Board of Supervisors — 2022-07-12

3CREN Energy Savings Program

• Staff presented the "Home Energy Savings DIY Toolkit," which includes free items like LED lights and returnable items like kilowatt meters.
• The toolkit is available for checkout at participating libraries as part of the "Library of Things" program.
• Supervisor Williams accepted a toolkit for the Board of Supervisors, with staff agreeing to install weather stripping at other supervisors' homes.

Polo Village Supportive Services MOU

• The Board reviewed a Memorandum of Understanding securing 15 units for special needs housing and on-site mental health services.
• Public commenters raised concerns regarding accessibility, the mixing of special needs and family housing, and the lack of sobriety requirements.
• The item was placed on the consent calendar, with a directive for staff to return with options for extending affordability covenants to the maximum extent allowed by law.

Trust for Public Land Technical Assistance

• Staff requested a letter to the Trust for Public Land for technical assistance on finance options for parks, trails, and fire buffers.
• A public commenter argued the request was redundant given a previous contract with Wood Corporation and urged its cancellation.
• The item was placed on the consent calendar.

Wood Environmental Consultant Services

• The Board considered an agreement for consultant services to prepare Environmental Impact Reports for the 2023–2031 housing element update.
• A public commenter questioned the hiring of Wood Corporation and alleged potential conflicts of interest.
• The item was placed on the consent calendar.

Pre-Trial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week Resolution

• The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming the week of July 17–23, 2022, as Pre-Trial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week.
• Probation Department representatives discussed staff challenges during the pandemic and efforts to reduce recidivism through trauma-informed care.

Groovin' in the Grove Car Show and Elks Lodge Resolution

• The Board adopted a resolution recognizing the annual car show and honoring the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge No. 613.
• Representatives noted that proceeds support veteran programs and that the lodge provided a grant to the County Stand Down Committee.

Sheriff’s Department Employees of the Month Resolution

• The Board adopted a resolution of commendation honoring four Sheriff’s Department employees as the July 2022 Employees of the Month.
• A representative described the role of Sheriff Service Technicians in supporting patrol deputies and the specific achievements of the honorees.

Resolution of Commendation for Von Do Reynoso

• The Board adopted a resolution honoring Von Do Reynoso for her five years of service as Public Health Director.
• The resolution cited her leadership during the Thomas fire, 2019 debris flow, and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as her establishment of the Office of Health Equity.

CSA 3 Library Special Tax Rate Adjustment

• Staff recommended adopting a 3.8% increase to the library special tax rate for County Service Area 3 and Greater Goleta based on CPI.
• The adjustment results in an approximate total assessment increase of $222,000 for the fiscal year 2022-2023.
• The Board unanimously passed the motion to adopt the staff recommendation.

Special Tax Levies for Orchid and Providence Landing CFDs

• Staff recommended a 6.57% increase for the Orchid CFD and maintaining the assessment for the Providence Landing CFD.
• Supervisor Nelson requested a reevaluation of the Orchid CFD to determine if it still fits community needs, noting it is in its 20th year.
• The Board unanimously approved the levies with a proviso directing staff to work on re-evaluating the Orchid CFD.

Criminal Justice Partners Improvement Efforts and Jail Projections

• Staff presented updates on criminal justice priorities, including access to incarcerated clients, case backlogs, and the expansion of pre-trial release programs.
• MW Consulting presented jail population projections indicating a fluctuation between 800 and 900 individuals over the next decade.
• The consultant outlined five policy options to reduce jail population, estimating a combined potential reduction of slightly more than 200 beds.
• The Board unanimously passed a motion to receive and file the reports and directed staff to return with a status report in 90 to 100 days.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and Funding

• Staff presented an update on the county’s DEI strategy, including capacity building, organizational structure, and the development of an interactive data dashboard.
• Staff requested $19,200 for Equity Advisory and Outreach Committee stipends and $275,000 for a second cycle of the Racial Equity Grant Program.
• The Board unanimously approved the staff recommendations to authorize the funding and bring back a budget revision and contract for consideration.

Countywide Free Library System Annual Agreement and Library Zone Map Revision

• Staff requested approval of an updated library zone service delivery map creating a fifth zone administered by the City of Carpinteria.
• The new zone will serve Carpinteria, Toro Canyon CDP, and surrounding unincorporated areas following Carpinteria's establishment as a municipal library.
• The Board unanimously approved the annual agreement and the library zone service delivery map revision.

Update to Teleworking Policy (Hybrid Remote Work Policy)

• Public commenters and union representatives requested that the Board grandfather in employees currently approved for out-of-state remote work to prevent job loss.
• The Board adopted the updated hybrid remote work policy with directives for Human Resources and the CEO’s office to work with unions and the Auditor-Controller’s office on out-of-state employment issues.
• The motion to adopt the policy with these directives passed unanimously.

Closed Session

• The Board discussed anticipated litigation involving one case and existing litigation in Christopher Anderson v. County of Santa Barbara.
• The Board conferred with labor negotiators for SEIU Local 620.
• The Board conducted a public employee performance evaluation for the County Executive Officer.

Meeting Opening and Roll Call

• The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors convened for its July 12, 2022 meeting. The Clerk of the Board called the roll, confirming all supervisors were present. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes

• The board considered the approval of the minutes from the June 28, 2022 meeting. A motion was made and seconded. There was no discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

CEO Report: 3CREN Energy Savings Program

• CEO Miyasato presented a report on the Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3CREN), a collaboration between Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties to offer energy savings programs. Staff presented the "Home Energy Savings DIY Toolkit," which includes free items such as LED lights and weather stripping, as well as returnable items like kilowatt meters and induction cooktops. The toolkit is available for checkout at participating libraries as part of the "Library of Things" program. Supervisor Williams accepted a toolkit for the Board of Supervisors, with the condition that staff would install weather stripping at other supervisors' homes.

Announcements

• The Clerk of the Board provided announcements regarding public participation methods, noting that face coverings are no longer required indoors but are still encouraged by the public health department. Procedures for in-person and virtual public comment were outlined, including registration requirements for virtual speakers and the three-minute time limit per speaker.

Agenda Item A9: Polo Village Supportive Services MOU

• Description: Administrative item from the Behavioral Wellness Department to consider recommendations regarding a fiscal year 2021-2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bealton Polo Village Partners LP and the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara for supportive services at Polo Village, a proposed affordable housing development in Buellton.
• Discussion: Supervisor Nelson requested clarification on the county’s role, confirming the county is not the sponsor or applicant but is providing specialty mental health services via the MOU. Director Navarro explained the MOU secures 15 units for special needs housing (mental health clients) and includes on-site daily services such as therapy and social skills building. Mr. Polanski from the Housing Authority detailed the tenant vetting process, which includes criminal background checks and partnership with Behavioral Wellness to identify eligible individuals. He clarified that the project is not a re-entry facility for individuals exiting incarceration and that preference points are given to local residents and veterans. Chair Hartmann inquired about the duration of affordability covenants. Mr. Polanski stated the underlying covenant is 55 years, consistent with Tax Credit Committee requirements, though some jurisdictions have longer covenants (e.g., 99 years). CSD staff noted that owner-occupied covenants are typically 30 years but can be extended. Supervisor Williams suggested mirroring the City of Santa Barbara’s approach of 45-year rollovers up to 99 years for ownership projects. The Board directed staff to bring back an item regarding extending affordability covenants to the maximum extent allowed by law.
• Public Comment: Andy Caldwell of COLAB requested that the criteria discussed (e.g., exclusion of sexual predators, veteran preference) be formalized as county policy. He raised concerns about the location’s accessibility for individuals with ambulatory issues and the proximity to medical services. He also expressed concern about mixing special needs housing with family housing and the lack of sobriety requirements due to state law.
• Decision: The item was placed on the consent calendar.

Agenda Item A25: Trust for Public Land Technical Assistance

• Description: Administrative item from the Community Services Department to consider recommendations regarding a letter to the Trust for Public Land requesting technical assistance for exploring finance options for parks, trails, fire buffers, and groundwater recharge areas.
• Public Comment: Scott Wentz of Cars for Basic argued the item was redundant given a previous $250,000 contract with Wood Corporation for similar work and urged the cancellation of the Wood Corporation contract in favor of the pro bono assistance. Chair Hartmann noted the tasks were different.
• Decision: The item was placed on the consent calendar.

Agenda Item A38: [Item Trailing]

• Description: An item was requested to be pulled from the agenda.
• Decision: The item was trailed to after lunch.

Agenda Item A40: Wood Environmental Consultant Services

• Description: Administrative item from the Planning and Development Department to consider recommendations regarding an agreement for consultant services with Wood Environmental and Infrastructure Inc. for the preparation of Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) for the 2023–2031 housing element update.
• Public Comment: Scott Wentz of Cars for Basic questioned why the board had not joined other agencies in challenging SB 9 and expressed concerns about the hiring of Wood Corporation, alleging potential conflicts of interest or undue influence.
• Decision: The item was placed on the consent calendar.

Consent Calendar Vote

• A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent calendar, excluding item A38. Supervisor Nelson clarified that the direction to extend affordability covenants was not a final decision but a request for staff to bring back options for board discussion. The motion passed.

Resolution A59: Pre-Trial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week

• Description: Resolution sponsored by Supervisor Hartmann to proclaim the week of July 17–23, 2022, as Pre-Trial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week in Santa Barbara County.
• Discussion: The resolution was read into the record. Representatives from the Probation Department (Spencer Cross, Adult Division; Tiffany Phillips, Juvenile Justice Center; Erin Cross, Juvenile Division) spoke about their staff’s work, including challenges during the pandemic, training in de-escalation and trauma-informed care, and efforts to reduce recidivism and support youth reentry. Chair Hartmann acknowledged the department’s role in criminal justice reform and the character requirements of the staff.
• Decision: The resolution was passed and adopted.

Resolution A60: Groovin' in the Grove Car Show and Elks Lodge No. 613

• Description: Resolution sponsored by Supervisor Lavenino to recognize the annual Groovin' in the Grove car show and honor the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge No. 613.
• Discussion: The resolution was read into the record, noting the car show’s proceeds support veteran programs and that the lodge provided a $7,500 grant to the Santa Barbara County Stand Down Committee. Steve Cousins and Brian Hayden of the Elks Lodge spoke about their veteran support efforts. Supervisor Lavenino highlighted the Stand Down event scheduled for October 15, 2022, and the partnership with Walmart for donations.
• Decision: The resolution was passed and adopted.

Resolution A61: Sheriff’s Department Employees of the Month

• Description: Resolution sponsored by Supervisor Hartmann to adopt a resolution of commendation honoring Samantha Corsaw, John McCammon Jr., Alina Kleemeyer, and James Nelson of the Sheriff’s Department as the July 2022 Employees of the Month.
• Discussion: The resolution was read into the record. A representative from the Sheriff’s Office spoke about the role of Sheriff Service Technicians (SSTs) in supporting patrol deputies and the specific backgrounds and achievements of the four honorees.
• Decision: The resolution was passed and adopted.

Administrative Item 62: Resolution of Commendation for Von Do Reynoso

• The Board adopted a resolution of commendation honoring Von Do Reynoso, MPH PhD, for her five years of service as Public Health Director. The resolution cited her leadership during the Thomas fire, the 2019 debris flow, and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as her establishment of the Public Health Office of Health Equity. Ms. Do Reynoso accepted the recognition on behalf of her team, thanking the Board and her family. Several Board members, the CEO, and a public commenter (Dr. Lee Heller) offered remarks acknowledging her leadership, calm demeanor during crises, and contributions to health equity and community partnerships. No motion or vote was recorded in this transcript segment for this specific item, as the resolution was read into the record and accepted.

General Public Comment

• Three members of the public addressed the Board on items not on the agenda: 1. Scott Wentz urged the County to allocate funds for a drone-based lifeguard program along the coastline, citing similar successful programs in Los Angeles County. 2. Andy Caldwell (representing Colab) commented on the pension report, noting that while the fund reached 90% funded, the County had previously injected hundreds of millions of dollars to cover deficits from the 2008 crisis. He argued the system was not sustainable and requested future reports include data on these past contributions and the dual benefit of Social Security and County pensions. 3. Darryl Schack (Executive Director, SEIU Local 620) expressed concern over chronic understaffing of custody deputies at the jails, which has led to utility workers and Service Technicians (SSTs) performing duties for which they are not trained or equipped, creating safety risks. He requested the Board take action to resolve staffing shortages and unsafe working conditions.

Departmental Item 1: CSA 3 Library Special Tax Rate Adjustment

• The Community Services Department presented a hearing to consider the Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment for the fiscal year 2022-2023 library special tax rate for County Service Area (CSA) 3 and Greater Goleta. Staff recommended adopting a resolution to increase the tax rate by 3.8% (the Los Angeles CPI for calendar year 2021), resulting in an approximate total assessment increase of $222,000. One public speaker on Zoom indicated they were on the wrong call and withdrew their comment.
• Motion: Supervisor Hartman moved to adopt staff’s recommendation.
• Second: Supervisor Nelson seconded the motion.
• Vote: Passed unanimously.

Departmental Item 2: Special Tax Levies for Orchid and Providence Landing CFDs

• The Community Services Department presented a hearing regarding fiscal year 2022-2023 special tax levies for Community Facilities District (CFD) 2002-1 (Orchid) and CFD 2004-1 (Providence Landing).
• Orchid CFD: Staff recommended a 6.57% increase (the greater of 2% or Los Angeles CPI) to fund sheriff, parks, fire, and flood services.
• Providence Landing CFD: Staff recommended maintaining the assessment at $672 per parcel, as the district has a balanced budget and adequate fund balance.
• Discussion: Supervisor Nelson raised concerns about the Orchid CFD, noting it is in its 20th year and that residents pay for services (fire and sheriff) without receiving additional amenities compared to other unincorporated areas. He requested a reevaluation of the CFD to determine if it still fits community needs or if funds should be reallocated to other services (e.g., library, parks). The CEO and Community Services Department staff confirmed that a financial impact study was last done in 2007 and that the CFD is currently taxed below its maximum assessment cap. Supervisor Williams supported moving forward with the current recommendation while requesting an analysis of services and costs.
• Motion: Supervisor Nelson moved to approve items A through F of Departmental Item 2, with a proviso directing staff, the CEO’s office, and CFD/CSD to work on re-evaluating the Orchid CFD.
• Second: The motion was seconded (specific seconding member not explicitly named in the immediate sequence, but the vote proceeded).
• Vote: Passed unanimously.

Departmental Item 3: Criminal Justice Partners Improvement Efforts and Jail Projections

• The County Executive Office presented a status report on Criminal Justice Partners (CJP) improvement efforts and a report by MW Consulting on jail projections.
• Status Report: Nicole Parmalee (CEO Analyst) presented updates on several priority issues:
• Access to Incarcerated Clients: Identified as a top priority; improvements are ongoing but hindered by technology adoption and COVID-19 outbreaks.
• Aged Cases/Backlog: ARPA funding was approved for two attorneys each in the DA and PD offices (effective July 1) to address the backlog.
• Discovery: Departments are collaborating on an RFP for a digital evidence management system (DEMS) and have funded legal office professionals to handle increased digital discovery.
• Reentry: A reentry coordinator position is being recruited to oversee case planning.
• Alternative Sentencing: An MOU was finalized to use electronic monitoring for eligible individuals instead of jail time, with probation taking over supervision as of July 1.
• Pre-trial Release: The program has grown to nearly 600 clients; two new supervision positions were funded, and the unit was split into North and South County units.
• Holistic Defense: Public Defender is working on automated reporting for program statistics.
• Diversion: The District Attorney launched a Neighborhood Restorative Justice Program, receiving at least 23 referrals.
• Jail Projections: Michael Wilson (MW Consulting) presented findings on jail population projections, requested by the Board.
• Criminal Justice Trends and Projections: The report analyzed long-term criminal justice trends in Santa Barbara County. Key findings included:
• The probation population remained relatively flat until 2017, declined until the passage of AB 1950 in 2021, and then experienced a steep decline, leveling off around 2,200 individuals.
• The jail population showed a slow decline from approximately 1,100–1,200 individuals in the early 2010s to around 1,000 prior to the pandemic. During the pandemic, the population dropped to roughly 600–700, rising to approximately 800 by late 2021 due to policy and practice changes.
• Projections indicate that if current trends continue, the jail population will fluctuate between 800 and 900 individuals over the next decade.
• The report noted that only about 10% of the jail population consists of individuals booked for a single new arrest without other complicating factors (e.g., warrants, probation violations); the remaining 90% have complex circumstances involving outstanding warrants, probation/parole violations, or sentencing bookings.
• Policy Options: The consultant outlined five policy options to reduce jail population, estimating a combined potential reduction of slightly more than 200 beds if all were implemented:
• 1. Diversion for individuals with less serious offenses and limited criminal histories (estimated impact: up to 17 beds). 2. Reducing the length of stay for individuals with warrants to approximately three days (estimated impact: up to 64 beds). 3. Expanding electronic monitoring for eligible individuals (estimated impact: up to 70 beds). 4. Reducing the rate of probationers booked into jail by 15% through evidence-based programs (estimated impact: up to 60+ beds). 5. Reducing the time individuals stay in jail before transfer to CDCR or state hospitals (estimated impact: variable, based on reducing average stay from ~220 days to 6 months).
• Risks to Projections:
• Upward Risks: Increased booking rates at the new North County Jail for lower-level offenses (estimated +27 beds) and potential increases in crime rates.
• Downward Risks: Continued decline in probation caseloads, expansion of pre-trial services, and uncertainty regarding post-pandemic recovery timelines.
• Criminal Justice Partner Responses:
• Probation Department: Stated that many of the proposed "policy levers" align with existing initiatives. Emphasized the need for careful planning, adequate funding, and avoiding rapid changes that could dilute current efforts. Highlighted the importance of early representation, access to clients, and the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Probation and the Sheriff for joint alternative sentencing. Noted that funding issues for a felony diversion program had recently arisen and required re-evaluation.
• Public Defender’s Office: Cited research indicating that early representation and quick release for low-risk, nonviolent offenders significantly reduce future recidivism (e.g., holding low-risk individuals for 2–3 days increases likelihood of future offenses by 40%). Emphasized the need for stable access to clients and front-loading interventions.
• Sheriff’s Office: Reminded the Board that jail capacity should not equate to inmate population, citing the need to operate at no more than 85% capacity for safety and classification reasons. Stated that a jail with 900 beds could safely hold only 765 inmates, and 800 beds could hold only 680. Noted current jail population is 791 (330 in Northern Branch, 461 in Main Jail), with 21 awaiting transfer to state prison and 31 to state hospitals. Argued that diversion and alternative treatments require additional resources and that a basic need for jail space remains for serious offenders.
• County Executive Office: Clarified that the AB 900 funding obligation is tied solely to the construction of 344 new beds at the Northern Branch Jail, not a system-wide bed count. Confirmed that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has no system-wide requirement to maintain a fixed number of beds. Noted that over $800,000 in AB 109 budget funds are allocated for felony diversion, pending program identification.
• Supervisor Comments:
• Supervisors discussed the relationship between crime rates and jail population, noting that while crime is a factor, system efficiencies, policing resources, and prosecution priorities often have a larger immediate impact.
• Concerns were raised regarding the urgency of implementation due to staffing shortages and mandatory overtime in jail custody.
• Questions were posed regarding accountability for property crimes and the balance between efficiency and victim safety.
• The Board discussed the potential impact of these findings on the design and renovation of the Main Jail, with staff noting that the current feasibility assessment is ongoing and expected to return to the Board in the fall.
• Public Comment:
• Andy Caldwell (CoLab): Expressed concern that property crimes are not being resolved or prosecuted, citing instances of theft and break-ins. Criticized the focus on substance abuse connections as insufficient without sobriety outcomes. Requested a division for crimes against business.
• Pam Flint-Tambo (League of Women Voters/CLU): Commended the collaborative work and the report’s format. Urged the implementation of strategies to prioritize rehabilitation, specifically highlighting the need for jail residents' access to attorneys, funding for holistic defense, and a timeline for integrating criminal justice data into a county dashboard. Requested that a letter acknowledging the county’s collaboration be placed in the record.
• Motion and Vote:
• Motion: Supervisor Hart moved to adopt the staff recommendation:
• 1. Receive and file a report on criminal justice improvement efforts. 2. Receive and file a report by MW Consulting on Santa Barbara County Criminal Justice Overview and Jail Projections. 3. Provide any direction as appropriate. 4. Direct staff to return with a status report in 90 to 100 days. 5. Determine this is non-CEQA.
• Second: The motion was seconded.
• Vote: The motion passed.

Closed Session

• The Board entered closed session to discuss: 1. Anticipated litigation (one case). 2. Existing litigation (Christopher Anderson v. County of Santa Barbara). 3. Conference with labor negotiators for SEIU Local 620. 4. Public employee performance evaluation for the County Executive Officer. Estimated time for closed session: 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Agenda Item: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and Funding

Discussion and Presentation

• Staff presented an update on the county’s DEI strategy over the past two years, utilizing the GARE change framework to normalize conversations about race and equity and operationalize efforts through new policies and systems. Staff outlined four commitments made by County HR: 1. Capacity Building: Concepts from the Board’s approved Statement of Commitment to Equity and Inclusion were embedded into various programs, reaching over 1,100 unique employees in the last fiscal year. 2. Organizational Structure: A joint governance structure was defined to support and sustain the equity journey, moving from ad-hoc efforts to a defined structure with board sponsors and external partners. 3. DEI Toolkit: An online toolkit was created to provide resources for employees and leaders at individual, interpersonal, and leadership levels. 4. Data and Metrics: An interactive dashboard was developed using EEO report data to track new hires, promotions, and terminations by gender and department. Additionally, the county is preparing to launch its first county equity survey to identify barriers in recruitment, hiring, compensation, and promotions.
• Staff from Community Services provided updates on five pass-through funding initiatives approved in December 2020, including the Equity Advisory and Outreach Committee (EOC), the Listen, Learn and Share workshops, the Uplift Expression and Cultural Diversity Program, the Countywide History and Marker Project, and the Racial Equity Fund of Santa Barbara County. Staff requested two funding allocations from the equity funds set aside:
• $19,200 to continue stipends for the EOC.
• $275,000 for a second cycle of the Racial Equity Grant Program, to be administered by the Fund for Santa Barbara.
• Staff from Public Health described their DEI efforts, which are housed in the Office of Health Equity. Initiatives included a department-wide health equity assessment (68% completion rate), the creation of a health equity hub and plan, engagement with community leaders through the Health Equity Alliance, continuation of Community Conversations (formerly the Latinx Indigenous Migrant COVID-19 Response Task Force), and the formation of the Central Coast Health Equity Partnership with neighboring counties.
• Staff highlighted DEI efforts across other county departments, including outreach in Spanish and Mixteco, review of documents for neutral language, creation of DEI committees in Fire, Social Services, and other departments, integration of DEI concepts into strategic planning, and the addition of DEI components to psychological reviews for new staff. Staff proposed four focus areas for the coming year: improving how the county talks about and understands DEI, exploring necessary tools and resources, preparing for a more equitable future, and driving DEI results and accountability.

Board Questions and Comments

• A Supervisor questioned whether attendance at celebrations could substitute for mandatory training. Staff clarified that these are additional events, not in lieu of training.
• A Supervisor asked about the evolution of the decentralized departmental efforts. Staff described the model as a hybrid, allowing for departmental flexibility while aiming for collective progress and standardization over time.
• A Supervisor asked for details on the "Listen, Learn and Share" sessions and how they inform the grant program. Staff explained the workshops were facilitated by a community leader and aggregated feedback on community experiences. The Racial Equity Fund is guided by a regional equity study conducted by the Fund for Santa Barbara, UCSB, and USC.
• A Supervisor expressed concern about the composition of the Equity Advisory and Outreach Committee, noting a lack of diversity and requesting that the committee be reopened to include a broader range of organizations, including agricultural and business groups. Staff indicated openness to a new cycle and meeting with the Supervisor to discuss composition.
• A Supervisor raised concerns about the definition of "systems change" in the grant program, expressing discomfort with taxpayer funds supporting advocacy that might pit community groups against one another or disadvantage local industries. A representative from the Fund for Santa Barbara clarified that "systems change" includes education and awareness, not just lobbying, and that the fund does not support labor organizing.
• A Supervisor thanked the Fund for Santa Barbara for their work and noted that geographic equity in grant distribution might improve in the next round as more organizations become aware of the program.
• A Supervisor commented on the importance of overcoming discomfort in these conversations and the value of the investment in community engagement.

Public Comment

• A representative of the Santa Barbara NAACP encouraged the Board to view this as a long-term investment in values and justice, emphasizing the need to engage with communities and acknowledge African American history and contributions in the county.
• The Chair thanked staff and the public for their engagement, noting that these programs help the county function better and hear diverse voices.

Motion and Vote

• A motion was made and seconded to approve the staff recommendations A through D:
• 1. Receive and file the report. 2. Authorize $19,200 from the equity funds set aside for EOC stipends. 3. Authorize $275,000 from the equity funds set aside for the second cycle of the Racial Equity Grant Program. 4. If recommendations B and C are approved, bring back a budget revision and contract for consideration.
• Vote Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item: Countywide Free Library System Annual Agreement and Library Zone Service Delivery Map Revision

Discussion and Presentation

• Staff presented an overview of the countywide library system, which includes 13 libraries administered by the county and five cities. The county funds nearly $4.4 million annually from its general fund, supplemented by cannabis-derived revenues and a small library fund. Staff requested approval of an updated library zone service delivery map. The change involves the creation of a fifth library zone to be administered by the City of Carpinteria, following its establishment as a state-recognized municipal library. This new zone will serve Carpinteria, Toro Canyon CDP, and surrounding unincorporated areas. Staff noted that the City of Santa Barbara requested a contiguous border with Ventura County to facilitate potential future resource sharing with other jurisdictions, as Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County have left the Black Gold Library Collaborative.

Board Questions and Comments

• A Supervisor asked for clarification on the impact of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo leaving the Black Gold Collaborative. Staff explained that the financial impact on the overall system was nominal (estimated at $30,000–$40,000) and that the remaining jurisdictions continue to share resources.
• A Supervisor discussed the dynamics of the Black Gold Collaborative, noting that larger jurisdictions sought weighted voting for technological upgrades, which smaller jurisdictions opposed.

Public Comment

• No public comment was received.

Motion and Vote

• A motion was made and seconded to approve the staff recommendations A and B regarding the annual agreement and the library zone service delivery map revision.
• Vote Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item: Update to Teleworking Policy (Hybrid Remote Work Policy)

Public Comment

• A staff member requested that the Board reconsider finalizing the policy to include language grandfathering in employees who were previously approved for out-of-state work. The commenter stated that the current policy would prevent them from continuing employment due to their residence in Oregon.
• A union member and public health employee requested that the Board reconsider the in-state requirements and grandfather in employees who have already been approved for and demonstrated successful remote work from out of state, noting the potential negative impact on services and colleagues if these employees are lost.
• Darryl Schack stated that the County had conferred with employee organizations but noted that the policy’s impact on approximately 15 employees currently working remotely was not fully considered. He noted that six of these employees are members of SEIU Local 620 and have worked under remote agreements since at least 2016. He argued that these employees have received positive performance reviews and possess specific skills relevant to the Health Department and Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office. He requested that the Board reconsider the policy to "grandfather" currently impacted employees, citing recruitment and retention challenges.
• Laura Robinson, representing SEIU Local 620 and affected employees, thanked the Board and Human Resources for developing the policy. She noted that approximately 15 employees currently hold remote schedules while living outside California, with some agreements dating back over six years. She stated that as written, the policy would result in the separation of employment for these out-of-state residents. She requested that the Board direct staff to revise the policy to implement it prospectively only and explicitly grandfather in current out-of-state remote workers, citing the County’s recruitment and retention crisis.

Board Discussion and Motion

• Chair Hartmann opened the floor for Board comments.
• Supervisor Nelson commented that the policy is a good start but requires additional work to define necessary tools for successful hybrid work, including infrastructure, employee training, privacy training, and management protocols.
• Supervisor Williams sought clarification on the proposal regarding the amendment of the current policy.
• Chair Hartmann proposed a motion to adopt the updated hybrid remote work policy today, with the following directives:
• 1. Direct Human Resources to meet with unions regarding out-of-state employees to determine the feasibility of allowing out-of-state work going forward. 2. Direct the CEO’s office to work with the Auditor-Controller’s office to develop options for future out-of-state employees. 3. Maintain the intent to preserve the employment of current out-of-state employees while practical and legal issues are resolved.
• Supervisor Williams confirmed the intent was to preserve the ability of current employees to work while working out payroll and legal issues, and stated support for the amendment.
• Supervisor Hart asked for clarification on whether the proposal limits remote workplaces to within California.
• Laura Robinson clarified that Human Resources had already completed meet-and-confer with unions. She stated her recommendation was not to change the policy until further meet-and-confer occurred, but supported the Chair’s proposal to adopt the policy while directing HR and the CEO’s office to work with the Controller to accommodate out-of-state employees.
• Chair Hartmann asked for a second on the motion.
• Supervisor Nelson seconded the motion and urged the Auditor’s office to engage in finding a solution, noting that other organizations successfully employ out-of-state workers.

Vote

• The motion to adopt the updated hybrid remote work policy, with directives for Human Resources and the CEO’s office to work with the Auditor-Controller’s office and unions regarding out-of-state employment, was put to a vote.
• Outcome: Passed unanimously.

Closed Session

• The Board convened in closed session.
• Items Discussed:
• 1. Anticipated litigation with significant exposure to civil litigation (one case). 2. Existing litigation: Anderson v. County of Santa Barbara. 3. Conference with labor negotiators (SEIU Local 620). 4. Public employee performance evaluation for the County Executive Officer.
• Report Out: The Clerk reported that the Board met in closed session regarding the anticipated litigation and existing litigation items. No further details were provided in the open session.

Adjournment

• The Board adjourned the meeting, with the next meeting scheduled for August 16.