Also receives Police Auditor Report, approves 2025-26 Legislative Agenda, appoints PUB Member
On February 18, City Council approved a 24-month Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Pacific Fusion for the potential development of a research and development facility in the Enterprise District of Alameda Point. Pacific Fusion aims to create abundant, affordable, clean energy through a high-gain pulsed magnetic fusion system. With facilities already in Livermore and Fremont, it wants to construct a headquarters with an estimated billion-dollar investment that will create 250 permanent jobs.
In other business, Council received a presentation on Alameda Police Department data from the Police Auditor that underscored a commitment to transparency and accountability, approved the City’s legislative agenda, and appointed Nicholas DeVries to the Public Utilities Board.
Pacific Fusion background
The City zoned the Enterprise District for job generation in 2014. However, an amendment to the State’s Surplus Land Act restricting the area’s use and the presence of tarry refinery waste left from the site’s historical use has stymied development. The State has since exempted Alameda Point from the Surplus Land Act, and Chevron plans to start remediation in 2025.
Director of Base Reuse and Economic Development, Abbe Thorne Lyman, explained that securing an anchor tenant like Pacific Fusion aligns with the City’s economic development and climate action goals. Pacific Fusion proposes a first phase of development on a 12-acre parcel in exchange for backbone infrastructure valued at $26.6 million. The company also proposes an option to purchase a second parcel for a Phase 2 development.
Nuclear fusion refers to combining two light atomic nuclei, like hydrogen isotopes, to form a heavier one, like helium, releasing massive amounts of energy. By contrast, fission involves splitting a heavy atomic nucleus like uranium into two smaller nuclei, also releasing energy. Fission is used in nuclear power plants, resulting in radioactive waste. Fusion, still under development, is a promising future energy source since it creates relatively clean byproducts such as helium.
Chief Technology Officer Keith LeChien, a nuclear physicist, called fusion inherently safe and said the company will work with California Department of Public Health’s Radiological Materials Branch to ensure regulatory compliance.
Pacific Fusion has raised $900 million in private venture capital. Co-founder Carrie von Muench explained that the funding has been committed upfront to mitigate financing risk and will be unlocked as Pacific Fusion achieves milestones to ensure accountability.
Von Muench emphasized the company’s interest in Alameda, citing its workforce potential and economic and educational benefits: “This project would represent a billion-dollar-scale investment in the community and bring at least 250 permanent jobs.”
Public comment
Public comment and letters to the editor have resoundingly favored approval of an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement, in which the City agrees not to pursue other development deals while both parties ensure the development is viable and the price and terms are mutually agreeable.
Ron, an Alameda resident and nuclear physicist, emphasized that “all forms of energy have some associated risk.” However, he said that fusion is among the safest and cleanest, with “no risk of meltdown” and “no large volumes of radioactive waste that need disposal.”
Thomas, a Senior Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory highlighted Alameda’s strategic advantage due to its proximity to universities and national laboratories, which could provide needed talent.
Ryan, a clean energy professional and Alameda Public Utilities Board member, reinforced the urgency of adopting fusion, stating, “Our community and planet are facing an existential climate crisis. The potential impacts of the technology are immeasurable.”
Hunter, an Alameda resident and self-described fusion power enthusiast, extolled the potential for College of Alameda and Encinal and Alameda High School students to participate in educational and apprenticeship programs in fusion and plasma technologies.
Debbie, with Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda, praised the potential for a massive investment in Alameda Point infrastructure, which she said “means a new campus, new streets, new utility infrastructure, new sidewalks, new landscaping, and much more.”
Despite overwhelming support, some attendees raised concerns about regulatory transparency and environmental oversight. Tod, who has worked with the Navy’s nuclear power program, expressed concerns about potential legal challenges under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and warned that “stuff happens, stuff escapes,” referencing past nuclear accidents, such as at Chernobyl and Fukushima, though both of those were fission—not fusion—based incidents.
Council comment, vote, and next steps
Councilmember Greg Boller emphasized that this proposal was about fusion technology, “one of the most safe types of technology to produce energy.” He called the proposal a huge investment in the community with potential for global impact.
Councilmember Tony Daysog expressed strong reservations. He wanted clarification on radiation levels handled at different facility stages and comparisons with facilities such as Alameda Hospital. He asked for details on regulatory reporting of incidents, the speed of information dissemination during an incident, and the facility’s safety against earthquakes, fires, terrorist attacks, and transportation accidents. He questioned whether the area would be permanently affected by radiation, posing a risk to future users. He expressed wanting to understand all risks before proceeding.
Councilmember Tracy Jensen called the project a “game changer for Alameda and even our planet.” However, she supported addressing Councilmember Daysog’s concerns during negotiations and wanted to ensure adequate outreach to the community.
Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft expressed enthusiasm for the project’s value in creating jobs. However, she stressed the importance of a timely decision and adequate planning for transporting building material and waste.
The proposal to approve an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Pacific Fusion for the potential development of a 12- to 18-acre property at Alameda Point for a Research and Development Facility passed 4-1. Councilmember Daysog voted against it.
Approval now kicks off a process to include reviewing a development plan, undertaking an entitlements process, negotiating sale terms, and conducting other due diligence. Pacific Fusion is considering Alameda and another East Bay location as finalists and expects to decide between the two in mid-2025.
A Pacific Fusion spokesperson said, “As we move forward, we are committed to a months-long community engagement process to listen, learn, and ensure this project aligns with the needs and priorities of Alameda residents.”
Police Auditor evaluation
Police Auditor Dr. Leigh Grossman of the City Attorney’s Office reported on Alameda Police Department (APD) data, highlighting key policing trends in 2023 and 2024.
While there has been an increase in internal affairs investigations and use-of-force reports, Grossman contended this does “not indicate increased misconduct.” Instead, she said, the rise reflects a “proactive effort to enhance accountability and reporting.” She added, “The data shows that outcomes remain consistent across all racial groups.”
Use-of-force trends revealed a 15% decrease in weapon displays but a 68% increase in low-level force applications, primarily “control holds”—techniques “used to manage an individual’s movements without causing pain.” Many of these incidents stemmed from 911 calls, particularly regarding disputes and trespassing. A small group of individuals were involved in multiple use-of-force incidents, with one having eight encounters in 2024.
Traffic stops declined 17% in 2024, but other stop types increased. The department aims to prioritize traffic stops in 2025, with “650 traffic stops conducted in January alone, nearly double the monthly average of 327 in 2024.” Grossman noted that arrests from traffic stops are rare, with most involving “warrants, DUI, or drug-related offenses.”
A revised pursuit policy led to an increase in vehicle pursuits, with “twelve pursuits following the policy change, up from just one in the first half of the year.” Most were brief and terminated by supervisors. There was an increase in misdemeanor and felony arrests in 2024, with felony arrests rising by 5% and misdemeanors by 23%.
Grossman highlighted steady staffing levels, with new hires roughly balancing retirements and departures. Although sworn staffing is 22% below authorized levels, patrol is fully staffed,
There was a slight increase in public satisfaction, and officer training exceeded state-mandated requirements, averaging over 100 hours annually. The report underscored a commitment to transparency, accountability, and operational improvements.
Public comment
One public commenter emphasized the need for more robust data and critical analysis by the Police Auditor, highlighting the importance of independence and objectivity in the role. Another criticized the current system of Internal Affairs investigating use-of-force incidents, suggesting it allows biased reporting and retention of problematic officers.
Mayor Ashcraft responded by highlighting APD’s efforts at police reform and racial equity, community engagement, and successful hiring of diverse officers. She noted that the Police Auditor is an independent position in the City Attorney’s Office.
Other business
In other business:
- Communications and Legislative Affairs Officer Sarah Henry presented Alameda’s 2025-2026 Legislative Agenda (link downloads document), which guides the City’s advocacy efforts to secure state and federal funding and policy support for critical city projects. Key priorities of the agenda include housing, public safety, infrastructure and transportation, Alameda Point and economic development, social and human services, environmental protection and sustainability, and recreation and parks.
- Council appointed Nicholas deVries, a mechanical engineer, as a member of the City’s Public Utilities Board.
Contributing writer Karin K. Jensen covers boards and commissions for the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at https://linktr.ee/karinkjensen and https://alamedapost.com/Karin-K-Jensen.
