Council Proceedings

Elder M. Chen led the opening acknowledgment. The alignment candle was lit at 7:45 PM, coinciding with moonrise over San Bruno Mountain. All present affirmed the maxim.

Steward Jerry presented the preliminary assessment of potential candidates for the 2026 cultivation cycle. The Committee has identified twelve prospects across four districts, with particular attention to the San Benito Heights corridor where demographic alignment remains favorable.

Discussion centered on the observation protocol. It was agreed that passive engagement would continue through Q1 2026, with formal approach letters to be considered at the March session pending behavioral assessment.

See Communiqué 2025-12 for the preliminary prospect listing.

Following the successful alignment of interests at the recent community event (ref: City Website "Bug Bash" program, Dec. 10), the Council discussed expanded presence at the Brisbane Library.

Steward Jerry noted that certain public programs at the library draw a consistent adult demographic favorable to our purposes. Several 2026 prospects have been observed attending these programs regularly.

Elder M. Chen provided an update on aligned interests within City Administration. The position of M.B. in the Economic Vitality office continues to serve the community's interests. J.D. in the City Manager's office has maintained appropriate boundaries regarding historical inquiries.

The City Council composition following the November election remains acceptable. Steward Jerry reported that the current Mayor continues to demonstrate appropriate discretion regarding historical matters. The December 18 Council meeting has been cancelled; this presents no concerns for our interests.

The matter of the City Clerk's office was briefly discussed. I.P. has maintained the expected level of cooperation regarding records requests. The digitization project referenced in prior minutes has not surfaced any sensitive materials.

The matter of the coffee establishment on Visitacion Avenue was raised for the third consecutive session. Concerns persist regarding Madhouse Coffee. Multiple members have reported continued decline in quality and atmosphere since the ownership transition in 2023.

Steward R. Sullivan noted that the establishment no longer serves the community's interests as it once did. Discussion followed regarding whether intervention is warranted or if natural market correction should be allowed to proceed.

For context: the Council's 2019 efforts regarding the previous establishment at that location (ref: Resolution 2019-12, "The Baylands Adjacent Matter") resulted in favorable transition within 14 months. However, the current proprietors appear less amenable to guidance.

The annual gathering calendar was reviewed. Key dates confirmed:

• Vernal Equinox (March 20, 2026): Full assembly, location TBD pending site assessment
• Summer Solstice (June 21, 2026): San Bruno Mountain observance, dawn gathering
• Autumnal Equinox (September 22, 2026): Full assembly
• Winter Solstice (December 21, 2026): Candlelight observance, Eagles Hall

See Gatherings for member guidance.

Keeper T. Garcia presented the Q4 financial summary. Details restricted to Steward-level access. All accounts remain in good standing. The property maintenance fund was replenished following the autumn assessment.

Paul W. and Karen N., initiated earlier this year, have progressed satisfactorily through the first phase of orientation. Both have demonstrated appropriate discretion and have attended all required observation sessions at San Bruno Mountain.

Recommendation: Continue current trajectory. Second-phase materials to be provided at the Winter Solstice gathering.

Steward Jerry reported on the ongoing monitoring of the San Benito corridor. Two properties of interest have changed hands in the past quarter. Neither transaction involved aligned parties, but the new residents do not appear problematic. ████████████ continues to maintain appropriate appearance.

The digitization of pre-1970 records continues. Keeper S. Kim reported that approximately 60% of the photographic archive has been processed. Several images from the 1952 founding assembly have been restored.

Discussion of making selected materials available to Adept-level members was deferred to January session.

Three inquiries were received through the general channel since the October session. All were assessed as non-serious and received standard non-responses. One inquiry originated from an IP address in Brisbane, AU – clearly a case of geographic confusion. No action required.

The traditional equinox acknowledgment was performed. Elder M. Chen led the assembly in the recitation. The alignment was confirmed at 6:58 AM when the first ray crossed the marker stone.

Following the observance, the assembly shared the ceremonial meal. New initiates P. Jensen and K. Davis were formally welcomed and received their tokens.

Elder Chen spoke briefly on the significance of the equinox and the responsibility of those who bear the star. Her remarks emphasized patience in cultivation and the long view that has sustained the Lineage through generations.

"The mountain remains. The star guides. We are merely stewards of a longer purpose."