Board of Supervisors — 2024-12-17

All right, good morning everybody. Welcome to this December 17th 2024 meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors I'd like to call it to order This is the last scheduled meeting of 2024 madam clerk. Can you please call the roll?

Move approval.

I second.

Good morning chair and board members. I just have two things to report first is just to Acknowledge and thank the Public Defender's Office for the successful sleeping bag drive The this year the community donated hundreds of sleeping bags and warm weather items from jackets to shoes in addition financial donations of more than $2,800 contributed to the purchase of 200 sack lunches socks umbrellas undergarments and additional sleeping bags In total more than 200 people received a sleeping bag, warm clothes and food at distribution events that took place earlier this month in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc. We extend our appreciation to everyone who donated to this vital cause to help keep our neighbors experiencing homelessness warm and safe and thank you to the Public Defender's Office for organizing it every year The second is just a note about the county holiday closure.

In observance of the upcoming holidays, some non-emergency Santa Barbara County offices will be closed or have modified hours from Wednesday December 25th through Wednesday January 1st 2025. The full schedule can be found on our county website under news and announcements and that's all I have. Great

thank you very much Madam Clerk, are there any announcements or changes to our agenda today?

Chair Levinino and members of the board. I do have a few announcements this morning. 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 salary increases and range adjustments for management and appointed executive classifications pursuant to section 54953C3 of the government code Prior to taking final action, the legislative body shall orally report a summary of a recommendation for a final action on the salaries, salary schedules, or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits of any local agency executive during the open meeting in which the final action is to be taken. Approval of the recommended salary increases result in new bi-weekly salaries for local agency executives as follows.

The Behavioral Wellness Director at $10,674.05. The Social Services Director at $10715.38 The public health director at 11,000 686 21 the first five director at six thousand seven hundred eighty five seventeen the planning and development director at nine thousand one hundred forty nine twenty four the fire chief at ten thousand seven hundred fifty eight eight the Chief Probation Officer at eight thousand six hundred ninety-four and eighty six the child support services director at seven thousand nine hundred eighteen ninety five The Information Technology Director at 10,061 and 55. County Council at 11,191-14. The Public Defender at 11,257-99. And lastly the Community Services Director at 8,898 and 51 Additionally, we posted an addendum to today's agenda on Friday December 13 adding administrative item number 54 to the agenda and amending the closed session agenda.

Administrative item number 54 is from Supervisor Williams it is to consider recommendations regarding a contribution of $145,000 to the Gleda Union School District for an expanded learning programs pilot universal TK to K care program access for all and a contribution of seventeen thousand one hundred and sixty eight in ninety five To the Harding School Foundation's garden program from the first district discretionary fund Additionally, the closed session agenda was amended to include an item under conference with legal counsel existing litigation regarding American medical response West versus County of Santa Barbara at all Santa Barbara County Superior Court case number 23 CV 0 4 2 5 0 This addendum has been posted online and made available to the board and the public.

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 number is 805 5 6 8 2 2 4 0 and that concludes my announcements for today.

Well, thank you very much.

Yeah just A21 not for a separate vote but just to acknowledge.

And Supervisor Williams? Just A54 for discussion. Got it and then Madam Clerk do we have anything from the public?

Chair Lavinino and members of the board we have requests to speak from the public on A1, A3, A14, A48 and A54.

Okay so I would like to now entertain a motion to approve the balance in administrative agenda except for items A13, 14, 18 Well, the ones that we pull for comment. You know what? Let's just do all these okay. We're going to make it real easy this is my last meeting so we're gonna go. We entertain a motion to approve the balance of the administrative agenda except for 1 3 14 18 21 48 and 54.

So moved. Second. Moved and seconded. All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? They pass unanimously Madam Clerk, let's go to the resolutions of A1 please.

Chair Lavagnino and members of the board administrative item number one is sponsored by Supervisor Hartman it is to adopt a resolution honoring John Lansing Duncan upon his retirement from the Santa Barbara County Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission and joining us in person today we have John Lansing Duncan if you can please make your way to the podium I'll go ahead and read the resolution. Whereas John Lansing Duncan was appointed to the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission, HLAC on May 9th 2011 by Supervisor Doreen Farr and was subsequently reappointed twice by Supervisor Joan Hartman serving with dedication and distinction as Vice Chair of HLAC And whereas Lansing has a distinguished record of public service across multiple roles in Santa Barbara County, beginning with an appointment to the Santa Anas Valley General Plan Advisory Committee, GPAC by Supervisor Willie Chamberlain and later to the County Planning Commission from 1995-2000 by Supervisors Bill Wallace and Gail Marshall.

And whereas following his service on the Planning Commission, Lansing was reappointed to the GPAC by Supervisor Gail Marshall and chaired the committee guiding the development of the initial draft of the San Inez Valley Community Plan. And working tirelessly with community members and officials to secure its eventual adoption in 2009 under Supervisor Doreen Farr. And whereas Lansing authored the Santa Barbara County Historic Landmark nomination for Maddie's Tavern, resulting in its designation as a county historic landmark by the Board of Supervisors in 2010. Preserving this treasured site in the San Inez Valley and whereas Lansing has served on various boards of community organizations including the San Inez Valley Alliance, the Citizen Planning Association CPA and the Santa Barbara County Action Network SBCAN demonstrating strong advocacy for community planning And whereas the county of Santa Barbara appreciates decades of Lansing's distinguished service across a broad spectrum of community and environmental initiatives, and recognizes that his legacy has positively impacted the lives and landscapes of the San Ynez Valley and greater Santa Barbara County.

Now therefore let it be hereby ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors of Santa Barbara County does hereby honor John Lansing Duncan upon his retirement from the County of Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission and for his many years of dedicated service to valuable land using planning and preservation in Santa Barbara County passed and adopted today.

Thank you so very much. And especially for this official recognition as I change hats once again, it's been my privilege to serve the community most of the time. I would like to thank all of you and particularly those supervisors who are also changing hats for your many years of service I would be remiss if I didn't thank my wife who has supported me in all these efforts most of the time.

We all know we can't and we don't do this alone. I would be negligent if I did not point out that the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission known as HLAC has a serious budget problem, one that is aggravated by a rather narrow-minded short sighted interpretation of what full cost recovery means Protecting your historic resources does generate income, but it comes in the way of increased property values, property taxes, sales taxes and TOT.

Not the permitting fees that planning and development typically relies upon. Chapter 18A that empowers and directs HLAC recognizes the public economic benefit of being good stewards of our landmarks for future generations Not every owner sees the benefit of landmarking their property immediately, but many do and some eventually do. And when they do nominate their property, the county should not be charging them for your board's final stamp of approval.

This is a recent counterproductive accounting measure that will only discourage property owners. And when HLAC nominates a property The cost of your final stamp of approval shouldn't come out of HLAC's pitiful $21,100 budget. Another recent accounting proposal. Your board should have the last word. As you did in a recent appeal, where HLAC attempted to accommodate the owner's development plans while protecting the resource for future owners and future generations.

The same motivation inspired HLAC's recent designation of Cold Spring Canyon Bridge and Arroyo Honda Bridge. I trust you will endorse protecting those landmark efforts by HLAC and direct staff to find a way for the county to support the protection of priceless historic resources we can't recreate. Thank you for your consideration, and this recognition. And thank you to everyone on staff.

Madam

Clerk.

Chair Lavinino and members of the board, We have one request to speak on this item and we have Gail Marshall here in person

Former Supervisor Gail Marshall, yes.

This room looks smaller. Good morning, Chair and members of the Board of Supervisors. I'm so happy that I learned this long overdue recognition of Lansing Duncan and am here to offer my congratulations. I was fortunate to have Lansing on the Planning Commission when I took office in 1996. His diligence and insights were very helpful to a newly elected. Lansing also served on the Santa Ana's Valley GPAC which ultimately became years later the Santa Ana's Valley General Plan We worked together along with many others on the planning document, the Santa Ana's Valley Blueprint. And then 10 years later as board members of the Santa Ana's Valley Alliance, Lansing was a guiding force in publishing the ten-year look back at planning in the Santa Ana's Valley.

Lansing most recently has been taking making positive contributions to the City of Solvang's Planning and Development Lansing has been a force for good planning, all well-being and engaged husband, parent and grandparent. I know that Lansing's community service will not end with this recognition. It's my experience that one must retire from many things in life.

It's my pleasure to be here today to thank Lansing Duncan for his friendship and his service to our community. Thank you.

Supervisor Hartman.

Well I would just like to add that when I think of people in the Santa Ynez Valley who've had tremendous influence, Lansing is really at the top of the list and he's not a name that comes to mind for most people immediately you kind of have to be in the know because he's working always always in the background He's the kind of person people check in with just to get a sense of is this going to work, isn't it? How does it fit with the history of this place.

He he's not been one really for the limelight but a quiet champion He's not really in it for glory or fame or recognition. But he simply does it because he cares so deeply about the Santa Ynez Valley, the beautiful place that it is, the wonderful people that live there and the county as a whole. And as you can see, he won't miss an opportunity to drive a point home which I respect but I will continue coming to you for advice, as will many other people. So it's changing hats. It's not really retiring the hat. Thank you so much for everything.

Madam Clerk,

Supervisor Williams.

I've watched Lansing's work since 2002 and seen him persevere through times as divided and intense as these. It gives me hope that public sermons can do that And he's taken, as you can imagine during those times, he's taken more than his share of wounds and hits along the way and kept on going. So I really just respect that Lansing, I respect the dedication, the perseverance and the mind that he demonstrates so eloquently.

All right, so let's go to item A2. Madam Clerk?

Chair Lavagnino and members of the Board, Administrative Item Number 2 is sponsored by Supervisor Capps and Supervisor Hartman. It is to adopt a resolution honoring Wendy Sims-Moten upon her retirement from the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Trustees. And joining us here in person today we have Wendy Sims-Moten.

We're going to get there.

Clearly well loved by all and I'll go ahead and read the resolution. Whereas throughout her professional career, Wendy Sims-Moten has been a steadfast advocate for children's development and education ensuring that they have access to resources support and opportunities for growth. And whereas Wendy has served with devotion on the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Trustees for eight years exemplifying a strong commitment to the children and future of our community. And whereas during her tenure on the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Trustees, Wendy championed a number of significant initiatives including passing ethnic studies as a graduation requirement. Undertaking the construction of modern facilities to meet the needs of our students and steering the district towards creating housing for teachers and staff.

And whereas Wendy renewed the district's focus of every child every chance every day by convening the anti-blackness work group CABWG helped to start the district's dual language immersion program and advocated for the mental health and well-being of students and staff. And whereas Wendy's efforts helped lead Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Trustees through tough times and disasters like the 1-9 debris flow, and whereas the County of Santa Barbara recognizes and appreciates Wendy Sims Moten's years of dedicated service to promote a healthy and inclusive environment as representative curriculum for all students Now, therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this Board of Supervisors of Santa Barbara County does hereby honor Wendy Sims Moten upon her retirement from the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Trustees passed and adopted today.

I'm usually not speechless ever, but I first have to say thank you for this honor members of the board and Supervisor Caps and Hartman through the chair. Thank you for this recognition and this resolution. And to be able to be recognized and have a resolution for things that's deep in my heart about making sure that the care and education of our children is first and foremost and we have to protect it fiercely.

Because we know when we do that, we are better adults as a result of it. So thank you for honoring me for things that I absolutely love and I saw you Supervisor Williams First 5 Commissioner honoring our little one here so I want to recognize that too. So I saw that and appreciate that because when we acknowledge our babies they know that they're seen and they're heard and they're part of who we are in our adult world. And they can actually be examples of how to Work through conflict resolution in a way of using your words positively and respectfully. And so, you know as leaders sometimes we forget that as adults when we come to public comment. We forget how to do that. So often I found myself saying did you go to preschool? Did you learn your conflict resolution?

You know in terms of that and we need to forget that but the more that's ingrained with us in the early part it carries through And everything, the way we treat and care and educate and nurture our children. We are the sum of that, of all of that as adults. We are better adult as a result to that. In my time I love Santa Barbara Unified and I know it was Tuesday night live on Santa Barbara Unified. I understand that.

But we were working through hard things, and we were hard at work working through hard things. And oftentimes when passion merges and intersects you get a lot of things, you know? It's almost like the explosion is kind of going on. But it was all for the fact of how do we educate and create a learning environment for our students so that they feel safe, that they feel seen, that they feel heard, and that we are inspiring them to be better citizens And what are we, and the things that we're doing here at Changing Systems at Santa Barbara Unified. I see my family here thank you guys so much in terms of we were doing big change and one thing that I began to understand as we were making that change is that people feel loss of the way things used to be.

And so as that we need to acknowledge that there's loss and figure out yeah, you may be feeling like you're losing something but there's a better game because as we do this it's going to be a better system for all. And sometimes you have to target a community that has been historically harmed and hurt which is what we did with our black African American students. It's been historically harmed And so we had to start there and figure out how do we figure out a way that we mitigate that. And once we do that, because you're creating a system that's recognizing everyone and it's going to be better for everyone. And so as Santa Barbara Unified no name calling, no disrespect. We are here about educating and inspiring. So that's hard work. That's hard work to do and I'm grateful that I was there to continue to plant some seeds.

We started to plant the seeds in 2016 Supervisor Capps. with explosions, things that we had to do. And so to be able to serve with folks who have the courage to make the hard decisions when you're facing pushback, facing recall all the things that you're facing but you as leaders we know even in these difficult times that we're facing and we're going for it we have to know why we are leading and have the courage and the conviction to go forth doing that So I, and lastly I would say you know, I want to say too we're reading this book at the urging of Supervisor Capps. You know writing for busy readers so I also want to add another tack on it. I'm going to speak for busy listeners. So I'm gonna conclude my comments to say I would be very remiss if I did not turn around and say thank you for these folks who prayed for us, sent text in the middle of the night When we were still there at midnight having a hard meeting, making hard decisions.

Making sure that we were making sure that everybody felt heard even though it was hard to hear some of the things they had to say but I want to thank every one of you who sent that and said are you okay? Keep going stay in the struggle because in the end you're gonna have a better system that is inherited by those who are coming behind. Every time that we start a system, it must be better from the way that we had it. Encouraging others to make it better when they leave. So thank you so very much for being here today and thank you for supporting Santa Barbara Unified. And lastly I will say that the care and education of our children must be an untouchable entitlement. So when we look at budgets and see anything talking about cutting money for students and children, that's a no.

That's a pass. We're gonna keep going. So thank you so much for this And lastly, and also I want to acknowledge my uncle who is 90 years old. Because he is one of those wonderful ancestors that are doing the work to see folks like me rise. So I'm so proud to be part of that family, so thank you. And Santa Barbara Unified, you know? That's who we are. We are the pride of Santa Barbara Unified. So keep working hard and doing the hard work. Thank you so much.

Supervisor Caps?

Thank you. What a treasure to take this moment to honor Wendy Sims Moten, she and I served six years of her eight in the trenches Santa Barbara Unified thank you Dr. Maldonado for being here. This is a woman I can't think of anyone more who lives and breathes for our children it's her day job it's her night job she's a mama And she takes one thing I just want to add to what you said and I love every word. And I love the enthusiasm and support in this room but she also, I love how when we're at meetings that might be talking about something completely different you always bring children back into it.

You make us stop and think and kind of bring us all together about what's best for our youngest members are of our community and that's just A testament to how much kids aren't, this isn't just something you do. This is something you live and you really gave so much of your heart and soul to a school system at a really challenging time. So thank you Wendy thanks for inspiring me thanks for serving all of us I'm just excited for what you get to do next especially on Tuesday nights

Supervisor Hartman

Well, I'm so glad we still have you in the county family with First Five. And my experience with you has been not so much with the school district but very difficult times after the death of George Floyd and the county was wrestling with how it should go forward And you were the trusted advisor who came and really helped us shape our DEI statement. And it's tough, you may talk about being a positive respectful but you're also very firm and you're trusted and we needed that We needed you at that moment and I'm so glad we still have you and I'll forever be grateful. Thank you.

Supervisor Williams? Well, I just want to speak to Wendy's calm strength. We're surrounded sometimes with folks who I guess speaking of listening and learning as kids, adults don't always seem to learn something from their houses of worship. Wendy is obviously someone Who did? I can't think of anybody that I've known that meets the ideal set out by Martin Luther King, Jr.'s quote. We will meet hate with love.

We will meet physical force, I suppose in her example more vitriol with soulforce. Wendy even in a stormy meeting always shows respect, which is I'm sure not always easy to do and tries to create a situation where people can learn and people can come around. the space to come around. That's what calmness and respect can do, and I have learned so much from it. I hope I will learn more from it soon.

And Wendy, I just really thoroughly enjoyed my time serving with you on First Five. And it's funny because I think sometimes our Tuesday meetings get a little crazy with public comment, and I'm like licking my wounds and I get home See what you deal with at school board and I'm like right on. Okay, that's fine. So as Daw said, it's not always easy to be respectful and that's he probably was looking at me when he said that.

I've learned a lot you know watching how you run a meeting so yeah you will be missed but i'm sure there's greater things ahead too so Supervisor Nelson.

Yes thank you Chair Labadino and Wendy just thank you for your ongoing service in your relationship that you and I share um as Supervisor Hartman was talking about Our county's DEI statement, you know as a early on in my tenure here on the board. That's when that item came up and Wendy and I spent a couple hours going line by line having a very intense conversation about two people who come from different sides of potentially the political aisle trying to find common cause and get to the heart of the issue And, you know some words are loaded more loaded than others but just talking that through was a great experience and I'm looking forward to further conversations with Wendy and others in our community. Hopefully that's a great example that could be set for others so thank you Wendy for your service on the school board and your ongoing service to our community.

Thank you.

All right that takes us to item A3

Chair Lavinino and members of the board, administrative item number three is sponsored by.

Hold on a second I'm sorry so right after this item we're going to be having there's going to be a reception in the Board of Supervisors conference room over here in honor of Wendy Sims Moten and her dedicated service. We're gonna invite everyone to join us in celebrating her retirement. It's gonna be hosted by the NAACP but first we're gonna do A3 that's right

And I just want to make sure everyone knows retirement from the school board, not from us.

Yes, yes. Retirement from the school board. Don't make

me don't make me crazy Wendy thank you.

All right item A3.

Chair Lavagnino members of the Board administrative item number three is sponsored by the Board of Supervisors it is to adopt a resolution of accommodation honoring supervisor Doss Williams for over 20 years of faithful and distinguished service to Santa Barbara County and we have county supervisor Doss Williams here Before we go to the resolution, I will go to CEO Mona Miyasato.

This is a very difficult day for many of us and to read this resolution but before we do we put a quick little video together and so we hope you enjoy it thank you

As Doss Williams completes his tenure on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, we reflect on his years in public service and the initiatives he supported. His political career started on the Santa Barbara City Council focusing on renewable energy and sustainability. In the State Assembly, he co-authored legislation to address climate change, gun safety, and access to higher education. As Supervisor, he championed clean energy. He supported the approval of California's first coastal wind farm, guided the county's transition to Central Coast Community Energy to lower greenhouse gas emissions and worked to transition the county's vehicle fleet to zero-emission vehicles.

Doss also prioritized public safety and emergency preparedness. He supported rebuilding efforts after the Thomas Fire and One-Nine debris flow, and helped implement projects like the Ramble Road Debris Basin to reduce future risk and protect the community In addressing homelessness, DAS collaborated on opening the county's first tiny home village to help get people off the streets and the support they need to transition out of homelessness. A model that has now been established successfully in three locations throughout the county. He also supported working families by helping to create additional child care spots and enhance public service by stabilizing library funding and protecting parks and trails. His dedication throughout the years is appreciated by those throughout the county, state, and country.

Das, just want to recognize you for your two decades plus of commitment service to our community in your roles as an organizer, as a city council member, as the county supervisor, as the state assembly member. You've shown a lot of dedication to this central coast and we are grateful for that. I want to wish you the best to you, to Donnie, to the girls in the next chapter.

Congratulations Doss, it's been a real honor and privilege to serve with you. I miss our time sitting next to each other on the Board of Supervisors but i know you'll do amazing things at this next chapter of your life thanks for your public service.

Doss I've appreciated our partnership working in local government to improve the lives of Santa Barbara County residents. I appreciate all that you've done in housing to address climate change and to provide for the safety net of those who need it the most

Thank you Doss Williams for your years of service and dedication to Santa Barbara County.

I'll go ahead and read the resolution. Whereas Supervisor Das Williams has served the people of Santa Barbara County for more than 20 years from the Santa Barbara City Council to the California State Assembly, to two terms representing the First District on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. And whereas in his fervency to serve the public, it would not be unheard of for our frigging colleague Doss to be seen hitching a ride to the Board of Supervisors meeting from a freeway on-ramp, scrounging for a tie or other articles of clothing to borrow before a meeting, or giving out his personal cell phone number live on TV to constituents in need during a disaster.

And whereas Doss is a crusader for clean energy, he played a pivotal role in the county's decision to join 3CE Community Choice Energy. Champion projects like the county's electric vehicle fleet, climate action plan and the Straus Wind Energy Project, the first coastal wind farm in California. He is an outspoken advocate for the realization of utility scale solar in our county.

And whereas Doss consistently prioritized supporting union work and fair wages, championing county workers' needs ahead of those in management and ensuring that those who serve the community most directly are recognized and valued. And whereas Doss is a servant leader and has demonstrated profound compassion, hospitality, and love for our communities most vulnerable. He has supported transformational housing projects like Dignity Moves and also has the humility to participate in the annual washing of the feet of our homeless friends and neighbors.

And whereas Doss has been a steadfast supporter of tenants' rights, working to protect renters from unfair practices and advancing protections. And whereas Doss has continually sought to bring diverse groups together exemplified by his partnership in the historic Camp for Agreement with the San Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. And whereas DAS recognizes the importance of opportunities for children and has prioritized increased funding for our libraries and increase the number of accredited child care spaces in our county. And whereas DAS understood the critical need for fairness and governance, and played an essential role in creating the Citizens Redistricting Commission ensuring the voice of the people is truly reflected in the boundaries that define our communities.

And whereas DAS has been a fierce advocate for the sustainability of the Cuyama Valley, fighting to protect its critical overdrafted groundwater basin. And whereas DAS showed leadership and resiliency through many disasters including the Thomas Fire, the 1-9 debris flow that devastated the residents of the First District and then oversaw the construction of the Randall Road Debris Basin, a major public works endeavor.

And whereas Doss has shown a unique capacity to stand for what he believes is best for the whole Santa Barbara County, even when it is politically challenged and even when he has faced personal or political costs for standing firm in his principles. And whereas Doss is known for his profound belief in the capacity for redemption in everyone be they wicked or righteous and for leading with a heart that holds space for the complexities of human nature extending respect and hope to all.

And whereas Doss' dedication to the community and the underserved can at times come off as preachingly righteous, it's truly a testament to his authenticity, tenacity and steadfastness in uplifting the marginalized. Now therefore be it hereby ordered and resolved that this Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors hereby recognizes and commends our colleague Supervisor Doss Williams for his two decades of public service and dedication to improving the lives of all residents His tireless commitment to the values that define this community and his indomitable spirit that has helped shape the future of Santa Barbara County, passed and adopted today.

All right, let's go on to

Chair Lavinino and members of the board, we have six requests to speak from the public on this resolution and we are going to begin on Zoom with Pamela Baksak to be followed by John Abraham Powell.

Thank you. My name is Pamela Bazook, I live in New Quiama. I want to thank you Supervisor Williams for all the work and support you have given to the Quiama Valley especially to preserve the waters that's left and also for serving on the GSA which is not an easy job. I also want to thank you for bringing more awareness of the Valley to the entire Santa Barbara County.

Thank you so much and I wish you very well in all your endeavors in the future, thank you.

And we will now go to John Abraham Powell and then we will return it to Santa Barbara with Gail Marshall.

Chair members of the board. Can you guys hear me sorry,

yes we can please proceed.

Thank you. I just am calling in to thank us for his many years of service as supervisor to the county. The first district has been through the absolute ringer during his tenure on the board. In 2017, we experienced the largest wildfire in California history at the time and immediately following, we had the largest natural disaster in Santa Barbara County history. The horrible 19 debris flow Um, you know, we've been through repeated exhausting evacuations in 2017 2018 2019 2020 and even in 2023. we've had additional flooding in 2023 and even on Easter and 2024.

This has been a difficult period and throughout these times of hardship, DOSS has maintained a close connection to community leaders and organizations that were working to support the community through these crises. An example this back in 2018 when my wife and I decided that it was time for people to start digging out our neighbors on January 28th 2018 Doss was there digging with the first 50 members of the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade. A lot of people thought we were crazy, the idea of digging hundreds of homes out by hand but Doss showed up anyway and dug with us and that ended up turning the tide and helped to lead to a very significant community resilience response And following that when the community asked for flexibility to rebuild for resilience in response to flooding and the debris flow, Doss worked to help the survivors get the support they needed to start their recovery effort.

He also worked with homeowners to create a new debris basin that actually a permanent debris basin that actually helps protect the community in perpetuity from future disasters in an incredibly vulnerable area This was really hard work that was above and beyond the call of duty. I want to thank DAS for being a consistent voice for the environment on the board, work that has become more and more important as we face the steadily increasing challenges of life in a changing climate.

Real progress has been made on renewable energy and reducing pollution and protecting the public for the future. So finally, I just want to note that DAS has had a lot of courage and been willing to take the heat for some difficult issues including Defending access to the public right-of-way, where I've been working to restore and build safe routes to schools since the debris flow.

And all of this work has taken a lot of energy and courage and persistence and those are things i really appreciate in a community leader and also just the willingness to listen and partner and collaborate with the rest of the community to try to actually get things done. So Doss, thank you so much. Appreciate you man and best of luck in your next endeavor.

We will now return to Santa Barbara with former Supervisor Gail Marshall to be followed by Dr. Lee Heller. Gail?

Mr. Chair, members of board again I'm sorry. I didn't expect that Thank you for your service to our community Your big decision now is to decide what to do with the time that's given you and As I commented about Lansing Duncan, you have many things left to retire from You're gonna have lots of accolades your career will be Discussed there is one Many will have much to say about you, but I am the only voice from 24 years ago When I was served with a petition of recall You stood shoulder-to-shoulder For the longest time in that dark period You have my gratitude Thank you

We will now go to Dr. Lee Heller, to be followed by Tom Fairam. Lee?

Chair Lavagnino and members of the board, I'm going to try not to cry too. Thank you for this resolution and thus my gratitude to you is overwhelming. I can't believe Gail inadvertently did a Lord of the Rings reference there. Did you catch that? And she doesn't even know she did it. The words that keep coming up for you that also came up for dunking, Lansing and perseverance taking the hard blows.

That is you. What I think people don't know about you is how good you are at getting part of my language shit done. So in 2007 when the City of Santa Barbara was going to cut the animal control program more than in half from four officers and a program head, the program had 24 years on the job and was gonna lose her 25 year retirement. I went to DAS, he worked his magic, Pam kept her job for another year got her 25-year requirement and we ended up with three officers instead of two. That's the level of granular competence that makes DAS so incredibly valuable at I have a tattoo that is the Celtic symbol for persistence.

I want to start by saying thank you to the city of Carpinteria. It's this. He works all the time so what I know is that whatever he does next, A, I'll get to spend more time with him socially which I'm grateful for and B, he will have a massive impact because that's who he is and that's what he does and thus I'm going to finish by saying of you what you said Yvonne. You are a keeper of the flame imperishable and I thank you

We will now go to Tom Fahran, to be followed by Gail Teton-Landis who is our final speaker on this item.

Good morning members of the board, Supervisor Williams. Thank you for the opportunity for me to say a few things about Supervisor Williams with his departing from the Board. First of all DAS thank you for your service to our community and thank you for the support that you gave us in public works through some hard times. We worked with Supervisor Williams days and weeks up to the debris flow weeks and months after One meeting sticks out for me, we attended a lot of meetings but one meeting was particularly hostile and became personal.