Board of Supervisors — 2022-01-25

Good morning. I'll call to order this January 25, 2022 meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors here in the Santa Barbara hearing room. Madam

I'll move to approve the minutes. Second.

And any further discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. CEO Miyasato isn't with us today, we have Assistant CEO Frapwell. Is there a CEO report today?

No report today.

Okay and clerk announcements

Chair Hartman and members of the board, thank you. I have a couple quick announcements this morning. I would like to announce that we received a request to withdraw administrative item number five. Administrative item number five is sponsored by The community services department. It is to consider recommendations regarding a conditional reservation of funding to the housing authority of the County of Santa Barbara Housing Authority for a home key program application in Santa Maria and this is in the 5th district and we did receive and post a memorandum requesting to withdraw this item on January 21st And that has been uploaded online and has been distributed to the board.

In addition, I would just like to remind the public that the Board of Supervisors meetings are being interpreted and broadcast live in Spanish. We are broadcasting our meetings in Spanish both for Cox cable subscribers in South County as well as Comcast cable subscribers in North County. Members of the public can now view our meetings in Spanish by turning on the secondary audio programming also known as SAP or S-A-P under their language settings.

Please note that today December, excuse me I apologize Lastly, I would like to remind the public who are participating in our meeting today of the board's updated methods of public participation. For the Board of Supervisors methods of public participation and to provide public comment on general public comment or an item on the board's agenda please see page 2 of the agenda.

Members of the public can attend meetings in person at both the Santa Barbara Hearing Room Chambers and the Santa Maria Hearing Room Chambers. Please note on December 3rd, 2021 an additional county health officer order went into effect requiring indoor mask usage for everyone over two years of age regardless of vaccination status. If you attend the board meeting in person you will be required to wear a face covering mask or face shield with drape at all times regardless of vaccination status information regarding how to properly wear a mask has been posted throughout both locations Individuals that would like to provide verbal public comment virtually may do so via Zoom by registering in advance via the link available on page 2.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing important information about joining the virtual meeting. Once the chair has announced the item you want to comment on, please join the meeting with the information provided and the registration confirmation email. You will be placed on mute until it is your turn to speak. The clerk will call you by name or remove from mute, you will hear a notification that your line has been unmuted.

If you are using a touchtone phone, you may need to press star six to unmute yourself again if you're using a touchtone phone, you may need to press star six to unmute yourself. Each person may address the board for up to three minutes and this is at the discretion of the chair. If you have any questions please contact 8 0 5 5 6 8 2 2 4 0 again that's 8 05 568 2240 and that concludes my announcements for today.

Thank you and so now we'll turn to our administrative agenda would any board members like to pull any item? Supervisor Lavanino.

Well Madam Chair I'd just like to comment on the removal of A-5

Okay, and any other board members have

items? I

also

have A8. Supervisor

Nelson?

Chair Hartman, thank you. Also would like to comment on A5 and then a couple questions on A18 and roll call vote on A19.

And do any members of the public have any item they would like to pull?

Chair Hartman and members of the board, we have a request to speak on administrative item number five.

Okay. Will you read administrative item number five into the record please?

Yes, thank you Chair Hartman and members of the board. Administrative item number five as previously read into the record is sponsored by the Community Services Department. It is to consider recommendations regarding a conditional reservation of funding so that housing authority of the County of Santa Barbara Housing Authority for our home key program application in Santa Maria and this is in the 5th district. And just a reminder to the board and the public we did receive a request to withdraw this item from the agenda today.

OK Supervisor Lavanino

Did we have a member of the public? I'd rather go to the public first. All right,

sure. And we will now go to Zoom with Carlos Escombido. Carlos.

Hello, can you hear me?

We can indeed.

Hello, good morning Chair and members of the Board. My name is Carlos Escobedo and I serve as a City Council member for District 1 in the city of Santa Maria and the reason of my participation today is to request to not close this conversation about the item. I think it's one of the items that should be part of our conversation within the City Council City Council meeting and it's worth having this conversation before or in our agenda. So I definitely would like you guys to not close this opportunity and yeah, appreciate all your work and have a great day.

Thank You councilmember. Supervisor Lavenino?

Well, thank you Madam Chair. So with this item there is a deadline of I believe January 31st for a specific portion of applications but it doesn't mean...I think the real deadline is somewhere in March where we'd have to submit an application that would be competitive at that point I think this was one that was almost a guarantee for us. It's a $17 million grant from the state, and this is to purchase the Motel 6 on East Main in Santa Maria to address the homeless issue.

I did have conversations with Mayor Patino, Council Member Waterfield, and a member of the Santa Maria Police Department who were all very strongly opposed for a number of reasons. In bringing this to their attention, I realized the only way that something like this was going to succeed is that we would have a collaborative partnership with the city and the county working together. And when they expressed their very strong opposition to it, I realized that we were not going to be successful. We could move forward with it. Staff had indicated that we could continue to apply for the money but I have come to believe The city and the county working together is just not going to happen. So I appreciate what Councilmember Escobedo indicated that they would like to discuss this at a future agenda.

I think if we pull it off of our agenda, let them try to discuss it there, try to build some support because they did raise some very legitimate concerns. We've had some housing authority projects in the City of Santa Maria. We have a couple of them right now that aren't I think that the way we all envisioned them, that they would perform. So I think there's some work that still needs to be done on this. I don't think the issue is completely closed and if we can show the city and work together with the city that we're going to address all of their concerns, I think before March we might be in a position to come back and reapply for this money.

I would like to close public comment, but because you wanted to hear from the public before all the supervisors spoke we do have an additional public speaker Mr. Caldwell so we'll go ahead and then come back to the board.

Chair Herman and members of the board will now go to zoom for Andy Caldwell Good morning Mr. Caldwell And Andy, we have unmuted you on our end if you can unmute on your end and provide your comments.

Okay there we go. Thank you, Chair Hart. I want to thank Supervisor Lavinino for being responsive to the City of Santa Maria. As many of you know, I've been watching the county for 30 years and I've never ever in that 30 years seen the County of Santa Barbara launch a project With this potential for controversy without collaborating and consulting with the affected party. I mean, if somebody wants to build a patio you make them notify everybody within X number of feet yards or miles.

And in this case, Santa Maria was going to lose bed tax property tax and plus incur the costs of related security which they did at another facility. They've had a 1000% increase in law enforcement calls and one of these other facilities. So the collegial thing to do, the respectful thing to do is you are one government entity. They are another one. The neighbors didn't know about this. It's a little more than a block away from a school.

They wanna know for instance, are these people screened for alcohol drugs criminal record? You're a block and a half away from a junior high school. Andrew on Main Street, this is the gateway to Santa Maria off of the 101 freeway. And the first thing they're gonna come within one block of a homeless shelter? Maybe you could make it work I doubt it but by golly should have asked first.

This should have been agendized on the Santa Maria City Council weeks ago if not months ago when it was still a gleam in your eye. So we want to thank Supervisor Lavinino for representing his constituents. But in reality, they're all of your constituents and we want you to treat them like you want to be treated government-to-government because again, You know, I didn't like the way this thing was agendized either.

In Isla Vista, which is my primary experience, the new shelter there is being run extremely well with very few impacts on the neighborhood. There's a curfew at night, there are rules for this facility. And really people are putting pressure residents on each other to live up to that. So unless we take this positive view and embrace this while we have funds to do it which we've never had before, we're just gonna have a festering problem And so it really depends on each of us shouldering our share of it. So I very much hope that's what we'll see going forward.

So what I'd like to do, Supervisor Nelson. Yeah sure

Hartman thank you just wanted to add a couple pieces that were brought up there. One is that what Mr. Chapman mentioned was will go back into that pile but when I understand from staff from Kimberly Alberts When our application does go in, if we do submit an application it will be reviewed in the order that it's received. So we still do have some urgency to move forward with this in the future and get together with the City of Santa Maria because we can't move forward without a partner with this and we need to get on the same page. I don't think it's actually that hard of a decision is that we need to do it again. The question is where? I mean, it's a question here is between you know, do we want encampments? Do we want people sleeping on the streets or do we wanna have them indoors And they can be, you know, worked with so that we could potentially get some positive solutions instead of just throwing up our hands and saying that there's nothing we can do.

You know most the times in the past we've thrown up our hands because there has been no money. Well now we're throwing up our hands because I'm not sure why because we don't believe it will work What might be out there and we're also afraid of those impacts. And you know, I am too and we're all going to be accountable for that city center Maria will be Steve and I will be with our constituents but I think what we think we're able to do is if we can sell something a better future for our community in the end that's something that might be able make a difference and keep us moving forward thank you

And I think you made a very important point, Supervisor Nelson that we must do this in partnership with the cities. We're not going to take on the entire financial responsibility. We need everybody to step up and housing is a municipal service and it's both the county and the cities that have a responsibility Supervisor Hart, did you have a final word? All right.

I propose that we just fold this in the continuance into the balance of the agenda our motion then and go on to A8. Madam Clerk.

Chair Hartman and members of the board administrative item number eight is from the county executive office. It is to consider recommendations regarding a microbusiness COVID-19 relief grant MBCRG program from the Office of Small Business Advocate Cal OSBA Grant Award, and there is a fourth this vote required on this item.

Supervisor Lovenino.

Madam chair I just wanted to highlight this and I had one question and that is if there were The only limit I saw and what is it was impacted with COVID from COVID, which I think is just about everything. But so I've already gotten calls in my office. Am I just directing these folks now to the Santa Barbara Foundation? How do they apply for the twenty five hundred dollars?

Madam Chairman, Assistant CEO Nancy Anderson's here for this item.

Terrific. Miss Anderson.

Supervisor Lavinino through the chair. Once we actually get the funds, this is being administered through the Santa Barbara Foundation so it'll be on their website with your other grant activity and we will be notifying the public once that becomes final. This is a grant agreement to get the funds coming to the county.

Excellent. Can you just let us know when those funds do show up so that and if you could send us a link so that I can post it? Absolutely, we'll

do that to all the board members.

Thank you very much.

Thank you. So that concludes A8 on to A18.

Chair Hartman and members of the board. Administrative item number 18 is from the Public Health Department. It is to consider recommendations regarding an emergency memorandum of agreement extension for mutual aid with the 37th District Agricultural Association for Santa Maria Fair Park for COVID-19 testing.

And Supervisor Nelson?

Yeah, I just had a couple questions for staff on this item. One is there any forward looking It's been good revenue for them when they're not able to do their typical rentals that they use to maintain. But I think there's some question out there on On what, how long that relationship is gonna go so that they can start to begin to plan for when and if things open up that they can start to rent out those facilities for revenue. So I was just hoping to see if I could get some clarification on from public health on that as well as is it maybe because they have to plan in the future? Is it maybe are we anticipating a roll this contract with them every three months or are we just gonna do a month at a time after this one? I think that'd be helpful for my office understand.

And I believe Dr. Del Reynoso is with us this morning.

Yes, Supervisor Nelson through the chair we anticipate extending the relationship with the fairgrounds for now and this is what we have in place given The relationship with our OptumServe, which is our state partner in delivering the testing. So we they have been a tremendous partner to us first in vaccination and then in testing so we anticipate extending the contract as soon as we hear what the state is willing to support us with regards to both vaccination and testing.

Thank you, Dr. Doberman. So do you have any idea how I guess the fear is that at some point we'll get to a week or two out from and be done with the contract and not have any notice for them? So I want to in if anyway possible for us to be able give them as much lead time so they can see and I know with COVID things are dynamic and they change but you know we still We have a partner here that we need to make sure that we're helping them along so they can see, you know, weeks and months out in the future. You know there's a big hope in our community after it's been gone for a couple years getting our fair back, the Santa Barbara County Fair which is a huge highlight in the Santa Maria Valley every year that we haven't been able to participate in and that's also home of that as well.

So those conversations I want to make sure that we're thinking about and engaged with. So that's why I wanted to highlight that. The other question I do have and so this That with the testing at the OptumServe locations that people are waiting sometimes five, seven days to get results. And I think that is problematic when that period of time is sometimes longer than the potential

quarantine period. Supervisor Nelson, I think we're gonna get to that in a D item so it may be more appropriate to bring that issue up later and just deal with the lease for the moment if that's okay with you?

That's fine, Chair Harmon.

Okay. So your question about the lease, you just want to have as much notice as possible when it winds down.

Yes, thank

you Chairman. Okay and I'm sure Dr. Doreno also took careful note of that. Madam Clerk will you read item A-19 into the record?

Chair Hartman and members of the board, administrative item number 19 is from the Public Health Department. It is to consider recommendations regarding an agreement with Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley for COVID-19 vaccination incentives. And chair Hartman, we did receive an additional request to speak from the public on this

item. I actually closed public comment, but I will allow at this time. It's an important issue. So why don't we go to public comment and come back to Supervisor Nelson?

Chair Hartman and members of the board, we will now go to Zoom for Edwin Weaver.

Edwin, please proceed. Thank you. Good afternoon everybody. I don't know how to make my screen show. It's

okay it's a pretty view and we can hear you so go ahead.

Okay it's a campsite that I went to before the fires anyway uh my name is Edwin Weaver. I'm the Executive Director of Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley. I appreciate your time this morning um as you know we've partnered with our Community members and the public health department to increase vaccine opportunities and accessibility through. Coordination with our schools in our churches, and anybody else who would host a vaccine clinic so it's accessible to the community as well as being able to provide incentives for folks to consider vaccine.

For themselves and their family. I think the incentives are important because many of the clinics are during working hours, it's very difficult for families to get to the clinics they have to take time off or rearrange your schedule. And so by providing incentives, it just gives them that little nudge and to participate in this important medical decision. So we're thankful for that application to receive the funds and to distribute them to the community so that folks will continue to be vaccinated and boosted. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you for being such a good partner with the county public health supervisor Nelson.

Yes I was looking for a roll call vote on this but I will comment It's no reflection of how I feel about fighting back San Raybali and Mr. Weaver, they're great partners. I'm a little uncomfortable with the cash incentives for vaccines just the relationship between Those that are making that medical decision for themselves, those who might not be able to take the vaccine for some medical reason. So I'm in favor of vaccinations. I've encouraged that. I just a little bit less comfortable with cash incentives so I'm going to actually go

no. May I have a motion to approve this item?

Motion to

approve.

A second?

Second.

All in favor please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?

No.

Okay, so now I will entertain a motion to approve the balance of our administrative agenda including the withdrawal of A5.

So moved.

I think Supervisor Nelson moved and we'll take a second from Supervisor Williams. Any further discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? The administrative agenda is passed and we turn to resolutions to be presented. We turn to administrative item number 26, and that was brought by Supervisor Williams, and I'm very grateful for that. This is the first in our cultural recognition initiative.

And Madam Clerk please read that into the record.

Chair Hartman and members of the board, administrative item number 26 is sponsored by Supervisor Williams. It is to adopt a resolution proclaiming January 27th 2022 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Santa Barbara County and joining us today and receiving in person is Dan Meisel ADL Regional Director and receiving and joining us via Zoom today we have Mike Wolfe who is our Holocaust survivor, Rabbi Cohen, and Josie Martin from the SB Jewish Federation. Thank you and I'll go ahead and read the resolution Whereas the Holocaust was the state-sponsored systemic persecution and annihilation of European Jewry by Nazi Germany and its collaborators between 1933 and 1945, six million Jews were murdered. Roma, gypsies, people with disabilities, and Poles were also targeted for destruction or decimation for racial, ethnic, or national reasons, and millions more including LGBTQ plus individuals Jehovah's Witnesses, Soviet prisoners of war and political descendants also suffered grievous oppression and death under Nazi tyranny.

And whereas the history of the Holocaust offers an opportunity to reflect on the moral responsibilities of individuals, societies and governments. And whereas we, the people of the County of Santa Barbara should always remember the terrible events of the Holocaust and remain vigilant against hatred, persecution and tyranny And whereas, we the people of the County of Santa Barbara should actively rededicate ourselves to the principles of individual freedom in a just society.

And whereas, the days of remembrance have been set aside for the people of the County of Santa Barbara to remember the victims of the Holocaust as well as reflect on the need for respect of all peoples. And whereas pursuant to United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution designated January 27th as Holocaust Remembrance Day. And whereas the County of Santa Barbara would like to thank the efforts of the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, Anti-Defamation League of Santa Barbara, San Ines Valley Jewish Community, And Congregation B'nai B'rit and all the community organizations and members that have helped remember the lives tragically lost, and have provided the community with opportunity to learn the historical value of remembrance.

And now therefore be it hereby ordered a resolve that this Board of Supervisors adopt this resolution proclaiming January 27th 2022 As days of remembrance and memory of the victims of the Holocaust, and in honor of the survivors as well as the rescuers and liberators. And further proclaim that we as citizens of the County of Santa Barbara should work to promote human dignity and confront hate whenever and wherever it occurs. Passed and adopted today.

Thank you Mr. Meisel for being here today

Director for the Anti-Defamation League, Santa Barbara Tri-County's office. I thank you Supervisor Williams for introducing this resolution and for the board's adoption adding our county's voice to those around the world recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Our office is certainly honored to be mentioned in it along with the other local organizations who regularly speak up and share facts about the holocaust for the purpose of preventing similar atrocities and to preserve the many lessons learned from it.

Education is a huge part of meaningful remembrance, and ADL's surveys confirm that education is the key to confronting and preventing hate. I'm particularly thankful to those who continue to share their personal experiences of that painful time. I recall the impact vividly of my first time hearing such an account when I was a student at La Colina Junior High, and the speaker happened to be my aunt Judy Meisel Who is widely known and appreciated in our community and beyond, both for sharing her harrowing experience of loss and survival.

And for bringing people from different backgrounds together around her Shabbat dinner table to foster mutual understanding. I'm also thankful to the many local educators so committed to supporting their students' understanding of this and other genocides, the choices made by individuals, governments, leaders and larger societies that can lead to genocide or prevent it.

All hate doesn't lead to genocide but understanding that dynamics of the hate that did helps us recognize threats to human dignity in all its forms. My aunt stressed the importance of reflecting on the past for its relevance to the present. And our presence sadly includes recent trends of anti-Semitic incidents, including as we saw again in Colleyville violent targeting, violent targeting of the Jewish community.

History tells us that anti-Semitism tends to increase in times of political polarization, distrust in government institutions and threats to public welfare, including pandemics. The same factors impact other often marginalized communities, and we've seen a rise in hate crimes and incidents against those groups as well. The necessary response to these incidents is a combination of communal condemnation and meaningful engagement.

This resolution contributes to both. Some may say that resolutions are merely words, but that brings to mind ADL's former and longtime national director Abe Foxman, a hidden child during the Holocaust who said, Auschwitz did not begin with bricks. It began with words, hateful words, words of prejudice and they were permitted to proceed to violence because of the absence of words.

Commemorating this day in this way prompts us to talk, to reflect, to share facts, to learn and to speak up in defense of others. Those inspired to deeper engagement and learning can find it in those precious first-person narratives at museums that inform about genocide and in the resources and professional development provided by ADL's Echoes & Reflections education team and from the other organizations recognized today.

Thank you.

Thank you. Supervisor Williams?

Well, I just wanna thank you for being here and thank the ADL for their continued work to create a society and to foster a society that is not infected with hate. And to me this is such an important occasion of remembrance because of the necessity to perceive darkness I think that our society, you know and our struggles with first world problems can make us lulled into the belief that darkness doesn't exist or that darkness is somewhere else.