Meeting Summary
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
- Public health officials reported zero confirmed cases in the county while noting the activation of the Disaster Operations Center and broadened testing criteria for vulnerable populations.
- Hospital representatives confirmed readiness for inpatient cases, detailing available negative pressure rooms, ventilator capacity, and screening protocols for symptomatic individuals.
- The board discussed logistics for cruise ship arrivals, public transit disinfection, and shelter protocols for homeless populations.
- A new public health information portal with real-time updates in English and Spanish is scheduled for launch.
Resolution Honoring Santa Barbara Psychiatric Health Facility Staff
- The board honored the staff of the Santa Barbara Psychiatric Health Facility as the March 2020 Employees of the Month.
- Staff highlighted their work in passing audits, implementing new policies, and maintaining 24/7 care during natural disasters.
- The resolution noted the facility is the only acute psychiatric inpatient hospital in the county accepting Medi-Cal.
Resolution Recognizing the Importance of the U.S. Census
- The board supported efforts to ensure a complete and accurate count for the 2020 U.S. Census.
- Speakers outlined outreach strategies to reach hard-to-count populations, including homeless individuals, seniors, and young children.
- Staff clarified that only babies born on or before April 1st are counted in the census.
Resolution Honoring Teresa Washington
- The board honored Teresa Washington upon her retirement from the Child Support Services Department after 36 years of service.
- Department directors detailed her contributions to accounting, audit completion, computer transitions, and facilities management.
MOU with Crestwood Behavioral Health Center
- The board considered a memorandum of understanding regarding the Champion Healing Center.
- Staff indicated a target opening date of November 1st for the facility.
- The board noted this would be the largest expansion of the mental health continuum of care in the county’s history.
HEAP Grant Acceptance
- The board considered the acceptance of a $2.5 million State Homeless Emergency Aid Program award.
- Staff clarified that the state administrative cap for the grant is 5% and that the county’s role focuses on case management.
- The grant supports a multidisciplinary approach to housing the most vulnerable homeless population.
Safe Parking Program Expansion
- The board considered a sub-recipient agreement for the expansion of the Safe Parking Program with New Beginnings Counseling Center.
- The program’s director described its 15-year history, national model status, and expansion into North County.
- Services include rapid rehousing, employment connections, and benefits assistance.
TEFRA Hearing for Turner Foundation
- The board held a hearing regarding tax-exempt obligations financing for the Turner Foundation.
- Staff clarified that the county assumes no liability for the bonds.
- The financing will refinance loans for two affordable housing complexes and fund community programs, including a new scholarship fund.
TEFRA Hearing for People’s Self-Help Housing
- The board held a hearing regarding tax-exempt private activity bonds for People’s Self-Help Housing.
- Staff reiterated that the county assumes no liability for the bonds.
- The organization expressed gratitude for support in preserving 56 units in Isla Vista.
Cannabis Cultivation Appeal (Santa Rita Valley Ag Inc.)
- The board considered an appeal regarding cannabis cultivation (Case No. 19APL32).
- Both the appellant and the applicant requested a continuance to April 21st to resolve outstanding issues.
- Staff explained the challenges in coordinating schedules for multiple parties and indicated efforts to establish set hearing dates.
Closed Session
- The board met in closed session to consider existing litigation, real property negotiations, and labor negotiations.
- Matters included litigation involving the Assessment Appeals Board, the PE Capital Endowment, and the Flood Control District.
- The board also conferred with negotiators regarding the property at 315 Chapala Street and labor agreements with various unions.
- The Chair reported no reportable actions were taken on the listed items.
- The board took no action on the grievance concerning Mary Hornellis, leaving the arbitrator’s decision in favor of the county in place.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Roll Call
- The March 10, 2020, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Supervisors was called to order. The clerk called the roll, and all supervisors were present. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- The board considered the approval of the minutes from the February 25, 2020, meeting. A motion to approve was made and seconded. The motion passed.
Announcement and Moment of Silence
- Supervisor Lavagnino announced the passing of Katya Ashagi, a former San Luis Obispo County Supervisor and state assembly member, who died on March 5. The board observed a moment of silence.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
- The CEO introduced public health officials and hospital representatives to provide an update on COVID-19.
- Public Health Report: Paige Batson, Deputy Director of the Community Health Division, reported that Santa Barbara County had zero confirmed cases and no persons under investigation at the time of the presentation. She noted that the U.S. and California had declared public health emergencies. Batson highlighted that the Department of Managed Healthcare directed commercial and Medi-Cal plans to eliminate cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and treatment. She reported that 45 individuals had been monitored locally, with 20 cleared, 5 currently under monitoring, and 18 determined to have no travel history or incorrect destination data. The Public Health Department’s Disaster Operations Center was activated on March 6. Batson noted that testing criteria had been broadened to include clinical judgment for seniors and those with comorbidities.
- Public Health Officer Report: Dr. Henning Ansorg, Public Health Officer, stated that the department was working closely with CDC, CDPH, and local partners. He advised vulnerable populations to practice social distancing. He addressed cruise ship concerns, noting that the next scheduled ship had canceled its March 24 arrival and that the county was coordinating with the state and federal government for guidance. He recommended increased hygiene measures, such as hand washing and avoiding handshakes, and clarified that N95 masks should be reserved for healthcare workers, while surgical masks are useful for sick individuals to reduce transmission.
- Cottage Hospital Report: Dr. David Fisk, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Cottage Hospital, stated that the hospital was ready to manage inpatient cases. He described daily multidisciplinary meetings involving leadership, ER staff, and supply chain managers. The hospital had implemented screening protocols to identify potential cases before entry, including signage and security personnel to mask symptomatic individuals. Fisk reported that Cottage had 47 negative pressure rooms and surge capacity to convert additional wards if necessary. He noted that the hospital had processed patients who met criteria for investigation but tested negative. He emphasized that there were no confirmed cases at Cottage.
- Q&A Session:
- Symptoms and Testing: Dr. Fisk explained that early symptoms are indistinguishable from common colds, but lower respiratory symptoms indicate more severe disease. He advised individuals with symptoms to stay home and contact their doctor. He noted that fever is not always present in COVID-19 cases.
- Transmission and Incubation: Dr. Fisk stated the average incubation period is 4–6 days. He noted that while most people stop transmitting after two weeks, some may shed the virus longer, particularly those with weakened immune systems. He predicted that cases would likely appear in the county, with most being mild, and that the situation would evolve over the next two months.
- Testing Capacity: Dr. Ansorg explained that commercial lab testing turnaround times were 3–4 days, while public health labs could provide same-day or 24-hour results, which were reserved for vulnerable populations and healthcare workers.
- Hospital Capacity: Paige Batson reported that the county’s five hospitals had 62 airborne infectious isolation rooms and 32 ventilators available, plus additional ventilator caches at the health department. Dr. Fisk noted that Cottage could convert additional rooms to negative pressure if needed, though this would reduce general patient capacity. Dr. Ansorg added that the county clinic was exploring converting regular rooms to negative pressure using HEPA filters.
- Cruise Ships: Supervisor Williams read a letter sent to cruise lines requesting that they not disembark passengers in Santa Barbara Harbor until the CDC removes its travel recommendation, aligning with the City of Santa Barbara’s request.
- Public Transit and Homeless Populations: Paige Batson stated that public health was working with Lyft and preparing disinfection guidelines for MTD and other transit providers. Dr. Ansorg noted that protocols for isolating and reporting cases in homeless shelters were in place. He also noted that 256 senior residential entities in the county were in close contact with emergency services and had preparedness plans.
- Employee Safety: The CEO stated that the county was flexible with employees in vulnerable populations regarding telecommuting and social distancing. Non-essential travel was left to employee discretion.
- Public Comment:
- Jeff Bard, a volunteer, expressed concern about infection control at the Path shelter and the Freedom Warming Center, citing a lack of soap and protocols. He urged the board to protect vulnerable populations and mobilize youth volunteers.
- Don Mason, a resident, reported that a friend at the Path shelter was told no specific measures were being taken regarding COVID-19. He urged the board to ensure that shelters for the unhoused implement cleanliness and hygiene measures.
- Closing Remarks: Paige Batson announced the upcoming launch of a new public health information portal with real-time updates in English and Spanish.
Administrative Item A1: Resolution Honoring Santa Barbara Psychiatric Health Facility Staff
- The board considered a resolution honoring the staff of the Santa Barbara Psychiatric Health Facility (PUF) as the March 2020 Employees of the Month. Dr. Alice Cleghorn spoke on behalf of the staff, highlighting their work in passing state and federal audits, implementing over 100 new policies, and maintaining 24/7 care during fires and floods. The resolution noted the PUF is the only acute psychiatric inpatient hospital in the county accepting Medi-Cal. A motion to approve was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item A2: Resolution Recognizing the Importance of the U.S. Census
- The board considered a resolution recognizing the importance of the 2020 U.S. Census and supporting efforts to ensure a complete and accurate count. Joni Maiden, co-chair of the County Census 2020 Complete Count Committee, spoke about the committee’s outreach strategies to reach hard-to-count populations, including homeless individuals, seniors, students, immigrants, and young children. She noted that the first census notices would be sent on March 12. Public speakers representing the Santa Barbara Foundation, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, the Community Services Department, and First Five Santa Barbara addressed the board regarding the 2020 Census. Speakers highlighted the importance of an accurate count for transportation funding, noted efforts to reach hard-to-count populations such as those experiencing homelessness, and emphasized the need to count young children (ages 0–5). A question was raised regarding the counting of unborn children; staff clarified that only babies born on or before April 1st are counted. The board acknowledged the efforts of the Complete Count Committee. A motion to approve was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item A3: Resolution Honoring Teresa Washington
- The board considered a resolution honoring Teresa Washington upon her retirement from the Child Support Services Department after 36 years of service. The resolution cited her roles in accounting, audit completion, computer transitions, and facilities management. Joni Maiden, Department Director of Child Support Services, and Meta Richardson, Assistant Director, spoke in support of the resolution, detailing Washington’s contributions to the department. A motion to approve was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Agenda Pulls
- Supervisor Lavagnino requested to pull Item A7, and another board member requested to pull Item A13. No public members requested to pull items.
Administrative Item A7: MOU with Crestwood Behavioral Health Center
- The board considered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Crestwood Behavioral Health Center Inc. and the County of Santa Barbara regarding the Champion Healing Center. Supervisor Lavagnino inquired about the timeline for opening the facility; staff indicated a target date of November 1st. Supervisor Williams noted this would be the largest expansion of the mental health continuum of care in the county’s history. Patty Blum of Crestwood expressed gratitude for the partnership. The item was approved as part of the balance of the administrative agenda.
Administrative Item A9: HEAP Grant Acceptance
- The board considered the acceptance of a $2.5 million State Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) award for a multidisciplinary approach to housing the most vulnerable homeless population. Andy Caldwell of COLAB questioned the allocation of funds toward overhead versus direct housing and services for underlying causes such as substance abuse. Staff clarified that the state administrative cap for HEAP is 5%, and that the county’s role focuses on case management and connecting individuals to existing Medi-Cal and other funded services. The item was approved as part of the balance of the administrative agenda.
Administrative Item A13: Safe Parking Program Expansion
- The board considered a sub-recipient agreement for the expansion of the Safe Parking Program with New Beginnings Counseling Center. The Executive Director of New Beginnings described the program’s 15-year history, its status as a national model, and its expansion into North County. She detailed services provided, including rapid rehousing, employment connections, and benefits assistance. Supervisor Williams encouraged community members to provide parking lots for the program. The item was approved as part of the balance of the administrative agenda.
Approval of Balance of Administrative Agenda
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items
- Two members of the public spoke on items not on the agenda. Ed Kalaski discussed a five-year delay in obtaining a permit for a home remodel, citing issues with planning staff and a specific ruling regarding garage overhangs. Christopher Brown spoke regarding public safety threats, court records, and various other topics including Masonic organizations and hypnotic influences.
Departmental Item 1: TEFRA Hearing for Turner Foundation
- The board held a hearing under Section 147f of the Internal Revenue Code (TEFRA) regarding California Enterprise Development Authority financing of tax-exempt obligations for the Turner Foundation. Staff clarified that the county assumes no liability for the bonds. Dean Wilson, President of the Turner Foundation, explained that the financing would refinance existing loans for two affordable housing complexes (The Village and The Lighthouse) and fund community programs, including a new scholarship fund. Board members asked questions regarding rent levels and the funding source for supportive services. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion carried unanimously.
Departmental Item 2: TEFRA Hearing for People’s Self-Help Housing
- The board held a TEFRA hearing regarding California Municipal Finance Authority financing of tax-exempt private activity bonds for People’s Self-Help Housing. Staff reiterated that the county assumes no liability for the bonds. Maury Rano, Deputy Director of People’s Self-Help Housing, thanked the board for supporting the preservation of 56 units in Isla Vista. Board members congratulated the organization on its upcoming 51st anniversary. A motion was made and seconded to approve the item. The motion carried unanimously.
Departmental Item 3: Cannabis Cultivation Appeal (Santa Rita Valley Ag Inc.)
- The board considered an appeal regarding cannabis cultivation (Case No. 19APL32). Both the appellant and the applicant requested a continuance to April 21st to resolve outstanding issues. Supervisor Lavagnino raised concerns about the scheduling of multiple cannabis appeals and the difficulty in consolidating hearings due to conflicting dates and party availability. Staff explained the challenges in coordinating schedules for multiple parties and indicated they were working to establish set hearing dates for cannabis appeals. The appellant’s attorney noted that the original February hearing dates were not requested to be changed by the parties and that the rescheduled date of the 24th conflicted with spring break. The board encouraged collaborative resolution. A motion was made and seconded to continue the item to April 21st. The motion carried unanimously.
Closed Session
- The board recessed to closed session to consider six matters: 1. Existing litigation: Band of Mission Indians v. Assessment Appeals Board. 2. Litigation regarding the PE Capital Endowment (Board sitting as directors of the Fund for Public and Educational Access). 3. Existing litigation: Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District v. Reginald Drew (eminent domain case). 4. Conference with real property negotiators regarding property at 315 Chapala Street. 5. Existing litigation: Appeal of Larissa Traga v. Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness Department (pending at Civil Service Commission). 6. Conference of labor negotiators concerning the Deputy District Attorneys Association, Engineers and Technicians Association, and Service Employees International Union Local 620; and existing litigation regarding the grievance of Mary Hornellis (Engineering Technician Specialist, Department of Public Works).
- Before recessing, Brooke Storm, an attorney representing Mary Hornellis, requested a continuance of the grievance procedure to allow Hornellis to present her case to the board regarding vacation accrual rates under MOU Section 12.9. Staff recommended against a substantive open session hearing, noting the arbitrator’s decision favored the county and suggesting that any changes to grievance hearing procedures be addressed through collective bargaining. The board proceeded to closed session.
Closed Session Report
- The Chair reported that the Board met in closed session to consider several matters of existing litigation and negotiations. The items discussed included:
- Litigation involving Santa Ana's Band of Mission Indians versus the Assessment Appeals Board.
- Litigation involving the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors (sitting as the Board of Directors for the Fund for Public and Educational Access) concerning the PE Capital Endowment.
- Litigation involving True Property, with the Board sitting as the Board of Directors of the Flood Control District.
- A conference with real property negotiators regarding the property at 315 Chapala Street in Santa Barbara.
- A conference with labor negotiators involving the Deputy District Attorneys Association, Engineers and Technicians Association, and Service Employee International Union Local 620.
- The appeal of Lursa Traga versus Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness.
- The Chair stated that there were no reportable actions for the items listed above.
Grievance Matter
- The Chair reported on the grievance concerning Mary Hornellis. The Board considered an arbitrator’s decision that found in favor of the county. The Chair stated that there was no action taken and no vote held on this item. The result of this inaction was that the arbitrator’s decision remained in place, determining that Ms. Hornellis is not entitled to additional vacation accrual.
Adjournment
- The Chair announced that the meeting was adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, in Santa Maria.