Board of Supervisors — 2019-03-19

Good morning, everyone. Music 321.

Good morning, everybody. We'd like to call this meeting to order. If you have a seat, take a seat. And we'd like to call this meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors to order. Madam Clerk, can I get a roll call please?

Mr. Hart? Present. Ms. Hartman? Here. Mr. Adam? Mr Williams? Mr. Lavinino, here. Let the record reflect that Supervisor Adam is absent.

Okay if you could all

So moved.

Moved and seconded, all those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Passes unanimously. Let's move on to our administrative agenda. Can I get a motion to approve items A1 through A11, our resolutions?

So moved.

Moved and seconded, all those in favor? None opposed? Okay, let's move right into A1. Madam Clerk.

Chair Lavinino and members of the board item A1 is sponsored by Supervisor Williams it is to adopt a resolution of accommodation honoring local contractors in Santa Barbara County for emergency response services to the people of Santa Barbara County and if I can have Jim Lasch, Rob Craig, Brian Larinen, Doug Barnes, Kathy and Roger Fortier Steve Scott, Blair Douglas, Craig Flowers and Christina Tolbert, Jesse Bishop, Bruce Mercier and Brian Schifferer to the podium.

And anyone else who'd like to join you? I'll go ahead and read the resolution. Whereas the Thomas Fire destroyed the watersheds above Montecito and the Carpentaria Valley. And whereas the 1-9 debris flow devastated portions of our community. Destroying homes, damaging public infrastructure, depositing enormous amounts of debris and tragically taking lives. And whereas following the Thomas fire and the resulting debris flow, the ability of public agencies to respond was stretched to the limit. And whereas in times of great need of resources and assistance, the county turns to local contractors to mobilize the labor and equipment needed in such time of emergencies.

And whereas local contractors and their employees Have always answered the call and rose to the need providing the equipment and resources needed by the Public Works Department, Fire Department, and other state and local agencies to respond to emergencies. And whereas these local contractors are called upon to render assistance day, night, and weekends sometimes being asked for 24 hours a day. And whereas without the assistance of our local contractors, the county in its cities, Caltrans, and Would be unable to swiftly respond to restore the roadways, power water sewer service and remove debris from channels and basins.

And whereas the citizens of Santa Barbara County are well served by the local contracting community to protect their lives property and quality of life. Now therefore it is hereby ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors of Santa Barbara County, State of California honors our local contractors including but not limited to Granite Construction Company, Lash Construction Inc., Bob's Backhoe & Trucking, R.W. Scott Construction Company Inc., Shaw Contracting Inc., Cal Portland Construction, Tierra Contracting Inc., and RLF Trucking & Grading Corp. for their services to Santa Barbara County and its residents and extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to these contractors, their employees, and the local contracting community they represent passed and adopted today.

Good morning, Mr. Chair and board members. Thank you so much for recognizing the contractors who are here today and thanks to the clerk for announcing everyone who came today and public agencies during times of emergencies rely on the local contracting community and that's who these folks represent this morning And they help us respond to disasters and they help us keep the public safe, and they help us stand communities up again. Certainly during the 1-9 debris flow and emergencies before that and through this winter as well because pretty much after every rain event we've been clearing our basins and clearing creeks to protect the community of Montecito safe. So we are so fortunate here in Santa Barbara County to have these people, have these resources available to us and as a resolution said all we have to do is give them a call they drop everything and they come out and they respond for us.

So big thank you to them for certainly coming today for always being there for us and augmenting our staff and our resources to allow us in public works fire and other public agencies in the county to do the job we do. So thank you for honoring them.

Supervisor Williams

Well, I was I was honored to do this resolution day Probably because I was so impressed with the kind of work that has been done Since the one nine debris flow. I Think the work last year was more known but the work this year has been a rapid and And efficient logistical job, getting in there fast, clearing out the basins with very short periods between storms. Sometimes really 24 to 32 hours between storms which has required a lot of work all night, a lot of work with complicated and complex logistical networks. So I really give it up to Public Works and to the contractors for the work that they've done.

And I would also echo that, and I thought it was interesting when Scott asked if any of this large group wanted to say anything. As typical as people that are more interested in doing things than talking about things, you guys and women are the ones that get things done so we do really appreciate that and really appreciate all you do for the county. So thank you for being here today.

All right, Madam Clerk would you like to read item A2 please?

Chair Lavinino and members of the board. Item A2 is sponsored by Supervisor Williams it is to adopt a resolution proclaiming the week of March 25th through March 29th 2019 as Tsunami Preparedness Week in Santa Barbara County and if I can have Rob Lewin and JD Saucedo to the podium Whereas, a tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by a large displacement of water from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and underwater seismic activity. Potentially causing substantial damage and significant loss of life.

People living, visiting or working in a tsunami hazard area must be aware of the warning signs that indicate potential tsunami activity. Warning signs include a strong earthquake, the ocean withdrawing or rising rapidly, or loud roaring sound coming from the ocean. Whereas if conditions indicate a tsunami threat exists, the public must immediately take action by calmly moving inland and to high ground. Tune into local media to stay informed of the situation once in a safe location. Stay away from the coasts and low lying areas including rivers and creeks until local government officials say it's safe to return which may take hours. And whereas there are three levels of notification that people must know. Tsunami watch, a tsunami may later impact the area.

Tsunami advisory, a tsunami with the potential to generate strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or very near the water is imminent. Expected or occurring and may continue for several hours. Significant inundation is not expected for areas under an end advisory. And tsunami warning, a tsunami with the potential to generate widespread inundation is eminent, expected or occurring. Dangerous coastal flooding accompanied by powerful currents is possible and may continue for several hours. Evacuations of identified tsunami inundation areas will be required, and whereas the public can now access a new interactive tsunami inundation map at readysbc.org to identify if their property workplace and areas of interest are located in the tsunami hazard area.

The public is also strongly encouraged to register to receive local emergency alerts from Aware and Prepare at ReadySVC.org, and now therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim the week of March 25th through 29th, 2018 as Tsunami Preparedness Week passed and adopted today.

Mr. Chair and Supervisors, I'd just like to introduce you to J.D. Saucedo who's an Emergency Manager here at the County Office of Emergency Management. He's charged with leading our efforts in tsunami preparedness and he works with the state in that endeavor. J. D.?

Good morning Mr. Chair and Board of Supervisors. Thank you for your time. The privilege of living in a coastal community near and along major areas of tectonic activity is not without its risks. Though rare, the threat of tsunamis exists in our community. By raising awareness and acknowledging this hazard, Santa Barbara County has taken meaningful steps to improve the safety of our communities and those who visit it year-round.

A tangible example of this is found not only in this board's resolution But also in the recently published tsunami inundation map now available to the public at ReadySVCO.org Thank you for your time and for your support. Thank you.

So I was telling Supervisor Hart those are my favorite signs in the whole county. The giant wave with the guy running away from it, I love. I don't know if people thought they were supposed to go the other way so that's good that we're telling them to go that way Those are good. So Madam Clerk, A3 please.

Chair Lavinino and members of the board, item A3 is sponsored by Supervisor Hart. It is to adopt a resolution of accommodation honoring Corinne Basso upon her retirement from the probation department after over 23 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County. And if I can have Corinne Basso to the podium? Whereas Corinne Christine Basso was born in Winchester, Massachusetts and moved to Santa Barbara in 1980 graduating from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts in 1979 and earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She began her career in public service in 1981 with the Santa Barbara Police Department as a Public Service Assistant and also a Parking Enforcement Officer. And whereas following an internship with the Probation Department collecting restitutions for victims, in 1995 officer Basso was hired as an extra help group counselor at the Santa Barbara Juvenile Hall and subsequently hired as a full-time deputy probation officer in 1996, promoting to senior deputy probation officer in 2002.

And whereas Officer Basso worked in both the juvenile and adult divisions which allowed her the opportunity to work with sex offenders, domestic violence cases, mental health offenders Substance abuse cases and a variety of juvenile supervision cases. She received the department's Bulldog Award in 2009 for increasing the collection of restitutions from victims, as well as fines and fees.

Whereas Officer Basso has been a positive force for change, fostering individual growth in staff and offenders. Many have benefited from her passion, empathy, positivity and commitment to improving lives. She has trained numerous new officers throughout her career instilling the importance and honor of being a peace officer, inspiring others to see their employment as not a job but a career.

And whereas Officer Basso is the proud mother of Brian, a city of Oxnard firefighter who also protects and serves his local community. In retirement, she plans to golf, fish, travel, cycle and attend Broadway shows. She's prepared to take advantage of the next chapter in her life enjoying leisure activities and focusing on physical health. Now therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors recognizes Corinne Basso for over 23 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County and the Probation Department and extend to her best wishes for fulfilling enjoyable and rewarding retirement passed and adopted today.

Thank you Chair and Supervisors and Supervisor Hart. On behalf of the department and Chief Heitman, we are both excited for Corinne's next chapter and we realize the gap she'll be leaving in our Santa Barbara downtown office. Corinne is known by her peers as a voice of the people also as Mama Basso And she's a very intrinsically motivated and balanced probation officer.

She believes in both holding individuals accountable, and she also believes that people can change. She's mentored many of our new staff. She's a sounding board for our seasoned officers. And she deeply cares about her work and about her co-workers. The department and the community is a better place because of the passion and commitment of Officer Corinne Basso. Congratulations.

Thank you Deputy Chief Sheehan, Board of Supervisors and Supervisor Hart for this resolution of commendation. I also want to thank my friends and coworkers who are here today as well as my wonderful son for all his love and support over the years and his lovely wife Nicole. Working as a probation officer has been a dream come true. Over the years, I have worked with remarkable and talented people within and outside the department. As a probation officer, I have had the unique opportunity to enforce court orders to assist offenders in making better choices and positive changes in their lives while protecting the community. Although the work at times has been challenging and difficult, its rewards have made it worthwhile. I will always cherish the memories and the staff who have enriched my life in this career.

Thank you for your time.

Not sure anybody's going to be working at the county after we get through March. It's like everybody's leaving. Congratulations, we wish you well and hopefully I'll see you out on the golf course. Thank you. Let's read item four please.

Chair Lavinino and members of the board. Item A4 is sponsored by Supervisor Hartman it is to adopt a resolution of accommodation honoring Lieutenant Colonel Dean Davidge as the March 2019 Veteran of the Month in Santa Barbara County. And if I can have Lieutenant Colonel Dean Davidge to the podium? Whereas, Santa Barbara County is home to more than 22,000 veterans and whereas those who have given the ultimate service to this nation by serving in its armed forces and deserving of recognition and gratitude by all Americans. And whereas the 3rd District has the honor of recognizing the Lieutenant Colonel Dean Davidge for his courageous service to our nation during the Vietnam War in the United States Marine Corps.

And whereas, Lieutenant Colonel Davidge arrived in Vietnam in 1967 at the age of 24 and spent a majority of his time there making daily deliveries of food and supplies to troops out in the field, and also help with medical evacuations of other emergency situations. And whereas Lieutenant Colonel Davidge was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross during his service. And whereas after completing a 20-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve he retired with the ranking lieutenant colonel and returned to San Ines and moved into the house he grew up in.

And whereas upon returning home to the San Ines Valley, Lieutenant Colonel Davidge immersed himself in community service Supporting local youth through volunteerism with the family school board. As AYSO soccer coach, he started a local gymnastics program and became a 4H beekeeping project leader and served as a Dunn School trustee for 23 years. Therefore let it be resolved that this Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors honors Lieutenant Colonel Dean Davidge as the March 2019 Veteran of the Month for his service in our armed forces followed by his service to our community through volunteerism passed and adopted today.

Mr. Alvin Salge, who is the third district representative to the Veterans Services Advisory Committee will say a few words of introduction.

Thank you so much, Board of Supervisors for making this award available to Dean Davich. He's a fantastic individual and he's a true hero and he's lived his whole life heroically even in the military. You saw on its resolution that he got a distinguished flying cross in Vietnam when he was flying the CH-46 supply helicopters for the Marine Corps And he was doing his check flight with a check pilot to become the aircraft commander.

And they took enemy fire and hit, and wounded the check pilot, and also damaged the aircraft. He recovered the aircraft and flew it carefully and safely back to base. So that's why he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. In his memoirs, he indicated that was a turning point in his life when he was no longer a student but a professional. So he took this on the rest of his life and later when he got back to the San Ynez Valley and the community whenever there was a need or an emergency in any of the social organizations, he took up their efforts And did an outstanding job to get them through their needs and help, and to establish them. He was just absolutely fantastic. And he's from there, he's lived there all his life.

And one particular note, example of his outstanding service to the community when the American Legion Post Had its officers vacate. They almost pulled the charter in the valley and what he did, he took on the officer of the treasurer and the finance officer to keep the post going. And also in my VFW post there in Solvang, he's our quartermaster which he does and adjutant which he does the same services So he's very dedicated and an outstanding individual.

I want to thank Supervisor Hartman for appointing me to the Veterans Advocacy Commission for the supervisors, and I've been to one mission meeting since. We always have things on our agenda. Our next agenda is to try to get a veterans website so any veteran in the county can go to the website and see where they can get help or whatever they need, and I also want to do a shout out for the Veterans Network That meets bimonthly and is hosted by visiting nurse in hospice care. And they bring all the organizations, the county federal nonprofits and national to help veterans in the county.

So thank you.

Well, thank you Alan and thank you Supervisor Hartman for selecting me as the first third district vet of the year. I can think of a few other people that I would have selected in front of me but I'm willing to accept this one and I accept it on behalf of all the thousands of vets in the county who served their country and returned home to lead productive lives I couldn't have imagined this happening 50 years ago when I first returned from Vietnam.

Guys getting out of the military then were lying about where they'd served because employers didn't want to hire somebody who might go off and do whatever. It was a bad time. Nowadays, almost every veteran or serviceman mentioned in the press has done something, some heinous crime So I'm thinking that this Vet of the Month award should go a long way toward counteracting that public image.

And I hope that this program continues for a long time. Thank you again.

Supervisor Hartman?

Thank you and I just wanted to acknowledge Chair Lavinino's efforts because he's the one who had this idea and we're very grateful to him for that.

Thank you, all right well you definitely kicked it up a notch so next month is Supervisor Adams so we'll see what we come up with out of the 4th District. So

Chair Lavagnino and members of the board, item A5 is from the Board of Supervisors. It is to adopt a resolution of accommodation honoring Robert Cohen upon his retirement from the Clerk of the Board after over 32 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County. And if I can have Robert to the podium?

Can we have Robert's colleagues and the Clerk of the Board all come up please? That means you, Russ.

Whereas Robert Michael Cohen migrated to California from New York to pursue his education and raise his young daughter Brooke. He attended Santa Barbara City College where he studied history and received his associate's degree in automotive technology. Robert then transferred to the University of California Santa Barbara receiving his bachelor's degree in liberal studies. And whereas Robert began his career with Santa Barbara County on March 27, 1987 where he was hired as a word processor one in purchasing department. In October of 1989 Robert transferred to the clerk of the board office as a board clerk one and was immediately recognized by his peers for his commitment to teamwork. Robert was given an advanced step appointment to Board Clerk 2 in September of 1990, was appointed as a board assistant specialist in December of 1991 and department assistant in October of 1998.

A departmental assistant senior in November 2005 and an administrative office professional expert in May of 2008. Whereas shortly after his move to the Clerk of the Board, Robert was tasked with the management of the County Assessment Appeals Program. Over the next 22 years he deftly and professionally conducted approximately 450 meetings at the assessment appeals boards including regular and organizational meetings as well as status conferences, pre-hearings, and regular hearings related to complex cases. These included some of the most labyrinthine in county history such as the legendary Exxon case that required several weeks of hearings alone And whereas Robert is a proud, loving and devoted father to his daughter Brooke and son-in-law Donnie and grandfather to Molly and Jasper who have given Robert bragging rights for being ambitious, intelligent, athletically accomplished and artistic individuals.

Robert is known by his coworkers as being altruistic, dedicating his life work to public service without any expectation of reward, all while spending his free time reading as many books as the library will let him check out at any given time making him a wealth of knowledge and an optimal trivial partner. And whereas Robert, a walker of legendary proportions has no problem taking off and walking 10-14 miles a day sometimes covering 100 miles a week in fact he once walked nearly 420 miles in one month While blazing new trails with Nacho, his faithful canine sidekick, he amasses a seemingly endless portfolio of photographs. His free-spirited nature is by no means discouraged when suspected of trespassing based on his appearance alone While he fulfills his goal to tread foot on every trail, street and path in the county.

Now therefore it is hereby ordered and resolved that the Board of Supervisors commends Robert Michael Cohen for his 32 years of faithful and distinguished service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County. And wishes him many more years of peaceful walks good health and happiness passed and adopted today.

Okay, I'll go.

Thank you members of the board for recognizing Robert today. I think the resolution really summed it all up that our clerk's office has an amazing ability to capture the stories within their resolutions so that was very, very well done. A couple more things and today I actually have the privilege of speaking about two extraordinary individuals in our clerks office and collectively they have served over 60 years With our county and the first step is obviously Robert weighing in at 32 years What our resolution doesn't reflect is this person is really our County historian informally You can walk down the halls walk into the clerk of soft edits at any time and say do you remember what happened back in? 2002 and what the board did And who will answer?

Robert. And then he'll remind us that they also did that in 1998 and by the way, and he'll give you the whole story. I'm going to miss that. He's a huge resource for us and he truly is a treasured member of our team in the clerk's office so we are truly going to miss him but we wish him the best of luck and really pursuing the best part of life with his grandkids. So we wish them the best.

I'd like to thank the board and I actually worked under, I believe 21 supervisors. Five county administrative officers and just watched the county grow. I remember the early years. I watch the budget process now and the budget used to be big blocks of butcher paper taped to the wall Someone with a magic marker would put in all the numbers. And for any really old timers here, the county used to have eight inch floppy disks that was our storage device and I definitely like to thank my COB family.

Actually between me Mike and Russ we actually have 96 years of County work Jacqueline Chelsea, our newest member, Sheila. And I'd just like to thank the board for all these years and with all this technology now, I can still watch because I've read tens of thousands of board letters over the years and I'll probably keep on doing it. Thank you very much. Great.

Madam Clerk, day six

Chair Lavinino, members of the board item A6 is from the Board of Supervisors. It is to adopt a resolution of accommodation honoring Russ Barker upon his retirement from the county executive office after over 31 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County. If I can have Russ to the podium? Whereas Russell Glenn Barker migrated to California from Zanesville, Ohio after enlisting in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base where he served with distinction until receiving his honorable discharge in 1987. And was described by his commanding officer as outstanding in all respects which included his duty as the project officer for the annual VAFB Golf Tournament.

And whereas Russ began his county service in February 1988 when he was hired as an elections technician in the Elections Division of the Clerk Recorder Assessor, where he served through numerous election cycles each time mobilizing an army of election night workers who ensured the smooth operation of dozens of polling places throughout the county. And whereas Russ joined the county executive office in January 1998 as a deputy clerk and immediately became an indispensable member of the Clerk of the Board team, assuming management of the public legislative record and other critical areas including the intake of tort claims. The intake and release of bonds related to monument deposits and subdivision maps and publication of the Santa Barbara County Code all of which he did with a smile.

And whereas, Rust was instrumental in the effort to digitize nearly 150 years worth of historical Board of Supervisors legislative records dating back to the inception of Santa Barbara County in 1850. All of which are now available to the public as Santa Barbara became the first California county to accomplish this massive feat of public engagement. And whereas, Russ is the epitome of public service. His daily routine commencing before dawn to charter commuters on the Clean Air Express and has committed his career to serving our community with a positive attitude, helpful nature and an extraordinary amount of kindness which is why he has been described by many as the kind of county employee they strive to be.

And whereas, Russ is known affectionately by his co-workers as Russy, Bossy Barker and Honey Bear Barker With a fondness of breakfast Oreos, which is only rivaled by his love of potatoes as demonstrated when dining with him at McDonald's for a hash brown or two. And whereas Russ personifies the term family man by always putting his wife Leanne and their four children Joseph, Rebecca, Bethany and Daniel before himself. And devoting his precious weekends to volunteering at church caring for his ever-growing number of pets and working on countless home projects all of which inspire his endless supply of puns known fondly as Russies.

And whereas Russ's extraordinary career has certainly led to his well-deserved retirement, which will allow him more time to work on his short game and fulfill his life goal of breaking 70. But his most exciting role yet begins in July 2019 with a title promotion to grandpa. Now therefore it is hereby ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors commends Russ Barker for 31 years of faithful and distinguished service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County. And wishes him and his loving family many more years of good health and happiness passed and adopted today.

You're a little bit short. I think

I'm still small.

Thank you again for recognizing one of our critical members of our team within the clerk's office. So weighing in at 31 years is Russ Barker, as the resolution mentioned he is one of the kindest most thoughtful and hardworking individuals I've ever had not only the pleasure to work with but ever meet. He does epitomize what customer service in Santa Barbara County is and should continue to be and he will be greatly missed Our clerk's office did a little math the other day and we came to a realization that during the time that Russ has been driving the Clean Air Express back and forth from Wampoag since 1998, right?

Okay. 99. Oh gosh my math is wrong then!

Change the math.

Change the math quick. That's 660,000 road miles. Wow. So that will take you to the moon and back, and you still have about 160,000 miles left in change. Or you can travel back and forth to New York over 110 times. So I don't know what that results in in GHG emissions saved or cars off the road. A lot. It is significant, we could not do that math. Most importantly I just want to thank Russ for everything he has done for this county. He really sets the standard of service that we can all aspire to and as the resolution mentioned he's off to next his next adventure in grandparenting and we certainly wish him and his family all the best so thank you very much and here's Russ

Thank you Terry for those kind words and CEO's office. And I come this morning to with a heart of felt with joy and thankfulness, and first of all thank you Board Supervisors and Mr. Chair for adopting this resolution and for the creative writing skills from the Clerk of the Board's office! But you know, I come with joy not necessarily because I've crossed the finish line for the county but because as I reflect back over those 30 some years it takes me back to a time when I joined my high school track team and the coach put me in a long distance run. And I thought to myself can I make this? And after running about a mile I said I think this is a mistake. I don't think I can finish! Well when I started with the county back in 88, I went to the basement of the courthouse driving my car down.

Long days working in the elections office and after a week of traveling I said, I don't think I can make it. I really don't but going back to my track career short career, my coach was very smart he came along the edge of the track he stood by me and as I approached him he had a big smile and he said to me I could hear him keep running Russ keep running And so as I started with the county and the clerk of the board's office, and with the elections office, I encountered relationships and friends and my co-workers. I saw their dedication, I saw their commitment, and it was if they were saying to me keep running Russ, keep running!

And so I do want to mention a lot of names, but I have to mention Mike Allen because we were in the elections office together shoulder by shoulder working together and he left. Went to clerk at the board's office leaving me behind! I said Mike don't forget about me over here and so he rescued me helped pull me out of elections to join him where I've been now with him for 20 some years But I also want to thank my family, of course. My wife and my beautiful children that I just take so much pride in and they're such a gift to me. And so my family's here and they're encouraging words to me, they've stood beside me but also I'm compelled here at the inn to tell you about a person who has stood next to me all those years who has had his hand upon me and that's the Lord, the creator of heaven and earth.

He's had his hand upon me as I drove the Clean Air Express down Through the darkness and the fog in the morning to get here, to bring our county employees safely here. He's given me the gift of my clerk at the board friends. He has given me my relationships with the county employees and I treasure that. So all those good things, he is the source of all good things. So I stand here today very humbled and very pleased and awesome time with the county. Thank you so much.

So I just want to say a couple things and I have a little presentation, but I just want to first off start by saying that As sorry mentioned this is 30 31 and 32 years 63 years of County experience which is pretty incredible in its own right. It's pretty amazing it's been a wonderful journey to work with these guys and we all truly love each other in the office and I don't think anybody ever left the clerk of the board's office during this time Having dealt with Russ or Robert thinking to themselves that they didn't do everything They could to help them or to find what they were looking for And if they couldn't help them, they would find the person in the county organization that could do it. So They really embody the The spirit of public service and and they're just really two really great amazing guys.

So thanks For Robert, these are walking sticks. The guy at REI said these are good for 10,000 more miles. So these will help you blaze even more trails throughout the county, San Luis, Ventura and everywhere you go so thanks a lot. We had to customize this because we knew if we didn't that Fabrian would try and get it. So there's

the Parker

for 31 years. Thank you so much.

And I don't think it'll come as any shock to anybody that heard Russ speak, but the title for nicest person in the county is now open. Okay? So with you leaving, you leave a big hole and something that I think every county employee should try to live up to. Let's go to A7. Our last retirement for the day.

Chair Lavinino, members of the board item A7 is from the Board of Supervisors. It is to adopt a resolution of accommodation honoring Diane Black upon her retirement from the Planning and Development Department after over 35 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County. Whereas, Diane began her distinguished public service career with Santa Barbara County in 1984 as an intern and worked her way up the ranks in the planning and development department as a planner, supervisor-planner, deputy director of the energy division, assistant director in its several iterations, and director all while providing exemplary public service to the residents of Santa Barbara County for over 35 years.

And whereas, Diane professionally managed the adoption of numerous amendments and additions to the Santa Barbara County Comprehensive Plan, the Land Use and Development Code, and Coastal Zoning Ordinance. The processing of complex and controversial development projects, process improvement efforts, and multiple community emergency responses. Whereas, Diane has been a key player in coastal planning acting as a liaison with State Coastal Commission staff for county initiatives and as a leader on the Channel Island National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council whereby she received their legacy award for 19 years of service. And whereas Diane is an expert in Santa Barbara County oil and gas development, I was requested to provide congressional testimony regarding the permitting of pipelines specifically automatic shutoff systems following the refugio oil spill on May 19th 2015.

And whereas Diane's absolute sense of rule and order required that the clutter in P&D conference rooms was avoided at all costs except by new staff who were unaware of Diane's obsession that all chairs must be matching and the room be neat and clean. And whereas Diane served as the Planning Commission Secretary for the County Planning Commission and the Montecito Planning Commission for 11 years, and her ability to maintain a level and calm demeanor during controversial public hearings was appreciated by the commissions and staff. Now therefore be it hereby order and resolve that this Board of Supervisors honors Diane Black for her 35 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County passed and adopted today.

Steward's out.

So before we let Diane speak, 1984. Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympic Games. Bishop Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The Pretenders played at the UCSB's event center and the soap opera Santa Barbara with Robin Wright began its first season. In that year, a young woman, an intern by the name of Diane Meester began with the Planning and Development Department.

And since then she's had an illustrious career here as all of you know. In the last year she served as our Director of P&D upon the retirement of Dr. Glenn Russell. So today Diane we just want to thank you for your encyclopedic knowledge, your calm demeanor and professionalism even in the most heated political debates But I want to thank you mostly for your strength and your will, your accomplishments serving in one of the most difficult and challenging professions in local government. And especially here in Santa Barbara County. Thank you very much. We'll miss you and congratulations on your retirement.

So thank goodness I didn't cry in every public hearing, I had to attend. This is a little...

Those hearings sometimes make you want to do

it. I tried to wait until I got home and I wasn't always crying so um I apologize Mona and I were joking in the bathroom because she said oh my gosh you have to sit through like six resolutions before yours and you cry through everybody's resolutions! Sorry about that.

Well, the over under was 30 seconds on your crime and you didn't make it so

Not sure who won but should have gone really low So Mr. Chair and members of the board this might be the last time I talk to you from this place Thank you for this resolution It's really been Uh, it's been an honor to serve San Robert County for the last 35 years. I'm grateful for such a meaningful career one where every day, every week, every year we're demanding and challenging while also being incredibly varied and personally rewarding.

I have a lot of people to thank for my time at the county. It starts with Anne Truman. I think her name is Lynn now Hiring Diane Meester, me, Diane Black now in the resource management department. Now planning development and John Patton who selected me to be as assistant director nearly 20 years ago. I also want to thank your board for having the confidence in me to run the department for the last year and to, um, it's going to be hard to Steve Mason And the rest of the management team who went the extra mile this past year when we didn't have a full executive team. So, we've been running one down for a year.

Special thanks to the staff in the department. They're a dedicated group of professionals who do their best every day working within a challenging and politically charged environment and they deserve all the credit for all the good work The department has produced and will continue to produce. This is short, so I'm almost done. And this one will be hard too.

Finally thanks to my husband David who's been my silent partner During the last 13 years of my career, he kept me going when things were tough. He took me to dinner. He let me yell. He did all sorts of things that fed me wine anything it took while things were tougher and I don't think I could have made it without him. So thank you again. I'll miss I'll miss this but I know the county in the department will continue to succeed because of your work and the great people in the planning and development Department so thank

Supervisor Hartman.

Thank you, they say that twenty percent of the work of the county is land use but eighty percent of the politics and that has fallen largely on your slender shoulders and you carried it with grace I worked with you on the planning commission and on the board and uh... you've always been so responsive and so knowledgeable Help me do my job better help the county be what it is today and we're going to miss you so much. Thank you for your service.

Well I think that what's amazing is every time that I approached Diane whether it was on the city council or the legislature she kind of treated us like we were partners and Needed an answer and was an amazing informational resource. But I never got to see the details in such granular form until coming here and seeing your work. It is very, very... And I have to give it to all of the people in P&D. It is very hard work to address planning needs We do a ton of work, and sometimes my view with not enough resources to address our own internal contradictions as people of Santa Barbara.

As people who want to move forward but we're so attached to the way things were. And that's so difficult to navigate as a planner, and I just want to tell you that Dan, you've done an incredible job. And I take my hat off to you and respect you so much. Thank you so much.

Yeah, I just will also say it should come with some sort of combat pay or something ahead of P&D. You've got this county is so Has so many different ideas about land use and everybody's willing to come forward and definitely let you know where they stand. And you've done an outstanding job of keeping an even keel, and just keeping us moving in the right direction. Your career spans two Lavininos, so my dad will always ask me like how's Diane Meester doing? So look forward to before there's another Lavinino, you get out of here.

Supervisor Hart. Well, this is really an extraordinary day with all the amazing county employees retiring at the same time but I personally have worked the longest with Diane and I have really always treasured her willingness to solve problems and to be optimistic and to think about a path through even the most difficult circumstances. And I think of myself as an optimistic person but Diane has a job that requires optimism at a different level And we're just really proud of the work that you've done for the county, and we will miss you. And see you around town with this big smile on your face.