Board of Supervisors — 2024-06-18

Good morning, everybody. I'd like to call to order this June 18th 2024 meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. Madam Clerk, can you get a roll call please?

Move approval of both.

Second. Moved and seconded, all those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Passes unanimously. Okay,

Good morning Chair Lavanino and Supervisors. This morning I have a couple of awards to highlight that were recently received by our supervisors. First, Chair Lavanino was awarded the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award by the Santa Maria Elks Lodge 1538. Right on! Wow. They said it was for his demonstrated support for the lodge, veterans youth local charities and for being a constant champion for the community. So congratulations again Chair Leveny.

Thank you.

The second was that Supervisor Williams received a 2024 honoree award from People Assisting the Homeless or PATH as its toast to home event. The organization runs one of the largest homeless shelters in our region on behalf of the county and the city of Santa Barbara, and they wanted to thank and honor Supervisor Williams for all his work. And that concludes my report.

All right. Madam Clerk, any announcements or changes to our agenda today?

Chair Lavinino and members of the board I do have a few announcements this morning. We posted an addendum to today's agenda on Friday June 14th amending the closed session agenda. The closed session agenda has been amended to reflect an additional item under conference with legal counsel existing litigation American Medical Response West First County of Santa Barbara at all. Santa Barbara County Superior Court case number 23 CV 04250 and removing the closed session agenda item under conference with labor negotiators. This addendum has been posted online and made available to the board and the public Additionally, I have an announcement on administrative item number 27. Administrative Item Number 27 is from the Human Resources Department. It is to consider recommendations regarding a performance-based salary adjustment for County Council prior to the board acting on this item.

In accordance with government code section 54953 subdivision c3, county council salary information shall be summarized verbally. County Human Resources recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve a 2.5 percent performance-based salary adjustment for county council effective June 24th 2024 based on the performance review of county council completed by the Board of Supervisors on May 7th 2024 By adopting this recommendation, the Board of Supervisors will approve biweekly salary of approximately $10,573 for County Council. Additionally I have an announcement on administrative item number 47. Administrative item number 47 is from the Social Services Department It is to consider recommendations regarding an agreement with Martha Gonzalez for services of contractor on payroll as the Quiama Family Resource Center coordinator.

Prior to the board acting on this item in accordance with government code section 54953 subdivision C3, contract information shall be summarized verbally Martha Gonzales total contract compensation for the period of July 1st, 2024 to June 30th 2025 is in an amount not to exceed $99,554. And lastly 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 two of the agenda Individuals that would like to provide verbal public comment may do so via Zoom by registering in advance via the link available on page 2. If you have any questions, please contact the Clerk of the Board's Office at Area Code 805-568-2240. Again that's 805 568 2240 and that concludes my announcements for today.

All right thank you very much

I believe you have a

16 and that's it. Madam Clerk, any members of the public?

Chair Lavinino and members of the Board, I have no requests to speak from the public on the administrative agenda.

OK, I'll now entertain a motion to approve the balance of the administrative agenda except for Item A-16.

So

moved. Second.

All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Passes unanimously. You know what, since we only have one item let's go ahead and take A16 now.

Chair Lavanino and members of the board, Administrative Item Number 16 is from the Community Services Department. It is to consider recommendations regarding the formation of a Santa Barbara Bowl Ad Hoc Committee.

Supervisor Hartman?

So I would suggest that staff give us a bit more specific direction in this, including that it would be a six month timeline and that the scope should focus on exploring avenues for enhancing the arts subsidy annual contribution.

Makes sense to me, Supervisor Nelson or no? OK, I agree. Madam County Counselor, are we okay with that?

Members of the Board, yes. That's fine for direction and it also helps to clarify that it is exempt from the Brown Act.

Okay so that would be Supervisors Williams and Hartman on that ad hoc subcommittee. Excellent, okay.

And I'll make a motion.

Chair Lavinino and members of the board, administrative item number one is sponsored by Supervisor Hartman and Supervisor Lavinino. It is to adopt a resolution of commendation honoring Rosa Coronado on the 2024 League of Women Voters of North Santa Barbara County Making Democracy Work Founder's Award recipient. And joining us here in person today we have Rosa Coronado and Virginia Suiza.

And if you can please join us at the podium. Excuse me, that's Virginia Souza. Thank you. And I will go ahead and read the resolution into the record. Whereas Rosa Coronado, a dedicated educator and community advocate has been recognized as the 2024 League of Women Voters of North Santa Barbara County Making Democracy Work Founder's Award recipient. And whereas Rosa began teaching U.S. citizenship classes in September 2013 through the California Independent Provider Training Center at the United Domestic Workers Office under a grant from US Citizenship and Immigration Service, where she worked until February 2015. And whereas following the conclusion of the grant, Rosa continued her efforts by volunteering to provide classes for free. And whereas Rosa mentors individuals through this citizenship process to complete forms and prepare for exams and interviews And whereas Rosa has assisted over 200 individuals from various communities including Lompoc, Santa Maria, Guadalupe, Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande and Nipomo in their journey to become U.S.

citizens. And whereas her dedication and effective teaching methods have resulted in 100% of her students passing their citizenship exams. And whereas Rosa's journey from undocumented immigrant to proud American citizen exemplifies the transformative power of legal citizenship Her accomplishments empower both her and others to fully engage in democracy, access education, contribute positively to our nation and pursue the American dream. Now therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors recognizes Rosa Coronado as the 2024 League of Women Voters of North Santa Barbara County Making Democracy Work Founder's Award recipient passed and adopted today.

I just want to thank you guys for recognizing the job, the work I do in the community. And for me it's a privilege to be able to help others to become U.S. citizen. It's an honor to see them how they struggle with the language and stuff like that and feel so not capable of making it past their citizenship test, but I just feel so proud of being able to provide all the training and the work and in this time spending with them.

First of all, to make them believe that they can do it If I did it, they can do it. So I am so proud and I am so honored to be honored by you guys and this is a privilege for me to be here and just enjoy what I do. And one of the things that I feel so happy when they come and ask me, so what's next? I say well, vote! That's next. You give you both that you got it now, you have the power to vote.

And so I am so proud of that and thank you. I could say more, but I don't know. I'm so nervous. So thank you everybody for honoring me with this reward is very special to me. Thank you.

Just real quick, Allison Wales with the League of Women Voters just real quick. Thank you so much to the board for honoring Rosa. I was surprised to see this was happening a few weeks ago we gave out this award that was created by the board a few years ago and we truly truly believe in it because as we say change happens locally And honoring these people that are in amongst us and making change locally is so important and empowering. So thank you for this honoring her, and the league is around and we'll see your soon.

Chair Lavinino, members of the board. Administrative item number two is sponsored by Supervisor Capps. It is to adopt a resolution proclaiming June 19th 2024 as Juneteenth in Santa Barbara County and joining us today from the NAACP Executive Committee we have Yasmin Dawson, Angie Bolden, Sarah McDonald and Joanne Greene. And if you can please join us at the podium and anyone else who would like to join with you?

And I'll go ahead and read the resolution. Whereas on January 1st, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation declaring the freedom of enslaved people in the Confederate States contingent upon their return to the Union by that date thus using the proclamation as both a reward and punishment And whereas the Emancipation Proclamation did not fully abolish slavery in the United States and was not intended to end slavery completely as it did not affect northern states like Missouri and Delaware, where slavery was legal nor did it grant U.S. citizenship to black Northerners and emancipation was delayed for many enslaved people particularly in Texas due to the lack of significant union presence and the withholding of information by enslavers.

And whereas African Americans in Texas did not learn of the Emancipation Proclamation until June 19, 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the proclamation and ensure the freedom of approximately 250,000 enslaved people leading to celebrations among the newly freed and the birth of Juneteenth also known as Freedom Day or Independence Day. And whereas the first annual celebration of Jubilee Day was organized by freedmen in Texas on June 19, 1866 featuring prayer meetings, singing of spirituals and the wearing of new clothes to symbolize newfound freedom. As black people migrated from Texas they carried the Juneteenth tradition with them leading to widespread commemorations that include music, barbecues, prayer services, historical reenactments and other activities.

And whereas slavery was officially abolished with the adoption and ratification of the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution in December 1865, which states neither slavery nor involuntary servitude except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted shall exist within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction. And this exception clause has been linked by scholars, activists and prisoners to the rise of a prison system that disproportionately incarcerates black people and profits off their unpaid and underpaid labor.

And whereas Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday in 1979 and over the years several other states followed suit culminating in Congress passing a resolution in June 2021 Establishing Juneteenth as a national holiday, which was signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden on June 17th 2021 and further recognized in California as a state holiday by AB 1655 signed by Governor Newsom on September 29th 2022 with celebrations planned along the central coast including San Luis Obispo, Lompoc, Solving and Santa Barbara And whereas Juneteenth allows us to celebrate the freeing of enslaved people, reflect on the condition of their lives and their descendants in our present day. And black serving organizations as well as people who identify as black calls to action all levels of government to commit ourselves to practice inclusivity and pro-black inclusion as we work to end systemic racism across our country.

And now, therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors does hereby declare and celebrate June 19th 2024 as Juneteenth in Santa Barbara County. And encourages all residents to use this time to learn about the legacy of black people their contributions and take a valiant stand in alliance to promote equity inclusion and understanding passed and adopted today

Good morning, distinguished members of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. My name is Jasmine Dawson. I'm a member of the NAACP and Executive Director of C4 Collective Cultures Creating Change. I stand before you with the deepest gratitude for all the support and assistance that you give us. First, I'd like to begin with a message from our president, LaWanda Pruitt who couldn't be here with us today. Please keep her family in your prayers. Unfortunately, her father passed and she is presently in Chicago.

In her absence, I would like to convey her message of thanks for your support for the resolution We celebrated Juneteenth on Saturday, which turned out to be a delightful success. In addition we also would like to extend thanks to the racial equity grant and all our supporters. Lastly, when the NAACP and C4 partnered four years ago to celebrate Juneteenth we couldn't have imagined how it allowed our organizations to do something so positive and good for the Lompoc community. We are heartened by the people who show up and engage in our celebration. It truly is a beautiful sight to see this cultural event centered in the Lompoc community. Words can't express how much we appreciate all the support, assistance and aid to allow us to create unity, change and joy to our organizations and community.

Thank you and we humbly accept your resolution with the deepest gratitude I know I said thank you, gratitude, aid, all that. But that's how much it means to us. And I'd like to end with an Arabic saying, Jazakallah Khair, which means may God reward you all. Thank you so much.

Supervisor Kaps?

Thank you. I just want to extend our gratitude to these wonderful women who have been doing tireless advocacy unsung long before there was a federal holiday, long before there was a state holiday, long before our county will observe Juneteenth tomorrow. Now we have the proclamations and resolutions but they've been doing the work, the Executive Committee of the NAACP and my heartfelt thanks.

Excellent. OK. Madam Clerk, can you please read administrative item number three into the record?

Chair Lavinino and members of the board, Administrative Item Number Three is sponsored by Supervisor Nelson. It is to adopt a resolution honoring the 10th year anniversary of Honor Flight Central Coast California. And joining us in person today we have Robert Toland and Jay Connor. If you can please join us at the podium and I will go ahead and read the resolution.

Whereas Honor Flight Central Coast California, Inc., HFCCC was founded on October 15th 2013 with a mission to honor our nation's veterans. And whereas HFCCC has provided a valuable and patriotic service for our veterans for over a decade ensuring that their sacrifices in service are recognized and celebrated. And whereas for 10 years, HFCCC has organized numerous all-expense paid trips for our veterans allowing them to take their tour of honor. Visiting their memorials in Washington DC including the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and other significant historical sites fostering a sense of recognition and appreciation for their service from their grateful nation.

And whereas these trips have not only enriched the lives of our veterans but have also provided them with opportunity to connect with fellow veterans, share their stories and find solace and support among their peers. Fostering a sense of camaraderie that is invaluable to their well-being And whereas the 10th anniversary of HFCCC serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing commitment to honor and recognize the service and sacrifices of our veterans, inspiring a renewed sense of duty and respect for those who have served our nation. And whereas HFCCC has been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of expressing gratitude to our veterans, encouraging communities to come together in support of these heroes, and fostering a sense of patriotism and unity among our citizens.

And whereas the dedicated volunteers, sponsors and supporters of HFCCC have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the mission of honoring our veterans ensuring that this program continues to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country. And whereas it is fitting and proper that we, the members of this community, take a moment to recognize and commend the incredible achievements of HFCCC on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Now therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this Sound of Barbara County Board of Supervisors hereby honor and celebrate the 10th anniversary of Honor Flight Central Coast Inc., applauding their dedication to recognizing and supporting our veterans And extending our heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, volunteers, sponsors and all those involved in this noble endeavor for their unwavering commitment to our veterans passed and adopted today.

Good morning board. My name is Robert Tolan, I'm the vice chair for Honor Flight Central Coast. Thank you so much for doing this and me so much. This is our 10th anniversary but last year beginning of 2023 was our first time that we actually came to Santa Maria Airport and started flying in out of Santa Maria and since then we've taken about I think about 350 veterans out of the Santa Maria airport and we've also had our largest welcome home ever which was around 1,200 last April then we had about 800 last October. So we look forward to continuing honoring our more to Korean Vietnam veterans and all those who served in between now I'd like to introduce Jay Connor he is one of our founding members.

Thank you, thank you Chairman Lavinino and board. It is really an honor that we get this resolution and recognize the tremendous effects that Honor Flights had on our veterans. I just want to take a moment read some of the statistics. First of all in 2013 this was an unknown commodity six of us got together and realized it was a missing You know, the element in our communities and we identified Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo Counties as a deafened need. Since then it hasn't been easy all the time with one of our first flights having only 17 veterans on it and the last flight having 85 but since we started we've flown 668 veterans back to Washington DC for their tour of honor which include 26 ladies.

And I'll tell you what, it's been one of the most honoring times I had the opportunity to as a veteran but I was a guardian. I chose to be a guardian to learn about the experience and I have had the honor to go back with a World War II veteran and it's one of the most amazing things that anybody can do so anybody in the audience that knows a veteran that hasn't applied we need veterans to sign up to apply because if you know they say I've talked and many of us talk to the veterans a oh yeah I'd love to go well did just did you apply if you don't apply we don't need you one day we don' t know you want to go and then guardians you know they they're community volunteers and also a lot of veterans go as guardians but it's it is a very humbling experience to go with the veterans and it's really an opportunity.

We've had 185 World War II, 185 Korean and now 278 Vietnam veterans which are the more challenging veterans of the PTSD a lot of stuff that the unfortunate things that came with with that conflict but again we want to thank you on behalf of Honor Flight and look forward your continued support thank you very much

All right, our final resolution A4. Can you please read that into the record Madam Clerk?

Chair Lavinino and members of the board administrative item number four sponsored by Supervisor Nelson it is to adopt a resolution proclaiming June 12th 2024 as National Women Veterans Day in Santa Barbara County and you know what this is actually sponsored by Supervisor Lavinino.

I was gonna let you get a little love there yeah

And joining us today, that's Allison Wales. If you can please come to the podium and I'll go ahead and read the resolution. Whereas President Harry S Truman signed into law the Integration Act on June 12th, 1948 enabling women to serve as permanent regular members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. And whereas women veterans are one of the fastest growing demographics within the United States military and are expected to reach nearly 20% of the veteran population by 2045.

And whereas she raised her hand, a collaborative initiative was formed in Santa Barbara County to provide opportunities for women veterans in Santa Barbara County to find community purpose and strength in their identity as veterans. And whereas Santa Barbara County is home to women veterans who have served our country with honor and dignity. Often in dangerous situations, safeguarding our heritage and freedom while providing valuable service and expertise to our society. And whereas women veterans have been leaders not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity but also at the forefront of numerous major progressive social change movements in history paving the way for future generations to enjoy the unalienable rights duties and responsibilities afforded equally to all residents of the United States of America.

And whereas each woman veteran is extraordinary in her own way, proving that women working inside the home or outside an academia science technology business labor governance and more maintain critical rows roles in every sphere of society. Now therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this county of Santa Barbara proclaims June 12th 2024 as National Women Veterans Day passed and adopted today.

I'd like to thank again our whole board for this honor and actually this opportunity from the Women's Commission. I want to take a small acknowledgment, where is Kathy? Where did she go? She likes to hide but bless her she is a big part of this. The commission had a little bit of extra money left over from a grant that you all allowed us to have a few years ago and I was able to take it to the Santa Barbara County Veterans Collaborative, which was Cathy. And we went to Hancock College and oh we're just going to do a little forum with a little bit of money.

And this is a testament to what can happen when you have a few women in a room talking and have an idea. So this idea formed in October, and here we are where we've actually been honored by the The Culinarians and Winemakers of San Yanez with a grant for $20,000 this past spring which is going to allow this initiative over the next few years to stand on its own and hopefully become its own nonprofit in and of itself.

And just real quick, as a commissioner I truly believe I am an advocate for all and advocacy is about education and opportunity. And you've allowed this to happen and I thank you for that for all of our women veterans out there. This is an opportunity for them to create their own space. Thank you.

And Allison, I just want to appreciate all the work that the Women's Commission does. I want to thank my other commissioners, Yvette Peralta and Tracy Beard for the outstanding work that you do at Stand Down every year. I did mention that the Stand Down contract was on this agenda but we just approved it. The next Stand Down is going to be October 26th and I know I can count on Allison and her friends to be there to help our women veterans what they did You know, they usually have a special side booth and everything. And they had a lot of women that have served for some reason.

They're kind of reticent to stand up and be recognized. So they had a cutout and the women could take a picture inside this frame that said I wore dog tags. The pride you could see when the women were taking those photos was pretty cool to watch so thank you again for all you do. So that closes out our administrative agenda. Now is the time for members of the public to speak on items that are not on today's agenda. Madam Clerk, are there any requests to speak on general public comment today?

Chair Lavinino and members of the board yes we have six requests to speak from the public on general public comment today.

Okay and once the first speaker starts we will close the roll for the rest of public comment.

And we will begin in Santa Maria here with Pamela Barilone to be followed by Leanne Wollever. Pamela

Good morning. My name is Pamela Barilone and I'm the president of Del Cielo Home Residents Association. I'm here on behalf of the residents, which many are here, of the Del Cielo communities regarding the sale of our mobile home park to Harmony Communities. Del Cielo has been a senior community since the 1960s and we never thought it would be changed as this is our home And we purchased our homes with the knowledge that this is a senior park.

Our park was sold to Harmony Communities and Affiliates in April 2024, and they intend to change it to an all-age park. We as a community have already been in touch with and are in communication with Bob Nelson and Aaron Henke. We're very grateful for their genuine concern and quick response to our inquiry. Harmony has already purchased several homes in our community, in our advertising, and asking realtors to sell homes as an all-age park.

In addition, this company has had a history of numerous legal complaints ranging from charging extra on utilities to evictions and outright closing parks to leave seniors homeless just to make a buck. I bring this up not only because this is a trend that has happened with other properties but we are starting to see it happen in our very own community. Our very first rent bill, we were all charged extra on our utilities One of our residents has already received an eviction notice with a seven day notice to comply with park rules and regulations dated June 14, 2024.

I only want to share so all the supervisors in the county are aware of our plight as it will undoubtedly affect the entire county if Harmony and its affiliates are allowed to continue to purchase properties where seniors live. I know that Santa Barbara County is dealing with an affordable housing crisis, and I want to notify you of this new development so that you won't be caught off guard.

Thank you so much for your time.

Thank you.

We will now go to Leanne Wolever to be followed by Sherry Foster. Leanne?

Good morning board. My name is Leanne Woliver, I'm with the state of New California and I'm the chair for Santa Barbara County. I thought I would talk about, not about elections since elections have been brought up a lot. But this is concerning solar subsidies that a lot of us take advantage of but the Newsom administration that ran up a 75 billion deficit this year and expects 30 billion deficits for each of the next four years has just slashed solar power reimbursements and subsidies for the third time in the last year California in 1995 passed energy regulatory rules called net metering that established a framework for electric utilities to buy excess solar energy at the full retail prices from individuals that installed rooftop solar systems.

The goal was to end fossil fuel use by converting 100% of the California's energy production to renewables and achieve zero carbon footprint by 2045. But lavish solar subsidies were later extended to multinational corporations, owners of stack-and-pack Section 8 apartments to supposedly ensure that at least 51% of the energy derived from Solar ownership served disadvantaged customers.

About 1.5 million California homes with installed rooftop solar systems now receiving net metering subsidies for supplying about 10% of the state's electrical demand But over 14% of the state's electricity is supplied by large-scale corporate solar projects. California historically has some of the lowest cost electric rates in the nation, but residential retail customers after the implementation of green energy subsidies now pay an average for electricity of about $32.47 per kilowatt hour.

That is the highest rate in the continental United States and about 100% more than the national average of 16.68 cents per kilowatt hour, according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency. The CPUC Public Advocates Office analysis argued that the solar customers should pay their fair share of grid, wildfire and other related costs. But what's happening here is that just the prices of energy is going up even the people that have taken advantage of having solar on top of their roofs are now being squeezed for more money.

I don't like that but anyway, just wanted to let you know. Thank you very much.

We will remain in Santa Maria with Sherry Foster to be followed by Dan Kelly.

Good morning board members. I'm Sherry Foster, Assemblyman for New California State. I am going to be speaking on Doctors Medical Group's call for focus on mental health and gender confused children. New declaration sounds alarm on the long term risk of subjecting children to so-called gender affirming interventions. More than 100 medical professionals and groups have signed on to a declaration that calls for a shift in focus towards addressing underlying psychological problems of children who experience discomfort with their sex. The Doctors Protecting Children's Declaration was issued by pediatricians, doctors, researchers, medical ethics advocates and faith-based medical groups on June 6 at a news conference in Washington.

Spearheaded by the Conservative American College of Pediatricians, the declaration highlights the long-term risks of subjecting gender confused children to gender affirming interventions which involves a social transition such as changing one's name and appearance to align with their preferred gender. As well as the use of puberty blockers, cross sex hormones and genital surgeries Instead, psychotherapy for underlining mental health issues such as depression, autism, anxiety and emotional trauma should be the first line of treatment for children who are confused or distressed about their sex. The declaration states We are here defying the claims made by these medical organizations in the US that those of us who are concerned our minority and that their protocols or consensus.

Dr. Jill Simons, a pediatrician and the executive director AC PEDS said at the event they are not consensus and we're speaking out loud in unified voice enough Dr. Simmons was referring to protocols developed by the World Professional Association of Transgender Health, an international nonprofit group dedicated to the study of transgender health guidelines known as Standard of Care 8 recommended that adolescent patients diagnosed with gender incongruence be given access to puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgeries as long as they can demonstrate the emotional and cognitive maturity required to provide informed consent for the treatment. However recently linked internal videos and documents appeared to show that WePath members have questioned whether children were able to understand the full ramifications of those drugs and procedures.

Dr. Andre Van Mol, a Navy veteran turned family physician and adolescent sexuality expert at AC PEDS echoes such concerns. Minors cannot give true informed consent he said at the June 4th event speaking on behalf of the AC PEDS Thank

You Sherry that is your time okay thank you we will remain in Santa Maria with Dan Kelly to be followed by Paula Robledo.

Good morning, Supervisors. Thank you for letting me speak. I'm a resident at Del Cielo Mobile Estates and I'm also 100% disabled Marine Corps retired veteran. My question is directed to Bob Nelson and I ask this question with all due respect I wasn't at the last board meeting for Del Cielo, but Supervisor Nelson was able to attend. One of the things that he spoke about is that let's see here.

Excuse me, I thought I was more prepared.

Take your time.

He summarizes research that he's done recently, which shows that Del Cielo was consistently advertised as a 55 plus senior park from the early 1960s and he also said the senior overlay will take much more time and requires financing which may be difficult I just ask, and again I ask it respectfully if Bob could explain to the residents that are in the audience and the other board members what exactly was meant by that last sentence.

Thank you.

We will now go to Paula Robledo to be followed by Brian Rosen in Santa Barbara.

Good morning, all. Thank you for allowing me to speak today. I am a resident of Del Cielo Mobile Home Estates Park as of 2017. I bought my home within Del Cielo in 2017 after my husband passed away. Specifically chose that location as it was in the community where my family lived or I have lived since 1980 eight, and I felt it would be a safe community for me going forward in my life as I progressed in years into retirement.

And the citizens within that community, many of them have lived there for many years. It's a beautiful little spot and it's just appropriate for those that are in the senior age whether they're still working or fully retired. This community is not set up to be a family park not logistically, not physically in no way. It would not be a safe place to have little children running around in the streets in the areas of this park. It would not be safe for the seniors either.

I am very concerned that Harmony Co and all of these steps and efforts that they have taken illegally dishonestly to this point are going to affect our safety and our community as it sits today. These actions have caused a lot of stress, not only on myself but I'm pretty sure on every other resident that's within this park in this community. And I would almost consider it senior abuse in the way that they have behaved.

I am ashamed that there are people that take this kind of advantage and abusive actions towards the seniors of our community in anywhere. And as Pamela had stated, they have a long history of this kind of behavior and action. So I implore Mr. Nelson to do everything within your power and everyone else whose hands that it would be within government To raise your hand, raise your voice, raise your pen and sign whatever it takes to stop Harmony Co. from turning our beautiful senior community into an all age park. Thank you.

And we will now go to Santa Barbara for our final speaker Brian Rosen in Santa Barbara. Brian.

Hi. Brian Rosen here. You know, I think it's time we do something about the hot springs situation. It's been a long time. The residents would like some relief. The hikers would like some answers and I think we should set up a bicycle program. I see these electric bicycles stationed all over Santa Barbara. We should encourage people to take bicycles to the trailheads, have a special rack up there.

Other trailheads too. Some kind of incentive and it could be marketed at the farmer's market promotionally. I think it's time to move forward with some solutions. There don't need to be a million people parking up there, we need a reasonable amount of parking spaces maybe 30 or 40. I don't think the residents they're still putting the rocks on the public right-of-way and that's not right.

One resident has even taken over some public right-o way and put up a big parking space that says private property. So why don't we create a reasonable amount of parking spaces? I don't think it's good to have people parking over to the side on the soil. We're compacting the oak tree roots, leaking oil. But I do think we should have a reasonable amount of parking spaces and maybe we could loan busy Memorial Day weekends and so forth. Loan some signs to residents and they'll be happy to put them out there. Lots of no-parking signs So people aren't gonna park in the middle of the road or inappropriate areas.

It's time to move forward, we need public meetings. I don't like the way parking was restricted at the trailhead without a public process. People have been parking there for 100 years, backpackers and now you have to, now the Sierra Club can't have their night hikes anymore. Maybe it's a good idea but I don' think we should eliminate parking without a public process And even on Rivenrock Road there was a secret process where now there's a white line if you park over, you get a ticket. Trouble is the white line is covered with dirt so people don't even see it. So it's not a good situation.

I think the trail needs protection in restoration. There's all kinds of pipes left in the creek bed from the Montecito Creek Water Company. When are we gonna clean up the canyon? Now I'd like to go to Doss' office after this if possible and speak to his staff. I haven't gotten a response yet, but I'd like to see this canyon protected and to have a self-guided nature historical trail and to really work on getting hikers to not Take automobiles, there's so many cars and we're concerned about climate change and greenhouse emissions. So we need another way to get to the trailhead such as the bicycle program that I mentioned. And it's really time to move forward and get something happening now if that's okay with all of you let's try put this on the agenda.

Thank you very much. Thank

You Brian.

And that concludes general public comment.

Okay I want to We'll address Supervisor Williams first, then we'll come back to Supervisor Nelson. So since that was the last public comment

Yeah, no. I wanted to address the energy question just because it's a good opportunity to inform this board about how 3CE is handling it and to just make sure that the accuracy of information flows which I'm sure the speaker would like to be accurate. Historically California has higher rates per kilowatt of energy. But because of some of the most efficient laws, laws that require both appliances and homes to be more efficient than other parts of the country historically are bills are not higher than other parts of the country.