Meeting Summary
Present: 4-Nelson, 5-Lavagnino, Williams, 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
Supervisor Updates
- Supervisor Lavenino reported that 390 veterans participated in the 10th annual Veteran Stand Down, an increase of over 50 from the previous year.
- The update noted that 44 participants were women and over 100 were homeless, including eight homeless women.
- Transportation was provided for veterans from San Luis Obispo, resulting in 10 veterans and one dog being transported in a county van.
Administrative Agenda
- Supervisor Hartman requested that Administrative Item 9 regarding the Disaster Care and Shelter Plan be pulled for separate discussion.
- The board approved the remaining administrative agenda items unanimously.
Resolution in Support of Women of Iran
- The board adopted a resolution condemning the Iranian government’s human rights abuses and supporting the Iranian people’s desire for a democratic republic.
- The resolution cited the death of Mahsa Amini and subsequent protests in over 80 cities.
- Azam Faiz from UC Santa Barbara spoke in support, detailing the crackdown on protesters and the demand for regime change.
Resolution Proclaiming October 2022 as Dyslexia Awareness Month
- The board adopted a resolution highlighting that dyslexia affects one in five individuals and emphasizing the importance of early screening.
- Senator Monique Limon spoke in support, noting that California is one of ten states without an early screening process.
- The resolution recognized Senator Limon for her leadership in co-authoring SB 237, a bill to ensure screening for students at risk of dyslexia.
Resolution Proclaiming October 2022 as AIDS Awareness Month
- The board adopted a resolution acknowledging the ongoing impact of HIV/AIDS and the work of local agencies and non-profits.
- Keith Kaufman-Gray of Quilt Project Gold Coast noted that 28 people were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the county last year.
- The resolution referenced the National AIDS Memorial Quilt and the local Quilt Project Gold Coast.
Resolution Proclaiming October 2022 as National Arts and Humanities Month
- The board adopted a resolution recognizing the Community Arts Commission and awarding the 2022 Leadership in Arts Award to Solvang Theatre Fest.
- Scott Koh of the Solvang Theatre Fest accepted the award and corrected the record regarding the $5.3 million restoration project funded by 500 donors.
- Chair Hartman praised the theater as a vital community asset and noted the quality of performances.
Resolution Recognizing the Great California Shakeout
- The board adopted a resolution recognizing the Great California Shakeout and approving participation on October 20, 2022.
- Kelly Hubbard spoke in support, emphasizing the need for "secure, cover, and hold" language for individuals with mobility limitations.
- Stacey Silva highlighted the Earthquake Brace and Bolt program, which offers up to $3,000 in reimbursement for seismic retrofitting.
Sheriff Coroner Overtime Usage and Costs
- The board heard a report on the Sheriff’s Office’s financial challenges, noting that actual overtime costs are trending toward $17 million against a $4.1 million budget.
- Staff recommended maintaining a $2 million set-aside for overtime mitigation and exploring options for hiring six Sheriff Service Technicians to alleviate jail staffing shortages.
- The board adopted staff recommendations and directed the Sheriff’s Department to provide information on the cost per occupied bed for specialty mental health or medical beds in North versus South County facilities.
Proposition 172 Funding Update
- Staff presented an update on Prop 172 funding, noting a current fund balance of approximately $15.5 million and a critical funding gap for the Northern Branch Jail.
- The board directed staff to return with a mid-year adjustment to fund a Community Resource Deputy for the Orcutt and Los Alamos areas.
- The board received and filed the Prop 172 update and made CEQA findings.
Closed Session
- The Board met in closed session regarding existing litigation and conferences with labor negotiators for all bargaining units.
- The Board took no reportable action during the closed session.
Hearing to Consider Recommendations Regarding the Annual Truth Act Report
- The Sheriff’s Office presented the 2021 Truth Act Forum report, noting that ICE access requests decreased from 132 in 2020 to 39 in 2021.
- Public commenters requested that the Sheriff’s Office cease all cooperation with ICE and criticized the transparency of the reporting process.
- The board received and filed the report unanimously.
Full summary
Roll Call and Pledge
- The roll call was taken. Supervisor Hart joined the meeting prior to the approval of the minutes. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- Item: Approval of the October 11, 2022 minutes.
- Action: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Supervisor Updates
- CEO Report: CEO Miyasato reported no updates.
- Supervisor Lavenino Update: Supervisor Lavenino provided an update on the 10th annual Veteran Stand Down. He reported that 390 veterans participated, an increase of over 50 from the previous year. Of these, 44 were women and over 100 were homeless (including eight homeless women). Transportation was provided for veterans from San Luis Obispo, resulting in 10 veterans and one dog being transported in a county van. A committee meeting will be held to finalize the numbers.
Clerk Announcements
- Clerk DeWitt announced updated methods for public participation, noting that face coverings are no longer required indoors but are encouraged by the Public Health Department. She outlined procedures for in-person attendance at the Santa Barbara and Santa Maria hearing rooms, virtual participation via Zoom (requiring advance registration), and the three-minute time limit for public comments.
Administrative Agenda
- Item A9 (Pulled for Separate Discussion): Supervisor Hartman requested that Administrative Item 9 be pulled for separate discussion. The item, from the County Executive Office, concerns recommendations regarding the Santa Barbara County Operational Area Disaster Care and Shelter Plan. Chair Hartman noted the report’s comprehensiveness, including new items on extreme heat and PSPS events.
- Approval of Remaining Administrative Agenda: A motion was made and seconded to approve the remaining administrative agenda items.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 21: Resolution in Support of Women of Iran
- Sponsor: Supervisor Williams.
- Action: The board adopted a resolution in support of the women of Iran standing against the government of Iran and its persecution of women and violation of human rights.
- Discussion: The resolution cited the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iranian Morality Police and subsequent protests in over 80 cities. It condemned the Iranian government’s human rights abuses and expressed support for the Iranian people’s desire for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear republic.
- Azam Faiz, a faculty member at UC Santa Barbara, spoke in support, detailing the crackdown on protesters, the killing of children, and the demand for regime change.
- Supervisor Williams thanked the speakers and expressed inspiration from the protests.
- Supervisor Hart thanked Supervisor Williams and the speakers, noting the connection between the struggles in Iran and Ukraine.
- Vote: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 22: Resolution Proclaiming October 2022 as Dyslexia Awareness Month
- Sponsor: Supervisor Williams.
- Action: The board adopted a resolution proclaiming October 2022 as Dyslexia Awareness Month in Santa Barbara County.
- Discussion: The resolution highlighted that dyslexia affects one in five individuals and emphasized the importance of early screening and diagnosis. It recognized Senator Monique Limon for her leadership in co-authoring SB 237, a bill to ensure screening for students at risk of dyslexia, which passed the Senate but stalled in the Assembly.
- Senator Monique Limon spoke in support, noting that California is one of ten states without an early screening process and emphasizing the need for community awareness and support for early intervention.
- Supervisor Williams thanked the Senator and local advocates, linking early screening to long-term community safety and reduced incarceration costs.
- Supervisor Hart thanked the sponsors and advocates, expressing hope that SB 237 will pass in the Assembly.
- Vote: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 23: Resolution Proclaiming October 2022 as AIDS Awareness Month
- Sponsors: Supervisor Williams and Supervisor Hart.
- Action: The board adopted a resolution proclaiming October 2022 as AIDS Awareness Month in Santa Barbara County.
- Discussion: The resolution acknowledged the ongoing impact of HIV/AIDS, the importance of pre-exposure prophylaxis, and the work of local agencies and non-profits. It referenced the National AIDS Memorial Quilt and the local Quilt Project Gold Coast.
- Keith Kaufman-Gray, President of Quilt Project Gold Coast, spoke in support, noting that 28 people were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the county last year and 11 died in 2020. He announced a quilt memorial march scheduled for October 22.
- Supervisor Hart thanked the speakers for their long-term advocacy.
- Supervisor Williams thanked the speakers and emphasized the continued risk of the disease.
- Vote: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 24: Resolution Proclaiming October 2022 as National Arts and Humanities Month
- Sponsor: Supervisor Hartman.
- Action: The board adopted a resolution proclaiming October 2022 as National Arts and Humanities Month in Santa Barbara County.
- Discussion: The resolution recognized the Community Arts Commission and awarded the 2022 Leadership in Arts Award to Solvang Theatre Fest for its stewardship of the historic Solvang Festival Theater.
- Scott Koh, representing the Solvang Theatre Fest Board of Directors, accepted the award and corrected the record regarding the restoration cost, stating it was a $5.3 million project funded by 500 donors. He invited the public to attend upcoming events.
- Chair Hartman praised the theater as a vital community asset and noted the quality of performances.
- Vote: Passed and adopted.
Administrative Item 25: Resolution Recognizing the Great California Shakeout
- Sponsor: Supervisor Hartman.
- Action: The board adopted a resolution recognizing the Great California Shakeout and approving participation on October 20, 2022.
- Discussion: The resolution encouraged residents to practice "drop, cover, and hold on" and to register for emergency alerts.
- Kelly Hubbard spoke in support, emphasizing the need for "secure, cover, and hold" language for individuals with mobility limitations.
- Stacey Silva from the County Executive Office highlighted the Earthquake Brace and Bolt program, which offers up to $3,000 in reimbursement for seismic retrofitting, with supplemental grants available for those meeting income thresholds. The application period was noted as open from October 18 through November 29.
- Vote: Passed and adopted.
General Public Comment
- Speaker 1 (Laura Dewey, via Zoom): Spoke regarding inefficiencies in the building and safety permitting process. She described a two-month delay in obtaining a minor non-structural demolition permit for asbestos remediation, citing long response times and difficulties with walk-in hours. She estimated losing nearly $20,000 in holding costs and suggested the county audit its permit process and hire more staff. Supervisor Williams and Supervisor Hart invited her to contact them directly to ensure her concerns were addressed.
- Speaker 2 (Laura Dewey, via Zoom): Spoke regarding traffic safety on El Colegio Road in Isla Vista. She requested a review of the speed limit, citing a tragic accident during Memorial Day weekend where speeds were estimated at 60 mph. She noted that the posted limit is 35 mph, but drivers often exceed it, particularly when entering from roads with 45 mph limits. She highlighted the presence of an elementary school, a senior facility, and heavy pedestrian traffic (students and seniors) and urged the board to consider reducing the speed limit to 25 mph in residential zones.
Departmental Item 1: Sheriff Coroner Overtime Usage and Costs
- Source: County Executive Office.
- Action: The board heard a report on Sheriff Coroner overtime usage and costs, along with a proposed budget development policy for overtime mitigation.
- Discussion:
- Presentation: The CEO’s Office presented a report on the Sheriff’s Office’s financial and staffing challenges. Key points included:
- The Sheriff’s Office has ended the last five fiscal years with a negative Net Financial Impact (NFI) averaging $2.7 million annually, primarily due to unbudgeted overtime in custody and law enforcement branches.
- The FY 22-23 overtime budget is $4.1 million, while actual costs are trending toward $17 million by year-end. Salary and benefit savings from vacancies are expected to offset a portion of this cost.
- A $2 million set-aside from FY 18-19 for an Overtime Reduction Plan was not fully released previously; only $438,000 was used to close a budget gap.
- Factors driving overtime include position vacancies (averaging 26.6 sworn positions over the past five years), training/academy time, leave absences, and emergency events.
- Recruitment challenges include a reduced applicant pool, high cost of living, and competitive incentives from other agencies. Retention challenges include pandemic impacts, mandatory overtime, and broader public sentiment.
- The report recommended a budget development policy for FY 23-24 to maintain the $2 million set-aside in the General County Programs Proposition 172 fund balance, to be released only upon CEO review and Board approval. This set-aside is intended for baseline overtime mitigation, shift relief backfill, and pre-authorized recruitment incentives.
- Three additional options were presented for Board consideration:
- 1. Assist in filling vacancies using existing tools and labor agreements, funded by Prop 172. 2. Add six Sheriff Service Technicians (SSTs) to the custody branch to alleviate jail staffing shortages, costing $648,000, funded by Prop 172. 3. Assess other staffing levels once additional data is available to develop a multi-year plan.
- Sheriff’s Comments: Sheriff Brown commented on the report, noting a downward trend in overtime prior to 2021, which was reversed by increased retirements and separations. He emphasized that the Sheriff’s Office vacancy rate is lower than other local agencies. He requested Board approval for the hiring of six SSTs outside the traditional budget process to provide immediate relief to custody staff. He expressed concerns about using the county’s new hire incentive program for line-level personnel due to past ineffectiveness, repayment issues, and potential morale impacts on existing staff, but suggested exploring a recruitment bounty for existing employees who refer successful candidates. He also noted that the department is working to implement KPMG recommendations and improve data tracking for overtime usage.
- Board Discussion and Questions:
- Supervisor Nelson asked about the forecast for salary savings offsetting the $17 million overtime projection and the calculation of relief factors. The CEO’s Office stated that specific savings numbers are preliminary and that relief factors are calculated for sworn positions to account for training and leave.
- Supervisor Lavagnino inquired about the use of new hire incentives, the rationale for selecting six SSTs, and recruitment outreach strategies. The Sheriff explained that the number six was a rounded figure based on a 5.5 relief factor for a 24-hour post. He noted that the department recruits from local colleges and military bases (Vandenberg, Port Hueneme) and is planning a special video segment on recruitment.
- Supervisor Williams asked about the implementation of relief factors and KPMG recommendations. The Sheriff confirmed that adding SSTs would help leverage existing custody deputies and reduce overtime. He stated that the data unit is operational but still developing. He provided entry-level salary ranges for SSTs ($61,000–$73,000), custody deputies ($76,000–$92,000), and dispatchers ($66,000–$80,000).
- Supervisor Hart expressed concern that the proposed actions lacked urgency and innovation, noting that the same strategies have been used for five years without resolving the crisis. The Sheriff responded that the Sheriff’s Office vacancy rate is lower than other local agencies and that the department is maintaining hiring standards while addressing challenges. He attributed some recruitment difficulties to a "false narrative" regarding policing. Supervisor Hart disagreed with this characterization, stating it does not help the conversation.
- Supervisor Nelson clarified that the Board could approve all three options (1, 2, and 3) or a combination. He also raised the idea of a county-wide employee referral bonus program. The CEO’s Office indicated they could develop such a program if directed by the Board.
- Supervisor Williams discussed the utilization of the Northern Branch Jail for special needs inmates and the need to avoid pulling patrol staff to staff the jail. The Sheriff agreed on the importance of utilizing Northern Branch and noted that the main jail has an in-house Restoration to Competency program.
- Supervisor Lavagnino asked about hiring standards and acceptance rates compared to other agencies. The Sheriff explained the multi-stage hiring process and the low acceptance rate, emphasizing the value of the SST position as a pipeline for sworn roles.
- Supervisor Hart asked about collaborative efforts with probation, public defenders, and the DA to reduce jail population. The Sheriff indicated agreement with the need for collaboration.
- Continuation of Discussion:
- The Sheriff provided context on jail population trends, noting a steady decline in overall numbers but a shift in the inmate demographic, with approximately 90% of current inmates facing or convicted of felony charges compared to a previous 50-50 split between felony and misdemeanor charges. The Sheriff highlighted existing alternative programs, including the Sheriff’s Treatment Program for addiction, educational programs (GED, vocational training), and partnerships with probation for alternative sentencing. The Sheriff emphasized the need for resources to support supervision levels for these alternatives.
- A Supervisor commented on the use of public access television for recruitment, suggesting a shift toward digital media. The Sheriff responded that footage from public access broadcasts is edited for social media and recruitment purposes.
- The Chair raised concerns regarding the lack of granular data on overtime costs and workflow, noting that while the department tracks some data, it does not currently break down costs by specific causes such as vacancies or lost time. Staff indicated that while the technology exists, the department currently lacks the detailed time-coding practices to provide this level of analysis. Staff noted they would consult with department staff on whether additional software or training is required to implement better time-tracking.
- The Chair inquired about the job descriptions for Sheriff Service Technicians (SSTs). The Sheriff stated that existing job descriptions cover the necessary duties for both patrol and custody branches, so no changes are needed for the new SST positions. However, another Supervisor noted ongoing discussions with the union regarding the classification of utility workers and SSTs, indicating that job descriptions for utility workers may need updating to reflect their unique role in the Sheriff’s Office. Staff clarified that job description updates can be made without Board approval unless they result in salary changes or title changes, which would require Board action.
- The Chair asked about the potential for civilian job classifications to relieve custody deputies. Staff explained that SSTs were designed to be flexible, allowing deployment to either field or custody as needed. The Sheriff added that existing SSTs are already deployed in the custody branch in functions other than control rooms.
- The Sheriff commended the Human Resources Bureau for innovative recruitment efforts, noting that while the process is slow, the department is hiring qualified candidates.
- Public Comment:
- Andy Caldwell (COLAB): Expressed concern that criminal justice reform narratives are impacting recruitment and retention by creating a sense of futility among officers. Cited issues with repeat offenders, officer safety, and the risk of prosecution for officers using force. Argued that career criminals should serve full sentences and that the current system undermines law enforcement morale.
- Justin Schroeder (DSA): Highlighted the impact of overtime on officers’ personal lives, including divorces and mental health issues. Stated that the job classification has changed significantly due to added responsibilities (body cameras, training, oversight) but pay has only received standard cost-of-living adjustments (3% this year, 2.5% next year), resulting in a perceived pay cut compared to inflation. Noted that patrol officers are currently 5% under market value compared to allied agencies and could be 15-20% under by the end of the contract. Proposed a 5% above-market pay adjustment to fill ranks. Supported new hire incentives and bounty programs with caveats regarding potential conflicts between employees. Expressed caution regarding SSTs, preferring custody or patrol deputies for certain roles but acknowledging that more positions help in the long run.
- Board Discussion and Motion:
- The Chair summarized the staff recommendations, which included:
- 1. Continuing the $2 million set-aside for overtime mitigation. 2. Reimbursing costs for a new hire incentive program from the $2 million fund. 3. Conducting further analysis on hiring bonuses/referral programs. 4. Pursuing more granular data analysis on overtime and workflow.
- Supervisors expressed support for the new hire incentive program, noting that the worst-case scenario is no funds spent if no one participates. They also supported exploring the hiring bonus/referral program.
- A Supervisor requested that the Sheriff’s Office investigate why the Northern Branch Jail is not fully utilizing its mental health bed capacity, specifically comparing costs per occupied bed in the North versus South County facilities. Staff explained that the contract amendment for additional mental health staff had been authorized, but hiring delays prevented deployment to the North. The Sheriff committed to analyzing the utilization of the Northern Branch Jail and providing cost data to the Board.
- Motion: Adopt staff recommendations (Options 1, 2, and 3) and direct the Sheriff’s Department to provide information on the cost per occupied bed for specialty mental health or medical beds in the North versus South County facilities.
- Second: Yes.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Departmental Item 2: Proposition 172 Funding Update
- Discussion:
- Presentation: Staff presented an update on Proposition 172 (Prop 172) funding, a half-percent statewide sales tax dedicated to local public safety. Key points included:
- Revenue Trends: Prop 172 revenues are susceptible to economic fluctuations. In FY 2019-20, revenues were $2.5 million under budget due to the pandemic. In FY 2021-22, actual receipts exceeded $48 million, significantly above the budgeted $40 million. For FY 2022-23, staff estimated revenues around $48 million, which would be $5.6 million above the budgeted amount.
- Allocation History: Since 2019, the CEO has discretion to allocate funds based on needs and Board priorities, replacing a previous formulaic agreement. Allocations to the Sheriff, DA, Probation, and Public Defender have grown by approximately 20% over the last five years.
- Current Balance: The Prop 172 fund balance is approximately $15.5 million.
- Recommended Uses:
- $900,000 for Year 1 of the Alternate Workers’ Compensation Pilot and revenue shortfalls from city contracts.
- $2 million for the Sheriff’s Overtime Mitigation Pool (discussed in the previous item).
- $1.5 million for outstanding litigation claims and jail equipment needs.
- $430,000 for remaining years of the Alternate Workers’ Compensation Pilot.
- $4 million recommended as a prudent reserve (approx. 8% of estimated revenue) to cover potential economic downturns.
- This leaves a remaining balance of $6.7 million in one-time funds and an estimated $5.6 million in unallocated ongoing revenue.
- Northern Branch Jail Funding Gap: Staff highlighted a critical issue regarding the Northern Branch Jail. The adopted funding plan, which set aside General Fund (GFC) amounts, is set to expire in FY 2022-23. Operating costs for the jail have risen to over $23.5 million, creating a gap of over $4 million compared to the $19.3 million set-aside. Staff warned that without continued growth in funding, the fund balance will be depleted, leading to a structural deficit. Prop 172 is identified as a potential source to close this gap.
- Timing Options: The Board could direct current-year budget revisions (requiring a 4/5 vote), provide direction for the 2023-24 budget (requiring a 3/5 vote at adoption), or take no action and receive the report.
- Board Discussion:
- A Supervisor requested the addition of a mid-year budget adjustment to fund a Community Resource Deputy for the Orcutt and Los Alamos areas. The position would be partially funded by the Orcutt Community Facilities District (covering 75% of costs) and Prop 172 (covering the remaining 25%, approximately $50,000 ongoing and $21,250 one-time for equipment). The Supervisor noted that this position would address unmet needs in unincorporated areas, including rural crime and community engagement. Other Supervisors expressed support for this innovative funding approach and the importance of addressing rural crime and agricultural sector safety.
- Staff reiterated the urgency of the Northern Branch Jail funding gap, noting that the $2.2 million annual increase in operating costs is a mandatory expense that will consume the entire ongoing Prop 172 revenue within two years if not addressed, potentially shifting the burden to the General Fund.
- Motion: Receive and file the Prop 172 update, make CEQA findings, and direct staff to return with a mid-year adjustment for the Community Resource Deputy.
- Second: Yes.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Closed Session Report
- The Board reconvened from a closed session held earlier in the day. The report indicated that the Board met in closed session regarding two items: existing litigation (Cruz v. Tyler and County of Santa Barbara) and conferences with labor negotiators for all bargaining units, unrepresented employees, managers, and executives. The Board took no reportable action during the closed session.
Departmental Item 3: Hearing to Consider Recommendations Regarding the Annual Truth Act Report and Community Forum
- Presentation and Data Review:
- Sheriff Brown, joined by Under Sheriff Craig Bonner, Custody Chief Deputy Vincent Waslewski, and Custody Sergeant Eric Alexander, presented the 2021 Truth Act Forum report as required by California Government Code section 7283.1D. The presentation covered the implementation of the California Trust Act (2014), Truth Act (2017), and Values Act (2018). The Sheriff’s Office adopted Policy 210 to comply with Assembly Bill 2792 (Truth Act), which prohibits discrimination based on immigration status and outlines procedures for notifying inmates of communications with ICE.
- Key data points presented included:
- ICE access requests decreased from 132 in 2020 to 39 in 2021.
- ICE pickups following release from custody decreased from 12 in 2020 to 6 in 2021.
- The Sheriff’s Office clarified the distinction between a "transfer" (where an individual remains in custody and is handed directly to another agency) and a "release" (where an individual is released from county custody, and ICE may subsequently apprehend them in the community). The Sheriff’s Office reported zero transfers to ICE in 2021, noting that the six individuals apprehended by ICE were released from county custody first.
- The Sheriff’s Office stated that it does not maintain public records on aggregate ICE access data and that data for the report was compiled via manual staff searches of booking packets.
- The Sheriff’s Office explained that it notifies ICE of release dates only when specific exceptions under the Truth Act apply. If ICE does not pick up the individual at the facility, the individual is released into the community.
- Public Comment:
- Twenty-one members of the public provided comments. Speakers included representatives from CAWS, 805 Immigrant, the Meeks-Tuckerland-Dakota Community Organizing Project, the Immigrant Legal Defense Center, SBCAN, Importa Santa Barbara, MICOPS, and various community members and legal professionals.
- Common themes in the public comments included:
- Requests for the Sheriff’s Office to cease all cooperation with ICE, including stopping notifications of release dates and transfers.
- Arguments that cooperation with ICE erodes community trust, discourages crime reporting, and results in family separation.
- Criticisms regarding the transparency of the reporting process, specifically the distinction between "transfers" and "pickups," and the method of data collection.
- Suggestions for holding community forums at more accessible times (e.g., evenings) and providing better advance notice.
- Concerns regarding the lack of interpretation services for non-Spanish speaking immigrants, particularly those speaking indigenous languages such as Mixteco.
- Assertions that the current practices violate the spirit of the Trust, Truth, and Values Acts.
- Board Discussion and Q&A:
- Following public comment, Sheriff Brown responded to questions from the Board. He stated that the Sheriff’s Office aims to balance the protection of community members with the removal of individuals with serious criminal histories. He noted that the majority of crimes committed by those picked up by ICE are serious offenses, often against other Hispanic community members. He expressed a desire for comprehensive federal immigration reform to resolve the current legal complexities.
- Supervisor Williams asked for clarification on why the Sheriff’s Office reports these incidents as releases rather than transfers, given the Attorney General’s website transparency requirements. Sheriff Brown explained that there is no state definition distinguishing a transfer from a release in this context, and the Sheriff’s Office follows legal advice that these are releases. He noted that 46 of 58 counties in California do not report these incidents as transfers.
- Supervisor Williams also inquired whether the Sheriff’s Office notifies the attorneys of individuals being released. Sheriff Brown confirmed that the law requires notification to attorneys, but Sergeant Alexander stated that in practice, most inmates refuse to sign the form or provide attorney information.
- The Chair noted that the selection of which individuals are picked up by ICE appears arbitrary based on the charges and custody history presented. Sheriff Brown responded that the decision to pick up individuals rests with ICE, not the Sheriff’s Office, and that the charges involved in the 2021 pickups included serious offenses such as attempted murder and first-degree robbery.
- Supervisor Lavagnino stated that comprehensive immigration reform is unlikely due to political dynamics and that the current situation will persist. He expressed appreciation for the tone of public comment and noted that while he opposes mass rounding up and family separation, he believes individuals who commit serious crimes, such as attempted murder or first-degree burglary, forfeit the ability to remain in the country. He cited community feedback indicating fear of local gang activity rather than law enforcement and suggested that a town hall format would have provided broader community input.
- Supervisor Nelson commented on the terminology of "transfers" versus "pickups," noting that transfers require more coordination. He referenced ICE statistics from October 2020 to September 2021, including narcotics seizures, currency seizures, and human trafficking victim assistance. He argued that federal agencies like ICE have a constitutional authority under the supremacy clause and that local agencies should collaborate with federal partners, comparing this relationship to public health departments working with the CDC. He stated that most ICE officers in the Santa Maria Valley are Hispanic and that their mission is to protect public safety from cross-border crime.
- Supervisor Hart thanked the participants and presenters, agreeing that the issue is complex and requires respectful conversation. He noted a potential definitional issue at the state level regarding what constitutes a "transfer" and suggested working to clarify this.
- Motion: Receive and file the report.
- Second: Yes.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned to November 1st in Santa Barbara.