Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Item 62: Separate Matter
- The Board addressed this item ahead of the consent calendar to manage procedural requirements regarding recusals.
- Supervisor Horvath moved to approve the item, which was seconded by the Chair.
- The motion passed.
Item 6: Jail Closure Planning and Carceral Footprint Reduction
- The item directs the CEO’s office to coordinate the closure of Men’s Central Jail through a multidisciplinary approach involving health and care departments.
- Staff from Correctional Health Services, the Office of Diversion and Reentry, and the Department of Mental Health provided updates on release planning, diversion programs, and treatment capacity.
- The CEO’s office outlined a strategy focusing on programs, case processing reforms, and facilities alignment while emphasizing the need to scale initiatives to budget realities.
- The motion to approve the item passed.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Item 9: Establishing a County Office of Gender Equity
- Supervisor Horvath proposed exploring the feasibility of a County Office of Gender Equity to fill the gap left by the sunset of the Women and Girls Initiative.
- The Executive Officer proposed an amendment requiring a comprehensive assessment of existing county departments and initiatives engaged in gender equity work before creating a new office.
- Supervisor Horvath accepted the amendment, and the motion to approve the item as amended passed.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Item 10: Pilot to Authorize Emergency Room Physicians for 5150 Holds
- Supervisor Hahn introduced a motion to authorize ER physicians at non-county hospitals to conduct 5150 psychiatric holds under the LPS Act.
- The pilot aims to reduce delays in crisis response by targeting the top five ERs that currently utilize crisis teams, with plans to expand by the end of 2027.
- The motion to approve the pilot program passed.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Item 11: Board Policy on Water Conservation and Sustainable Landscaping
- The policy requires native California landscaping at 4,500 county-operated facilities to support biodiversity, reduce resource consumption, and improve climate resilience.
- The Chief Sustainability Officer explained that the updated policy shifts focus from water conservation alone to requiring 70% native plants at county facilities.
- Implementation support includes updated contract requirements for contractors and training for county staff.
- The motion to approve the policy passed.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Item 2D: Supporting a Regional Continuum of Care
- The motion aims to maximize federal Continuum of Care funding by maintaining a unified LAFCO and preparing the county to assume roles designated by the COC board.
- Staff confirmed that the county and LACDA have formally offered interim support for COC roles if delegated, including work on HMIS and CES systems.
- The motion to approve the item passed.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Special Motion: Environmental Public Health Disaster Response Tools
- The Board read in an urgency motion to support state legislation that would allow the county to impose additional fines for public and environmental health violations.
- The motion directs the CEO’s Legislative Affairs branch to support bills that strengthen enforcement mechanisms and provide tools to address vectors and pests in East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights.
- The urgency and reading motions passed.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Adjournments and Memorials
- The Board adjourned in memory of several individuals, including Carlo E. Lomelli, Reginald Foreman, Norma Jean Vescovo, and Mona Bailey.
- Condolences were also expressed for the death of a bald eagle from Big Bear Lake and victims of the earthquake in Columbia.
- The Chair indicated that all motions were taken as seconded and passed by unanimous vote.
Closed Session
- The Board convened in closed session to confer with labor negotiators Joseph M. Nikita and designated staff.
- Upon returning to open session, the Clerk reported that no reportable action was taken.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Administrative Matters
- The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors convened for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Supervisor Barger was noted as absent, and a quorum was established. The meeting began with a land acknowledgement, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Clerk of the Board read the agenda, noting that Items 6, 9, 10, 11, 23, 26, 33, and 2D were requested to be held or continued. A recusal was noted for Supervisor Solis on Item 23 pursuant to Government Code Section 84308. The Board approved the order of business, which included public comment on non-held items, specific held items, general public comment, and closed session.
Public Comment (Non-Held Items)
- Public comment was taken on items not held for discussion. One in-person speaker addressed the board regarding permanent housing solutions in Civil Lake and a recycling program proposal. One remote speaker commented on the handling of general public comment time. No motions were taken during this segment.
Item 62: Separate Matter
- The Board moved directly to Item 62, a separate matter, ahead of the consent calendar due to procedural requirements regarding recusals on other items.
- Motion: Supervisor Horvath moved to approve the item, seconded by the Chair.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Item 6: Centering Multidisciplinary Subject Matter Expert Leadership and Jail Closure Planning and Carceral Footprint Reduction
- This item was held by Supervisor Mitchell for discussion. The item directs the County Executive Officer’s office, through the Jail Closure Implementation Team (J-CIT), to coordinate the closure process of Men’s Central Jail (MCJ) through a multidisciplinary lens, set departmental goals and benchmarks, incorporate budgetary considerations, and report back to the Board.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Discussion
- Supervisor Mitchell opened the discussion by emphasizing the urgency of advancing coordinated action to reduce the incarcerated population and close MCJ, stating that the process should involve a comprehensive, system-wide approach informed by health and care departments rather than being driven solely by the Sheriff’s Department.
- Panelists from the Department of Mental Health (DMH), Correctional Health Services (CHS), the Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR), and the Justice Care and Opportunities Team (JCOT) provided updates:
- Correctional Health Services (CHS): Staff stated that CHS is responsible for current care and treatment of jail patients, highlighting their role in understanding the aggregate population, sharing data, and providing release planning services. They noted that over 100 individuals are dedicated to release planning.
- Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR): The Director of Community Programs detailed three key programs: LEAD (Community Diversion), FISTS (Felony Incompetence and Trial Services), and the ODR Housing Program. The ODR Housing Program serves approximately 120 individuals per month, removing about 2,500 people annually from the jail system. Funding concerns were raised regarding the potential shrinkage of the ODR Housing Program from 120 to 60 individuals per month in October 2026 if expansion funding is not secured.
- Department of Mental Health (DMH): Staff outlined four areas of focus: reducing inflow, increasing diversion opportunities, increasing community capacity for post-release, and monitoring legislative changes. DMH reported being ahead of schedule in bringing on approximately 2,000 additional treatment beds by the end of the year. A chart review indicated that the vast majority of reviewed cases are appropriate for lower levels of care.
- Justice Care and Opportunities Team (JCOT): Judge Songhai Armstead discussed JCOT’s focus on stabilizing individuals for independence, including housing, employment, and medication stability. The team reported strong outcomes, with 91% of pre-trial service participants returning to court and over 80% remaining arrest-free.
- CEO’s Office: The Chief of Strategic Initiatives affirmed the Board’s desire to close MCJ and emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. The office outlined the strategy for MCJ closure, identifying three primary areas for intervention: programs, case processing reforms, and facilities alignment. The office emphasized the need to scale initiatives to budget realities, prioritize strategic investments, and establish metrics to track outcomes.
- Supervisor comments included:
- Supervisor Horvath expressed support for the motion, emphasizing the multidisciplinary approach and the role of health departments. She highlighted the high number of individuals in jail facing charges under Proposition 36 and the potential for diversion to substance use treatment.
- The Chair (Supervisor Mitchell) thanked the staff and noted that the goal of closing MCJ has been a board priority since 2021. She emphasized the need for speed, creativity, and flexibility in funding and partnerships.
- Supervisor Hahn expressed frustration with the pace of progress, noting that the board has been discussing jail closure for over five years. She questioned the operational mechanics of the multidisciplinary team and emphasized the need for the CEO to actively challenge department heads to innovate.
- The CEO responded by confirming that regular meetings occur every four to six weeks with decision-makers and that his team works closely with department teams. He acknowledged the frustration but emphasized the need for time to allow initiatives to take root.
- Public comment was received from several individuals, including representatives from the Justice LA Coalition and Dignity and Power Now, who thanked Supervisor Mitchell for the motion and emphasized the need to fund community-based alternatives. Other speakers highlighted the need for better oversight of the Department of Mental Health, improved training for probation officers, and the importance of centering the needs of Black and Brown communities.
- Motion: Moved by Supervisor Mitchell, seconded by Supervisor Horvath, to approve the item.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Consent Items
- The Clerk of the Board listed the consent items to be approved. Item 23 was excluded due to the inability to obtain a quorum of qualified members and was administratively carried over to the September 1st meeting. Item 3 was also administratively continued to September 1st due to recusals and absences.
- Motion: Moved by Supervisor Mitchell, seconded by Supervisor Horvath, to approve the remaining consent items (Items 1-5, 7-8, 12-22, 24-25, 27-32, 34-57, 58A-58B, 61, 1D) with the noted exceptions.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Item 9: Establishing a County Office of Gender Equity
- Supervisor Horvath introduced the motion, which directs the CEO and the Department of Public Health (DPH) to explore the feasibility of creating a County Office of Gender Equity. She noted that the Women and Girls Initiative sunset in 2024, leaving a gap in coordinated gender equity work. She highlighted the county’s recent receipt of the 2026 Cities for CEDAW Global Leadership Award and argued that a central office would help coordinate efforts, leverage resources, and ensure sustained leadership.
- The Executive Officer proposed an amendment (Directive F) to require the report back to include a comprehensive assessment of existing county departments, initiatives, and staff engaged in gender equity efforts. The purpose was to identify existing work and gaps before deciding on the creation of a new office, given the current fiscal challenges facing the county and DPH. Supervisor Horvath accepted the amendment.
- Supervisor comments included:
- Supervisor Mitchell expressed support, noting that the work was previously assigned to DPH and that the amendment aligns with the intent to understand existing resources.
- The Chair (Supervisor Mitchell) expressed strong support, citing her past work on the Women and Girls Initiative.
- Public comment was received from several individuals, including a former case manager for the Downtown Women’s Center who supported the need for an assessment of what is working and what is not, and a policy analyst for the UN who emphasized the need to protect women and gender-diverse individuals.
- Motion: Moved by Supervisor Horvath, seconded by Supervisor Mitchell, to approve the item as amended.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Item 10: Pilot to Authorize Emergency Room Physicians for 5150 Holds
- Supervisor Hahn introduced the motion, which directs the Department of Mental Health (DMH) to implement a pilot program authorizing emergency room (ER) physicians at non-county hospitals to conduct 5150 psychiatric holds under the Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act. She explained that currently, mental health crisis response teams spend over 1,000 hours per month responding to ERs to initiate holds, which delays response times in the community. The pilot would target the top five ERs that utilize crisis teams, with a plan to expand to all eligible non-county hospitals by the end of 2027.
- Supervisor comments included:
- Supervisor Horvath, co-author, supported the motion, noting that it would reduce delays, improve coordination, and allow crisis teams to focus on community responses.
- Supervisor Mitchell supported the motion, noting that the county had previously piloted this model at Martin Luther King Community Hospital.
- The Chair (Supervisor Mitchell) expressed support, highlighting the need for trained professionals to provide treatment and the potential benefits for hospitals in dire need of support.
- Public comment was received from several individuals, including a representative from NAMI Westside Los Angeles who supported the motion, emphasizing the need for strong training, oversight, and collaboration with families and community organizations.
- Motion: Moved by Supervisor Hahn, seconded by Supervisor Horvath, to approve the item.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Item 11: Board Policy on Water Conservation and Sustainable Landscaping
- Supervisor Horvath presented the item, noting that Los Angeles County is located in a biodiversity hotspot and that the policy aims to advance conservation and sustainable practices. The policy requires native California landscaping at 4,500 county-operated facilities, applying to new buildings, new landscaped areas, and existing properties undergoing substantial renovations, with limited exemptions for recreational turf. Rita Kumploth, Chief Sustainability Officer, explained that the updated policy shifts focus from water conservation alone to also requiring 70% native plants at county facilities to support local biodiversity, reduce resource consumption, and improve climate resilience. She outlined implementation support, including updated contract requirements for contractors and training for county staff, as well as efforts to identify local nursery capacity. Supervisor Horvath emphasized the safety benefits of native plants regarding wildfire prevention. The Chair noted the importance of youth engagement in these efforts.
- Public comment was received from several individuals, including Angie Schrader, a founding member of the California Global Biodiversity Alliance, who urged support for the motion, citing its alignment with subnational leadership in biodiversity. Jeremy Wolf, Mayor of Agoura Hills, expressed support, highlighting benefits to air quality, pollinators, and stormwater capture. Dustin Herrmann, Principal Scientist at Tree People, supported the motion as a model for nature-based solutions. Rosie Daggett encouraged approval, noting that native plants on county property can inspire private property owners. Roy Humphreys expressed frustration regarding water conservation and data centers, criticizing the board’s governance. Another caller advocated for outlawing automatic landscaping sprinklers during rainstorms. Melina Watts, author of My Novel Tree, supported the policy, stating that converting non-functional turf to native plants is a survival issue for local species. Claudia Jerez emphasized the need for self-discipline and restraint in water usage and plant survival.
- Motion: Moved by Supervisor Horvath, seconded by Supervisor Hahn, to approve the item.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Item 2D: Supporting a Regional Continuum of Care
- Supervisor Horvath presented the item, co-authored with Supervisor Barger, addressing uncertainty in federal Continuum of Care (COC) funding due to ongoing litigation. The motion aims to maximize funding by maintaining a unified LAFCO, with the county ready to assume roles designated by the COC board, partner with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, and coordinate with cities and unincorporated areas to ensure equitable access. Sarah Mahan, Director of Homeless Services and Housing, stated that the county and LACDA have formally offered interim support for COC roles if delegated, including work on HMIS and CES systems. Emilio Salas, Executive Director of LACDA, noted that LACDA is preparing to act as a collaborative applicant and is identifying staffing and system requirements. Supervisor Horvath asked about the risks if the City of Los Angeles broke away from the LAFCO; Mahan emphasized the importance of regional collaboration to protect $240 million in funding for over 11,000 people. Salas and Mahan detailed ongoing coordination with city counterparts, including the Mayor’s Office and City Council. Supervisor Horvath noted that federal representatives were in Los Angeles but had not contacted the county for substantive discussions on reforms. Supervisor Mitchell supported the motion, emphasizing the need for a unified front against federal challenges. The Chair expressed support, noting the importance of protecting existing structures and relationships.
- Public comment was received from Roy Humphreys, who criticized the board and referenced the Sheriff’s actions in Los Angeles. Claudia Jerez criticized the LACDA website and suggested that county representatives should have been present in the Mayor’s chambers during a recent meeting. She also urged the board to conduct assessments and audits of programs before funding decisions. A former ICS case manager recommended that the board conduct audits and seek input from workers and supervisors to ensure feasible changes and cost savings.
- Motion: Moved by Supervisor Horvath, seconded by Supervisor Mitchell, to approve the item.
- Outcome: The motion passed.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Special Motion: Providing the County with Additional Tools to Respond to Environmental Public Health Disasters
- The Chair moved to read in an urgency motion pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2B2, citing the need for immediate action following the agenda posting. The motion relates to legislation in Sacramento responding to the Lineage fire, including bills by Senator Durazo to allow the county to impose additional fines on parties failing to address public and environmental health needs, and by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez to provide the county with tools to address flies and vermin in East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights. The Chair stated that the state legislature must pass these bills before August 31, and the county needs authority to engage with the authors and provide feedback. The motion directs the Chief Executive Officer’s Legislative Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations Branch to support legislation that strengthens enforcement mechanisms, increases penalties for violators, provides tools to address vectors and pests, and allows the county to weigh in on permitting processes for large industrial facilities.
- Urgency Motion: Seconded by Supervisor Hahn. The motion to determine the need for immediate action passed.
- Reading Motion: Moved by the Chair, seconded by Supervisor Hahn. The motion passed.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
General Public Comment
- Public comment was received on various topics. Danny Gonzalez, representing the Los Angeles LGBT Center, urged the county to restore $24 million cut from transition-age youth homelessness services, emphasizing the critical nature of these services for vulnerable youth. Mary Cookertz, a children’s mental health researcher, offered to provide research briefs to support board policy issues affecting children and families. Brian Barretto, External Affairs Manager for California American Water, informed the board that the company had updated its emergency response plan and welcomed coordination with the county. Claudia Jerez, referencing Directive 595 2B2, emphasized the need for accountability and punitive damages for environmental destruction, citing the Lineage incident. Robert Gamboa, also from the Los Angeles LGBT Center, reiterated the request to backfill the $24 million in cuts to youth homelessness services. Papua Tungufo, representing the Los Angeles Community County Community Health Workers Promotoras Representatives Consortium, expressed support for Motion 8 promoting Community Health Worker services, highlighting the importance of youth engagement and data transparency. Claudia Jerez, speaking again, discussed the extended stay in Carson on Albert Tourney, noting available rooms for acute care, and urged the board to respond to inquiries regarding housing availability and point of contact information.
Adjournments and Memorials
- Supervisor Mitchell moved to adjourn in the memory of Carlo E. Lomelli, owner of Lomelli’s Italian Restaurant in Gardena, who passed away on July 26 at age 71. She also moved to adjourn in the memory of Reginald Foreman, a community member who passed away on August 6 at age 51, noting his work with Second Call and as a Little League coach.
- Supervisor Horvath moved to adjourn in the memory of Norma Jean Vescovo, a resident of Van Nuys who passed away at age 90, noting her nearly five decades of work in the independent living movement and her leadership at the Independent Living Center of Southern California.
- A motion was made to adjourn the meeting in memory of Mona Bailey, the late mother of Sonia Bailey, Executive Director of the YWCA in San Pedro. The speaker provided biographical details regarding Mona Bailey’s background, career in business and public service, and contributions to youth workforce development. Additionally, remarks were made expressing condolences for the death of Jackie, a bald eagle from Big Bear Lake, and for victims of the earthquake in Columbia and their families in Los Angeles County. The Executive Officer noted the recent passing of the mother of Los Angeles City Councilman Curran Price.
- Decision: The Chair indicated that all motions would be taken as seconded.
- Outcome: Passed by unanimous vote (no objection).
Closed Session (Item CS2)
- The Board convened in closed session to confer with labor negotiators Joseph M. Nikita and designated staff, in accordance with Brown Act requirements. Upon returning to open session, the Clerk of the Board read the report of action for Item CS2. No reportable action was taken.
Adjournment and Scheduling
- The Chair announced that the Board of Supervisors meetings scheduled for August 18 and August 25, 2026, are officially canceled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 1, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. The meeting was officially adjourned.