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Board of Supervisors — 2019-08-27

Board of Supervisors — 2019-08-27August 27, 2019

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BodyBoard of Supervisors
MeetingRegular Meeting
Date📅 August 27, 2019

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Meeting Summary

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At a glance

Announcements

  • The Clerk announced an addendum to Administrative Item 23 regarding financial performance security for the Debris Nets project.
  • The addendum amends recommended action C to include additional language.

Administrative Item A1 (Resolution Honoring Veteran of the Month)

  • The board adopted a resolution honoring Staff Sergeant Bindo Stassi Grasso as the August Veteran of the Month.
  • The resolution recognized his service in World War II, specifically the D-Day invasion and the Battle of the Bulge.
  • The board presented a certificate to the honoree and his family representatives.

Administrative Item A2 (Resolution Honoring EMS System)

  • The board adopted a resolution honoring Santa Barbara County EMS participants for the American Heart Association 2019 Mission Lifeline EMS Gold Plus Award.
  • The resolution recognized collaboration between pre-hospital and hospital providers in improving survival rates for STEMI heart attacks.
  • Representatives from the EMS agency and partner fire departments received awards.

Administrative Item A10 (Cannabis Licensing)

  • The board conducted a second reading on Chapter 50 licensing for commercial cannabis operations and related ordinance amendments.
  • The item concerned cannabis business licensing fee ordinance amendments from the County Executive Office.
  • The motion to approve the item passed.

Administrative Item A16 (Tobacco Control Program)

  • The board reviewed a local lead agency allocation agreement for the tobacco control program from Public Health.
  • Staff indicated that coordinated efforts with cities are planned to align ordinances and enforcement regarding e-cigarettes and youth marketing.
  • The item was handled as part of the general administrative agenda without a separate vote.

Administrative Item A21 (Debris Basin Improvements)

  • The board reviewed design agreements for Cold Springs, San Ysidro, and Romero Creek Debris Basin Improvement Projects.
  • Staff explained that modifications involve notching the dam to allow fine sediment to pass through while trapping rocks.
  • This design aims to increase operational effectiveness and reduce removal costs based on a successful pilot at Gubanador Debris Basin.

Administrative Item A23 (Debris Nets Project)

  • The board reviewed financial performance security for the Partnership for Resilient Communities Debris Nets project.
  • Staff explained that the Swiss-developed technology is used throughout the Western United States, including post-fire areas.
  • The board noted the benefit of freeing up partnership resources to install additional nets before the rainy season.

Departmental Item 1 (Retirement Waiver)

  • The board considered a waiver of retirement exclusion for Valerie Monte, an occupational therapist for the Medical Therapy Program.
  • Staff explained that Monte is returning as extra help to maintain critical services for children with disabling conditions during recruitment.
  • The board approved the waiver unanimously.

Departmental Item 2 (Housing Authority Bonds)

  • The board held a TEFRA hearing to consider financing of tax-exempt private activity bonds for Parkside Garden Apartments.
  • Staff explained that this was a re-hearing due to increased land acquisition and construction costs.
  • The board approved the financing unanimously.

Departmental Item 3 (Grand Jury Report Response – Railroad Corridor Safety)

  • The board reviewed the county’s response to the 2018-2019 Grand Jury report on railroad fatalities, which identified two high-fatality zones.
  • Staff outlined proposed responses, including collaboration with Union Pacific and local agencies, and noted disagreements regarding sealed corridors and fencing responsibilities.
  • The board discussed vegetation management standards and the potential for matching increased security efforts by Union Pacific with additional county resources.
  • The board adopted staff’s recommendation to respond to the Grand Jury report.

Departmental Item 4 (Grand Jury Report – Children and Youth in Crisis)

  • The board reviewed the response to the Grand Jury report on mental disorders and emotional disturbances in children and youth.
  • Staff detailed the implementation of Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs) as an alternative to crisis stabilization units.
  • The board addressed findings regarding crisis response timeliness, 55-85 holds, and data tracking, with some recommendations implemented and others disputed.
  • The board adopted staff’s recommendation to respond to the Grand Jury report.

Departmental Item 5 (Public Safety Power Shutoff Protocol)

  • Representatives from PG&E and Southern California Edison presented their wildfire mitigation plans and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) protocols.
  • The County Office of Emergency Management highlighted challenges such as sheltering, communications, and funding gaps during potential outages.
  • The board discussed the impact on vulnerable populations, including medical baseline customers and rural communities lacking backup power.
  • The board adopted the staff recommendation with an amendment to return to the board for an update on utility mitigation infrastructure and cooling center assessments.

Departmental Item 6 (Monterey Bay Community Power Authority Board Appointments)

  • Staff presented recommendations for appointments to the Policy and Operations Boards of the Monterey Bay Community Power Authority.
  • Supervisor Williams was appointed as Director and Supervisor Hartman as Alternate to the MBCPA Policy Board.
  • Mona Miyasato and George Shapchin were appointed to the MBCPA Operations Board.

Closed Session

  • The board entered closed session to discuss three litigation matters: Blanco v. County of Santa Barbara, Murray v. County of Santa Barbara, and Nelson v. Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department and County of Santa Barbara.
  • Upon returning to open session, the board reported that there were no reportable actions taken during the closed session.

Full summary

Meeting Start and Roll Call

  • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors convened for its August 27 meeting. A roll call was taken, and the board recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Simultaneous interpretation services from English to Spanish were provided.

Announcements

  • The Clerk announced an addendum to Administrative Item 23 regarding financial performance security for the Partnership for Resilient Communities Debris Nets project. The addendum amends recommended action C to include additional language.

Administrative Items

  • Motion to Approve Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Administrative Items A1 and A2: A motion was made and seconded to approve Administrative Items A1 and A2. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Item A1 (Resolution Honoring Veteran of the Month): Sponsored by Supervisor Hartman, this item adopted a resolution honoring Staff Sergeant Bindo Stassi Grasso as the August Veteran of the Month. The resolution recognized his service in World War II, specifically the D-Day invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. Staff Sergeant Grasso, along with representatives from the City of Guadalupe and his family, addressed the board. The board presented a certificate and sang "Happy Birthday" to him.
  • Item A2 (Resolution Honoring EMS System): Sponsored by Supervisor Lavinino, this item adopted a resolution honoring the Santa Barbara County EMS system participants for receiving the American Heart Association 2019 Mission Lifeline EMS Gold Plus Award. The resolution recognized the collaboration between pre-hospital and hospital providers in improving survival rates for STEMI heart attacks. Representatives from the EMS agency and partner fire departments received awards.
  • Administrative Item A10 (Cannabis Licensing): This item, from the County Executive Office, concerned Chapter 50 licensing of commercial cannabis operations, ordinance amendments, and cannabis business licensing fee ordinance amendments. It was a second reading. A motion was made and seconded. A roll call vote was taken. The motion passed 4-1.
  • Administrative Item A16 (Tobacco Control Program): This item, from Public Health, concerned a tobacco control program local lead agency allocation agreement. Supervisor Hartman inquired about the program’s relationship to e-cigarettes and future county efforts to address youth marketing. Staff indicated that coordinated efforts with cities are planned for the near future to align ordinances and enforcement. No separate vote was taken on this specific inquiry; it was handled as part of the general administrative agenda.
  • Administrative Item A21 (Debris Basin Improvements): This item, from Public Works, concerned design agreements for Cold Springs, San Ysidro, and Romero Creek Debris Basin Improvement Projects in the first district. Supervisor Hartman asked about the operational design of the renovated debris systems. Staff explained that the modifications, based on a successful pilot at Gubanador Debris Basin, involve notching the dam to allow fine sediment to pass through while trapping rocks, thereby increasing operational effectiveness and reducing removal costs.
  • Administrative Item A23 (Debris Nets Project): This item, from Public Works, concerned financial performance security for the Partnership for Resilient Communities Debris Nets project in the first district. Supervisor Williams commented on the modest risk to the county and the benefit of freeing up partnership resources to install additional nets before the rainy season. Supervisor Hartman asked about the technology’s usage elsewhere. Staff explained that the technology, developed in Switzerland, is used throughout the Western United States, including Hawaii, California, and other post-fire areas.
  • Balance of Administrative Agenda: A motion was made and seconded to accept the balance of the administrative agenda (consent agenda). The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comment

  • Six speakers addressed the board: 1. Ed Kalaski: Spoke regarding the Board of Architectural Review, alleging corruption and stating that he was prevented from presenting drawings at a previous meeting. 2. LaWanda Lyons-Pruitt: Representing the NAACP, she urged the board to support a wage increase and dental/vision benefits for in-home health care workers, noting the high cost of living and the importance of the program for elderly and disabled residents. 3. Sarah Alestein: An in-home provider, she described the physical demands of her work and requested a fair wage increase. 4. Suzy Boxley: An in-home supportive services provider and union member, she advocated for a wage increase to ensure caregivers can sustain livelihoods, citing the high cost of institutional care as an alternative. 5. Norma Alonso: A provider caring for her daughter with special needs, she requested dental and vision coverage, proper training, and a fair wage increase, comparing wages to those in San Luis Obispo County. 6. Stephanie Eppert: A home care provider, she detailed financial hardships, including delayed pay and lack of insurance, and urged the board to approve a 20-cent wage increase to allow for affordable eye and dental insurance.

Departmental Items

  • Departmental Item 1 (Retirement Waiver): This item, from Public Health, was a hearing to consider a waiver of retirement exclusion for Valerie Monte, an occupational therapist for the Santa Barbara County Medical Therapy Program. Staff explained that Monte is returning as extra help to maintain critical services for children with disabling conditions while the county recruits for a permanent replacement, noting difficulties in filling similar positions. Supervisor Adam raised concerns about the incentive structure for short notice retirements and the frequency of such requests. The Clerk noted that the board carefully evaluates these exceptions. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Departmental Item 2 (Housing Authority Bonds): This item, from the Treasurer-Tax Collector, was a TEFRA hearing to consider financing of tax-exempt private activity bonds for Parkside Garden Apartments by the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara. Staff explained that this was a re-hearing due to increased land acquisition and construction costs. No public comments were received. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion passed unanimously.
  • Departmental Item 3 (Grand Jury Report Response – Railroad Corridor Safety): This item, from the County Executive Office, was a hearing to consider the county’s response to the 2018-2019 Grand Jury report on railroad fatalities in Santa Barbara County. Staff summarized the report’s findings, which identified two high-fatality zones and noted that 19 of 20 deaths were pedestrian trespasser incidents. Staff outlined the proposed responses to the Grand Jury’s findings and recommendations, including agreements to collaborate with Union Pacific Railroad and local agencies on safety plans, disagreements with certain findings regarding sealed corridors and fencing responsibilities, and notes on the limitations of current Memoranda of Understanding without adequate funding.
  • Discussion: The Board discussed best practices for maintaining vegetation along railroad tracks to reduce unauthorized camping while maintaining screening features. Staff noted the presence of an arborist to assist with standards, suggesting limbs be raised three to four feet off the ground to improve visibility for security personnel. Supervisor Williams inquired about the distinction between "agree partially" and "disagree partially" in grand jury responses, noting that the latter is the prescribed phrasing for partial agreement. He proposed adding language to the response regarding Recommendation 3, offering to consider matching increased security efforts by Union Pacific Railroad with additional county resources, contingent on Union Pacific increasing their own efforts. Staff indicated they could amend the response to state that the county would evaluate additional resources through the budget process. Supervisor Hart suggested collaborating with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) and other agencies rather than acting unilaterally. The Chair noted that 11 of the 20 fatalities in the report were suicides, linking the issue to mental health resources and the upcoming grand jury report on mental health.
  • Finding 6 (Video Surveillance): Staff presented Finding 6, which states that video surveillance cameras provide increased observation of trespassers and encampments. The Board’s proposed response is to "disagree partially," arguing that cameras alone are insufficient without security resources to respond to what is seen.
  • Recommendation 6A: Staff recommended the Board not implement the recommendation for Union Pacific to install cameras every mile, as Union Pacific is solely responsible for right-of-way maintenance and technical data on optimal spacing was not provided.
  • Recommendation 6B: Staff recommended the Board not implement the recommendation for the county and cities to establish a monitoring schedule, stating that if cameras are installed, Union Pacific should monitor them.
  • Public Comment: No public comments were received on this item.
  • Discussion: Supervisor Hart raised the issue of coroner response times to clear accident scenes to allow trains to run on time, suggesting the Sheriff’s Department review California Highway Patrol protocols for rapid response. Staff agreed to include this in the collaborative process with SBCAG and Caltrans.
  • Motion: Supervisor Hartman moved to adopt staff’s recommendation.
  • Second: The motion was seconded.
  • Vote: The motion passed.
  • Departmental Item 4 (Grand Jury Report – Children and Youth in Crisis): Dr. Glickhorn presented the Board’s response to the 2018-2019 Grand Jury Report titled "Children and Youth in Crisis: Weathering the Storms of Mental Disorders and Emotional Disturbances."
  • Finding 1 (Crisis Stabilization Units): The Board agreed with the finding that there are no crisis stabilization units (CSUs) for children. The Board recommended not implementing the grand jury’s recommendation to establish a licensed CSU, citing length-of-stay limitations and financial sustainability issues. Instead, the Department of Behavioral Wellness is working to implement an alternative model using Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs), which allow stays of up to 30 days. The Chair and Supervisors discussed the differences between CSUs and STRTPs, the transition period for group homes to become STRTPs, and potential service gaps during this regulatory change. Staff confirmed that local providers are in the process of obtaining STRTP licensure.
  • Finding 2 (Temporary Shelter Care): The Board agreed with the finding that there are no licensed temporary shelter care facilities. The recommendation to explore partnerships for such facilities is being implemented, with a request for proposals for therapeutic foster care scheduled for October 2019.
  • Finding 3 (Crisis Response Timeliness): The Board disagreed partially with the finding that crisis staff often do not respond timely. Staff stated that this issue has been corrected by expanding staffing and co-locating the access screening team.
  • Recommendation 3A: Implemented. Data on response times is regularly collected.
  • Recommendation 3B: Implemented. The contracted provider, Safety, increased direct care staffing to improve response times.
  • Finding 4 (55-85 Holds): The Board agreed with the finding that mobile crisis workers lacked authority to write 55-85 holds timely. The recommendation for training was implemented in December 2018.
  • Finding 5 (Data Tracking): The Board disagreed wholly with the finding that the Department does not keep accessible data on out-of-county hospitalizations. Staff stated that this data has been tracked since 2014.
  • Finding 6 (Children’s Triage Program): The Board agreed with the finding regarding the program’s role.
  • Recommendation 6A: Implemented. The program began in January 2019.
  • Recommendation 6B: Staff recommended a modified implementation. In North County, county staff are embedded in the emergency room. In South County (Cottage Health), the hospital hired its own psychiatrist, so the county will work collaboratively on placement and tracking.
  • Recommendation 6C: Requires further analysis. The Department intends to sustain the program if effective, but funding sustainability will be analyzed during the three-year grant period.
  • Finding 7 (Online Information): The Board disagreed wholly with the finding that comprehensive online information is not readily available. Staff stated that the Department’s website includes this information and is designed with a centralized access number for triage.
  • Public Comment: One member of the public, a professor emeritus of multicultural psychology, spoke on behalf of the Latino community. He criticized the report’s validity, reliability, and generalizability, stating that the Latino population is excluded from the data and that the report does not reflect the community's needs. He urged the Board to redo the report with better statistical methodology.
  • Discussion: Supervisor Williams suggested analyzing response time metrics by disclosed Latino surnames to check for differential results, if technically feasible. Staff indicated this could be done to the extent possible. Supervisor Williams also noted the importance of cultural competency and the role of "parent partners" in the triage program. Supervisor Hartman asked for a "big picture" summary of key gaps. Staff identified the lack of in-county inpatient hospitalization for children as a major gap, noting that approximately 40 children per year require such care, which is not financially viable for the county to provide directly. The focus is on STRTPs, stabilization beds, and therapeutic foster care.
  • Motion: Supervisor Hartman moved to adopt staff’s recommendation.
  • Second: The motion was seconded by Supervisor Hart.
  • Vote: The motion passed unanimously.
  • Departmental Item 5 (Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Protocol): Assistant CEO Matt Pontus introduced the presentation on the Public Safety Power Shutoff protocol. He introduced Kelly Hubbard, Director of the Office of Emergency Management, and noted that presentations would be given by representatives from PG&E and Southern California Edison. Other county staff present included the County Fire Chief, Public Health, and General Services representatives.
  • PG&E Presentation: Eric Daniels of PG&E presented the Community Wildfire Safety Program, outlining three primary pillars: weather monitoring and prediction, inspections and maintenance, and system hardening. The stated intention is to avoid Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) through these measures, with PSPS implemented only when specific dangerous conditions are met.
  • Key Program Components Discussed:
  • Monitoring: PG&E plans to augment existing infrastructure with approximately 1,300 new weather stations and 600 high-definition cameras along infrastructure corridors in High Fire Threat District areas (Tier 2 and Tier 3), based on CAL FIRE and CPUC mappings.
  • Vegetation Management: PG&E is implementing a four-foot clearance standard around conductors (up from 18 inches) in high-fire threat areas, with a goal of 12 feet in forested areas. The company is working with property owners to remove dead and dying trees outside of corridors.
  • Inspections and Repairs: A wholesale inspection of infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier 3 areas has been completed under court order. Engineering teams have analyzed the data, and crews are currently proceeding with necessary repairs. Future inspections will utilize a professional team of drone operators.
  • System Hardening: Long-term plans include replacing wooden poles with metal poles, widening cross arms, and replacing bare wire with insulated wire or tree line in high-fire threat areas.
  • PSPS Criteria and Protocol: A PSPS is triggered by a combination of factors: National Weather Service red flag warnings, low humidity, high fuel concentration, and high winds. The decision is made by a weather center predicting conditions 48 hours in advance.
  • Communication and Restoration: Upon prediction of dangerous conditions, PG&E will communicate with first responders, OEM, local governments, and customers. Community resource centers (informational, not shelters) may be established. Restoration follows an "investigate, restore, investigate, restore" cadence to ensure line safety.
  • Q&A Session:
  • Historical Modeling: The Chair asked if PG&E had modeled past years for similar weather conditions. Daniels stated that modeling and investigations of past occurrences have been conducted, noting such conditions are rare, and suggested the county OEM could provide data on National Weather Service warnings. Daniels also mentioned a portal developed for OEM and local jurisdictions to view real-time outage polygons for emergency staging.
  • Local Infrastructure Numbers: A board member asked for specific numbers of new cameras and weather stations planned for Santa Barbara County. Daniels confirmed additional units are being installed in the county but did not have the exact figures available at that moment.
  • Cooling Centers: A board member inquired about funding for cooling centers, specifically in the Cuyama Valley. Daniels clarified that PG&E’s community resource centers are informational and not traditional cooling centers or shelters. He stated that cooling centers are the responsibility of local communities, though PG&E would coordinate with them during a PSPS event.
  • Medical Baseline Customers:
  • A board member asked about the process for qualifying as a medical baseline customer and ensuring all eligible individuals are registered. Daniels explained that customers must self-identify via the PG&E website. He noted that PG&E has worked with legal teams to share baseline data with local jurisdictions under NDAs for coordination.
  • The board member suggested outreach through specific organizations (e.g., Independent Living Resource Center) and noted that broadcast methods may not reach all vulnerable populations. Daniels stated that PG&E uses multiple outreach methods, including media, bills, and specific notifications, and committed to following up on suggested organizations.
  • Regarding support for customers without family assistance, Daniels stated that PG&E would make multiple attempts to contact self-identified medical baseline customers and coordinate with emergency responders, but emphasized personal responsibility for family support. He declined to commit to paying for backup power or evacuation for all such customers, stating such cases would be handled as they arise.
  • Restoration Staffing: A board member asked if PG&E had sufficient staffing to inspect and restore power during common weather patterns (e.g., winds dropping at night). Daniels confirmed that staff would be redeployed from other parts of the service territory to the affected area upon prediction of severe weather.
  • Agricultural Outreach: A board member noted receiving calls from PG&E staff regarding their agricultural operation and asked about the criteria for such outreach. Daniels indicated that teams exist to communicate with large industrial and agricultural users but did not specify the exact criteria for individual calls.
  • Firesafe Council: A board member mentioned the local Firesafe Council’s efforts to build communication networks with homeowner associations and mutual water districts. Daniels offered to follow up with the council and mentioned potential granting support for such initiatives in the future.
  • PUC Guidelines: A board member cited CPUC Decision 19-05042 and Resolution ESRB-8, noting the presumption that power should remain on for public safety and the requirement for utilities to take feasible steps to mitigate adverse effects, including providing alternate power sources for critical services.
  • Southern California Edison (SCE) Presentation: Rondi Guthrie, Government Relations Manager for SCE, presented the company’s wildfire mitigation plan and PSPS protocol. She noted that the traditional fire season no longer exists due to climate change, resulting in a year-round fire season with increased hazardous fuels.
  • Key Program Components Discussed:
  • Mitigation Plan: Filed with the CPUC, the plan aims to reduce fire ignitions caused by utility infrastructure and fortify the system against extreme conditions. Approximately 25% of SCE’s service area is in high-fire risk areas.
  • Infrastructure Improvements:
  • Covered Conductor: SCE is replacing bare conductor with insulated covered conductor in high-risk areas. To date, 183 circuit miles have been installed, with a goal of 5,500 circuit miles by 2025.
  • Protective Devices: Over 7,500 faster-acting fuses have been installed, and over 1,500 protective devices have been updated with more sensitive settings.
  • Undergrounding: SCE is considering undergrounding where appropriate, noting the cost difference between covered conductor (~$430,000/mile) and undergrounding (~$3 million/mile).
  • Situational Awareness:
  • Weather Stations: Approximately 200 weather stations are currently installed, with a target of 850 by the end of 2020.
  • Cameras: High-definition pan-tilt-zoom cameras are installed on towers to monitor wildfire activity. Local fire officials will have the ability to control these cameras once the program is fully implemented.
  • Staffing: SCE maintains a 24/7 situational awareness center co-located with its EOC, staffed by meteorologists and fire scientists.
  • Vegetation Management: SCE inspects approximately 900,000 trees annually and trims nearly 700,000. A 12-foot tree clearance from distribution lines is implemented in high-fire areas.
  • Regulatory Context: The presentation referenced Governor Newsom’s wildfire strike force report and Senate Bill 901, which required utilities to submit wildfire mitigation plans.
  • SCE Presentation and Q&A (Continued): Bob Steens, representing SCE’s public affairs group, presented an overview of the company’s PSPS program, noting it has been in place for eight years but expanded significantly in the last year and a half. He stated that the goal is to prevent utility lines from becoming ignition sources, targeting high fire risk distribution circuits, though transmission and sub-transmission lines may be involved under extreme circumstances. Steens explained that decision-making relies on three factors: scientific weather modeling, real-time observations by qualified personnel in the field, and coordination with first responders and emergency managers.
  • Notification Timeline:
  • 4–7 days out: Meteorologists monitor conditions; no public communication occurs.
  • 3 days out: SCE notifies local governments, first responders, and public safety partners (hospitals, water districts) that a PSPS is being considered.
  • 2 days out: Notification begins for critical care customers (those with life-saving devices) and then general customers (residents and small businesses).
  • 24 hours out: Updates are sent to customers.
  • During outage: Notifications are sent when power is shut off and when it is restored.
  • Re-energization: Steens addressed questions regarding re-energization, stating that lines must be inspected before power is restored, a process that can take from an hour to several hours depending on accessibility. He noted that SCE is reviewing protocols to potentially allow for temporary re-energization between wind events to assist customers with medical needs, though he could not currently guarantee this capability.
  • Infrastructure: Steens stated that system hardening in Santa Barbara County is targeted for completion around 2025. He confirmed that SCE is working with UC San Diego and local fire departments to identify locations for additional fire detection cameras. He also noted that the Thomas Fire burn area is factored into risk models, as reduced fuel loads lower the likelihood of PSPS events.
  • Community Resiliency: SCE is developing a "community resiliency center" program, planned for implementation later in the year, which would provide charging stations, water, and information in areas affected by outages. The company is also exploring backup generation options for critical care customers but stated it does not typically provide transportation, instead sharing information with local governments to facilitate transport.
  • County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Presentation: Director Hubbard presented a PowerPoint on PSPS protocols, highlighting that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees the utilities and that Phase 2 rulemaking is upcoming. The presentation emphasized that notification priority is given to public safety partners, with a target of 48–72 hours' notice when possible.
  • Key points included:
  • Fire Statistics: Nine of California’s top 20 largest wildfires were caused by electrical facilities.
  • Duration: Outage duration is driven by fire weather conditions and inspection/repair times. OEM recommends a community preparedness goal of 5–7 days.
  • Impact Areas: Outages may affect areas outside Tier 2 and Tier 3 zones if transmission lines are involved.
  • Recent Events: Examples from PG&E and SCE were cited, noting that initial notification areas often shrink before actual de-energization occurs. One SCE event involved six days of potential de-energization notifications.
  • Challenges:
  • Concurrent Disasters: The risk of a wildfire occurring simultaneously with a power shutoff.
  • Sheltering: Traditional emergency shelters may not be viable without generator power. The American Red Cross does not typically set up shelters for PSPS events unless tied to a larger emergency.
  • Communications: Concerns about cell tower backups and public ability to receive alerts.
  • Food Safety: Risks of foodborne illness and spoiled food during outages.
  • Funding: There is currently no funding mechanism from electrical companies to cover county response costs. PSPS events may not always qualify for an emergency declaration, affecting funding eligibility.
  • Staffing: Significant staffing ramp-up is required for county and partner agencies even if de-energization does not occur.
  • Ongoing Efforts: OEM staff reported ongoing efforts, including developing a PSPS contingency plan, updating continuity of operations plans, and creating bilingual outreach materials. The county is working to integrate circuit information from SCE and PG&E into its GIS database to better identify sensitive populations and plan resources.
  • Public Comment:
  • Ruth Steinberg (Jewish Family Service): Expressed concern about the psychological impact of PSPS on a community recovering from previous disasters. She urged for maximum advance notice to allow for emotional and logistical preparation and recommended TV and radio PSAs for broad outreach, particularly to the frail and homebound.
  • Danny Anderson (Independent Living Resource Center): Stated that two days' notice is insufficient for individuals with disabilities who rely on power for mobility and breathing equipment. He emphasized the need for accessible shelter options and urged utilities and OEM to partner with the Independent Living Resource Center to better serve the disability community. He noted that the medical baseline program is often misunderstood as a cost-saving measure rather than a safety necessity.
  • Jamie Dixon (Food Bank of Santa Barbara County): Highlighted challenges for food distribution, including closed distribution sites, school closures affecting child meals, and food spoilage. The Food Bank expressed readiness to work with the county to plan for these issues.
  • Andy Caldwell (COLAB): Spoke regarding public safety power shutoffs, arguing that the potential for widespread outages poses a greater risk than fires due to impacts on vulnerable populations and infrastructure. He cited issues with forest management, fuel buildup, and utility bankruptcy, urging the board to address underlying state and federal policies and to consider pulling the shutoff program.
  • Paul Shunay (Cuyama Community Services District): Stated that while supporting life safety measures, long-term power shutoffs disproportionately affect remote rural communities like New Cuyama. He noted the district lacks backup power for wastewater and water systems, which could lead to environmental damage and lack of sanitary services for residents. He requested that the County and PG&E work with the district to mitigate these consequences.
  • David Maislew: Was listed as a speaker but did not appear to provide comment.
  • Board Discussion:
  • Supervisor Williams: Raised concerns about coordinating with the Sheriff’s Department regarding security during shutoffs. Suggested that the staff recommendation should include bringing the item back to the board for an update on utility mitigation infrastructure and an assessment of the county’s network of cooling centers.
  • Supervisor Hartman: Noted that the shutoff process is likely phased, starting with the most urgent cases. Highlighted the importance of road safety during outages and suggested promoting renewable energy adoption, such as solar battery storage and microgrids, to improve resilience.
  • Motion and Vote:
  • Motion: Supervisor Williams moved to adopt the staff recommendation with an amendment to bring the item back at a later date for an update on the questions raised during the discussion.
  • Second: The motion was seconded.
  • Comment: Andy Caldwell (COLAB) noted that Resolution ESRB 8 from 2018 includes mitigation measures for investor-owned utilities, such as providing cooling centers and generators to critical facilities, which would be part of the future review.
  • Vote Outcome: The motion passed.
  • Departmental Item 6 (Monterey Bay Community Power Authority Board Appointments): Staff presented recommendations for appointments to the Policy and Operations Boards of the Monterey Bay Community Power Authority (MBCPA), following the county’s adoption of a community choice energy program and request for MBCPA membership.
  • Recommendations:
  • 1. Appoint one Board of Supervisors member as Director and one as Alternate to the MBCPA Policy Board. 2. Appoint Mona Miyasato, County Executive Officer, as Director and George Shapchin of the Community Services Department as Alternate to the MBCPA Operations Board. 3. Determine that the actions do not constitute a CEQA project.
  • Nominations: Supervisor Hartman nominated Supervisor Williams for the Policy Board Director position. Supervisor Williams accepted and nominated Supervisor Hartman for the Alternate position. Supervisor Hartman accepted.
  • Motion: A motion was made to appoint Supervisor Williams as Director and Supervisor Hartman as Alternate to the MBCPA Policy Board, and to appoint Mona Miyasato and George Shapchin to the MBCPA Operations Board.
  • Second: The motion was seconded.
  • Vote: The motion passed.

Closed Session

  • Agenda: The board entered closed session to discuss three litigation matters: Blanco v. County of Santa Barbara, Murray v. County of Santa Barbara, and Nelson v. Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department and County of Santa Barbara.
  • Report: Upon returning to open session, the board reported that there were no reportable actions taken during the closed session.

Adjournment

  • The meeting was adjourned, with the next meeting scheduled for September 10 in Santa Barbara.