Vote shows recall for 2 in Millbrae

Goodman, who represents District 4, received 1,022 votes to recall him and 286 votes to remain in office.

These preliminary results represent vote-by-mail ballots received through July 23 and vote-by-mail ballots returned at drop boxes and Vote Centers through July 22 — around 37.1% of eligible registered voters participated in the recall election, according to the San Mateo County Elections Office.

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.

Both councilmembers did not immediately respond to request for comment, although the City Council was in session at the time preliminary results were released.

Some Millbrae residents spoke at that July 23 City Council meeting’s public comment against the recall, including Gina Miranda, who disavowed the use of recall mechanisms against the pair.

“This day history is being made, we have our first ever recall ever in the city of Millbrae — and I hope it’s the last,” she said. “The two councilmembers being targeted by this recall, they didn’t do anything criminal, they didn’t do anything unethical … in fact, when I see surveys of what Millbrae residents prioritize, it’s usually around affordable housing.”

Recall campaign volunteer Albert Yam said he had “complex feelings” about the result and that the campaign was ultimately about accountability.

“What we really want is that policymakers are not immune from their actions, especially if it’s reckless actions. I think there are other people who are responsible as well, but we are just a tiny city,” he said. “What we could do is try to protect our community.”

Yam also said it was heartening to see an interest in local politics reflected in the voter turnout.

The special election will cost the city approximately $153,000. Recalls require more than 50% of the votes to be 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.

Postelection 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.