RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova City Council meeting on Nov. 4 drew a large crowd, with significant public comment on a proposed non-binding ceasefire resolution regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The city’s plans to beautify and improve key corridors was another major topic at the meeting.

“I’m here to ask for your support of a ceasefire resolution that we’ve already drafted in collaboration with Jewish allies,” said resident Sara Alzanoon, one of the speakers. “Please consider putting it on the agenda.”

Supporters of the resolution pointed to the city’s previous stance on international issues, including solidarity with Ukraine, as a precedent for the council's engagement in global matters.

“We are asking for this to be added as a future agenda item so it can be vetted and workshopped by this council," said resident Vazia Mugol. “This council set a precedent when they declared solidarity with Ukraine.”

Samantha Stringer emphasized that local governments should take steps toward influencing change, no matter how small.

Some public comments also expressed reservations on the topic.

“I was approached about this topic and I had mixed feelings on it. I understand both sides but the problem is I believe that a local government has no right to go against the federal government. This issue must be taken up with the president of the United States,” said resident Helen Bashaw. “I do believe more information has to be brought forward by the council and the city to explain why this issue is as hot as it is and what the resolution might be.”

Councilmember Donald Terry expressed hesitations, stating that with council seats up for reelection and councilmembers not at the meeting, it was not the right time to move forward with such a measure.

“It would probably be my intent to talk tonight to suggest that we move forward with discussion but considering there are only two councilmembers who will remain after the election, I will not suggest putting it on the agenda," Terry said.

Mayor David M. Sander, Ph.D. echoed Terry’s concerns, adding that the city could take up other efforts that support and engage the community.

“Not everything has to be a City Council agenda item to have an impact and benefit to Rancho Cordova residents,” said Sander.

In response to the substantial number of emails received by the city, City Clerk Stacey Leitner reported that the clerk’s office had received 21 public comments, with 20 supporting the ceasefire.

“In addition, we have received more than 30 emails since Nov. 1 in support of the resolution that were not specified for public comment,” she noted. “However, the council has received over 8,600 emails since Sept. 26, urging against the resolution.”

The second major topic of discussion was the Rancho Cordova Corridor Enhancement Plan, which aims to beautify and improve key corridors and entrances to the city. Public Works Director Albert Stricker outlined the city’s vision, which focuses on six key corridors: Bradshaw Road, Old Placerville Road, Routier Road, Mather Field Road, Zinfandel Drive and Sunrise Boulevard.

Community feedback, gathered through workshops and online surveys, emphasized transportation safety, better signage and the addition of continuous bicycle and pedestrian friendly corridors. Residents also expressed interest in more street trees and green infrastructure.

Eric Prince, a landscape architect from Atlas Labs, detailed some of the design elements, stating that each corridor will feature large shade trees and unique flowering plants.

Councilmember Linda Budge raised concerns about the city’ s history with drought and the long-term sustainability of planting certain types of flowers.

“Flowers like the baby blue eyes we planted at City Hall were a complete failure,” Budge said.

Mayor Sander stressed the importance of long-term planning and maintenance for the city's aging neighborhoods.

“These corridors are important because we have a lot of older neighborhoods that have never been properly planned. We must think about how to fund them and how to maintain them over time,” he said.

In public comment, Helen Bashaw echoed concerns about the sustainability of the tree planting plan.

“We need to research the trees to make sure they’re drought-resistant, have a long lifespan and won’t cause issues for motorists or block signage,” she said.