Millbrae recall results released Tuesday night

Although preliminary results will be released in tandem with the Millbrae City Council’s July 23 meeting, they will not be discussed, as the topic is not on the agenda, Mayor Anders Fung said. 

The catalyst for the recall effort is Millbrae’s hotly-contested La Quinta Inn and Suites, that San Mateo County is attempting to purchase as housing for homeless families and seniors amidst community dissent and a legal battle between the city and county. 

Cahalan abstained and Goodman voted no on sending a September 2023 letter from the Millbrae City Council expressing concerns about the upcoming hotel purchase, which they didn’t sign. Recall supporters felt the decision was not representative of the community’s concerns around the purchase, including a loss of hotel revenue and public safety concerns.  

Recall campaign volunteer Albert Yam said supporters of the effort were hopeful the pair would get recalled, and said organizers have put in “blood, sweat and tears” during the nine-month effort. 

“We have been working hard, doing our part, educating residents, encouraging residents to come out and vote, troubleshooting with different tactics that opposition campaigning puts out — which includes vandalism and stealing our signs,” he said. “We feel it is our civic duty to stand up for our community.” 

The recall effort is fighting against outside influences and donations from out-of-city politicians and affluent areas, Yam said. 

Cahalan and Goodman did not respond to request for comment, but both said previously that they’re hopeful they will be able to continue the work they’ve been doing in office. 

Goodman said previously he’s always been, and continues to be, a clear advocate for the unhoused community, a position some community members also stand by.

“Whether a minority or not, they have a voice,” he said.

“For people to say that they want recall because of that, or because of a vote we really had no control over … myself [and Angelina] were on the losing side of that vote,” he said. “The democracy won. What exactly are they upset with, that it wasn’t unanimous? No community is unanimous.” 

Cahalan concurred previously while that not all Millbrae residents are unhappy with the hotel sale, she’s also spoken to some who don’t like the purchase agreement, but think a recall election isn’t an appropriate way to address their concerns. 

“I’ve had people that I know who aren’t happy with the hotel, but they’ve seen the work that I’ve done overall, and they appreciate and feel the impact of the work that I’m doing, and want to see me stay,” she said. 

The special election will cost the city approximately $153,000. The councilmember will be recalled if more than 50% of the votes are in favor. Once they are removed, the positions will be vacant until it is filled by appointment or an election to the unexpired terms. Both Cahalan and Goodman were elected to a four-year term in 2022.

Post-election results will be released 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 26, and Wednesday, July 31. Additional updates will be provided as needed. Results are to be certified Aug. 22, according to the Elections Office.