Meeting Summary
Present: 5-Lavagnino, 4-Nelson, 3-Hartmann
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
Juneteenth Independence Day Resolution
- The board adopted a resolution sponsored by all members proclaiming June 19, 2022, as Juneteenth Independence Day in Santa Barbara County.
- Community representatives expressed gratitude for the resolution and urged the board to pair the proclamation with continued funding to address economic disparities.
- Supervisors acknowledged the historical significance of the holiday and highlighted the county’s equity fund and ongoing efforts to eliminate racial bias.
- The board expressed a united commitment to supporting the African American community and redressing past grievances.
Closed Session
- No closed-session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Roll Call and Pledge
- The meeting was called to order. A roll call was taken, noting that Supervisor Williams was absent and Supervisors Nelson and Lavinino were participating remotely from the Santa Maria Board Hearing Room. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from May 24 and May 31. The motion passed unanimously.
CEO Report
- The CEO reported that there was no report for the morning session.
Announcements
- The Clerk provided announcements regarding updated methods for public participation. Public members may attend in person at the Santa Barbara or Santa Maria Board Hearing Rooms or virtually via Zoom by registering in advance. The board noted that face coverings are no longer required indoors, though the public health department encourages masking and social distancing in crowded areas. Procedures for requesting special accommodations and providing verbal public comment were outlined, including a three-minute time limit per speaker at the chair’s discretion.
Administrative Agenda
- The board asked if any members wished to pull an item from the administrative agenda; no items were pulled. No public requests to speak on the administrative agenda were received. A motion was made and seconded to approve the administrative agenda. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 5: Resolution Proclaiming Juneteenth Independence Day
- The Clerk read Administrative Item 5 into the record: a resolution sponsored by all members of the Board of Supervisors to adopt a resolution proclaiming June 19, 2022, as Juneteenth Independence Day in Santa Barbara County. The resolution recites the history of slavery in the United States, the delayed enforcement of emancipation in Texas, the legacy of Jim Crow laws, and the establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021. It acknowledges the contributions of the African American community to Santa Barbara County and expresses the county’s commitment to eliminating racial bias and prejudice.
- Public comment was opened for this item. Several community representatives spoke, including individuals from Juneteenth Santa Barbara, Healing Justice, Santa Barbara Young Black Professionals, Collective Cultures Creating Change (C4), the NAACP (Santa Maria/Lompoc and Santa Barbara chapters), the Endowment for Youth, Santa Barbara City College Black Faculty and Staff, and Juneteenth Santa Barbara Valley. Speakers expressed gratitude for the resolution, announced upcoming Juneteenth celebrations in various locations within the county (including the Funk Zone, Lompoc, and Solvang), and discussed the historical significance of the holiday. Some speakers urged the board to couple the proclamation with continued funding and action to address economic disparities and support Black entrepreneurs and community organizations.
- Supervisor Hart thanked the community members and noted the growth of Juneteenth events over the past five years. He referenced the county’s equity fund and upcoming presentations on equity work. Supervisor Lavinino stated that the board is united in hearing the call to action and moving in that direction. Supervisor Nelson echoed his colleagues’ sentiments, noting his personal learning about the holiday’s significance since taking office and his intention to attend local celebrations. Chair Hartmann stated that the board is united in its commitment to redress past grievances and support the community. She highlighted the county’s review of its employment structure and the role of the equity fund in fostering community integration. She also referenced the historical contributions of the Black community to American culture and science.
- No further public comment was received. The board did not take a separate recorded vote on the resolution itself during this segment, as it was part of the previously approved administrative agenda.
General Public Comment
- The Clerk reported that there were no requests to speak during the general public comment period.
Adjournment
- The board adjourned the meeting, with the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 28, in Santa Maria.