Council Meeting Minutes (Merchants’ Meeting) - February 3, 2026

Video Recording

Agenda

02.03.2026 PMAC Special Meeting Minutes (Merchants’ Meeting)

Location: LHPUSD Boardroom and ZOOM

Council Members in Attendance: Nicholas Erridge, Dr. Kassi Talbot, Dr. Patrick Horn, Cullen Rose

Absent: Ryan Augustine 

Quorum Achieved: Yes

Virtual Attendance: 2

People in Attendance: 12

Interpretation Services (Spanish/English): Present  

6:00 PM Call to Order and Opening Business: 

• Vice Chairperson Talbot called the meeting to order

• Pledge of allegiance administered

• Roll Call: Introduction of Council members

• Consent Agenda: Motion to adopt consent agenda proposed by Erridge – seconded by Horn - Approved unanimously.

• Open Public Comment:Medical Reserve Corp mentioned the service they offer and requested to do an informal survey w/i the community concerning the need for Automated External Defibrillators (AED) after the meeting. They also presented flyers to share with the community.

• Special Agenda: 

  • State of the Southcoast Councilor Comments: Horn provided an explanation as to why we are having a Merchants Meeting, alignment with the HMB Coastside Chamber State of the Coastside presentation. Horn also mentioned specific progress on the 2019 Town Visioning Process and potential initiatives for PMAC (P2Sea Train, Community Space, CSA 11 extension, Housing Taskforce, Infrastructure etc.) Erridge mentioned his pride in this community for all the volunteerism happening and how much has been done in the last 2 years. This work has been done by all of us and there is an opportunity to do more. Talbot mentioned the continued work that we need to continue such as safety related topics and mental health needs. Rose mentioned his focus on the systems to help our community function such as education, measure R bond committee, housing and resiliency. Rose also mentioned the need for continued access such as trails, public spaces and infrastructure. Talbot further thanked the merchants by name and emphasized the opportunities for hiring students and potential for trades education.

• Merchant Updates: 

  • HMB Coastside Chamber: Abby – Operations Coordinator – Introduced herself and her organization, she also shared some flyers for the community. 

  • Arriba Southcoast: Irma Rodriguez Mitton –Executive Director - Irma described the work her organization is focused on and offered to discuss in depth the projects Arriba is involved with. Irma also thanked the merchants for coming to this event. 

  • Medical Reserve Corp: Mentioned classes for ECS & EOC and if people are interested, they can reach out to them.

  • Green Business Network: Britton Mace - Program Manager - Britton gave an update on his organization and options to help SMC businesses become green and sustainable. This is a free program. See more here. https://www.smcsustainability.org/resources-for/small-businesses/green-business-program. Britton took questions from the audience and board around how to access funds, what is qualified and available resources. Britton gave examples of how the community can take advantage of the offerings and refer to the “check list” found on the county website referenced above.

  • Perry and Associated / KPDO: Catherine Perry – President – Catherine gave an update on her organization (Retirement Plan Consultant / Pension Consulting). B2B offerings. She mentioned flooding is a constant concern.

  • Arcangeli Grocery Co: Chris Benedetti – Owner – Chris gave an update on his family business and discussed their challenges in running a business in this unique location (trash, parking, power, flooding). Chris took some questions from the audience and board.  

  • Harley Farms/Duarte’s: Maya and Ben – Ben mentioned his love of community and working with anyone to help solve some or our communities’ issues. Maya mentioned that speeding on North Street & PCS is an issue (car clubs). Ben added that it’s not just visitors, but locals that also speed. Horn asked about Dee Harley’s perspective on water and the aquafer. Ben said they would share their perspective at a later time. Ben and Maya took some questions from the audience and board around speed related solutions. 

  • Pescadero Veterinary Services: Dr Michelle Croom – Michelle took over the business from Linda in 2023. They are the only Coastside clinic working with SMC is supporting vet services for the unhoused. Looking to do a Spay/Neuter Day in the community. Mentioned the great work Greta and Jackie (employees) are doing. Concerned about potential loss of products and materials due to flooding. Also power and cell service is an issue. Various comments from the board on the value of having a vet in our small town. Also, there are world renowned restaurants and stores in this small town. 

  • Downtown Local / The Sunshine: Nicole Sillapere – Owner - Nicole gave an update on her and John’s two businesses. She noticed that weather, televised sports and local road closures due to public events affect business. Nicole would like to see public bathrooms and trash receptacles in town. Nicole mentioned the difficulty of providing healthy, natural foods at a margin that supports paying employees. Looking to install a vegetable fridge to offer local vegetables more often. Horn asked out CSA 11 impact, but she stated that they haven’t investigated it. Nicole gave an update on their RO water system that they share with anyone who wants it. It takes ~$1500 a year to provide it so she may start charging visitors to help fund it. 

• Roundtable Discussion: Irma Rodriguez Mitton – Irma introduced the major issues that the Merchants called out. The table of issues is below. 

  • Talbot mentioned the gnat issue and what work has been done in the past. There was a lot of open discussion on the issues and potential solutions (clean drains, keep doors closed, remove standing water, use dehumidifiers, sticky traps). Residents are contacting the county (EMS, Vector Contral and the Ag Dept) per PMAC’s urging. Keep calling. The County has an ongoing investigation. Nicole asked about reaching out to the farm directly. Erridge mentioned that he and Nicole could reach out to the farm together. 

  • Talbot brought up some of the other issues listed but wanted to see what folks thought about additional issues and solutions. Signage was brought up concerning road closures that stop visitors from coming to town. Speed limit concerns were raised several times. Speed bumps and rumble strip solutions were discussed. Irma mentioned the Safe Route to School report. She further mentioned leveraging the report and potentially incorporating some of the ideas.  Horn mentioned the speed and lack of vehicle stops during the Pescadero to the Sea trial traffic study. Lots of discussion on tryingDIY ideas for traffic calming on Stage Rd. Chris gave a great history lesson on what businesses Pescadero used to have, also ways visitors used to come here. Insurance (flood/fire) was also discussed. Irma mentioned a One Shoreline insurance initiative that is being investigated. Chris mentioned internet access (both lan/Wi-Fi) being an issue. Irma mentioned that Fire Stations have emergency satellite phones available for residents. Some additional discussion on the generator being installed at PES. Horn thanked everyone for coming. 

Table of captured issues:

Adjournment 9:02 PM

• Vice Chairperson Talbot entertained a motion to adjourn -motioned by Horn – seconded by Erridge – Approved unanimously.