Community Listening Session – February 10, 2026

On February 10, 2026, Mayor Darrell Parham and I hosted a Community Listening Session at the Weed Community Center from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

We were grateful to have seven community members attend, and we sincerely thank everyone who took the time to participate. While we had hoped for a larger turnout, we were genuinely encouraged by the level of engagement and the quality of the discussion. The conversation was productive, respectful, and wide-ranging, and it reaffirmed the value of creating regular opportunities for residents to speak directly with City leadership.

During the session, we discussed several current City projects and priorities, and many participants had questions about the downtown rubble and debris, including what the City is doing to get properties cleaned up and what comes next once those sites are addressed. We shared updates on current efforts and explained that cleanup is only the first step; what follows will depend heavily on community input.

A central theme of the discussion was the future of downtown. City Council, the Mayor, and I made it clear that we want to hear directly from the public about what you would like downtown to become once properties are cleaned up. There are multiple paths the City could take, and community input will help guide those decisions.

Several residents expressed interest in tourism-focused development, which we acknowledged as an essential part of Weed’s identity and economy. At the same time, I shared my perspective that, while tourism is valuable, it alone is unlikely to be sufficient to sustain the City in the long term. Mayor Parham also discussed the potential for an industrial or business park that could support business incubation, job creation, and long-term economic stability.

We also discussed opportunities to partner with other organizations, including educational institutions and nonprofits, to provide business incubation and support services for residents who want to start or grow businesses in Weed.

Housing was another key topic. Participants raised questions about tiny homes and broader housing options. I explained that one of the City’s current constraints related to housing development is that our sewer system is at capacity, which limits how quickly new housing can be added until infrastructure solutions are identified and implemented.

A representative from the college asked whether the previously approved college dormitory project remains approved. We confirmed that it does, and that the City continues to support that project.

Overall, the session reinforced the importance of listening, information-sharing, and honest dialogue. We left the conversation encouraged and committed to continuing it.

Based on the success of this first session, we will host community listening sessions every two months going forward.

The next Community Listening Session is scheduled for:

📅 April 14, 2026
🕕 6:00 p.m.
📍 City Hall (pending completion of current work, which is expected)

These sessions are an opportunity for residents to tell us:

• What you want downtown to become
• What kinds of businesses do you want to see in Weed
• What priorities do you believe the City should focus on

Even small turnouts make a difference. We encourage residents to attend, share ideas, ask questions, or listen. Your input will help shape the City's direction as we move forward.

Downtown Revitalization, Public Safety, and Citywide Progress

Thank you for your continued patience and commitment. Our last public community update was shared on January 24, 2026, and since then, a great deal of work has continued across City operations, public safety, infrastructure planning, and downtown revitalization. We appreciate the community’s understanding, as the City Council and staff have been advancing multiple efforts simultaneously.

The City of Weed remains focused on improving safety, addressing long-standing challenges, and investing in the future of our community, with particular emphasis on downtown conditions, fire recovery, and infrastructure resilience.

Recent Community Event – Totem Pole at Ray’s Food Place

On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at approximately 11:15 p.m., the Weed Police Department responded to a report of a private-property traffic collision at Ray’s Food Place. Upon arrival, officers observed that the City’s iconic totem pole had been knocked over after being struck by a commercial truck and trailer.

The driver was identified at the scene, and trucking-service insurance information was collected for a private property damage report. The Weed Police Department documented the incident, and the extent of the damage to the totem pole was subsequently evaluated.

The totem pole has stood as a recognized landmark in the City of Weed since its commissioning in 1962, and the City understands the intense emotional and historical connection many residents feel toward it. The incident has received significant regional attention, underscoring the significance of this symbol not only locally but also beyond the City.

Following the incident, the City consulted with the Weed Historic Lumbertown Museum to determine whether the totem pole could be preserved or repurposed for historical or display purposes. Based on that consultation, the museum advised that the totem pole is too deteriorated to be of practical use or preservation value.

While this outcome is disappointing, the City believes it is essential to be transparent about the condition of the structure and the limitations on preservation. The City will continue to evaluate appropriate next steps related to the site and will share updates with the community as decisions are made.

City Council Actions Advancing Revitalization and Fire Safety

At its February 12, 2026, meeting, the City Council took several essential actions that directly support downtown improvement and public safety.

City Council approved actions related to the Juarez properties, allowing the City to move forward with cleanup, remediation, and next steps for those long-troubled downtown sites. These properties have been a frequent concern raised by residents and business owners, and the Council’s action represents meaningful progress toward reducing blight and improving the heart of downtown.

City Council also approved a Fire Department mastication and fuel-reduction project to support proactive wildfire mitigation efforts. This project will reduce hazardous vegetation, improve defensible space, and lower fire risk for nearby neighborhoods and infrastructure.

These decisions reflect the City Council’s commitment to safety, accountability, and revitalization, and they complement ongoing enforcement, maintenance, and recovery efforts throughout the City.

Downtown Revitalization and Code Enforcement

Residents and business owners will continue to see increased nuisance abatement and building code enforcement activity, particularly in the downtown area.

This approach is intentional.

Since last fall, one of the most consistent concerns raised with the City Council and City staff has been the condition of downtown. The City agrees that improvement is needed. Addressing blight, unresolved fire damage, and unsafe conditions requires consistent and fair enforcement, not selective action.

Property and business owners are responsible for maintaining buildings in compliance with building, fire, and safety codes. These standards exist to protect public health, ensure safety, and support a vibrant local economy. The City cannot, and will not, pick and choose where the law applies. Enforcement must be applied evenly and consistently.

This effort is not about punishment. It is about reversing visible decline, improving safety, and creating a downtown that residents, business owners, and visitors can be proud of.

At the same time, the City is working to build partnerships with the Weed Chamber of Commerce and local nonprofit organizations to support revitalization efforts alongside enforcement.

Fire Recovery, Mitigation, and Infrastructure Investment

Fire safety and recovery remain central priorities.

In addition to the newly approved fuel-reduction project, the City is advancing one of its most significant infrastructure investments: the Mill Fire Stormwater Drainage Infrastructure Replacement Project in the Lincoln Heights area. This nearly $2 million project, supported by federal disaster funding, will replace fire-damaged storm drains, curbs, gutters, and pavement.

The project is designed to reduce flood risk, protect rebuilt neighborhoods, and strengthen long-term infrastructure resilience following the Mill Fire. Engineering and contracting work is underway, with construction anticipated in 2026.

The City Is Holding Itself Accountable

These efforts do not apply only to private property.

Residents will also see City crews actively addressing maintenance and safety issues on City-owned properties and public spaces. Recent work includes sidewalk repairs, relocation of a repeatedly damaged fire hydrant, library repairs, and continued cleanup and preparation at Heritage Park (Spring 2026).

The City is holding itself to the same standards it expects from property owners and businesses.

Emergency Preparedness and Community Coordination

The City is also strengthening emergency preparedness and coordination. In February, the City hosted its first multi-agency emergency tabletop exercise, bringing together City departments and community partners, including local schools, the college, and healthcare providers.

This exercise focused on improving communication, coordination, and decision-making before an emergency occurs, helping ensure the City and its partners are better prepared to respond when needed.

Recognizing City Staff

Behind the scenes, City staff continue to play a critical role in these efforts across public safety and public works, as well as finance, planning, and administration. Later this spring, the City will recognize its finance professionals during Government Finance Professionals Week, highlighting their role in transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

Moving Forward Together

Improving Weed, especially downtown, will take time, consistency, and shared responsibility. Through City Council action, staff work, fair enforcement, infrastructure investment, and partnerships, the City is committed to doing its part.

We recognize that change can be uncomfortable, and we sincerely thank the community for its patience as this work continues. Our goal remains clear: a safer, cleaner, more resilient, and more vibrant Weed that honors its history while building a strong future.

Thank you for your continued engagement and cooperation as we move forward together.