Board delays two appeals to March 5 after debate over due process and scheduling

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 8 voted to continue two reconsideration hearings (agenda items 5 and 6) to the date certain of March 5, citing due-process concerns and scheduling conflicts for the appellant’s counsel and technical witnesses.

County staff and counsel told the board they had received a continuance request from appellants who said counsel and a geotechnical engineer would be unable to attend today’s hearing. Chief Assistant County Counsel Andrea Widdle advised the board to consider the continuance request before reopening the hearings so parties would have a full opportunity to be heard.

During public comment, speakers opposed and supported the continuance. Jack Meadows told the board, “We strenuously oppose another continuance,” saying the matter has been delayed since 2019 and that repeated delays have fatigued witnesses. Chuck Meadows said he “strenuously object[ed] to the granting of any continuance” and urged the board to finish the hearings. The appellant, Michelle, asked the board to allow a continuance to March because new evidence arrived late and counsel and local witnesses would be available then: “I implore the supervisors, please allow this continuance so that everyone can be heard.”

President Halbert proposed March 5 as a date certain; Supervisor Miley seconded the motion. The clerk recorded ayes for Supervisors Marquez, Tam and Miley and President Halbert; Supervisor Fortunato Bas was excused. The board applied the continuance to both items and staff confirmed March 5 is the planning meeting date. The board noted it may designate the continuance as the last continuance absent an emergency.