Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Sheriff Oversight Board and Legal Framework
- Staff outlined Government Code Section 25303.7, which authorizes counties to establish an advisory Sheriff Oversight Board or Office of Inspector General.
- Legal constraints were clarified, noting the board lacks authority to obstruct investigative or prosecutorial functions and that the Sheriff retains sole authority over the county jail.
- Supervisors discussed the limited authority of such boards compared to other law enforcement agencies and the need for independent legal counsel for the Sheriff’s Office.
- No motion was made or decision recorded during this segment.
Race Equity and Inclusion Framework (JOIN) and Equity Fund Allocation
- Staff presented the "JOIN" framework for race equity and inclusion, detailing four phases from establishing common ground to ensuring sustainability.
- A report recommended allocating $229,200 of previously appropriated equity funds, leaving a balance of $270,800 to be addressed in a future process.
- The Board approved recommendations with modifications, including the formation of a two-person subcommittee and a return to the Board in April for a distribution report.
- Public commenters raised concerns regarding funding adequacy, civilian oversight, and the need for culturally competent staffing.
Criminal Justice System Changes, Jail Population, and Diversion
- Presentations covered a 40% reduction in jail population since the pandemic began, along with updates on diversion programs and alternative sentencing efforts.
- CEO Miyasato detailed fifteen action steps, including virtual hearings, pre-trial supervision, and the implementation of a cloud-based discovery project.
- The Probation Department reported that 244 individuals are currently on pretrial supervision who would otherwise be incarcerated.
- The Office of the Public Defender’s Racial Justice Committee outlined its mission to fight systemic inequality through legal advocacy and community collaboration.
Public Health and Telecommuting Data (COVID-19 Update)
- Staff presented data showing a 10% increase in cumulative cases and a 154% increase in hospitalizations for the period of November 16–30.
- The county’s vaccine distribution strategy was outlined, including hospital-based distribution, public health pods, and pharmacy partnerships for long-term care facilities.
- The Board discussed the variability of case numbers compared to neighboring counties and the uncertainty surrounding vaccine distribution timelines.
- A motion to approve the recommendations regarding the COVID-19 update passed unanimously.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Sheriff Oversight Board and Legal Framework
- Staff presented an overview of Government Code Section 25303.7, effective January of the current year, which authorizes counties to establish a Sheriff Oversight Board or an Office of Inspector General. The presentation clarified that such an entity would be advisory to the Board of Supervisors rather than directive to the Sheriff. Legal constraints were outlined, including the Board’s lack of authority to obstruct the Sheriff’s investigative functions or the District Attorney’s prosecutorial functions, and the limitation that the Sheriff retains sole and exclusive authority over the county jail. Staff noted that the Sheriff’s Office would require independent legal counsel if such a board were established. Supervisor Hartman requested a framework from the Sheriff’s Office regarding the legal limits of a Sheriff Oversight Commission and noted the Board’s limited authority over the Sheriff compared to other law enforcement agencies. Supervisor Lester cited examples from other jurisdictions where oversight commissions lacked sufficient power and argued that the Sheriff is accountable to voters. No motion was made or decision recorded in this segment.
Agenda Item: Race Equity and Inclusion Framework (JOIN) and Equity Fund Allocation
- Staff presented the "JOIN" (Join, Open, Ignite, Navigate) framework for race equity and inclusion, detailing four phases: establishing common ground, organizing data, implementing actions, and ensuring sustainability. The business case cited alignment with the county’s mission and "Renew 22" initiative, compliance with state and federal laws, and grant provider requirements. Data presented included 2010 census demographics, workforce composition, and generational hiring trends.
- Staff presented a report regarding the allocation of $500,000 in previously appropriated equity funds. The report recommended allocating $229,200 for specific initiatives, leaving a balance of $270,800. Staff proposed that the Board direct staff to return in the spring with a process for distributing the remaining funds, potentially involving the Human Services Commission, Arts Commission, and other entities. Staff requested discretion regarding specific funding amounts for arts initiatives and honoraria, noting the total amount for arts initiatives remained at $20,000. Staff also requested approval for the use of the equity fund and the creation of a process for allocating the remainder.
- Public commenters addressed various aspects of the proposal, including requests for civilian oversight of the Sheriff’s Office, concerns about the adequacy of funding for community organizations, suggestions for culturally competent staffing, and proposals to reduce jail capacity. Some commenters expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of reducing jail populations without addressing underlying crime causes, while others emphasized the need for accountability and data-driven decision-making. A representative from the Community Environmental Council advocated for increased stipends for community members participating in the countywide equity advisory outreach committee. A representative from NAMI Santa Barbara County emphasized the need for ongoing mental health treatment to complement diversion efforts.
- Supervisor Williams moved to approve recommendations A through I, with the following modifications: 1. Establishment of a two-person subcommittee (Hartman and Hart) to work on the racial equity statement. 2. Granting flexibility to Community Services to award higher or lower amounts within the existing budget authority as appropriate for specific groups. 3. Returning to the board in April for a report, coinciding with budget hearings.
- The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item: Criminal Justice System Changes, Jail Population, and Diversion
- This item constituted the third hearing on racial equity and criminal justice reform. Presentations covered updates on the county’s efforts to advance racial equity in the criminal justice system, workforce, sustainability programs, and arts/cultural initiatives. Key topics included a 40% reduction in jail population since the start of the pandemic, diversion programs, alternative sentencing, and pretrial supervision efforts by the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney, and Probation Department. Collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral health for co-response units was discussed, along with the "First Five" initiative and a draft statement of social justice and racial equity.
- CEO Miyasato provided an update on the county’s efforts to change the criminal justice system, including the criminal justice mapping project and various grants focused on diversion (DSH Diversion Grant, Prop 47 Grant, BJA Co-Response Grant, and Sixth Amendment Grant). The jail population was reported to have declined from an average of 1,130 inmates in 2015 to 529 currently, with 122 inmates sentenced to state prison being held in the county jail pending transport. Fifteen action steps were outlined, including virtual hearings, collaborative jail discharge, reentry steering committee, pre-trial supervision, bail modification, use of citations, electronic monitoring, KPMG recommendations, public defender report, district attorney and probation KPMG presentations, strengthening the Criminal Justice Data Committee, electronic signatures, cloud-based discovery, step-up objectives, Sixth Amendment Grant presentation, review of cannabis-related records, review of out-of-custody complaints for diversion eligibility, and review of five-year probation grants. CEO Miyasato clarified that the Board does not control the bail schedule, which is a function of the state judicial council, but noted that other alternatives such as pre-trial assessments and electronic monitoring are being pursued. The challenges in filling the data analyst position for the Criminal Justice Data Committee and the need to determine if the committee is the appropriate body for overarching criminal justice technology review were discussed. The significance of the cloud-based discovery project and the need for data sharing across departments were highlighted. The Probation Department’s Relative Rate Index study was described as a potentially groundbreaking tool for identifying decision points in the criminal justice system that contribute to disparities.
- Supervisor Williams discussed the determination of the target jail population number to be presented to the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC). He noted that the current system number is approximately 532, while a previous figure was around 1,000, and stated that the Sheriff’s office and the CEO’s office need to agree on a specific number to request from the BSCC.
- Supervisor Hartman addressed the status of diversion and restorative justice initiatives. He noted that while the county has not fully implemented these programs, steps have been taken, including a program in Goleta developed by the District Attorney’s office and the Second District, and discussions regarding a similar program in Isla Vista. He described restorative justice as part of a broader diversion strategy aimed at alternatives to incarceration and fines. He distinguished between the Stepping Up initiative, which has broad community representation, and the Criminal Justice Data Committee, which he described as more technical. He emphasized that transparency is ultimately about outcomes and sustainability, raising questions about how to integrate successful grant-funded programs and ensure their long-term sustainability.
- A probation department representative stated that the department is committed to reducing racial disparities, diverting individuals from the system, and expanding pretrial release programs. The representative noted that 244 individuals are currently on pretrial supervision who would otherwise be in jail.
- Adrian Galvan, co-chair of the Office of the Public Defender’s Racial Justice Committee, provided a statement. He stated that the committee was formed in June 2020 in response to community concerns and the Black Lives Matter movement. He described the committee’s mission as fighting systemic inequality and disproportionate harm imposed on communities of color through legal advocacy, education, and collaboration. He noted that the committee seeks to work with and empower the community, recognizing that systemic racism intersects with other social systems such as healthcare and education. He stated that the committee has formed strategic collaborations with local organizations and requested that board members and community leaders engage with the committee to support racial justice efforts.
Agenda Item: Public Health and Telecommuting Data (COVID-19 Update)
- The board reviewed a presentation regarding the county’s status on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Presenters provided data on case counts, hospitalizations, and vaccination planning. A public health official presented an update on local COVID-19 vaccine planning, noting that Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were expected to receive FDA emergency use authorization within weeks. The presentation outlined the CDC and CDPH prioritization phases: Phase 1A for healthcare workers and first responders (estimated 20,000 healthcare workers and 2,000 first responders in the county), anticipated for mid-to-late December; Phase 1B for older adults in congregate settings and high-risk individuals, anticipated for January 2021; and Phase 2 for non-healthcare essential workers and other older adults, anticipated for mid-March or mid-April 2021. The local distribution strategy includes hospital-based distribution, public health "pods" (mass vaccination clinics), and pharmacy partnerships for long-term care facilities. A local vaccine work group, comprising hospitals, clinics, first responders, and other partners, was formed to implement this phased approach.
- The official presented Santa Barbara County COVID-19 data from November 16–30, reporting a 10% increase in cumulative cases (10,577 to 11,602), a 61% increase in active cases (255 to 410), a 154% increase in hospitalizations (13 to 33), and a 2% increase in cumulative deaths (133 to 136). Geographic increases were noted in Santa Barbara and Lompoc. The county’s adjusted case rate was reported at 10, and the positivity rate at 4.4%. The official stated that the county is currently in the purple tier. Regarding school waivers, the official noted that one school waiver is currently active and that the county is encouraging schools to pursue cohort options rather than waivers due to rising case rates, which may prevent state approval of additional waivers.
- Board members discussed the variability of case numbers compared to neighboring counties and the uncertainty surrounding vaccine distribution quantities and timelines. A supervisor requested updated data on case breakdowns by profession, specifically regarding clerical and office workers, and asked for comparable data from Ventura County to assess transmission risks for workers commuting from that area. Public commenters raised concerns regarding the reporting methodology of daily case counts, specifically noting that Monday reports did not include weekend cases, which they argued obscured the true scale of community spread. Another commenter questioned the definition and reporting of "active cases." One speaker questioned the validity of using positive test counts as a primary metric, arguing that testing volume drives positive results, and requested data on false positives and hospital bed availability. Another speaker criticized lockdown measures, citing economic harm, mental health impacts, and constitutional concerns, and urged the board to open the county. A third speaker expressed concern over the impact of remote learning on students and small businesses.
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the recommendations regarding the COVID-19 update. The motion passed unanimously.
Announcements and Adjournment
- The Chair reminded the public of the phone number for submitting comments and noted that no additional requests for general public comment were received. The board adjourned the meeting in honor of Alejandra Romano, a Department of Behavioral Wellness employee who had recently passed away. The Director of Behavioral Wellness offered remarks, and the Chair expressed condolences to the family and colleagues. The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2020.