Board of Supervisors — 2024-09-10

It's been the same for 15 years. And no one has figured it out, so it's got to be a good one. All right. Good morning everybody. I'd like to call this meeting to order September 10th 2024. Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. Madam Clerk, can we get a roll call please?

Thank you, good morning Turtle Avenue and board members. I have three quick announcements in the presentation of an award this morning. First of all this morning the county celebrated the groundbreaking of a new probation department building on Garden Street. This new zero net energy building will consolidate all South County probation related services in one central location to foster more efficient and cohesive approach to probation services. It is anticipated to be completed in fall 2026. Thank you to the Probation Department General Services The second announcement is that the U.S. Small Business Administration is now offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses economically impacted by the Lake Fire that occurred from July 5th to August 4th.

Additional information can be found on our ReadySBC.org website Third, the County of Santa Barbara will receive a nearly $2 million award from the U.S. Department of Labor's National Farmworker Jobs Program. The grant will go to the county's farm worker resource center that helps provide training and career services to help migrant and seasonal farm workers and their dependents develop skills to pursue careers in agriculture or non-agricultural sectors.

Good job to Lewis Servant and his team in DSS for making this huge grant happen. And lastly, one of our employees is receiving a special honor today. The California Product Stewardship Council has named Caitlin Haberlin from the Public Works Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division Associate of the Year. Caitlin is a program specialist for the county who oversees various waste reduction and waste management programs including Household Hazardous Waste Collection, Electronics Recycling, and Edible Food Recovery. She also manages the county's Less Is More website. Why don't you come up, Caitlin?

The California Product Stewardship Council gives this award out annually to a member who actively nurtures and sustains the extender producer responsibility strategy to place a shared responsibility for end-of-life product management. We're honored to have CPSC's Executive Director, Doug Kobold here with us today to present Caitlin with her award.

Good morning, Mr. Chair and members of the board. It's my pleasure to be here to talk a little bit about Caitlin and why she received our most prestigious award for our multiple funders that we have. But in case you're not familiar with the California Product Stewardship Council, we affectionately call ourselves CPSC. We are a 501c3 non-profit organization. We are funded by over 120 cities, counties, JPAs and districts as well as with private sector sponsors to advocate for the end of life of products and who should be paying for those? Should it be the rate payers or should it be the cities and counties which who pass that on to the ratepayers or should it really be borne on the manufacturers who make the products that we buy every day. If the manufacturers don't feel the burden of the cost at the end-of-life, then they don't change their design.

They don't care. They just want to make it cheaper, quicker and make more of them and that is a huge waste for everybody so we advocate for more durable, more reusable, more recyclable or repairable and then more recyclable products. So that is a little bit about CPSC. I do also want to thank this board Thank you. Associates, so we have associates and sponsors are private sector folks that show outstanding leadership in their field.

Innovative solutions to long-standing issues and effective partnerships in regarding the product stewardship green design. Caitlin got this award because one thing, she was very instrumental in our textiles recycling project we did here in the county with the RMDZ. There is a report online if you're interested in seeing it that staff I'm sure would be happy to forward it to you that talked about The county's involvement in that project, trying to show that textile recycling can be done. We actually have a bill in the legislature on the governor's desk right now, SB 707, to require that statewide. An actual recycling program that will actually make use of the products and make them better Make them so that it can be put back in commerce. If they're missing a button, they could be repaired.

If they've got a stain, they could be washed. So they don't leave the shore and go off to third world countries where they end up being disposed of improperly. I also want to state that Caitlin is continuing to nurture and sustain our EPR movement. And she is doing that through policies to better the community of Santa Barbara County. And with that, I'm going to turn it over to her.

Thank you so much to Doug and the CPSC team. We are very grateful to have everyone come join us in Santa Barbara for our textile event, and we're super excited to hear that SB 707 is at the Governor's desk for signature to help textile reuse repair and recycling in Santa Barbara County. And just overall for your generous time and efforts in all your programs to make sure It gets all of our products are diverted from the landfill and safely recycled and handled. And yeah, thanks so much for the resource recovery and recycling team and just everyone at the county for the support of these programs.

That concludes my report chair.

All right, thank you. Mr. Chair? Yes. You know often I tell you some folks that come here that do lobbying, well yeah I guess the legislature listens to them. I'll tell you the Stewardship Council really makes a difference at the legislature. They sponsor legislation, they've successfully brought it to the finish line and they're a great partner to have Especially when I remember while I was in there on batteries. Very cheap, short-lived batteries coming over in toys from the People's Republic of China and clogging up our landfills with toxic waste. So, you know they have been very active and I also just want to appreciate the department for handling textiles. Textiles is a real tough one because it doesn't create as much weight but it's still a very important one to handle so talk about an avenue where you don't get as much state credit because it's not weight who doesn't have weight but it's still really important to handle for the community.

So I want to thank both of the Department and the Stewardship Council

Okay, great. Thank you very much. That closes out our CEO's report. Madam Clerk, are there any announcements or changes to our agenda today?

Chair Lavanino and members of the board yes I have a few announcements this morning we posted an addendum to today's agenda on Friday September 6th adding administrative item number 42 to the agenda. Administrative item number 42 is from the Information Technology Department it is to consider recommendations regarding a second amendment to the agreement between the County of Santa Barbara and Pictometry International Corps for digital aerial data acquisition projects. This addendum has been posted online and made available to the board and the public, and can be added to the balance of the administrative agenda.

Additionally, I have a brief announcement on Administrative Item Number 26. Administrative item number 26 is from the Human Resources Department. It is to consider recommendations regarding a performance-based salary adjustment for the county executive officer Prior to the board acting on administrative item number 26 in accordance with government code section 54953 subdivision C3, County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato's salary information shall be summarized verbally.

County Human Resources recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve a performance-based annual salary increase of 2.5 percent Effective September 16th, 2024 based on the CEO's performance in the past year. Additionally we received a request from the department to continue departmental item number two. Departmental item number two is from the county executive office it is to consider recommendations regarding a rural county representatives of California RCRC member agency strategic plan update The department is requesting a continuance from today's meeting to the Tuesday, October 1st 2024 meeting in Santa Barbara. This continuance request memo has been made available to the board and the public. In addition with we have no requests to speak on this item from the public so if the board would like to act on this continuous request following the clerk's announcements they may do so.

Lastly for the Board of Supervisors methods of public participation and to provide public comment on general 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 2 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 two if you have any questions please contact the clerk at 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. Great. That takes us to our

and members of the board, we have requests to speak on A37. 37

got it okay I will now entertain a motion to approve the balance of the administrative agenda except for items 12 16 20 and 37

so moved

and

also

the

continuation of item D2

great thanks good catch

second

moved and seconded all those in favor aye any opposed abstentions Passes unanimously. Okay, the next item we'll come back to those items in just a minute. We're going to take care of our resolutions first and then we'll come back to those administrative agenda items so Madam Clerk can you please read item number one into the record?

Chair Lavinino and members of the board. Administrative item number one is sponsored by Supervisor Lavinino, it is to adopt a resolution of commendation honoring Cody Leeds of the Agricultural Commissioners Department as the September 2024 Employee of the Month in Santa Barbara County and joining us in person today we have Cody Leeds and Lottie Martin and if you can please come to the podium And I'll go ahead and read the resolution. Whereas Cody leads exemplifies the county's organizational values of accountability, customer focus equity and inclusion innovation trust and ethics. And whereas Cody leads models the transformative behaviors of collaborative problem solving alignment with the county's vision risk taking data driven decision making and strategic thinking.

And whereas Cody leads contributes his opinions and ideas openly and honestly his unique enthusiasm always encourages communication and he Treats everyone with courtesy and respect. And whereas Cody Leeds understands all aspects of providing education and outreach to businesses, The board of supervisors recognizes Cody leads as the employee of the month for September 2024.

Good morning Chair Lavinino and members of the board. I'm Lottie Martin, Assistant Agricultural Commissioner representing the Agricultural Commissioners Office Weights & Measures Department and on behalf of our commissioner Jose Chang and our whole team we are honored to recognize Cody Leeds as the Santa Barbara County Employee of the Month. Cody is a humble public servant who strives to serve our community in a collaborative and inclusive manner He has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism and commitment to excellence in his role with the department's Consumer Protection Division.

His innovative approach to problem solving and unwavering support for his colleagues has significantly contributed to our team success. Whether it's going above and beyond to assist a community member or leading a critical project to completion, Cody embodies the true spirit of public service. We are incredibly grateful for his hard work and proud to have him as part of our team. Congratulations, Cody on this well-deserved recognition.

Thank you very much chair and members of the board. It's an honor to receive this recognition, and it's an honor to work with the Agriculture Commissioner's Office every day protecting agriculture, the environment, and the community. I work with an excellent bunch of people, and I couldn't do what I do without them so I thank them as well, and thank you very much for the recognition.

Madam Clerk item two

Chair Lavagnino, members of the Board, Administrative Item Number 2 is sponsored by Supervisor Caps and Supervisor Hartman. It is to adopt a resolution proclaiming the week of September 23rd 2024 through September 29th 2024 as Diaper Need Awareness Week in Santa Barbara County. And joining us in person today we have Lori Lander Goodman, Kara Shoemaker and Darcy Brakeman.

If you can please come to the podium. I'll go ahead and read the resolution. Whereas diaper need, the inability to afford enough clean diapers can adversely affect the health and well-being of children in their families. And whereas national surveys indicate nearly one in two families struggles with diaper need and 48% of families delay changing diapers to extend their supply.

And whereas a sufficient supply of diapers is often required for babies and toddlers to participate in child care and early education programs, enabling children to thrive and parents to work. And whereas without enough diapers, babies and toddlers risk infections that may require medical attention leading to medical costs and parents may be unable to access childcare needed to work or attend school.

Destabilizing the family's economic well-being. And whereas diaper need is a public health issue and addressing it can lead to economic opportunities and improved health for children, ensuring all families have the basic necessities that thrive. And whereas Santa Barbara County is proud to be home to community based organizations like LEAP, Learn Engage Advocate Advocate, partner which distribute diapers to families promoting health and economic stability. And whereas LEAP established the only registered diaper bank in Santa Barbara County which plays a critical role in supporting families improving infant health and advancing local and state economic growth.

Now therefore, be it hereby ordered and resolved that September 26th through 29th is recognized as Diaper Need Awareness Week in Santa Barbara County. And thank LEAP, their staff, volunteers and donors for their service and encourages citizens to support organizations that distribute diapers to families in need so that all children and families in Santa Barbara County can thrive past and adopted today.

Supervisors, thank you so much for recognizing the tremendous need for diapers not just in our county but across the country. Santa Barbara County is the only county in California that is taking this step, so congratulations. Somehow the diaper banks and the other counties haven't gotten their acts together. As a leader, I'm committed to leading with an abundance mindset.

It is my strong belief that if we want to interrupt the cycle of poverty, we need to shift from perspective of scarcity to one of abundance. Our students and families at LEAP may struggle at home but when they come to LEAP they should be welcomed with joy, with excellence and with bounty. Sadly, it's typical for nonprofits to operate with a scarcity mentality.

It takes courage to make a shift especially when funding is insecure but as we've intentionally embraced abundance the results have been nothing short of remarkable One of our bravest initiatives has been our diaper bank, which we started in 2021. This might seem like a simple service but its impact has been profound. We've provided almost 200,000 diapers to families in need.

Let that sink in for a moment. That's 200,000 times a parent didn't have to choose between buying diapers or putting food on the table. The results have been impressive. Families report reduced stress, improved financial stability and better health outcomes for their babies. And this ripple effect is exactly what an abundance mindset can create. By providing diapers, we're not just meeting an immediate need. We're creating long-term impact. Parents can afford to send their children to childcare which allows them to work or attend school. It opens up opportunities for advancement and breaks the cycle of poverty.

But most importantly our diaper bank serves as a gateway to our other services Families who come in for diapers are invited to learn about positive parenting, financial literacy, tenants' rights. And when we build trust with families by providing diapers, we begin to hear about their goals and the obstacles they face and we can provide the additional support they need.

One interaction leads to another, a virtuous cycle. This is what leading with abundance looks like. It's not about having unlimited resources, it's about seeing the potential in what we have and making strategic decisions that create long-term value. It's about hope and possibility and joy. Together we can create a future where every child, every family and our whole community has the opportunity to flourish.

A future built not on scarcity and fear but on abundance and possibility. Thank you so much for your support in your partnership and for allowing me to speak to you today.

Thank You Supervisor Caps

Thank you. Lori Goodman always puts things in such beautiful context that this is so much more than just providing diapers, which cost about $100 a month. Just to remind everybody we have one of the highest poverty rates in the state and that poverty impacts women and women with children most acutely So this is a real service that you're providing and it was our honor to support that in our way today with the county resolution. But really your team are doing the yeoman's work of building that trust, providing such an essential need for women and their babies to grow up and thrive and know that this community really cares for them so thank you. Thank

you. I just want to thank Lori for her leadership for many years. It really makes a difference and I'm so looking forward when it comes to Lompoc. Me too.

Madam Clerk, Item 3.

Chair Lavagnino and members of the Board, Administrative Item Number Three is sponsored by Supervisor Capps and Supervisor Hartman. It is to adopt a resolution honoring Los Padres Forest Watch upon 20 years of protecting the Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara County. And joining us in person today we have Jeff Kuyper And if you can please come to the podium and I'll go ahead and read the resolution.

Central Coast significantly impacting Santa Barbara County by providing clean water, outdoor recreation and wildlife habitats while enhancing the local economy. Los Padres Forest Watch is the sole nonprofit dedicated to protecting these vital resources in the Los Padres National Forests and Carrizo Plain National Monument for current and future generations.

And whereas over the past two decades, Forest Watch has mobilized more than 1,000 volunteers who have contributed over 10,000 hours of service protecting wildlife habitat, cleaning up trash and restoring degraded areas while securing increased protections for over a million acres of national forest land. And whereas hundreds of underserved youth and families have been introduced to the wonders of nature through Forest Watch's Outdoor Connections Program, which creates lassy memories and inspires the next generation of land stewards amongst communities most in need. And whereas the county's iconic wildlife mountain lions, bears, deer, bobcats, coyotes and more can move about the region more safely due to Forest Watch Room-to-Roam program, which has worked to protect critical travel ways to ensure a safe future for our region's wildlife.

And whereas this important work would not be possible without the support of thousands of generous members, committed advocates and dedicated volunteers who understand the importance of protecting the great outdoors in our own backyard. En Los Padres Forest Watch was incorporated as a non-profit public benefit corporation in California formerly recognized as a 501c3 charitable organization in 2004 Now therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors hereby honors Los Padres Forest Watch for its 20 years of dedicated service in protecting land, wildlife and water conservation throughout the Los Padres National Forest passed and adopted today.

Thank you so much. Good morning Chair Lavagnino, members of the board. I'm thrilled and honored to be here this morning to accept this resolution recognizing our 20th anniversary. Los Padres National Forest is one of the crown jewels of Santa Barbara County and here's why it provides a source of clean water for our farms and communities, provides diverse and unique wildlife habitat Provides places to get outside, to get away from it all. To recharge, to discover and explore and to make memories with our friends and families and neighbors.

And it supports our local economy while helping to regulate our climate. These lands are worth protecting. Let me say that again, these lands are worth protecting. And for the last two decades we have worked day after day to do just that. But we can't do it alone. So today, I want to thank you for all that you do to protect this spectacular forest and other public lands right here in our own backyard throughout the county.

These wild places inspire us. They sustain us and they need our help now more than ever. So we look forward to working together over the next two decades and beyond to make that happen. Let's get to work, there is no time to waste. So on behalf of the board and staff of Los Padres Forest Watch thank you again for celebrating this important milestone with us. Thank you. Thank you.

Madam Clerk, A4.

Chair Lavinino and members of the Board, Administrative Item number four is sponsored by Supervisor Caps and Supervisor Lavinino. It is to adopt a resolution proclaiming the month of September 2024 as Suicide Prevention Month in Santa Barbara County. And joining us in person today we have Tony Navarro, Behavioral Wellness Department Director, and Pamela Flint-Tambo, the chair of the Behavioral Wellness Commission.

And I will go ahead and read the resolution. Whereas this resolution recognizes suicide as a national and statewide public mental health problem, and suicide prevention as a national statewide responsibility. And designates the month of September as National Suicide Prevention Month in Santa Barbara County. This month overlaps World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10th, recognized internationally and supported by the World Health Organization. And whereas suicide is a significant public health issue that affects individuals, families and communities nationwide with more than 47,000 lives lost to suicide in the United States each year With the Center for Disease Control estimating a total of 49,476 deaths by suicide in the United States in 2022.

And whereas in California, suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals age 15 to 34 and more than 4,000 Californians die by suicide annually. And whereas it is estimated that there were 1.6 million adult suicide attempts nationally in 2022, and in 2021 California experienced 4148 suicide attempts. And whereas over 90% of the people who die by suicide have a diagnosable and treatable mental health condition although often that condition is not recognized or treated. And whereas Santa Barbara County lost 45 community members to death by suicide in 2023.

And whereas it is essential for everyone in our community to recognize the warning signs of suicide and encourage those who struggle to seek help and know how to offer support and to be aware of the resources available, including hotlines, counseling services, and other mental health programs. And whereas if someone can get through the intense and short moment of active suicidal crisis, chances are they will not die by suicide. And whereas during Suicide Prevention Month we call upon in the community to learn more about suicide prevention, to reach out to those in need, and to work together to build a safer, more supportive community.

And whereas the Department of Behavioral Wellness and Organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, envision a world without suicide and are dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide through research education advocacy and resources for those who struggle and for the family friends and community of those who have lost.

It is hereby ordered and resolved that the Board of Supervisors recognizes the month of September as Suicide Prevention Month in Santa Barbara County, and recognizes suicide as a preventable national and state public health problem and declares suicide prevention to be a priority and commit to actively participating in awareness campaigns events and initiatives throughout September 2024. We express our deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones to death by suicide and honor their memories by taking meaningful actions to prevent future tragedies Commit to creating stigma-free environments that foster open conversations about mental health and encourage individuals to seek help without fear or judgment or discrimination.

Acknowledge that suicide prevention is a collective responsibility, and we will work together to build support, connect in empathetic communities where every life is valued and cherished. Encourage initiatives based on the goals contained in the national strategy Strategy for Suicide Prevention in California Strategic Plan on Suicide Prevention. Develop and implement strategies to increase access to quality mental health, substance use and suicide prevention services passed and adopted today.

Thank you. Good morning, Chair Lavagnino, Supervisors, County staff. We are proud to be here to accept this resolution and proclaim September as Suicide Prevention Month. We're joined today by the chair of our Be Well Commission Pam Tambo-Flint And Suzanne Grimacy, our public information officer. Suzanne has been instrumental in launching the first public awareness anti-suicide campaign for our county via BeWells in fall of 2023, the first time in a decade that we've had such a campaign. It's the Stay Campaign and hopefully some of you have seen our Thank you all for joining us. We have a lot of ads on the sides of buses and all around town.

Suzanne is also the co-chair of the out of the darkness walk happening on Saturday, September 28th at Goleta Beach. You can join us at 9 AM and we walk starting at 10 o'clock to honor our loved ones

Thank you for this resolution today. I've not really paid much attention to September being the month to remember suicides because I've had my own personal memory of a suicide by my brother in the month of September. My brother had a serious mental health issue, and he seriously injured himself with a hatchet and required emergency room services. And then he was taken to the county jail.

Several days later, he was released to a mental health ward. But he found an attorney to help him get out and then within a month, he died by suicide with a firearm. This happened in 1974, 50 years ago this week, he died. And I believe we're still arresting and jailing people who have serious mental illnesses instead of assuring that they get appropriate treatment for mental and behavioral health issues.

We need to stop jailing people for being ill, and I am very hopeful that in Santa Barbara County we can begin to do that. Thank you.

Chair Lovanino, members of the board thank you so much for recognizing this month. Suicide is not just a national crisis costing 46,000 lives annually as you just heard it's personal and as you also just heard to many in Santa Barbara County and its impact is felt deeply In our county, deaths by suicide have affected all ages. And although right now our data is trending down which is a great thing we know the importance of staying vigilant to suicide prevention efforts all the time As a department, we're doing all we can to raise suicide awareness, to be present for community members in the aftermath of deaths by suicide. And as Tony shared just a moment ago, we would invite all of you, all of you to join us at Goleta Beach on September 28th.

It's a wonderful powerful event The program goes from about 10 till 1230. Arriving early is encouraged because you can look around and see the resources, walk through the UCSB campus but a very powerful event. Free event you just need to register. All of us can be a part of suicide prevention in our county. We can talk openly about mental health we can break the stigma and we can offer hope to those that are struggling The simple act of checking in with a family member, with a friend, with a neighbor, talking to someone in the grocery store line all make a powerful difference.

This resolution is a reminder to our shared commitment to prevent these losses, to support those in crisis and uplift the families whose lives have forever been changed by suicide. So thank you.

Thank you. Supervisor Caps?

Thank you.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank Pam Flint-Tambo. Pam, I didn't know your story and thank you for the courage of sharing in such a hard challenging week and I see how much you work to help others. It's the quiet work it's serving as chair of Be Well it's working with Clue it's all of the advocacy ways and how you've turned your grief into such powerful and yet quiet action really means a lot. Thank you Pam.

Thank you. Madam Clerk, A5.

Chair Lavanino and members of the board. Administrative item number five is sponsored by Supervisor Hartman. It is to adopt a resolution proclaiming the month of September 2024 as Rotary Month of Service in Santa Barbara County and joining us here in person today we have Judith Canby. And I will go ahead and read the resolution. Whereas Rotary International is a global philanthropic organization which cares very deeply about serving communities across the world where needed, and whereas Rotary International engages in community service charitable work fundraising and organizing programs to support underprivileged populations, and whereas Santa Barbara County is a part of Rotary District 5240 which comprises 68 Rotary Clubs of about 3,000 members in four counties.

Kern County, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County and Ventura County. And whereas Rotary International has officially adopted seven areas of focus promoting peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene, maternal and childcare health, supporting education and literacy community and economic development and protecting the environment.

And whereas Rotary International plays a vital role in community development by providing resources and services to support local community projects, such as building playgrounds. And whereas Rotary International engages in various charitable works such as donating to food banks, homeless shelters and disaster relief efforts. And whereas Rotary International focuses on developing the skills and talents of young people by providing mentoring leadership training and scholarship programs as well as networking opportunities for members where they can interact with other professionals and community leaders, build relationships and expand their social and professional networks. And whereas Rotary International encourages civic engagement by promoting volunteering and community service now therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that September is recognized as Rotary Month of Service in Santa Barbara County a month to engage in significant contributions to the development of our communities passed and adopted today

My name is Judith Canby and I am very happy to be here today. I'm a member of the Los Olivos Rotary Club and have been for more than 20 years. I am also representing our District Governor Sherry Sim as I'm one of the Assistant Governors, and represent Group 9 which includes the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Clubs and Lompoc Rotary Club. We very much appreciate the fact that you are supporting Rotary's work. We know it's important, we know what we can accomplish when we work together and that's one of the things that Rotary does well.

You'll be happy to know that there are more than 20 rotary clubs, interact clubs and rotaract clubs within Santa Barbara alone. That's quite an accomplishment. You wonder how one city can support four different rotary clubs? It's because people care about what's happening in their community Together with Rotarians throughout California, District 5240 Rotarians will be honoring the proclamation each September. We will be carrying out service projects in Rotary International Seminaries of Focus which you just heard about and we want you to know that this isn't just for Rotary. This is for all the service clubs in California and we invite them to join us every year in September to improve our communities. Again, we appreciate your endorsement.

We will collaborate with other service clubs to join us in our endeavor And we will make sure that we make Santa Barbara a better place to live. Thank you very much.

Well, I just wanted to add it doesn't get much better than Rotary. They talk about people being in their bubbles but Rotary is one place where everybody comes together and works together engaged on behalf of their community and as I look at the goals so many of the goals that Rotary pursues for maternal health and disease prevention environmental protection they dovetail with the county's goals as well I think this is an organization that works locally and also works internationally. So it just, it does it all. And I thank you for being here Judith and all the people who are members.

There's a book that influenced me, Bowling Alone. We're so isolated and that is the reason we're so divided And so if you want to get out of it, join Rotary. That's a great place to start. Thank you.

Great. Madam Clerk, A6 please.

Chair Lavanino and members of the Board, Administrative Item Number 6 is sponsored by Supervisor Hartman and Supervisor Nelson. It is to adopt a resolution proclaiming the month of September 2024 as National Preparedness Month in Santa Barbara County and joining us in person today We have Jackie Ruiz and Kelly Hubbard. And I will go ahead and read the resolution.

Whereas National Preparedness Month provides an opportunity for local community members to join people across the United States in preparing their homes, businesses, and communities for any emergency. And whereas the Federal Emergency Management Agency has designated National Preparedness Month as a yearly opportunity to focus on hazards and disasters our community may be susceptible to and how we can stay ready and resilient.

And whereas planning now is the best way to improve community recovery from disasters, when individuals take responsibility for preparing their families and their communities, the chance of survival and return to normalcy following a disaster is greatly increased. And whereas the County Office of Emergency Management and community partners are tasked with promoting and supporting emergency preparedness, educating individuals on local hazards including wildfires Earthquakes, storms, power outages, extreme weather and more. And whereas the Office of Emergency Management is committed to diversity equity inclusion and accessibility throughout all aspects of emergency response including public education preparedness resources and emergency information.

And whereas Santa Barbara County is home to several community-based preparedness and response teams comprised of volunteers who have selflessly undergone hours of training to help our communities be more resilient. And whereas this month, the County Office of Emergency Management urges all residents to plan for disasters by registering or reviewing and updating their contact information at www.readysbc.org to receive emergency alerts. And whereas while we cannot always know when the next disaster emergency will confront us, we must remain ready together we can ensure that we have the information and resources needed to safeguard our communities from a crisis or disaster. Now therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved That the Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim the month of September 2024 as National Preparedness Month in Santa Barbara County and calls on all government agencies, private organizations and the people and businesses of Santa Barbara County to develop their own emergency preparedness plan and work together toward creating a stronger and more resilient community passed and adopted today.

We have a video here that we wanted to share. Jackie from our team has been putting together some preparedness videos. What's the deal

with ReadySBC alerts? Here's what they are. They're emergency alerts for hazards near the addresses you've registered. Hint, hint! You have to register for them. They're delivered as an email text or phone call depending on the contact method you selected They will always have an action for you to take, such as evacuate now or prepare for a possible power outage. Now that we know what ReadySVC alerts are, what are they not?

A play-by-play of every update during an emergency. Just a weather report. Your only source for information. Whether flood, fire or any other emergency, registering for ReadySBC Alerts is a great step to stay prepared. Visit readysbc.org to sign up today or to make sure your information is correct if you've already registered.

So this is just one example. These will be done in English and Spanish, and we'll be posting these throughout the month. One of the concepts in another video that will be coming out is for instance we know people make mistakes when they register and maybe abbreviate their address. This was a big one we just had in the Lake Fire and someone was, people were abbreviating Fig Mountain instead of Figueroa Mountain. And that won't come up in our system And so we're going to be doing some videos to help people go in and be able to correct their contact information if they've already registered, but also update it. Maybe your child started school in a new school this year and you want to register the address that they go to school at or something of that nature.

So we'll be focusing a lot on our alerts but also always – also the other concepts of having a plan, knowing how you're going to evacuate if you need to evacuate Having a kit, whether that's in your car at your office or at home and making sure you're thinking of those may be more vulnerable in your family who might need additional resources. Or yourself, whether you need an extra pair of glasses, your medications in your emergency kit, the diapers for your children that were just presented earlier, whatever those items might be making sure you're thinking through your kits for those special needs that your family might have. So thank you.

Thank you. All right, that takes us to our last resolution of the day which is A7.

Chair Lavinino and members of the Board, Administrative Item Number 7 is sponsored by Supervisor Lavinino. It is to adopt a Resolution of Accommodation honoring C International for 50 years of service to the community of Santa Barbara County and joining us in person today we have Rachel Tennant, the C International Chief Development Officer. If you can please make your way to the podium I'll go ahead and read the resolution.

Whereas on October 24, 2024, SEE International will celebrate its 50th anniversary. And whereas since the organization's founding in 1974 by local Santa Barbara ophthalmologist Dr. Harry Brown along with many other visionaries, SEE has reached great heights in its mission to end preventable blindness and whereas SEE provides access to sight restoring surgeries and essential eye care to people who do not have access to these services And whereas partners include volunteer doctors, medical professionals, U.S. and international organizations and generous donors. And whereas since inception over 5 million people worldwide including over 750,000 surgeries in 54 countries have been served and whereas local and domestic programs serve the central coast of California with the local C Vision Clinic program and in various states in our nation.

C provides screenings, comprehensive eye exams, prescriptive glasses and surgical referral services. And whereas C is a partner and provides vital services at the Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down, an annual event to assist homeless and at-risk military veterans get back on their feet. And now therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors acknowledges C International as a unique organization with a very important purpose And function in Santa Barbara County and worldwide. And honors SEA International upon its 50th anniversary, and commends the organization for its continued dedication to preserving, protecting, and enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Santa Barbara County passed and adopted today.

Thank you so much. I want to start by expressing our gratitude to the County of Santa Barbara and the Board of Supervisors for this wonderful acknowledgement. It is truly an honor to be here. So, as said Sea International was founded in 1974 by local ophthalmologist Dr. Harry Brown and many other dedicated ophthalmologists. Our mission is simple yet profound – to eliminate preventable and treatable blindness.