Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Agenda Announcements and Ex-Part Agenda Item
- The Clerk announced a request to continue the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Enhancement Plan to the June 16, 2020, meeting.
- An ex-agenda request was made to authorize the Chair to sign a letter of support for the health officer’s variance to stage two of the state’s pandemic roadmap.
- The Board approved the addition of the ex-agenda item to the agenda.
Departmental Item No. 1: COVID-19 Update and RISE Guide
- Staff presented the "Reopening and Safe Environment" (RISE) Guide, a local supplement to the state’s four-stage resilience roadmap developed with community and medical input.
- The Public Health Officer reported that the county has met criteria for Stage 2B, allowing the reopening of destination retail, personal services, and dine-in restaurants.
- A self-attestation process via ReadySBC.org was introduced for businesses to certify compliance with state and county guidelines.
- The Board supported the attestation process and authorized a letter to the Governor regarding the county’s readiness to advance to the next phase.
Agenda Item 2: Urgency Ordinance to Temporarily Prohibit Evictions
- The Board considered extending an urgency ordinance that prohibits evictions arising from loss of income or substantial medical expenses related to the pandemic.
- Staff clarified that the ordinance stays evictions but does not forgive rent, and noted that the county has less legislative leeway than charter cities regarding broader tenant protections.
- The Board extended the eviction moratorium.
Agenda Item 3: Urgency Ordinance for Temporary No Parking Restrictions
- The Board considered an ordinance delegating authority to the Road Commissioner to post temporary no-parking restrictions to prevent overcrowding and ensure social distancing.
- The measure includes mandatory decision factors for the Road Commissioner, such as considering impacts on neighborhoods and coastal access, and enforcement by the Sheriff’s Office.
- The ordinance was adopted with amendments to the effective date in the coastal zone contingent upon California Coastal Commission approval.
Departmental Item No. 4: FY 2018-2020 Third Quarter Budget Update
- Staff reported that the General Fund is projected to end the year with a positive variance of $2.1 million, while several special funds face deficits due to COVID-19 impacts.
- The estimated total impact of COVID-19 on the current fiscal year is approximately $25.1 million, with a projected impact of $27.4 million for the next fiscal year.
- The Board received and filed the budget update report.
Departmental Item No. 5: KPMG Operational and Performance Review for Human Resources
- KPMG identified that HR operations are fragmented and manual, recommending a standardized model, strategic tiers, and an improved technology backbone.
- The HR Director presented an implementation plan integrating these recommendations into the five-year plan, focusing on technology integration and performance measurement.
- The Board received and filed the staff report.
Agenda Item 6: Sheriff and Probation – First Amendment to Agreement with California Forensic Medical Group (CFMG) and WellPath
- The amendment accounts for additional staffing at the Northern Branch Jail and updates contract provisions for electronic records and medication-assisted treatment.
- Staff noted that while inmate populations may decrease, staffing levels will not drop proportionally due to 24/7 safety requirements.
- The Board approved the contract amendment.
Agenda Item 7: County Executive Office – FY 2019-2020 Third Quarter Update on Cannabis Compliance Enforcement and Taxation
- Year-to-date tax revenue is $6.7 million, with 23 operators failing to file reports and 44 reporting zero gross receipts in the current quarter.
- Site inspections were suspended in late March due to the pandemic but reinstated on May 1, with enforcement continuing to target both black market and non-compliant licensed operators.
- The Board received and filed the report.
Full summary
Meeting Opening and Announcements
- The May 19, 2020, meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order. Supervisor Hartman announced the birth of a son to Gina Fisher of the third district office.
Approval of Minutes
- The Board considered the approval of the minutes from the May 12, 2020, meeting. A motion was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
CEO Report
- The Chief Executive Officer reported that there was no CEO report for this session.
Agenda Announcements and Ex-Part Agenda Item
- The Clerk announced a request from the Public Works, Board of Directors, Flood Control and Water Conservation District to continue Item A-29 (Carpinteria Salt Marsh Enhancement Plan) to the June 16, 2020, meeting. The Clerk also announced an ex-agenda request to amend Departmental Item No. 1 (COVID-19 update) by adding Recommendation D: to authorize the Chair to sign a letter of support for the County of Santa Barbara’s health officer’s variance to stage two of the state’s pandemic roadmap and to modify the stay-at-home order/COVID-19 county variance attestation form. A motion was made and seconded to add the ex-agenda item to the agenda. The motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Administrative Agenda
- The Board considered the approval of the administrative agenda, including the requested continuance of Item A-29. The Clerk noted there were no requests for public comment. A motion was made and seconded to approve the administrative agenda with the requested change. The motion passed unanimously.
General Public Comment
- There were no verbal requests for public comment on items not on the agenda. A letter from Peter Clayton was read into the record, followed by the playing of a video tribute to nurses titled "Nightingale's Lamp."
Departmental Item No. 1: COVID-19 Update and RISE Guide
- The County Executive Office presented a hearing to consider recommendations regarding a COVID-19 update, covering the "Reopening and Safe Environment" (RISE) Guide, a local supplement to the state’s four-stage resilience roadmap. Staff explained that the guide was developed over three weeks with input from an expert medical panel, REACH project partners, and approximately 50 community and industry leaders who facilitated 27 roundtable meetings with over 350 participants. The guide serves as a county playbook for reopening, detailing criteria for phase transitions, industry sector guidelines, and a readiness and containment plan.
- The Public Health Officer reported that Santa Barbara County is currently in Stage 2 and has met the state’s revised criteria for moving to Stage 2B (late Stage 2), which allows for the reopening of destination retail, personal services, office-based businesses, and dine-in restaurants (excluding bars and gaming areas). The county has achieved epidemiological stability, testing capacity, containment capacity, hospital capacity, and protection of essential workers. The Public Health Department is prepared to submit an attestation form to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to request approval for Stage 2B. This process involves a review by CDPH, estimated to take one to three days. Upon posting of the readiness plan by the state, the County Health Officer will issue orders allowing specific sectors to reopen.
- Staff presented a process for businesses to self-attest to compliance with state and county guidelines via the ReadySBC.org website. Businesses will create a protection plan, complete an industry-specific checklist, and generate a certificate to post in their windows.
- During discussion, Supervisors inquired about contact tracing protocols, civil liberties, and the voluntary nature of self-disclosure for cases. Staff confirmed that contact tracing relies on self-disclosure and is consistent with protocols for other contagious diseases. Supervisors asked about the status of religious services, which are currently in Stage 3; staff noted that the county is advocating to the state to move live religious services to an earlier stage, but currently, options are limited to online or drive-in services. Supervisors inquired about the timeline for businesses to access the self-certification tools, with staff indicating the website would be live soon following state confirmation and the issuance of health officer orders. Supervisors discussed the separation of prison cases from community cases in the attestation metrics, noting this was a result of advocacy to the state.
- Supervisor Adams expressed disagreement with the "track and trace" strategy, citing concerns about economic dislocation, potential foreclosures, and the prevalence of asymptomatic carriers, while stating he would vote in favor of the item. Supervisor Williams emphasized the importance of setting a pattern of precaution and cooperation, noting that the RISE Guide balances public health with economic necessity. Supervisor Hartman discussed the classification of wine tasting rooms, noting that while state guidance places wineries in Phase 3, she believes they can operate safely with social distancing and intends to write a letter to the state advocating for their inclusion in earlier phases.
- Public comments addressed various aspects of the reopening plan:
- Economic and Data Concerns: Commenters argued that the phased reopening was too slow, citing economic losses in the hotel and food supply chain sectors. One commenter requested that prison-related case numbers be factored out of county statistics and questioned the data supporting Phases 3 and 4.
- Enforcement and Safety: Multiple commenters raised concerns about the lack of enforcement of current social distancing and mask mandates, citing observations of non-compliance in local businesses. One commenter noted that 62% of businesses in a similar jurisdiction failed to meet distancing requirements.
- Prison Data: Letters and comments from residents and researchers argued against removing Lompoc Prison Complex cases from county totals, noting that incarcerated individuals requiring ICU care are transferred to local hospitals, thereby utilizing county resources.
- Specific Industries:
- Wine Industry: The CEO of the Santa Barbara Vintners requested that wineries be moved to Phase 2B or that regulations allowing them to serve food be relaxed, as current rules require alcohol to be sold with a meal.
- Tourism/Hotels: A commenter suggested the county work with the Chamber of Commerce to promote a quality control program for independent hotels to compete with large chains.
- Sport Fishing: The owner of a sportfishing business requested that small passenger vessels be included in the modified Phase 2 reopening, citing safety guidelines already approved by other ports.
- Homelessness: A representative from Heal the Ocean presented data on homeless encampments and requested the establishment of a large facility in South County to house individuals, citing sanitation and health risks.
- In response to public comment:
- Prison Data: Public Health officials clarified that while the state requires prison data to be tracked as a separate metric, the county maintains a strong partnership with prison disease control units to mitigate outbreaks and assist with healthcare needs.
- Masks: Officials stated that face covering guidance is being drafted and will be mandatory in certain environments upon approval of the attestation.
- Homelessness: County staff outlined the current strategy, which includes congregate and non-congregate shelters, a room key program, and field services, noting that capacity is near limit and expansion is being sought.
- Sport Fishing: Public Health officials indicated that, with careful guidance and social distancing assurances, recreational sport fishing may be allowable.
- Hotspots: Officials stated that the county follows state and CDC guidance regarding travel advisories and contact tracing for individuals arriving from designated hotspot areas.
- A motion was made and seconded to support all elements of the attestation process and to send a letter to the Governor regarding the county’s readiness to advance to the next phase. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 2: Urgency Ordinance to Temporarily Prohibit Evictions
- The Board considered an extension of a previously adopted urgency ordinance that temporarily prohibits evictions arising from loss of income or substantial medical expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The current ordinance expires on May 31, 2020. The presentation noted that Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-2820 authorizes local jurisdictions to adopt such moratoriums. If the Governor extends this specific order, the county ordinance will remain in effect. If the Governor extends only the statewide moratorium (Executive Order N-3720) or neither, the county’s authority to maintain the specific local ordinance may lapse, though Judicial Council rules currently stop most evictions.
- Supervisor Williams supported the measure, noting the economic damage is ongoing and that preventing homelessness is a public safety issue. Supervisor Lavagnino confirmed that the ordinance does not forgive rent but stays evictions, requiring tenants to notify landlords of inability to pay. Supervisor Hartman asked about mortgage forbearance, and staff noted that the Governor had negotiated a 90-day mortgage leeway with banks, which is separate from the 60-day eviction order.
- Public comments generally supported the extension of the eviction moratorium. Several requested that the county adopt a 12-month repayment plan for deferred rent, similar to measures passed in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara, to prevent a wave of evictions after the pandemic. Others expressed concern that without clear repayment guidelines, landlords might impose unmanageable payment plans. One commenter noted the confusion caused by differing eviction protection deadlines across different jurisdictions in the county.
- Supervisor Williams clarified that as a general law county, the Board has less legislative leeway than charter cities like Santa Barbara or Los Angeles. The Board is researching the legality of broader tenant protections, such as repayment plans, but the current measure is limited to extending the existing moratorium.
- A motion was made and seconded to extend the eviction moratorium. The motion passed with a 4-1 vote.
Agenda Item 3: Urgency Ordinance for Temporary No Parking Restrictions
- The Board considered an urgency ordinance to delegate authority to the County Road Commissioner to post temporary no-parking restrictions on public roads and highways during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ordinance aims to prevent unhealthy overcrowding in parking areas due to lack of social distancing.
- Key provisions include:
- Authority delegated to the Road Commissioner to post restrictions.
- Effective immediately (with a proposed modification for the coastal zone pending coordination with the California Coastal Commission).
- Mandatory decision factors for the Road Commissioner, including considering days/times/locations most impacted by crowds, evaluating effects on nearby neighborhoods, consulting with law enforcement (Sheriff’s Office and CHP), and weighing impact on coastal access against the necessity of social distancing.
- Enforcement by the Sheriff’s Office via parking citations.
- Requirement for periodic reports from the Road Commissioner and Sheriff’s Office.
- The presentation noted a clerical error in the ordinance text (missing "as" in a section reference) and a recommended modification to the effective date specifically for the coastal zone to align with California Coastal Commission waiver processes.
- Staff presented an urgency ordinance to grant the Road Commissioner authority to limit parking on specific streets near beaches with limited facilities, specifically Humphrey Road and Miramar Avenue, to address crowding, sanitation issues, and social distancing concerns during the holiday weekend. Staff noted that the ordinance includes a mandatory factor for the Road Commissioner to consider the statewide goal of coastal access. Staff expressed optimism that concerns from the Coastal Commission regarding the coastal zone would be resolved, citing a letter of support from the Coastal Commission’s Executive Director for local actions preserving social distancing. The ordinance is limited by the local emergency declaration and includes a provision for the Road Commissioner to act in inland portions of the county while awaiting Coastal Commission approval for the coastal zone.
- Public comment was received from five individuals. One speaker opposed the measure, arguing that beach access is essential for mental and physical health and that parking limits do not directly correlate with social distancing. Another speaker supported the measure, citing severe impacts on neighborhoods from parking, trash, and lack of facilities at Butterfly Beach, Miramar, and Hammonds. A third speaker, representing the Montecito Association, supported the measure as a necessary short-term relief for adjacent neighborhoods lacking facilities and clear behavioral rules. A fourth speaker opposed the measure, stating they did not observe the described conditions and advocated for compassion and access to open spaces. A fifth speaker supported the measure, highlighting safety concerns for emergency vehicles and sanitary issues, and noted that neighboring jurisdictions had implemented similar restrictions.
- Supervisor Lavagnino inquired about the potential displacement of visitors to other beaches and the lack of facilities in the targeted areas. Staff clarified that the proposal is narrow, targeting only two specific streets with the worst impacts, and that the Road Commissioner would implement it judiciously. Supervisor Hartman asked about safety concerns for emergency vehicles and whether the ordinance has a sunset clause. Staff confirmed that safety was a consideration but not the primary driver, and that the ordinance is limited by the duration of the local emergency declaration.
- Supervisor Williams moved to adopt the urgency ordinance as amended by the staff presentation slides, including revisions to the effective date in the coastal zone contingent upon Coastal Commission approval and typo corrections. Supervisor Hartman seconded the motion. The motion passed 4 to 1.
Departmental Item No. 4: FY 2018-2020 Third Quarter Budget Update
- Staff presented the third-quarter budget update for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. The General Fund is projected to end the year with a positive variance of $2.1 million compared to the adjusted budget. Seven General Fund departments have reportable variances. Positive variances were reported for Probation ($2.6 million), General Revenues ($2.3 million), and Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector ($500,000), primarily due to salary savings from vacant positions and higher-than-expected revenues from cannabis tax, property taxes, and interest income. Negative variances were reported for Planning and Development (due to unrecoverable cannabis appeal costs and entry-level staffing costs), Parks and Community Services (over $600,000 due to lost revenues from closures), and the Sheriff’s Department ($3 million due to overtime costs exceeding vacancy savings).
- In Special Revenue and Other Funds, seven reportable variances were identified. The Vehicle Operations Fund has a $1.2 million positive variance due to lower gasoline costs and delayed vehicle purchases. Negative variances were reported for Court Special Services (revenue reductions and increased attorney costs), Roads Capital Maintenance ($1 million), Roads Operations ($2.9 million), Resource Recovery and Waste Management ($1.7 million), Public Health ($3.2 million), and Social Services ($4.5 million). Most of these negative variances are attributed to COVID-19 impacts on revenues and increased response costs. Staff noted that most departments have sufficient fund balances to close year-end deficits, with the exception of Court Special Services, which may require General Fund assistance. Social Services’ fund balance would be completely depleted if the projected deficit materializes.
- Staff detailed the estimated total impact of COVID-19 on the current fiscal year at approximately $25.1 million, comprising revenue losses and response costs (including alternative care sites, EOC operations, overtime, temporary sheltering, testing, and paid leave). For the next fiscal year, the estimated impact is projected at approximately $27.4 million. Staff noted that some costs, such as paid leave and alternative care site preparation, are expected to be lower in the next fiscal year. Staff also discussed the potential impact of the HEROES Act, noting that it could change eligible uses of federal funds and provide additional state resources, which is critical for the state’s ability to pass through CARES Act funds to counties.
- Supervisor Lavagnino asked about the methodology for projecting similar costs in the next fiscal year despite the pandemic being in its early stages in the current year. Staff explained that initial ramp-up costs are not expected to repeat and that models assume a level of response without significant re-infection. Supervisor Lavagnino also inquired about the status of the HEROES Act. Staff confirmed they are monitoring it for changes in eligible fund usage and additional state resources. Supervisor Williams asked whether the temporary sheltering costs included state aid and whether there were opportunities to evaluate the $2.7 million in overtime costs. Staff clarified that the sheltering costs are total costs, not just General Fund portions, and that overtime costs have declined in recent pay periods.
- No public comment was requested for this item. A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item No. 5: KPMG Operational and Performance Review for Human Resources
- Staff presented the KPMG operational and performance review for the Human Resources (HR) Department. KPMG, selected in May 2019, completed the review of HR in November 2019. The review aimed to compare best practices and identify opportunities for improvement in performance, efficiency, and customer impact. KPMG commended the HR Department for aligning initiatives with the Renew 22 strategy, focusing on continuous improvement, and using discrete technology solutions. However, KPMG identified that HR operations are currently fragmented, decentralized, and highly manual, with multiple systems driving manual reporting.
- KPMG presented five key recommendations: 1. Establish an intentional, standardized model of HR services countywide, consolidating high-volume/high-risk operations under County HR while allowing departments to handle local functions. 2. Move towards a more strategic model for HR with three tiers: HR Operations, HR Specialists, and HR Business Partners. 3. Standardize the approach to how HR functions are performed, including centralized governance of policies and procedures. 4. Set and monitor service level and performance metrics to measure turnaround time, volume, accuracy, cost, and satisfaction. 5. Invest in an improved technology backbone, specifically an enterprise human resources information system, to reduce data entry duplication and enable self-service.
- KPMG also highlighted specific division-level recommendations requiring policy decisions, including workforce planning, redesigning the Learning and Employee University strategy, and improving data tracking in Employee Relations.
- HR Director DeGuevara presented the department’s implementation plan. She noted that the recommendations have been integrated into the five-year plan, budget, and performance management system. Key themes include technology integration, data management, and performance measurement. The department is working to define ownership of HR services, establish HR strategic business partners, establish county governance of HR policies, and establish service level performance reporting. Specific initiatives include the development of the HR Academy, updates to county ordinances and civil service rules, and the rollout of new onboarding modules. The department acknowledged challenges in technology and data management but expressed commitment to advancing the recommendations.
- Supervisor Lavagnino asked about the feedback mechanism for the HR customers regarding the implementation of these changes. The discussion continued regarding the HR department’s strategic goals, specifically the balance between centralized county HR functions and decentralized departmental needs. The HR Director explained the "hybrid approach," emphasizing that HR serves as a strategic business partner rather than just a transactional entity. Key points included the need for improved technology tools (referencing the BANA enterprise system initiative) to move away from manual, paper-based processes and toward employee self-service. The Director noted that while the timeline for full implementation of the hybrid model was set for 2024–2025, the steps are not linear but integrated. Supervisors expressed concerns about the length of the timeline and the need for realistic pacing given the lack of current technological infrastructure. The CEO noted that the HR department is one of the smallest in the county and that the current leadership is working to align policies with board goals, acknowledging that friction with departments may occur during this transition.
- A motion was made to receive and file the staff report. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 6: Sheriff and Probation – First Amendment to Agreement with California Forensic Medical Group (CFMG) and WellPath
- Commander Ryan Sullivan (Sheriff’s Office) and Deputy Chief Sean Small (Probation) presented a first amendment to the healthcare services contract with CFMG/WellPath. The original contract, approved in 2017, covered healthcare and mental health services at Sheriff’s facilities and healthcare only at Probation facilities. The amendment is primarily driven by the upcoming opening of the Northern Branch Jail.
- Staffing and Costs: The amendment accounts for 15.6 additional full-time equivalent (FTE) medical/mental health positions for the Northern Branch Jail. While the inmate population is projected to decrease by 30% due to the transfer, staffing levels will not decrease proportionally due to 24/7 safety requirements. For Probation, the amendment replaces an LVN with an RN to eliminate a coverage gap at Juvenile Hall.
- Contract Changes: Modifications include updated facility staffing plans, removal of paper medical record verbiage (transition to electronic records), addition of medication-assisted treatment and jail-based competency treatment provisions, and updated definitions.
- Accreditation: Both departments are pursuing NCCHC accreditation. Applications were submitted in July 2019, but audits scheduled for early 2020 were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Population Fluctuations: Supervisor Williams asked about cost savings if inmate populations remain low. Commander Sullivan noted that the contract allows for renegotiation if the average daily population changes by 15% or more for 90 days or more. While current decreases meet the percentage threshold, they do not yet meet the duration threshold. The Sheriff’s Office stated it would reevaluate staffing resources if low populations persist.
- Public comment included:
- One speaker expressed concern about the release of inmates into homelessness due to limited housing and job resources, suggesting interim housing solutions.
- Another speaker criticized the two-week quarantine policy for inmates as comparable to solitary confinement and demanded its replacement with PPE and testing. They also requested the relocation of the current population to the North County Jail to cut costs.
- In response, Commander Sullivan stated that the North County Jail is not yet complete and has not received fire marshal approval for occupancy, making transfer impossible. Deputy Chief Small stated that Probation takes steps to ensure released individuals are not released into homelessness and works with county entities for housing options.
- A motion was made to approve items A and B in the staff report (approving the contract amendment). The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 7: County Executive Office – FY 2019-2020 Third Quarter Update on Cannabis Compliance Enforcement and Taxation
- Staff presented the third-quarter update on cannabis compliance, taxation, and enforcement.
- Tax Revenue: Year-to-date tax revenue is $6.7 million, compared to $6.8 million the previous year. An additional $775,000 recorded in May was tracked in the fourth-quarter report due to strict quarterly cutoffs.
- Compliance Issues: 23 operators failed to file reports this quarter, and 44 reported zero gross receipts. Staff noted that many zero-receipt reports are legitimate (e.g., nursery operations) but are subject to inspection.
- Land Use and Licensing: There are 189 total land use entitlement applications since program inception, with 72 pending. Cultivation caps are in place (186 acres in Carpinteria Ag overlay, 1,575 acres inland). Applications for 2,452 acres inland and 213 acres in the Carpinteria overlay exceed these caps. Of 72 business license applications, 10 have been issued and 62 are pending.
- State Licenses: Operators hold 1,133 state provisional or annual licenses. The San Ynez Valley holds the most.
- Enforcement: Site inspections were suspended in late March due to COVID-19 and reinstated on May 1. In the first quarter, four letters of intent to withdraw provisional authorization were issued; two applicants surrendered licenses, and two mitigated issues.
- Process Streamlining: Staff is working to align land use and business license processes to reduce redundancy (e.g., site plan requirements). A "track and trace" beta test with the state is ongoing.
- Enforcement Priorities: Supervisor Lavagnino asked about the drop in enforcement numbers, citing the pandemic and internal processing. Lieutenant Grassini confirmed that field activities resumed on May 1 and that enforcement continues to target both black market and non-compliant licensed operators.
- Backlog: Supervisor Lavagnino asked about culling the backlog of non-responsive applicants. Staff noted that Planning has the authority to terminate applications and that process mapping is underway to improve efficiency.
- Asset Forfeiture: Supervisor Hartman asked about the value and status of confiscated assets. Staff explained that assets are inventoried and retained but cannot be utilized until court adjudication.
- Provisional License Reviews: Staff uses four criteria to review provisional licenses: progress in land use permitting, criminal enforcement history, tax filing compliance, and community complaints. 263 licenses are set to expire within 60 days, held by approximately 106 operators.
- Public comment included:
- One speaker, a legal operator, urged the board to find the actions administrative and not subject to CEQA. They noted that many operators are in the CUP process without revenue and supported enforcement actions while asking for streamlined processes.
- Another speaker raised concerns about enforcement priorities regarding "gray zone" properties (expanded non-conforming uses). They argued that staff should be authorized to investigate and enforce against operators who have expanded beyond their legal non-conforming use scope, even if they hold a business license.
- In response, Staff clarified that while black market enforcement is a priority, they do investigate non-conforming use expansions. Lieutenant Grassini stated that investigations are conducted based on complaints and that action is taken if operators are outside their legal footprint. Staff noted that streamlining the business license process provides more leverage for enforcement without solely relying on Sheriff’s resources.
- A motion was made to receive and file the report. The motion passed unanimously.
Announcements
- Supervisor Lavagnino announced the passing of Paul Hood, the LAFCO Executive Director, who served for seven years after a 40-year career in the field. He was described as a statewide expert and a gentle, humble person. Supervisor Lavagnino invited Jacqueline Alexander, the LAFCO Clerk of the Board, to share thoughts.
Public Comment / In Memoriam
- A board member delivered remarks regarding the recent passing of Paul Hood, who served as Commission Clerk for Santa Barbara LAFCO since 2013. The speaker noted that Hood was survived by his wife, three children, two sisters, and other family members. The speaker thanked the board for the opportunity to share these remarks.
Adjournment
- The Chair thanked the speakers and announced the adjournment of the meeting in memory of Paul Hood. The Chair stated that the board would reconvene on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.