Meeting Summary
Present: Williams, 3-Hartmann, 5-Lavagnino, 4-Nelson
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
Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2022
- Supervisor Hartman was elected Chair and Supervisor Williams was elected Vice-Chair for the 2022 term.
- The incoming Chair proposed a "Cultural Celebration Calendar" initiative to honor various cultural groups throughout the year.
- The motion to elect the new leadership was seconded and passed unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
State of Emergency
- The Board debated the continuation of emergency measures, with one supervisor arguing for a transition away from them.
- Supporters cited the unpredictable nature of the pandemic and the need to maintain in-person accessibility.
- The motion to approve the State of Emergency passed with a 4-1 vote.
South Coast Youth Safety Partnership MOU
- The Board discussed addressing youth gang violence in the Santa Maria Valley and exploring similar funding for North County.
- Staff noted that $55,000 from a previous appropriation remains available for reappropriation if a suitable organization is identified.
- Board members agreed to collaborate on this issue, and the item was placed with the balance of the agenda.
Resolution Proclaiming January 2022 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month
- A representative from SB Act provided statistics on local trafficking cases and announced a virtual vigil for January 20.
- The Board highlighted the county’s partnership with SB Act in addressing human trafficking.
- The resolution was read into the record and adopted.
Resolution Honoring Stephanie Langsdorf as Employee of the Month
- The Human Resources Director introduced the recipient and noted the restart of the Employee of the Month program.
- Supervisor Williams added personal remarks regarding the recipient’s long-term involvement in county affairs.
- The resolution was read into the record and adopted.
2022 Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees
- The Board reviewed and approved changes to appointments for various commissions, including BEACON, the Psychiatric Health Facility Governing Board, and LAFCO.
- Supervisor Nelson was appointed as the second alternate for BEACON and requested to replace Supervisor Lavinino on LAFCO due to district boundary changes.
- Staff was directed to review the continued necessity of the Funders Collaborative of Home for Good committee.
- The motion to approve the recommended appointment changes passed unanimously.
Electronic Campaign Disclosure Ordinance
- Staff presented an ordinance requiring electronic campaign disclosure and filing, adding Chapter 11 C to the County Code.
- The item was introduced for first reading, with a second reading scheduled for January 25, 2022.
- The motion to approve the introduction of the ordinance passed unanimously.
2020 Citizens Independent Redistricting Commission (CERC) Final Plan
- Staff detailed boundary changes for all five Supervisorial Districts, which became effective on January 13.
- The Board discussed the legal process for transitioning appointments for commissions impacted by the new boundaries.
- The motion to receive and file the update, including CEQA findings, passed unanimously.
Cannabis Business Licensing Fee Ordinance Amendments
- Staff proposed converting annual renewal and compliance fees to fixed fees ranging from $2,593 to $4,989.
- The Board discussed the disparity between cannabis licensing fees and Planning Department rates, as well as the $500,000 annual California Cannabis Authority membership fee.
- Staff agreed to review incorporating CCA costs into fees in the future once licensing caps are reached.
- The motion to approve the first reading, waiver of further reading, and setting a hearing for January 25, 2022, passed unanimously.
COVID-19 Update
- Public Health officials reported record daily case numbers driven by the Omicron variant, with 630 new cases and one new death as of January 10.
- Forecasts indicated potential increases in hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths through February 10.
- Operational updates included expanded testing hours, distribution of 80,000 at-home test kits, and updated state guidance on isolation, quarantine, and masking.
- The Board discussed the impact on vulnerable populations, jail outbreaks, and testing challenges for young children in childcare settings.
Jail Outbreak Update and Inmate Transfer Plan
- The Sheriff reported 208 total active cases among inmates, with 68 active cases remaining and 136 recovered.
- A plan was outlined to transfer inmates to the Northern Branch Jail to decompress the main facility and improve cohort isolation.
- A vaccination incentive program resulted in 148 inmate vaccinations, with a total of 630 administered in the jail.
- The motion to receive and file the Sheriff’s report passed by voice vote.
Closed Session
- The Board recessed to confer with labor negotiators for various bargaining units and employee organizations.
- County Counsel reported that no reportable action was taken during the closed session.
Full summary
Opening Remarks and Moment of Silence
- The meeting was called to order. A moment of silence was held in honor of Joseph "Joey" DeAnta, a Santa Barbara County Fire Department member who passed away in a skiing accident.
Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2022
- Supervisor Nelson, the outgoing Chair, delivered remarks reflecting on the previous year’s accomplishments, including budget approvals, infrastructure projects, and labor negotiations. Supervisor Hartman, the incoming Chair, delivered remarks emphasizing board collegiality and proposed a "Cultural Celebration Calendar" initiative for 2022, asking board members to select cultural groups to honor throughout the year. Supervisors Williams, Lavinino, and Hart offered remarks regarding the board’s collaborative culture. Supervisor Hart moved to nominate Supervisor Hartman as Chair and Supervisor Williams as Vice-Chair. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Lavinino. The motion passed unanimously.
Passed 4–0 · unanimous
Approval of Minutes (December 14, 2021)
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes. The motion passed.
Clerk Announcements
- The Clerk announced agenda amendments: 1. Administrative Item 5 was continued to the January 25, 2022 meeting. 2. Language was added to Administrative Item 27 to specify the Board is acting as the Board of Directors for the Laguna Sanitation District. 3. Administrative Item 33 was added to the agenda regarding Child Care Planning Council membership. 4. Recommendation E was removed from Administrative Item 21 regarding the transfer of funds for the Hill Road low water crossing replacement. The Clerk also provided reminders regarding Spanish interpretation, public participation methods, and mask requirements due to the Omicron variant.
Administrative Item 5: Conditional Reservation of Funding for Home Key Program (Santa Maria)
- Supervisor Lavinino explained the request to continue the item to allow time to address concerns raised by the City of Santa Maria with staff. Supervisor Lavinino moved to continue the item to January 25, 2022. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Administrative Item 4: Conditional Reservation of Funding for Home Key Program (Goleta)
- Supervisor Hart highlighted the project to purchase the Super 8 Hotel in Goleta for permanent supportive housing for 60 individuals. She noted the county is reserving $3 million with the goal of securing $16 million in state funding and acknowledged the partnership with the City of Goleta. The item was placed with the balance of the agenda.
Administrative Item 12: State of Emergency
- Supervisor Nelson stated he would vote against the item, arguing it is time to begin transitioning away from emergency measures. Supervisor Williams expressed support, citing the unpredictable nature of the pandemic and the county’s commitment to in-person accessibility. Supervisor Williams moved to approve the item. The motion was seconded. The motion passed 4-1.
Administrative Item 13: South Coast Youth Safety Partnership MOU
- Supervisor Lavinino discussed the need to address youth gang violence in the Santa Maria Valley and expressed interest in seeking similar funding for North County. CEO Miyasato noted that $55,000 from a previous North County appropriation remains available and could be reappropriated if a suitable organization or method is identified. Supervisor Lavinino, Chair Hartman, and Supervisor Nelson agreed to collaborate on this issue. No separate vote was taken; the item was discussed as part of the balance of the agenda.
Administrative Item 22: Set Hearing for Community Workforce Agreement Ordinance
- The item was agendized for a set hearing on February 1, 2022. One public comment request was noted. Due to technical difficulties with the remote speaker, the item was trailed. The item was placed with the balance of the agenda.
Approval of Balance of Administrative Agenda
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the balance of the administrative agenda, including the amendments to Items 27 and 21 and the addition of Item 33. The motion passed.
Administrative Item 31: Resolution Proclaiming January 2022 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month
- The resolution was read into the record. Landon Rank of SB Act spoke on behalf of the Santa Barbara County Human Trafficking Task Force, providing statistics on local trafficking cases and announcing a virtual vigil for January 20. Supervisor Hart welcomed the speaker and highlighted the county’s partnership with SB Act. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 32: Resolution Honoring Stephanie Langsdorf as Employee of the Month
- The resolution was read into the record. Maria Elena de Guevara, Human Resources Director, introduced the recipient and noted the restart of the Employee of the Month program. Stephanie Langsdorf accepted the honor and thanked her colleagues. Supervisor Williams added a personal note regarding Langsdorf’s long-term involvement in county affairs. The resolution was adopted.
General Public Comment
- Three members of the public provided comments: 1. Denise Adams (via Zoom) thanked Supervisor Williams for accessibility measures, requested completion of road work on her street, and urged the board to focus on "American culture" and address issues regarding Santa Barbara City College enrollment and housing. 2. Lynn Gibbs (NAMI Santa Barbara County) raised concerns about the length of stay for individuals with felony charges in the jail due to suspended state hospital transfers and called for planning a secured forensic treatment facility outside the jail. 3. Justin Shores congratulated the new Chair, suggested focusing on local community unity rather than dividing cultural groups, and questioned why certain COVID-19 treatments are not being prescribed by local pharmacies and public health officials.
Departmental Item 1: 2022 Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees
- The Clerk outlined the process for reviewing current appointments. The Board reviewed appointments for various commissions and committees, including the Area Agency on Aging, BEACON, Behavioral Wellness Commission, CSAC, CENCAL Health, Child Care Planning Council, Communify, Community Corrections Partnership, Debt Advisory Committee, Elected Officials Committee on Regional Homelessness Solutions, Verse 5, Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee, Juvenile Justice Coordination Council, Kids Network, Law Library, LAFCO, Multi-Jurisdictional Solid Waste Task Force, NACO, Psychiatric Health Facility Governing Board, Retirement Board, Rural County Representatives of California, Funders Collaborative of Home for Good, and the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Board.
- Specific changes discussed included:
- BEACON: A second alternate position was identified as vacant per bylaws. Supervisor Nelson was appointed as the second alternate, with Supervisor Hartman serving as the primary alternate.
- Psychiatric Health Facility Governing Board: Supervisor Lavinino was appointed as the alternate to replace Supervisor Hartman, who expressed interest in serving but noted scheduling conflicts.
- LAFCO: Supervisor Nelson requested to replace Supervisor Lavinino as a regular member due to district boundary changes affecting annexation issues in his district. Supervisor Lavinino agreed to the change. County Counsel recommended replacing Supervisor Lavinino with Supervisor Nelson for the remainder of the current term (ending March 2022) to maintain staggered terms, with a new appointment to be considered in March 2022.
- Funders Collaborative of Home for Good: The Board noted questions regarding the continued validity of this committee and directed staff to review its necessity.
- A motion was made to approve the recommended changes to the appointments. The motion was seconded. The vote was unanimous, and the motion passed.
Departmental Item 2: Electronic Campaign Disclosure Ordinance
- Staff presented an ordinance adding Chapter 11 C to the County Code to require electronic campaign disclosure and filing. The item was introduced for first reading, with a second reading scheduled for January 25, 2022, to allow the ordinance to become law. No public comment was received. A motion was made to approve the introduction of the ordinance (first reading). The motion was seconded. The vote was unanimous, and the motion passed.
Departmental Item 3: 2020 Citizens Independent Redistricting Commission (CERC) Final Plan
- Staff provided an update on the CERC’s final approved plan for Supervisorial Districts, which was adopted on December 13 and became effective January 13. The presentation detailed boundary changes for all five districts, including the movement of West Quiama Valley, Isla Vista/UCSB, Lompoc, Los Alamos/Vandenberg areas, and the Guadalupe area. Staff identified several commissions (Civil Service, Riding and Hiking Trails, Fish and Wildlife, Historic Landmarks, Planning) that may be impacted by the boundary changes and are reviewing appointment implications.
- Board members discussed the transition of appointments, specifically regarding the Santa Maria Cemetery District, which moved from District 5 to District 4. Supervisor Lavinino requested guidance on the legal process for transitioning appointments, and Supervisor Nelson indicated willingness to engage in the appointment process for the new district boundaries. Board members also discussed the potential for future process improvements to the redistricting initiative, noting that changes to the current citizen initiative would require a new ballot measure. A motion was made to receive and file the update, including CEQA findings A and B. The motion was seconded. The vote was unanimous, and the motion passed.
Departmental Item 4: Cannabis Business Licensing Fee Ordinance Amendments
- Staff presented amendments to the Cannabis Business License Fee Ordinance to update salary and benefit costs, indirect cost rates, and add County Fire and Carpinteria-Summerlin Fire District to the reimbursement structure. The amendments propose converting annual renewal and compliance fees to fixed fees while keeping initial application fees as deposit fees. The proposed fixed fees range from $2,593 to $4,989 depending on license type and location.
- Board members questioned the disparity between these hourly rates and those charged by the Planning Department. Staff explained that Planning fees include broader support structures and cost allocation plans, whereas the cannabis fees are based on specific position-level costs. The Board also discussed the $500,000 annual membership fee for the California Cannabis Authority (CCA). While some members suggested recovering this cost through fees, others noted the industry's current financial struggles and preferred using tax revenue for this cost in the short term. Staff agreed to review the possibility of incorporating CCA costs into fees in the future once the licensing cap is reached and operations are stabilized. A motion was made to approve items A through C (first reading of the ordinance, waiver of further reading, and setting a hearing for January 25, 2022). The motion was seconded. The vote was unanimous, and the motion passed.
Closed Session
- The Board recessed into closed session to confer with labor negotiators under Government Code Section 54957.6. The sessions involved conferences with employee organizations for all bargaining units, unrepresented employees, managers, and executives, as well as the United Domestic Workers of America, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3930. Upon reconvening, County Counsel reported that the Board took no reportable action during the closed session.
Departmental Item 5: COVID-19 Update
- Public Health officials presented current COVID-19 statistics for Santa Barbara County as of January 10. Key data points included 630 new cases, one new death (an individual aged 70+ with no underlying conditions), 6,513 active cases, 87 hospitalized patients, and a total of 58,847 cases with 572 total deaths. The case rate per 100,000 was reported at 187.78, with a testing positivity rate of 26.6%. Officials noted that daily case reports had reached new records over the preceding three days, hypothesizing that the Omicron variant, which CDC projections suggest accounts for approximately 95% of cases in Region 9, is driving the surge.
- Officials presented CDPH ensemble forecasts for the period through February 10, cautioning that these are rough predictions based on current trends. The forecasts indicated potential increases in hospitalizations (projected median of 1,043), ICU admissions (projected median of 786), and deaths (projected total of 781, a 35% increase from the current total). Officials stated that these figures represent worst-case scenarios based on current data and that actual outcomes may vary based on vaccination rates, community behavior, and case trends.
- Operational updates included:
- Testing: County-managed testing sites have expanded hours and capacity. The Santa Maria Fair Park site will add Friday appointments, increasing daily capacity by 528 tests. The Direct Relief site in Lompoc moved to 12-hour operations. A new testing site in the Goleta/Santa Barbara area was approved by the state and is expected to be operational within two weeks, adding 196 tests per day. Officials noted that appointment no-shows remain a significant issue.
- At-Home Tests: The county ordered 80,000 antigen test kits through HRSA, with initial distribution expected at five public health centers and partner homeless shelters. Subsequent distributions will involve community-based organizations and cities.
- Vaccination: Mobile and pop-up vaccination clinics are continuing in various locations, including Goleta and Isla Vista.
- Outbreaks: The outbreak team is managing 91 active outbreaks: 26 in businesses, 11 in schools, and 54 in congregate living facilities.
- Officials outlined updated state guidance on isolation, quarantine, and masking:
- Isolation: Individuals who test positive must isolate for at least five days. Isolation may end after day five if symptoms are resolving and a negative diagnostic test is obtained. If testing is not possible, isolation continues until day 10 if asymptomatic.
- Quarantine: Unvaccinated individuals or those who are vaccinated but not boosted must quarantine for at least five days after exposure, ending early if asymptomatic and a negative test is obtained on day five. If testing is not possible, quarantine continues until day 10. Boosted individuals or those vaccinated but not yet eligible for a booster do not need to quarantine but must test on day five and wear a well-fitted mask for 10 days.
- Masking: Due to the Omicron variant, officials recommended upgrading from cloth masks to surgical masks, double masking, or N95/KN95 masks without valves.
- Board members and public health officials discussed the following topics:
- Hospitalization and Death Data: Questions were raised regarding the tracking of comorbidities in death certificates and comparisons of hospitalization and death rates between California and other states. Officials stated that CDPH shares weekly comparative data showing significant differences in death rates between California and states with different policies.
- Omicron Impact and "End Game": Discussion centered on whether the Omicron surge, characterized by higher transmission but lower severity per infection, could accelerate the transition to endemic status. Officials noted that while the percentage of infections leading to hospitalization is lower, the high volume of cases still strains hospital capacity and staff. They also highlighted the impact of staff absenteeism across sectors.
- Equity and Economic Impact: Board members discussed the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on vulnerable populations, including those at risk of homelessness and those with limited healthcare access.
- Jail Outbreak: Officials reported that a team is working with the Sheriff’s Department to mitigate the outbreak at the jail. Strategies include decompressing the main jail and transferring inmates to the North Branch Jail. The Public Defender’s Office stated it is working to identify individuals eligible for early release to reduce jail population.
- Childcare and School Testing: Officials confirmed that schools have secured testing through various vendors and state platforms. A crisis was identified regarding testing for children under two in childcare settings, as antigen tests are not FDA-approved for this age group. Officials stated they are exploring saliva testing options and will address the issue with CDPH.
- Santa Ynez Valley Testing: Concerns were raised about limited testing access in the Santa Ynez Valley. Officials stated that while the mobile testing trailer cannot be relocated due to state contract requirements, the county will work to distribute at-home antigen tests to partners in the valley and explore PCR testing options with local providers.
- Three members of the public provided comments: 1. Maureen Earls (CLU) represented a criminal justice group and presented four recommendations from a letter sent to the board: (1) reduce jail numbers by screening for early release of low-level offenders; (2) house mental health and substance abuse patients in appropriate community alternatives; (3) enable county probation to coordinate risk assessments for discharge; and (4) ensure safe staffing and transport practices for the North County Jail transfer. 2. The second speaker referenced a presentation by 500 medical professionals in Canada regarding Pfizer inoculations and a YouTube channel discussing vaccine effectiveness. The speaker also cited media reports regarding Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson funding allegations, a Supreme Court Justice’s statement on pediatric ventilator use, CDC data on pediatric hospitalizations, a court order for FDA data release, and military documents related to gain-of-function research. The speaker characterized these issues as evidence of "corporate fascism" and non-cooperation by the FDA. 3. The third speaker's comments were not fully detailed in the provided text due to technical difficulties and attribution ambiguity in the source data.
- Clarifications by Board Staff included:
- Social Distancing: The Chair clarified that the social distancing measures in the boardroom were a recommendation from Dr. Ansork due to high transmission rates, not a public health officer order.
- Facility Operations: The Chair confirmed that county buildings have not been closed to the public, though departments are encouraged to work virtually where possible.
- Forecasts: The Chair noted that the forecasts presented are technical data provided by the state (CDPH) and that staff are presenting the best available information.
- The board concluded the discussion on the COVID-19 update. No motions were made, seconded, or voted upon during this segment of the meeting.
Jail Outbreak Update and Inmate Transfer Plan
- The Sheriff provided an update on the third jail outbreak, which began in December. Key statistics reported included:
- 208 total active cases among inmates.
- 136 inmates recovered; 68 active cases remain.
- 4 inmates released.
- 38 cases (18%) were symptomatic; 170 were asymptomatic.
- Of the symptomatic cases, all but one presented with mild, flu-like symptoms; one inmate was hospitalized.
- 135 infected inmates were unvaccinated; 73 were vaccinated.
- Staff shortages occurred due to infections and exposure-related isolation.
- The Sheriff outlined a plan to transfer inmates from the South County Main Jail to the Northern Branch Jail to decompress the main facility and utilize the new facility’s design (glass-walled cells) for better cohort isolation. The transfer, originally scheduled for the previous weekend, was delayed following consultations with the Public Health Department and Disability Rights California. A meeting was scheduled for that afternoon to finalize parameters, with the goal of completing the transfer by the following weekend.
- The Sheriff also reported on a vaccination incentive program implemented in the jail, which offered nominal commissary credits. Since implementation, 148 inmates received vaccinations through this program, and WellPath medical partners administered a total of 630 vaccinations in the jail.
- Supervisor Hart asked about the increase in jail population related to warrant violations and failures to appear. Chief Heitman responded that the department is exploring strategies to calibrate the handling of lower-level warrants. The goal is to distinguish between individuals actively avoiding court and those who need additional support, utilizing pretrial supervision, mental health navigators, and other resources to facilitate successful court appearances where appropriate.
- A motion was made to receive and file the Sheriff’s report. The motion was seconded. A voice vote was taken, with all members in favor and none opposed. The motion passed.
Memorial Remarks and Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned in memory of those who lost their lives in the January 9, 2018, debris flow. Supervisor Williams delivered remarks acknowledging the community’s remembrance and the county’s resolve to improve infrastructure and emergency response systems for future resilience. The meeting was then adjourned until Tuesday, January 25, 2022.