On February 26th, I attended the City Council meeting regarding the Sunset Crossroads Specific Plan.

Within the first 10 minutes of the meeting, the City’s legal representative acknowledged that documentation reflecting changes to the legal aspects of the proposal had been received approximately one hour prior to the meeting and had not yet been reviewed by counsel.

As a result, the City Council agreed to postpone the decision until March 10th at 5:00 PM.

This is not the first time timing of documentation has raised concerns.

At the January 28th meeting, Council member Sherry Flynn acknowledged that revised documentation had been received the day before that meeting at 4:00 PM.

When I contacted the Planning Manager to ask about the customary timeframe for posting materials for public review, I was informed that February 12th would be the appropriate posting date for the February 26th meeting — providing two weeks for public review.

However, materials were ultimately posted on February 20th, and within the meeting agenda rather than on the planning website as previously indicated. 
 

Why This Matters

This project is extensive and complex. It is understandable that staff must process and translate developer-submitted materials into official city documentation. That takes time and effort, and staff is likely working diligently.

However, when documentation is received or posted shortly before meetings:

City Council does not have adequate time for review
Legal counsel cannot fully evaluate revisions
The public cannot meaningfully review or understand the proposal
Community trust is strained
 

Transparency is not just about posting documents — it is about allowing sufficient time for informed review by Council, staff, and the community. 

Additional Concern: March 10 Meeting Structure
 

The March 10th hearing appears to be scheduled during a regular City Council meeting rather than as a special meeting dedicated solely to Sunset Crossroads.

Previous meetings on this project were special sessions focused only on these agenda items. A regular meeting may include multiple unrelated agenda items, potentially resulting in a very lengthy evening and limiting focused discussion.

Given the size and long-term impact of this proposal, many residents believe it deserves dedicated time and careful consideration. 

What Happens Next

📅 Next Meeting: March 10th at 5:00 PM

📍 Council Chambers – 99 E. Ramsey Street, Banning, CA 92220

How You Can Help

• Continue sharing this petition
• Stay informed
• Attend the March 10th meeting if possible
• Contact City Council requesting adequate review time and transparency
   

This is not about rushing to a “yes” or a “no.”

It is about ensuring that decisions of this magnitude are made with full transparency, adequate review, and meaningful public participation.

Thank you for continuing to stand for health, accountability, and responsible planning in Banning.

If you'd like to send an email to City Council here's a suggestion.

To:  cityclerks@banningca.gov, rroyce@banningca.gov, cbarrington@banningca.gov, lmiller@banningca.gov, cwallace@banningca.gov, sflynn@banningca.gov   

Subject: Request for Adequate Review Time – Sunset Crossroads

Dear Mayor and Council Members,

I am writing regarding the Sunset Crossroads Specific Plan and the postponement of the February 26th hearing.

At the January 28th meeting, revised materials were acknowledged as having been received the day before the hearing. Materials for the February 26th hearing were released on February 20th, providing less than one week for review, and it was stated that legal revisions were received approximately one hour prior to the meeting and had not yet been reviewed by City counsel.

It has been indicated that providing materials at least two weeks before a hearing allows adequate time for review. That standard was not met for the January 28th or February 26th meetings, and it does not appear that two full weeks will occur prior to March 10th.

I respectfully ask that no vote occur unless documentation has been publicly available and reviewed by counsel with adequate time for analysis. Decisions of this magnitude require transparency and sufficient public review to maintain community trust.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Name]

[City of Residence]