Meeting Summary
Present: 5-Lavagnino, 1-Lee, 3-Hartmann, 4-Nelson, Kaps
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Resolution in Opposition to Federal Cuts to Head Start
- The Board adopted a resolution opposing federal funding reductions to the Head Start program.
- Presenters highlighted the program's long-standing impact on over 55,000 families since 1967.
- Board members expressed unanimous support for maintaining current funding levels.
Proclamation of Search and Rescue Month
- The Board proclaimed May 2025 as Search and Rescue Month in Santa Barbara County.
- Presenters detailed volunteer service hours, response statistics, and significant cost savings.
- The resolution was adopted to recognize the contributions of volunteer search and rescue teams.
Proclamation of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- The Board adopted a resolution designating May 2025 as AAPI Heritage Month.
- Speakers discussed local AAPI history and the historical impact of Executive Order 9066.
- The proclamation acknowledges the cultural contributions of AAPI communities in the county.
Proclamation of Older Americans Month
- The Board proclaimed May 2025 as Older Americans Month.
- The resolution included the introduction of the 2025 Senior of the Year honorees.
- The item was adopted to recognize the contributions of older adults in the community.
Sheffield Drive to Ortega Hill Pedestrian and Bicycle Connection
- The Board approved the staff recommendation for the pedestrian and bicycle connection project.
- Public comment included opposition citing redundancy, fiscal concerns, and environmental impacts.
- The motion passed despite the public request to pull the item from the administrative agenda.
Emergency Shelters Zoning Ordinance Amendments
- The Planning and Development Department requested a continuance to June 24, 2025.
- The delay was necessary to ensure compliance with new state laws regarding housing element updates.
- The Board approved the motion to continue the hearing to the specified future date.
Pro-Housing Designation Program
- The Board authorized the county to apply for the state's Pro-Housing Designation Program.
- Staff confirmed the designation supports affordable housing goals without relinquishing local control.
- The Board directed the Legislative Committee to scrutinize CEQA and funding aspects of the application.
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Public Safety Realignment Plan Addendum
- The Board approved the addendum focusing on jail population management and community supervision.
- The plan outlines a $20.6 million budget to expand diversion programs and address racial disparities.
- Staff explained that existing funds are being reallocated to address gaps in residential treatment beds.
Response to 2024-2025 Grand Jury Report on Epidemic Response
- The Board adopted the county's formal response to the Grand Jury's findings on epidemic preparedness.
- The Health Department partially disagreed with findings regarding risk assessments and wastewater testing mandates.
- The response includes a commitment to join the CDC National Syndromic Surveillance Program.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Roll Call
- The Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meeting was called to order on May 20, 2025. The Clerk noted the absence of Supervisor Lavinino and Supervisor Nelson. Following the roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, the Chair and Supervisor Hartman addressed a recent fatal accident involving three Dos Pueblos High School students who were also junior lifeguards and county park employees. A moment of silence was observed.
Approval of Minutes
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the May 13, 2025 meeting. The motion passed.
Clerk's Announcements
- The Clerk announced that Departmental Item 1 (Emergency Shelters Zoning Ordinance Amendments) had been requested for continuance to the June 24, 2025 meeting. Instructions regarding public participation and verbal comments via Zoom were also provided.
Administrative Agenda
- A motion was made and seconded to approve the remainder of the administrative agenda, excluding Item A9 (which had been pulled by the public). The motion passed.
Administrative Item 1: Resolution in Opposition to Federal Cuts to Head Start
- Sponsored by Chair Kaps and Supervisor Hartman, this item sought to adopt a resolution opposing federal funding cuts to the Head Start program. Representatives from CommUnify presented on the program's history, services, and impact on over 55,000 families since 1967. Board members expressed support for the program. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 2: Proclamation of Search and Rescue Month
- Sponsored by Supervisor Lee, this item sought to adopt a resolution proclaiming May 2025 as Search and Rescue Month in Santa Barbara County. Representatives from the Sheriff's Office and the Search and Rescue Foundation presented statistics on volunteer service hours, response calls, and cost savings. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 3: Proclamation of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Sponsored by Supervisor Lee, this item sought to adopt a resolution proclaiming May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Representatives from the Santa Barbara AAPI Solidarity Network and UCSB's Filipino Cultural Night discussed the history of AAPI communities in Santa Barbara and the impact of Executive Order 9066. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 4: Proclamation of Older Americans Month
- Sponsored by Supervisor Lee and Supervisor Hartman, this item sought to adopt a resolution proclaiming May 2025 as Older Americans Month. The Children and Adult Network Director presented the resolution and introduced the 2025 Senior of the Year honorees. The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 9: Sheffield Drive to Ortega Hill Pedestrian and Bicycle Connection
- Originally scheduled for the administrative agenda, this item was pulled by the public. Scott Wenz spoke in opposition to the project, citing redundancy, fiscal concerns, and environmental impact. A motion was made and seconded to approve the staff recommendation. The motion passed.
General Public Comment
- Two members of the public provided comments on non-agenda items. Scott Wenz advocated for the acquisition of heavy-lift drones for water safety. Thomas Becker discussed oil production at Point Arguero, pipeline capacity, and historical context regarding the 2015 blowout.
Departmental Item 1: Emergency Shelters Zoning Ordinance Amendments
- The Planning and Development Department requested a continuance of this hearing to the June 24, 2025 meeting to comply with new state laws regarding the housing element update. No public comment was requested on the continuance. A motion was made and seconded to continue the item to June 24, 2025. The motion passed.
Departmental Item 2: Pro-Housing Designation Program
- The Community Services Department presented a request to authorize the county to apply for the state's Pro-Housing Designation Program. Staff explained that the designation would provide priority access to state funding and competitive grant points without requiring actions beyond the existing Housing Element Update or relinquishing local control. Board members inquired about the distinction between market rate and affordable housing, the status of other jurisdictions, and the impact on mobile home park moratoriums. Staff affirmed that the designation supports affordable housing goals and does not conflict with the senior overlay for mobile home parks.
- During public comment, a representative from the Board of Citizens Planning Association (CPA) presented concerns regarding the application. While not opposing the application, the speaker requested that the county encourage the state to provide realistic funding sources, pursue permanent local funding mechanisms, seek funding without streamlining CEQA requirements, and clarify the ability to withdraw or amend the designation. Supervisor Hartman questioned whether the Legislative Committee should provide additional guidance on CEQA and funding aspects. Director Plowman suggested acting on the application as submitted while the Legislative Committee reviews broader issues. Supervisor Hartman moved to approve staff recommendations A through C and direct the Legislative Committee to scrutinize the CEQA and funding aspects. The motion was seconded by Chair Kaps. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Public Safety Realignment Plan Addendum
- The Probation Department presented the Public Safety Realignment Plan Addendum for fiscal years 2025-2026, developed by the Community Corrections Partnership (CCP). The plan focuses on jail population management, community supervision, diversion, treatment, and victim services. Presenters highlighted an increase in realigned offender populations and outlined five CCP goals, including reducing recidivism and addressing racial disparities. Initiatives discussed included expanding the Neighborhood Restorative Justice Program, implementing Proposition 36 with new staffing allocations, and continuing the "Familiar Faces" team. Financial details indicated an ongoing program budget of approximately $20.6 million, financed by ongoing funding and a release of restricted fund balance.
- During discussion, Supervisor Hartman inquired about the opportunity cost of funding Proposition 36 without additional state resources. Staff explained that existing gaps in residential treatment beds necessitated the reallocation of funds and that state-level discussions regarding future funding were ongoing. Chair Kaps asked about the evaluation process for programs and the plan for future funding uncertainties. Staff noted that decisions involve compromise and data-driven analysis. Chair Kaps also requested an update on the CCP's work to improve data collection regarding jail populations; staff reported that a subcommittee had been formed to determine data needs. District Attorney Savarnak provided a five-year vision focused on diversion and preventing further incarceration. Supervisor Lee moved to approve recommendations A through E. The motion was seconded by Chair Kaps. The motion passed.
Agenda Item: Response to 2024-2025 Grand Jury Report on Epidemic Response
- The County Executive Office and County Health Department presented a response to the Grand Jury's report regarding the county's preparedness for the next epidemic. The report contained six findings and seven recommendations covering risk assessment, bioterrorism, and communication. The Health Department partially disagreed with findings regarding the lack of pathogen-specific risk assessments and disaster plans, stating that existing monitoring tools and the Infectious Disease Emergency Response (IDER) plan address these needs. The department disagreed with the recommendation to mandate wastewater testing, citing a lack of legal authority, though they noted they receive state wastewater data. The department disagreed with the finding regarding bioterrorism communication channels, stating the Sheriff's Office leads those efforts. The department partially agreed with findings on communication with healthcare providers, noting existing task forces but agreeing to formalize and expand them. The department declined to implement a recommendation to establish a community task force with authority to demand actions, citing conflicts with the statutory authority of the Health Officer. The presentation included a commitment to join the CDC National Syndromic Surveillance Program.
- During discussion, Supervisor Hartman asked about the timing of the CDC software implementation and the feasibility of wastewater monitoring. Staff clarified the software adoption was coincidental to the report and explained that while wastewater testing is valuable, local authority is limited. Supervisor Lee inquired about animal and livestock monitoring, which staff noted falls under the Agricultural Commissioner's purview but involves inter-agency communication. Chair Kaps asked about flexibility in receiving external warnings and the potential to expand jurisdiction over sanitary districts for wastewater testing. Staff indicated a willingness to explore jurisdictional limits and noted ongoing regional collaboration. Chair Kaps also asked about the impact of federal CDC changes and vaccination policies; staff reported that core functions remain active and the department is prepared to adapt. Supervisor Lee moved to adopt the response to the Grand Jury report, authorize the Chair to sign the letter, and determine the item is not subject to CEQA review. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Adjournment
- The meeting concluded with the Chair acknowledging the public health team and noting the completion of the agenda. A motion was made to adjourn the meeting until Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Santa Barbara. The motion was seconded and passed.