure.","taxTitle","Cotati City, Sonoma County, California","taxId",72376,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6670823,"Council approves two $5,000 cultural grants to fund local events",1003,1567000,2570000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171917-7b1e6fe050a336cf23b332c2d2140f89&start=1567&end=2570","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171917-7b1e6fe050a336cf23b332c2d2140f89/thumbnail_1567000.jpg","/articles/6670823/Cotati-City/Sonoma-County/California/Council-approves-two-5000-cultural-grants-to-fund-local-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670823-76feba33f76003ff53079cd964822c6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776572877&Signature=GV9F8C23I-N3urVeDcUWN7xw8-m3JcgI3lot3eMy7DfUpspm96D9tEtMRSNgSj6mIlOsKSbmeztBerpRnE3LqTRtxyLpajDVeYk1nz9qmX7mM2~4I6eMGTdzrqVBuGXRHb8Hh2Gyr8HGttkRi8~PEv4goOKhinPSXLpowKgS-k0aJ-OXETEBKfqGT3Oqi1HulkYik3m8Edzwscs1HonGZZ5Y65xisp9Nb~KjfQyt6AXFiproDUASGGEtXrHvH971~rJcqLzDZ1H~DG~sKP7k7h8skvHZxtpzou8-XV4Lf17Qu5jbmwBcqZcP-P~grgGzcutQgxY-cyz1OuWfpaKBiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cotati City Council adopted a resolution approving staff recommendations to award two Cotati Cultural Events Small Grants at $5,000 each for the 2025 cycle.

Ashley Wilson, presenting the staff recommendation, described six eligible applications following a shortened application period. Two applications were recommended for awards: Progressive Tribal Alliance to host a Cotati Big Time event featuring Native American dancers, speakers and vendors, and Gerasol Collective to host a Día de los Muertos family-friendly community celebration with altars, traditional music, artisans and storytelling. Both applicants indicated an intention to use the city funding as seed money to establish recurring events.

The staff report explained the rubric used to score applications: creativity; diversity, inclusivity and access; feasibility and sustainability; potential to foster community togetherness and broad community appeal; and whether applicants were Cotati residents or business owners. The program allowed up to $5,000 per award. Staff recommended that award recipients make reasonable efforts to coordinate with other applicants proposing similar events.

Vice Mayor Lemus recused herself from the discussion because of a stated conflict. After council discussion and public comment from applicants and residents supporting the recommended events, the council adopted the resolution approving the two recommended awards. Staff said it will return with event approvals and any permit requirements as events are finalized.

What this means for the community
- Two new or expanded cultural events have seed funding and staff support to proceed through permitting and park-use processes.
- Staff recommended recipients collaborate with other applicants proposing similar events to reduce duplication and promote coordination.

Notes on process and application
- This was the program’s first year; the shortened application window was noted in the staff report and staff said they plan a longer period in future cycles.
- One of the six initial applications was disqualified as incomplete.","The council approved awarding two Cotati Cultural Events Small Grants of $5,000 each to the Progressive Tribal Alliance and Gerasol Collective for proposed events intended as annual community celebrations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6670827,"Cotati council opts to fill vacant seat by appointment; sets application window and special meeting",217,3802000,4019000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171917-7b1e6fe050a336cf23b332c2d2140f89&start=3802&end=4019","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171917-7b1e6fe050a336cf23b332c2d2140f89/thumbnail_3802000.jpg","/articles/6670827/Cotati-City/Sonoma-County/California/Cotati-council-opts-to-fill-vacant-seat-by-appointment-sets-application-window-and-special-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670827-93a82576bb6b386f5c6c4c6eebbebd62/orig.mp4?Expires=1776572877&Signature=iLWHCdh6lec-LD3B~GK-z7NgbS7Yav9sQRwkIWOn3yPG5dhgAXVazFF5vp8w4VaY-bM~2ARDtWS8jUyeXXpByJVtt4hztxiFPOiGYKJkww5-szXA1Mh1B-lFR-veGA4qa-Ie5ZflkQ1SZ8rK1LDA9IJjzp7p587AP-aoUBEPb383oNtynDjqNPLgaYyX~y7XaOrtgdImkxoB~2hqT0ss0Gew8vJ6ylzajHn2MOKHiXDg70pB3a~gCam7HRmW1MS7a7NF9ZHgqOq34TIQY6CBZTKugmGTa1-dCwLLT0vipnm~mOSBYTMgypCsCOPInehNpxH0pQ~ma~lSyNUCjsUJIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","After Councilmember Kathleen Rivers’ resignation created a vacancy, the Cotati City Council voted to fill the open seat by appointment, citing timing and cost considerations.

City Manager Damien (Obid) briefed the council on the legal options under California Government Code §36512(b): the council may either call a special election or appoint a replacement. He told the council the earliest feasible special-election date would be in late summer and that a special election would likely cost the city tens of thousands of dollars. The council discussed trade-offs including the expense to the city and the time a seat would remain vacant under a special election timeline.

Councilmembers expressed concern about leaving the seat vacant during upcoming strategic planning and budget work. Several members said the city’s ability to conduct timely business would be hampered if the seat remained empty for months. On that basis the council directed staff to open an application period beginning Jan. 30 and closing Feb. 13 and scheduled a special meeting on Feb. 18 to hold interviews and make an appointment to fill the unexpired term.

The council recorded the motion to appoint and the scheduling direction as carried unanimously among members present. Staff said it will publish vacancy materials and accept applications, and that the appointed person would assume the seat after the council’s selection at the special meeting.

Discussion vs. decision
- Discussion: council members weighed the administrative cost of a special election, the practical impact of a prolonged vacancy on quorum and routine business, and the desire to allow adequate time for applicants to prepare.
- Direction: open application Jan. 30–Feb. 13 and hold a special meeting Feb. 18 for interviews and appointment.
- Decision: pursue appointment rather than special election.","Following Councilmember Kathleen Rivers’ resignation, the Cotati City Council decided to fill the vacancy by appointment and set an application period and special meeting for interviews and appointment instead of calling a special election.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6670831,"Cotati City Council approves minutes, consent calendar and cultural grants; sets application window to fill council vacancy",2551,2821000,5372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171917-7b1e6fe050a336cf23b332c2d2140f89&start=2821&end=5372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171917-7b1e6fe050a336cf23b332c2d2140f89/thumbnail_2821000.jpg","/articles/6670831/Cotati-City/Sonoma-County/California/Cotati-City-Council-approves-minutes-consent-calendar-and-cultural-grants-sets-application-window-to-fill-council-vacancy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670831-875216e75d89376ff60f1aa8e85d2517/orig.mp4?Expires=1776572877&Signature=C3TNITT9ruTgTjC1LQeqxMwvitfFNSwgunJ51GZ1beWPFECdP6ETJaw8D3msNkMfH49X6iNgiEvd8TyEuRTMzjv~8DyG29PDgiXUPhuA9GW7ugGJOAozGTmzg-b6z3PZbcrtoG0aLk3oq8QnHZZJt39Irb4eZyjxfnUbbbtfffm5yn~GVLiVGmMcSK0VUb-4mD~HUc665~tYQClZrAB1ip5LQxOp071XEb1LLzpcu6OU06I06ihLYqI3iOa7bXufZPSV6QCsO6lSO7Dz9ZMOPnx5VxBZXQ0HGv15crFxpPqUY9JAB~KN4GGy1KbtDditUw3RwTzkI1LxKYE4ujNE2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cotati City Council voted to approve routine business and to move forward on staffing and cultural grant matters at its latest meeting.

The council unanimously approved the Jan. 14 minutes and the consent calendar. Later in the meeting the council adopted a resolution approving award recommendations from the Cotati Cultural Events Small Grant Program for the 2025 cycle and directed staff to open an application period to fill a council vacancy by appointment.

On the cultural grants, staff recommended awarding two applicants the program’s maximum of $5,000 each to support community events the city expects to hold in La Plaza Park and other locations. The council adopted the resolution approving those awards by unanimous vote of the members present.

After a resignation created a council vacancy, the council voted to fill the seat by appointment rather than calling a special election. The council directed staff to open an application period starting Jan. 30 and closing Feb. 13 and scheduled a special meeting on Feb. 18 to hold interviews and make the appointment. The motion passed unanimously.

Votes at a glance
- Approval of Jan. 14 minutes — motion carried unanimously (members present voted aye).
- Approval of consent calendar — motion carried unanimously (members present voted aye).
- Resolution approving 2025 Cotati Cultural Events Small Grant awardees (two awards at $5,000 each) — adopted unanimously by members present.
- Motion to fill vacant council seat by appointment with application period Jan. 30–Feb. 13 and interviews/appointment at a special meeting on Feb. 18 — adopted unanimously by members present.

No tally of individual roll-call votes was recorded in the meeting transcript for these motions; the clerk recorded outcomes as unanimous among members present.","At its regular meeting, the Cotati City Council approved minutes and the consent calendar, adopted a resolution awarding two $5,000 Cotati Cultural Events small grants, and directed staff to open an application period to fill a vacant council seat by appointment, with a special meeting scheduled for Feb. 18.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Outgoing councilmember Kathleen Rivers thanks community; resignation prompts public comment and council clarifications

Council approves two $5,000 cultural grants to fund local events

Cotati council opts to fill vacant seat by appointment; sets application window and special meeting

Cotati City Council approves minutes, consent calendar and cultural grants; sets application window to fill council vacancy