Board of Supervisors — 2024-10-08

All right, good morning everybody got a packed house today. This looks awesome trying to see what's on the agenda got everybody excited here we go so I'd like to call to order this meeting of the October 8th 2024 meeting the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Madam Clerk can I get a roll call please?

allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty

Next item of business will be approval of the minutes from the October 1st, 2024 regular meeting. So moved second moved and seconded all those in favor. All right passes unanimously Madam Clerk do we have any announcements or changes to our agenda today? Okay so the first announcement is that I missed the CEO's report. So

Thank you Chair Lavanita and Board Members. Just two quick announcements, although it's foggy and cold today my announcements are about fire. The next phase of the Tepeskaya Vegetation Management Program will be taking place next month this includes fuel reduction in more than a thousand acres through planned prescribed fire in early in early through mid-November. The department received 6.4 million dollars as a grant in 2021 for this program and the grant funds have been used for the Santa Barbara County fuels crew dedicated solely to removing cutting down plant material on the right of way, creating community defensible space and creating shaded fuel breaks throughout the Tepiscay area Fuel reduction as you know is crucial for firefighters because by reducing flammable vegetation it significantly decreases the intensity and spread of wildfires, improves firefighter access while potentially making fires easier to contain and control.

So that should get started early through mid-November.

Okay, Madam Clerk do we have any changes to our agenda or announcements please?

Chair Lavinino, members of the board I have one quick announcement this morning. For the Board of Supervisors methods of public participation and to provide public comment on general public comment or an item on the boards 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 of the Boards Office at 805-568-2240 That concludes my announcements for today

All right, thank you very much.

Chair Lavagnino and members of the Board we have no requests to pull any administrative items this morning.

Yeah, before we begin with our first two resolutions I wanted to recognize today as a celebration of thankfulness. Thankfulness for the bravery and courage of these five men who thwarted a domestic terrorist attack in our community without their heroic Heroics, there would have been significant loss of life. The fact that we have a civilian court worker and law enforcement from four different agencies is emblematic of the cooperation that takes place among so many agencies in our community to keep us safe.

On behalf of myself and my colleagues and the County of Santa Barbara, we are thankful for your service.

Absolutely. Madam Clerk can you read item A1 into the record please?

Chair Lavanino and members of the board, administrative item number one is sponsored by Supervisor Nelson and Supervisor Lavanino. It is to adopt a resolution of commendation honoring Steve Neal for his exceptional courage and heroism on September 25th 2024 at the Santa Maria Superior Courthouse. Joining us here in person we have Steve Neal if you'll make your way to the podium I will now read the resolution into the record Whereas on the morning of September 25th, 2024 the Santa Maria Superior Courthouse was the target of a bombing attack resulting in an explosion that injured five individuals and threatened the safety of countless others. Whereas the attack was orchestrated by an individual intending to cause widespread harm evidenced by his possession of weapons ammunition and further explosive devices.

And whereas Steve Neal a dedicated security guard with Triumph Protection Group was on duty at the courthouse during the attack And upon witnessing the explosion exhibited extraordinary composure, bravery and selflessness in the face of imminent danger. And whereas with unwavering resolve Mr. Neal pursued the suspect as he attempted to flee the scene chasing him to a vehicle where the suspect was attempting to retrieve more deadly weapons. And whereas Steve Neal physically intervened by pulling the suspect from the vehicle placing him in a vulnerable position and restraining him until law enforcement officers arrived to take him into custody. And whereas Mr. Neal's actions were not only swift but also decisive, preventing further attacks on law enforcement officers, judges, courthouse staff and members of the public.

And whereas Mr. Neil's distinguished career in security, his military service with the British Army during the volatile years of conflict with Northern Ireland and his extensive training with the Triumph Protection Group contributed to his ability to act decisively in a moment of crisis. And whereas, Steve Neal has served the Santa Maria community and courthouse faithfully for over 13 years demonstrating an unwavering commitment to public safety and earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and those who frequent the courthouse. Now therefore be it resolved that the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors does hereby honor and commend Steve Neal for his exceptional courage and heroism on September 25, 2024 At the Santa Maria Superior Courthouse his actions stand as a testament to his bravery, professionalism and dedication to the safety of our community.

And he is recognized as a true hero passed and adopted today.

Sheriff Brown?

Supervisors, if you'll indulge me for just a minute. A few things that I would like to say this morning. First of all as a preamble to the recognition of Steve and of the other four brave individuals who helped capture this diabolical suspect who committed a heinous crime in our community I just want to mention a quote by Winston Churchill. And in his quote, he said courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because as has been said it is the quality that guarantees all others.

And I think what you saw that occurred in the courthouse is an example of just that. That our very American way of life was protected in a way that was extraordinary and we rely heavily as the sheriff, you know, we are responsible, I am responsible as a marshal of the county for protecting the courts And we cannot do it on our own. We rely on private security, Triumph Security which handles our weapon screening station and Steve's actions that day and he is a very humble man. He doesn't want to get up here and say anything but I want to say some things on his behalf.

Someone who has exhibited that quality that Churchill talked about. He is somebody who has served in the British Army, he's Irish but it wasn't just the luck of the Irish that occurred that day. It was his personal courage in chasing and apprehending unarmed a suspect who had just committed an Absolutely unprecedented crime in our county, an explosive device that was detonated within the courthouse. And thank goodness the effects of it were not worse than they are and no one was seriously injured. It could have been so bad. The footage that we've seen will be released after the court case, that you will see is pretty dramatic. And it is really amazing in terms of what Steve and these other gentlemen did in the wake of this unprecedented event.

So I just want to say on behalf of all the men and women at the Sheriff's Office how proud we are of you and thank Supervisors Nelson and Labagnino for organizing this resolution and the one that's about to follow. Thank you.

Thank you Steve. That is a humble guy that just walks out like that,

okay.

I just want to let you know if I save a bunch of people, I'm taking some time all right? We're going to resolution number two please.

Chair Lavinino, members of the board Administrative item number one is sponsored by Supervisor Nelson and Supervisor Labanino. It is to adopt a resolution of commendation honoring Sheriff Deputy Chris Nelson, California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Hanrahan, District Attorney Investigator Wayne Flick and Santa Maria Police Officer Eric Hesch for their commitment to public safety during the attack on the Santa Maria Superior Courthouse on September 25, 2024. Joining us here in person we have Chris Nelson, Brian Hanrahan, Wayne Flick and Eric Hesch. If you'll make your way to the podium, I'll read the resolution into the record.

Whereas on the morning of September 25th 2024 a violent attack shook the Santa Maria Superior Courthouse when an explosive device detonated near the entrance causing injuries to five individuals and placing hundreds of lives at risk. And whereas the individual responsible for this act not only caused the explosion but was heavily armed with additional explosives firearms and ammunition with clear intent to inflict further harm.

And whereas, Sheriff Deputy Chris Nelson while stationed inside the courthouse immediately responded to the explosion with an unwavering sense of duty and pursued the armed suspect. And whereas California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Hanrahan although dressed in civilian attire was present at the courthouse and without hesitation joined Deputy Nelson in pursuit of the suspect drawing his service weapon and working in tandem to locate and apprehend the individual And whereas, District Attorney Investigator Wayne Flick and Santa Maria Police Officer Eric Hesch responded with similar speed and determination providing critical support during the apprehension ensuring that the suspect was disarmed and secured. And whereas these four officers acting in unison confronted the suspect as he attempted to retrieve further deadly weapons in his vehicle Exhibiting remarkable courage in preventing him from launching additional attacks on the courthouse, the public and law enforcement officers.

And whereas despite the suspect's possession of additional weaponry, Sheriff Deputy Nelson, Officer Hanrahan, Investigator Flick and Officer Hesch acted with exceptional professionalism risking their own lives to secure the area, protect those in harms way and bring the suspect into custody. And whereas their quick thinking, bravery and collaboration directly thwarted the suspect's planned massacre ensuring the safety of countless individuals within and around the courthouse. And demonstrating the highest standards of law enforcement in the protection of public safety.

And whereas the action of all officers are a shining example of the dedication and selflessness that define our law enforcement community and their heroism on this day will not be forgotten. Now therefore be it resolved that the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors does hereby recognize Sheriff Deputy Chris Nelson, CHP Officer Brian Hanrahan, District Attorney Investigator Wayne Flick, Santa Maria Police Officer Eric Hesch for their commitment to public safety during the attack on the Santa Maria Superior Courthouse on September 25, 2024. Passed and adopted today.

All right, one more time if I can just say a few comments. about these four gentlemen. First of all, just in general putting on a uniform strapping on a firearm going out and putting yourself potentially into harm's way shows courage every single day that every one of our law enforcement officers does but sometimes there are occasions that call for more than that and this incident was especially that case.

In the case of Chris Nelson, Sheriff's Deputy Chris Nelson who was stationed at the weapon screening station that day and was sitting at the desk. As soon as the suspect came in and threw that bag, he was climbing out of his chair drawing his gun getting ready to go apprehend him And then the explosion occurred and he took cover. And then all of a sudden ran out quite on the heels of Steve, who was already by this time chasing the suspect.

And this wasn't Chris's first rodeo. He in another point in his career 20 years ago September of 2004 He exhibited extraordinary heroism as well, along with his partner B.J. Fortier when they received a radio call of a hostage taking someone took a hostage family, a family hostage, a girlfriend and her mother and father tied the parents up and was holding them all at gunpoint. And these two guys received that radio call, they responded, they because of the extreme nature of the call entered the home as they were in the hallway of the home the suspect emerged and he fired at them wounding BJ Fortier and there was a gun battle in very close proximity in this hallway of this house And luckily, fortune favored the brave in this case. And they were able to neutralize the suspect and save the young woman and her parents from what he had done as well.

And for that heroism, Chris was awarded the Sheriff's Office Award of Valor and the H. Thomas Geary Award for Valor as well. So again, this isn't his first time around. I just want to say to all of the guys thank you so much We have a great cross-section of representation of law enforcement agencies here. Highway Patrol, in addition to the Sheriff's Deputy we have Highway Patrol. We have District Attorney's Investigator Wayne Flick who also is a former Sheriff's Deputy so we'll claim him as well and a Santa Maria police officer and they were all at the courthouse that day and they all moved into action And quickly results by by their actions resulted in the apprehension of this suspect who will face the bar of justice for what he did and so again on behalf of the sheriff's office to all of you thank you we're proud of you and we appreciate your actions that day.

Do you ever not can you hold just like Darrell I'm going to call on you so if you want to get something ready come on up so.

Thank you chair 11, you know members of the board. I just want to acknowledge all for these law enforcement officers if us any one of the 4 of them. If you thank them for their heroism, there are extraordinary events on that day. They will all tell you they were just doing their job. It has been my privilege to serve in a career where I have the ability to collaborate and work together with law enforcement on a daily basis.

The men and women of the CHP, the Santa Maria Police Department The deputies in the administration of the Sheriff's Department and to be blessed to have the quality of peace officers working in the Bureau of Investigations at the DA's office. They define public service. Wayne Flick served his country as a proud Marine, and he serves the County of Santa Barbara at first as a deputy sheriff and now as district attorney investigator.

These officers have given their lives to serving and to protecting. And when the chips were down, when a chaotic, exceedingly dangerous horrific circumstance was occurring, their dedication to public safety, their dedication to protecting all of us, their training, their experience sprung into action without delay, without hesitation. So all I can say on behalf of a grateful community, on behalf of all of us that attempt to administer justice through our legal system, through the courts.

Our place of safety, the place where things happen in an organized manner These great officers were dedicated to making sure that all of us in that system are safe and that we protect the integrity of that system and the safety of the people. So I can't thank four of you enough. Daryl?

OK, so I didn't plan on making any comments. But I have to thank the board for this special recognition. My name is Daryl Parker. I'm the Court Executive Officer and the Jury Commissioner for Santa Barbara County. And we plan for things we hope never happen on a daily basis. And the court system is structured in a way that we try to prevent the violent outside society from entering into the realm where we choose to resolve our disputes in a civilized manner And someone tried to disrupt that, which was a pretty bad day.

And if it weren't for the quick actions of Steve and law enforcement, it could have been a lot worse. I happened on the scene moments after it happened and the lobby was filled with smoke and it was total chaos. I don't know how they kept their wits about them but they did and they apprehended the suspect quickly. I've never seen that many law enforcement on the campus at one time.

When I was listening to the sheriff speak, I was reminding him Crisis doesn't build character, it reveals it. And on that day all of those men really revealed their true character and I want to thank them.

Well thank all of you. I also want to thank Supervisor Nelson, he was the lead on this making sure that you know sometimes we get a little bit long winded on our resolutions and we're talking about the disease of the month or this and that it sometimes we feel like there's there's a lot of resolutions today was a day when this is exactly what this county is all about is people really revealed their character in a moment of crisis and it could have been a lot, a lot worse and we would be the subject of national news. Not that it wasn't but I think the other side of this too is that generally in a crisis like this you hear a lot of second guessing and Monday morning quarterbacking and we haven't heard any of that so really appreciate all of you doing your job which is putting your life on the line and we really appreciate it thank you.

Okay, so now your punishment is you get to sit through an entire Board of Supervisors meeting because you don't get to leave today. No I'm just kidding. You can get back to work but our next resolution is Resolution Number 3. Item 3 please.

Chair Lavinino, members of the board Administrative item number three is sponsored by Supervisor Lavanino. It is to adopt a resolution of commendation honoring John Thomas McKinnon upon his retirement from the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office after over 24 years of faithful and distinguished service to the citizens of Santa Barbara County. Joining us here in person we have the family of John Thomas McKinnon. If you will join us at the podium I'll now read the resolution into the record Whereas Senior Deputy District Attorney John T. McKinnon retired on September 27th after over 28 years as a prosecutor, 24 of which were spent in Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office and whereas throughout his distinguished career John has held numerous critical positions including serious felonies, fraud, collaborative courts and juvenile division as well as handling countywide misdemeanor filings and whereas John's intelligence and his legal acumen have made him an invaluable asset To the district attorney's office earning him the respect of his colleagues, peers and members of the community.

And whereas his contributions in collaborative courts have shown a commitment to innovative approaches in the justice system promoting rehabilitation and positive outcomes for individuals. His dedication to public service and his passion for justice have positively impacted countless lives throughout his career. And whereas, John is not only a brilliant legal mind but also a kind and compassionate individual who treats everyone with respect and dignity embodying the values we strive to uphold in our community. And whereas as a proud father and husband John exemplifies the importance of family and the balance between a demanding career and personal life serving as a role model for his children and others And now therefore it is hereby ordered and resolved that the Board of Supervisors hereby recognizes and commends John T.

McKinnon for his outstanding service, dedication and contributions to the District Attorney's Office in the community. We extend our deepest gratitude and best wishes for his continued success in all his future endeavors passed and adopted today.

Thank you. Chair Lavenado, members of the board. 25 years ago I was outside My friend, a really accomplished aggressive capable and thoughtful young deputy district attorney as he left the Fresno County DA's office and moved to the greener pastures of Santa Barbara County. At the time I was sad to see my friend go fast forward Many years later, and we connected again in Santa Barbara. John as a senior deputy district attorney in an office where I would eventually become the DA.

John's career is one of doing whatever needed to be done. John prosecuted some of the most horrible and horrific cases John represented the county when a sexually violent predator was petitioning for release. But on the other side of that, John served four years in the treatment courts at the point in time when the movement towards treatment of those with serious mental health issues or serious addiction issues was moving away from punishment to treatment And getting them out of the criminal justice system. And this aggressive prosecutor who had prosecuted the most horrific cases slid easily into that role because for John, it was about doing the right thing. It was about justice and he helped us in the formative years to build the credibility of those courts and to stabilize them and became a It became a partner to everybody in the collaborative process.

In his later years, John has fought a courageous battle with cancer even when he was at his sickest and he physically couldn't come to work. We charge cases, a lot of what we do doesn't go to court. We first have to assess review and determine if charges are going to be filed and that was the job John could do remote. And it is a busy job there are hundreds and over the course of a year thousands of cases coming through And whenever John would need treatment or would be just too sick to work and we would go into his queue to see how he was on his filings, he was caught up.

Up until the end when physically he just couldn't come in He was worried about the office, who is going to do the cases. These were the ones he had worked on what is going on. He cared deeply about this community. I know the whole time in Fresno he was just waiting to get back and he did. Two amazing children who have been there supporting him to see the love they show him is tremendous and his wife Michelle, who has been a friend since those days in Fresno.

Has been there through through a horrible illness and they have kept their spirits. They have kept their devotion to the county and their loving devotion to John so I can't thank you enough For doing this for John, for the family and for the DA's office. Thank you so much.

Steve. Supervisor Nelson?

Yes, thank you Chair Lavinino I just wanted to recognize John it's you know you heard a lot of great things about what he's done for the county but when i think about john i think about the dad in our community um he is the ultimate team dad him and michelle that the team parents have many football teams cheer teams volleyball teams They've donated a significant amount of their time to our community, and I think there's a bigger story here. It's been a life of commitment to community, and it's my honor to help celebrate and honor John today.

Absolutely. Okay. Hard to move on to these other ones, but we do have other business, and we appreciate everybody that was here today, and It's going to be a memorable meeting. Administrative item number four, please.

Chair Labanino, members of the Board, Administrative Item Number Four is sponsored by Supervisor Caps and Supervisor Labanino. It is to adopt a resolution of commendation Proclaiming the month of October 2024 as National Arts and Humanities Month in Santa Barbara County. Joining us here in person, we have Celesta Belici, Director of UCSB Arts & Lectures and Dennis Smitherman of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. If you'll make your way to the podium I will now read the resolution into the record.

Whereas, October has been recognized as National Arts and Humanities Month by the White House and Congress for 31 years to encourage people across the nation to celebrate the significance of culture in building human connection and enlivening the world around us. And whereas through the programs such as Percent for Arts Ordinance and Art Making Impact Grant, the county has furthered its commitment to cultivating the dynamic public spaces creating art opportunities and enhancing community vitality. And whereas the Board of Supervisors formed the County Arts Commission in 1977 to bring the government, artists and public together for cultural benefit for all. And whereas through its 2024 Leadership in Arts Program, the Arts Commission is honoring one organization, the City of Santa Maria Recreation Parks Department and one individual, Celesta Belici, for exemplary efforts and dedication to uplifting the community well-being by increasing access to arts.

And whereas the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is hereby recognized for improving the quality of life for residents and visitors throughout its robust art program, and for the successful implementation of its five-year public art master plan. And whereas Celesta Belici, Executive Director of UCSB Arts & Lectures, is hereby recognized for building one of the most successful art presenting programs in the nation and ensuring that Events and performances such as Viva el Arte can be free of cost and available to students and families around the county. And whereas, and now therefore be it hereby order and resolve that this Board of Supervisors proclaims October as National Arts and Humanities Month and encourages residents to explore Santa Barbara County's vibrant arts and culture passed and adopted today.

I feel so lucky to get to stand next to her. This is amazing. On behalf of the Recreation and Parks Department, the Recreation and Parks Commission, and our Public Art Committee with the City of Santa Maria we say thank you for the support. In 2019 our public art plan had passed as city council and we've been moving steadily forward in reaching those goals.

In the next month we look forward at 15 new utility boxes painted on Broadway, so look for those. Give them a wave and a honk as you pass by. The artists love it! And just really again, thank you for the support and thank you for this recognition.

I want to say thank you very much. The county office of arts and culture, the Arts Commissioners and to the Board of Supervisors. Thank you so much, particularly to Laura who I know. And I really want to think the Arts Commissioner Roman Baratiak who's here nominated me he was I have been arts and lectures for 25 years as our executive director but he was my associate director for 20 years and we are up here all the time in the county. I think people think that arts and lectures UCSB is stuck down at UCSP down there But I created a program called Viva el Arte and we've been coming up throughout the county for almost 20 years.

We have a very soft spot in our heart here for Guadalupe, we've been doing a program up here that's free for the community for almost 20 years and it's, I truly believe in my heart this is the best thing that Arts & Lectures does so I hope you come up to see Viva El Arte. I know the Royal Theater is being redone and redeveloped and we hope you can be apart of that as well But I really want to thank my hardworking staff and everybody in the community. Arts and Lectures only works if the community comes out, so it is really a community-supported program. And thank you all. Thank the county. And I hope that this is our 65th anniversary at Arts and Lectures, that there will be a new generation – this is my 25th year as a director – there'll be a new generation 65 years from now for Educate, Entertain, Inspire is our motto, so I expect it.

So thank you again so much.

Supervisor Caps?

Thank you, I just want to take a moment. Our arts and our programs don't get a lot of attention always but I think we truly have an outsized impact in terms of the size of our county, the amount of talent, of energy, of people that flock here to perform in all different ways as well as our own grown. So it's one of the many special kind of unspoken things about our county and it's nice to honor and take a moment.

All right, Madam Clerk, Administrative Item No. 5 please.

Chair Labadino, Members of the Board, Administrative Item No. 5 is sponsored by Supervisor Hartman. It is to adopt a resolution proclaiming October 9th 2024 as National Walk and Roll to School Day in Santa Barbara County. Joining us here in person we have Ken Dahmen. If you'll make your way to the podium I will now read the resolution into the record. Whereas National Walk and Roll to School Day is celebrated in communities across the country, where there's a commitment to improving health and well-being of youth. And whereas National Rock and Roll to School Day encourages students to engage in physical activity and reduce their carbon footprint by walking, biking or using other multimodal means to get to school. And whereas the Safe Routes to School Program, as established by the U.S.

Department of Transportation plays a pivotal role in creating safe environments for students to walk and bike to school by providing infrastructure improvements educational programs and community engagement. And whereas the benefits of walking and biking to school include increased physical activity safer streets and connected communities while raising awareness of traffic rules healthier lifestyles and encouraging neighborhood awareness to share the road with pedestrians and cyclists And whereas National Walk and Roll to School Day fosters a sense of independence and responsibility in students as they navigate their neighborhood safely. And whereas National Walk and Roll to School Day alleviates traffic congestion on the streets, and helps reduce the amount of air pollutants emitted by automobiles which contribute to climate change and increase in respiratory illnesses.

And whereas celebrating National Walk and Roll to School Day on October 9th, 2024 aligns with our commitment to creating a more sustainable healthy and active future for our youth. Now therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors supports the designation of October 9th 2024 as National Walk and Roll to School Day and we encourage school parents and kids to participate in this meaningful event to promote the health and well-being of our students and the environment passed and adopted today.

Thank you Supervisors for this recognition of Walk and Roll to School Day. It's been an honor to serve the community in this way with Move Santa Barbara County having countless education programs throughout the county from Guadalupe to Carpinteria, thank you guys so much for this recognition.

Yeah, well I just wanted to say a couple of things. First BC Centro that you oversee is really an institution in Santa Maria community. You not only teach people how to repair bikes but you make low-cost bikes available to people and you created really a community hub where people can come and enjoy each other's company I've been by when the music's going and it's really exciting. So, I think that's kind of why I come to bike trails and biking so much is that when we're isolated in our cars is a very different experience than the community and how we experienced the natural world.

I don't know what's happening in Santa Maria, but in Los Olivos at 8 o'clock tomorrow morning we're meeting at the flagpole to walk and bike to school and there'll be refreshments at Los Olivos Elementary. So thank you so much for being here Ken.

Thank you so much yes BC Central has been in Santa Maria now for almost eight years And we've been just plugging away, increasing safety as far as users of the road. As far as pedestrians go and cyclists who partner with local city officials to create those conditions for residents. Thank you for the opportunity.

Awesome. Thank you Ken. All right that closes out our administrative agenda so now is the time for members of the public to speak on items that are not on today's agenda. Madam Clerk any requests to speak on general public comment?

Chair Lavinino, members of the board we have three requests to speak. We'll begin via Zoom with Chris Robinson to be followed by Anne McCarty here in Santa Maria

and I will close the roll for public comment so those three will be our public comment speakers today.

Chris?

Good morning honorable supervisors my name is Chris Robertson and I'm here on behalf of Caruso regarding our project at the Miramar I want to respectfully stress that the application we filed as a Housing Accountability Act project covered under SB 330, which provides critical protections to ensure that much needed housing is not unjustly delayed or denied.

After 2 years of robust community outreach, we filed an application that we are incredibly proud of and which has strong community support. Our application has already been deemed complete by planning staff and fully complies with all applicable local and state requirements. It includes 26 affordable housing units that are vital for our employees and the Montecito community, which addresses a key issue in our region where housing availability and affordability are of significant concern.

As you know under SB 330 in the Housing Accountability Act Cities and counties are required by law to process these applications expeditiously, and to avoid unnecessary delays. As shown in our application and supporting materials this project not only aligns with the community's housing needs but also with state mandates to meet affordable housing goals as outlined in the housing element recently adopted by the board.

We'd like to thank the planning department in the county for moving our project forward without delay and allow it to proceed through the process as required by law. This is critical to ensure that this much needed housing can be delivered in a timely manner, which will greatly benefit our employees and the community. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

We will now move to Anne McCarty here in Santa Maria to be followed by Karen Hallenstein.

Good morning, Chair Lavagnino and members of the board. I'm Anne McCarty, Executive Director for the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center. This morning, I stand before you with one simple yet profound purpose, and that's to say thank you. As our center continues to celebrate 50 years of service to the community, it's essential to recognize that our success is built on strong lasting partnerships.

One of the most significant being with the county of Santa Barbara Our service area is the Gaviota Tunnel north to the Santa Maria River Bridge and all cities and towns that encompasses, which means your constituents are our clients. From the San Ynez Valley to the far reaches of New Quiama we provide educational programs not to mention critical direct services to those affected by the crimes of sexual assault child abuse and human trafficking.

Since our humble beginnings in 1974 when community advocate Joyce Howerton saw the need for supportive services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the city of Lompoc, we've grown to an organization that serves thousands each year in North County. One of our biggest accomplishments are our collaborative efforts. From the award of funding from Santa Barbara Human Services to our critical collaboration with the District Attorney's Office, not to mention the long-standing relationships with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department, the Santa Barbara County Probation Department and many others We continue to build day by day to ensure that victims of crime receive the treatment they so deserve.

Your acknowledgement of our work does not go unnoticed, and we thank you. We know that we aren't here alone and have only been able to sustain the quality of services we are able to provide due to the relationships that have been built over the last 50 years. Our priority has always been to provide direct services to the citizens of North County, and the educational programs that we've offered over the years have empowered individuals to find their voices and take control of their lives.

We know what the impact is that we've had and continue to have simply wouldn't be possible without the unwavering support of the community we serve and the leadership of those of you who serve in this room. While I wasn't here when the center began, I've had the privilege of serving at the center for over 30 years witnessing incredible growth. This progress is a result of nurturing healthy relationships persevering through the hard times and staying dedicated to the work that we do.

Although I won't be here for the next 50 years, I'm confident that with the continued support of the citizens of this county, its leaders and everyone who believes in the vital work that we do. One day someone new will stand before you or before the board because y'all won't be here either. And thank you for helping to keep the center strong for a century of service and partnership. Thank you.

I think Supervisor Nelson does plan on being here in 50 years, so yeah.

We will now go to our final speaker Karen Hauenstein.

Hello supervisors. I'm usually coming up here with a ball of fire but the tenor and the mood this morning has me being very grateful and I just want to point out that I have I. Inserted myself to be an observer in this county. Of the cross section of our entire County. And I see our County moving toward very. In non-partisan community development and recognition of all of the people who are affected by our community development.

And when we wake up in the morning, and we look in the mirror, we're usually thinking about money where it is whether or not we have it but we also have to think about morals So do we have money? Or do we have morals? Or do we have both? Thank you.

Thank you, Karen. And with that, that closes out public comment. We'll now move directly right into our departmental agenda. So Madam Clerk can you please read item number one into the record.

Chair Lavinino, members of the board. Departmental item number one is from the Pioneer and Development Department. It is a hearing to consider recommendations regarding a discussion on mobile home parks and potential overlays.

Good morning Mr Wilson.

Good morning chair and commissioners. Director Plowman will be joining me soon. Until she does, I'll go through the PowerPoint for you.

Oh, I see her if you want to wait just 30 seconds. Good morning Lisa we ran through that pretty quick. We can take a second

Okay, whenever you're ready. Chair and members of the board will present some information that we have been researching in regards to mobile home parks throughout the unincorporated area of the county We have 24 mobile home parks that are licensed with the State Housing and Community Development Department. 21 of those provide permanent residency, however three of those are campgrounds so then we're not considering them as the standard mobile home parks. They're just licensed through the state so they're included in that 24 mobile home parks. However there are 21 that are operating as mobile home parks with permanent residency.

As a side note, the mobile home parks are inspected by our Building Safety Division under Chapter 11 of the County Code and in compliance with the State Mobile Home Park Act. Some data to provide to the members of the Board in regards to the mobile home parks in the unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County. You can see a majority of those are in the unincorporated area outside of the city limits of Santa Barbara and then a majority are located in and throughout the Orchid Area There's one located on the northwest side of the unincorporated area of Santa Maria. And then we have several that are scattered throughout the unincorporated communities throughout the county, with pretty much one in the other communities that are shown on this slide before you.