Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Opening Remarks and Procedural Matters
- The meeting began with a land acknowledgment, invocation, and presentation of certificates of appreciation to Rabbi Julia Knobloch and Assemblymember Mike Gibson.
- The Clerk noted continuances, revisions, and recusals, including Supervisor Solis abstaining from Item 8 and Supervisors Horvath and Solis recusing from Item 14.
- Several agenda items were continued to future dates, while Item 40 was referred back to the department for further review.
Item 10: Less Restrictive Programs (LRPs)
- Public commenters supported the motion and requested that LRP providers be included in a formal task force for substantive input.
- The Chair proposed an amendment to create a task force including LRP providers to solicit feedback and recommendations for implementation.
- Supervisor Mitchell supported the amendment, noting that audits should be automatic for all county contracts.
- The amended item was moved, seconded, and passed.
Item 18: Governance Reform Task Force (GRTF) Recommendations
- The GRTF presented recommendations for separating legislative and executive functions under Measure G, including realigning the CEO office and establishing an independent County Legislative Analyst.
- Questions were raised regarding charter amendments, costs, staffing, and the distinction between "receive and file" items and those requiring a vote.
- The Chair proposed an amendment directing the CEO to prepare a 120-day transition report on unincorporated area services and constituent services coordination.
- Supervisor Barger moved to continue Item 18 as amended to January, which passed with 4 ayes and 1 abstention.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Item 19: Adoption of Option 3 for Agenda Posting
- The GRTF initially recommended Option 2, but Supervisor Barger moved to adopt Option 3, which retains the current agenda publication schedule and limits supplemental agendas to revisions only.
- County Council clarified that Option 3 complies with Measure G’s 120-hour agenda posting requirement.
- Supervisor Mitchell clarified that the motion includes a directive to continue recommendations related to agenda clarity and accessibility standards for 90 days.
- The motion to adopt Option 3 was seconded and carried 5 to 0.
Item 15: Providing Spiritual Supports to Specialized Populations
- Supervisor Horvath introduced a motion to direct the Department of Mental Health to hire a chaplain and establish a voluntary faith-based subcommittee.
- Supervisor Barger co-authored the motion, emphasizing that this is a clinical investment funded by mental health realignment dollars.
- Dr. Lisa Wong, Director of Mental Health, stated that the recruitment process emphasized inclusivity, equity, and a non-denominational approach.
- Supervisor Hahn requested to see the recruitment language and expressed a preference for explicit "interfaith" background requirements.
- The motion was moved, seconded, and passed with 5 ayes.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Adjournment in Memory of Deceased Individuals
- A member moved to adjourn the meeting in memory of several individuals, including Dr. Amal Jason Beach, Kyle Bender, and others.
- The board agreed to adjourn in memory of the listed individuals.
- A member also moved to recognize Stephen Robinson, Jessica DeVries, Catalina Hernandez-Romero, and Susie Bray.
- The board accepted the motions and recognized the individuals.
Closed Session
- The board entered closed session to discuss anticipated litigation, public employee performance evaluations, labor negotiations, and an audit by the California State Auditor's Office.
- Upon returning to open session, the Clerk reported that the board authorized county counsel to initiate litigation regarding one case.
- No reportable action was taken on items CS7, CS9, and CS11.
No decision 0–0
Full summary
Opening Remarks and Procedural Matters
- The meeting opened with a land acknowledgment and an invocation led by Rabbi Julia Knobloch. Supervisor Janice Hahn presented a certificate of appreciation to Rabbi Knobloch. Supervisor Holly Mitchell introduced Assemblymember Mike Gibson, who concluded his service in the California State Assembly; Supervisor Hahn presented Gibson with a certificate of appreciation.
- The Clerk of the Board read the agenda, noting continuances, revisions, and recusals. Item 7 was continued to October 27, 2026. Supervisor Solis requested to abstain from the vote on Item 8. Revisions were noted for Items 9, 10, 14, 30, and 54. Supervisors Horvath and Solis recused themselves from Item 14 pursuant to Government Code Section 84308. Items 18 and 19 were held together for discussion. Items 26, 29, and 54 were continued to November 10, 2026. Item 40 was referred back to the department. Various closed session items were continued to October 27 or November 17, 2026. The Board approved the order of business, and public comment was taken on specific items.
Consent Calendar (Items 1–6, 8, 9, 11–13, 14, 16–17, 20–25, 27–28, 30–39, 41–53, 55–57, 58A–58D, 61, 1D, 2D)
- Public commenters addressed various items, including renter protection funds, reproductive justice resolutions, and the LA General Medical Center Master Plan. Supervisor Mitchell moved, and Supervisor Horvath seconded, to approve the consent calendar items with the exception of Item 10. The motion passed.
Item 10: Less Restrictive Programs (LRPs)
- Public commenters, including LRP providers and youth advocates, expressed support for the motion and requested that LRP providers be included in a formal task force to provide substantive input. The Chair proposed an amendment to create a task force including LRP providers to solicit meaningful feedback and recommendations for implementation. Supervisor Mitchell supported the amendment, noting that audits should be automatic for all county contracts. The amended item was moved and seconded. The motion passed 5-0.
Item 18: Governance Reform Task Force (GRTF) Recommendations
- The GRTF presented foundational recommendations regarding the separation of powers framework under Measure G. Key points included the Board of Supervisors retaining legislative and policymaking functions while the elected County Executive manages the executive branch. The current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) office would be realigned among the future elected County Executive, the Director of Budget and Management, and the County Legislative Analyst (CLA). Intergovernmental affairs and legislative advocacy functions were recommended for the executive branch. The GRTF recommended establishing an independent, non-partisan CLA office to serve the Board, with a phased-in approach targeting October 2027.
- Questions were raised regarding the distinction between "receive and file" items and items requiring a vote, the necessity of charter amendments, and the cost and staffing of the new offices. The Executive Office stated that a detailed cost analysis is pending. The Chair proposed an amendment to direct the CEO to prepare a 120-day transition report on the Office of Unincorporated Area Services and constituent services coordination. The amendment was seconded and passed.
- Further discussion addressed the timeline for the CLA, budget implications, and legal concerns. The GRTF expressed concern that delaying action would impact their workflow. The CEO’s office outlined four specific reports required, including a 90-day report on CLA staffing and 120-day reports on legislative affairs, unincorporated constituent services, and the functional split between the County Executive and the Office of Budget and Management. Discussion also covered the salary of the elected County Executive, a demand letter regarding the legality of certain provisions, and potential conflicts of interest for Supervisors who might run for the position.
- Supervisor Barger moved to adopt Option 3 for agenda posting, which retains the current schedule and limits supplemental agendas to revisions only. Supervisor Mitchell clarified that the motion includes a directive to continue recommendations related to agenda clarity and accessibility standards for 90 days. Supervisor Solis moved an amendment, which was seconded by Supervisor Barger. The motion carried 5 to 0. Supervisor Barger then moved to continue Item 18 as amended to January, seconded by Supervisor Hahn. The motion passed with 4 ayes and 1 abstention.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Item 19: Adoption of Option 3 for Agenda Posting
- The GRTF presented recommendations to comply with Measure G’s 120-hour agenda posting requirement. Option 2, which involved advancing internal timelines, was initially recommended. However, during discussion, Supervisor Barger moved to adopt Option 3, which retains the current agenda publication schedule and limits supplemental agendas to revisions only. County Council clarified that Option 3 complies with Measure G. Supervisor Mitchell clarified that the motion includes a directive to continue recommendations related to agenda clarity and accessibility standards for 90 days, with County Council and the Executive Office to report back in writing. Supervisor Barger moved to adopt Option 3, seconded by Supervisor Hahn. The motion carried 5 to 0.
Item 15: Providing Spiritual Supports to Specialized Populations
- Supervisor Horvath introduced a motion to direct the Department of Mental Health (DMH) to hire a chaplain at the discipline chief level and establish a voluntary faith-based subcommittee. The motion aims to connect individuals experiencing homelessness, reentry, or mental health challenges with spiritual support. Supervisor Barger co-authored the motion, emphasizing that this is a clinical investment funded by mental health realignment dollars. Supervisor Mitchell supported the motion. Supervisor Hahn asked how DMH would ensure the chaplain and subcommittee reflect a broad range of faith traditions. Dr. Lisa Wong, Director of Mental Health, stated that the recruitment process emphasized inclusivity, equity, and a non-denominational approach. Supervisor Hahn requested to see the recruitment language and expressed a preference for explicit "interfaith" background requirements. Dr. Wong confirmed that interview questions would emphasize interfaith experience.
- Public commenters expressed support for the motion. Supervisor Horvath moved to approve the item, seconded by Supervisor Barger. The motion passed with 5 ayes.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
General Public Comment
- The board heard comments on various topics not on the agenda, including pretrial justice, housing, and other issues. Speakers urged the board to provide stable funding for the Rapid Diversion Program, expand access to diversion services, and address housing concerns.
Passed 5–0 · unanimous
Adjournment in Memory of Deceased Individuals
- A member moved to adjourn the meeting in memory of several individuals, including Dr. Amal Jason Beach, Kyle Bender, Dennis Alfred Tremere, John David Yanez, Manuel Meneses, Eduardo G. Magino Espinosa, Tony Kun Wong, and Robert E. Smith. The board agreed to adjourn in memory of the listed individuals.
- A member also moved to recognize Stephen Robinson, Jessica DeVries, and Catalina Hernandez-Romero, who died in a helicopter crash off the coast of Catalina Island on September 30, and Susie Bray, a resident of Catalina Island who had recently passed away. The motion was seconded, and the board accepted the motions and recognized the individuals.
Closed Session
- The Clerk of the Board announced that the board would enter closed session in accordance with Brown Act requirements to discuss the following items:
- CS6: Conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation.
- CS7: Public employee performance evaluations.
- CS9: Conference with labor negotiators.
- CS11: Audit by the California State Auditor's Office.
- Upon returning to open session, the Clerk of the Board read the report of action taken during the closed session on October 20, 2026:
- Item CS6: The board authorized county counsel to initiate litigation regarding one case. The vote was unanimous.
- Items CS7, CS9, and CS11: No reportable action was taken.
No decision 0–0
Adjournment
- A member requested that the executive office sing "Happy Birthday" to the chairperson. The group sang the song. The Chair acknowledged the request and noted that it was also the birthday of Senator Harris. The Chair announced that the next public hearing meeting of the board would be held on October 27, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., and adjourned the meeting.