Meeting Summary
Present: 3-Hartmann, 5-Lavagnino, 1-Lee, 2-Capps, 4-Nelson
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
County Executive Officer’s Report
- The County Executive Officer reported on a visit by the Consulate General of Japan to local agricultural facilities.
- Staff completed the Certified Government Chief Information Officer program, and National Voter Registration Day was highlighted.
- A virtual El Niño Community Meeting was announced for October 1, and a new video on 911 dispatch operations was introduced.
Diaper Need Awareness Week
- The Board considered a resolution to proclaim September 14–20, 2026, as Diaper Need Awareness Week.
- The CEO of LEAP spoke regarding the organization’s work distributing diapers to families in need.
- The resolution was adopted by the Board.
National 4-H Week
- The Board considered a resolution to proclaim October 4–10, 2026, as National 4-H Week.
- A 4-H Youth Development Advisor and youth members spoke about their experiences with 4-H programs.
- The resolution was adopted by the Board.
Property Donation for Lompoc Animal Shelter
- The Board considered the donation of 1401 North The Street to the County, adjacent to the Lompoc Animal Shelter.
- The Secretary of SBC Animal Care Foundation thanked the donor and the Board for the contribution.
- The Board adopted the staff recommendation to accept the property donation.
Phase 1 Oil and Gas Prohibition Ordinance Amendments
- Staff presented a proposal to prohibit drilling new onshore oil and gas wells and re-entering previously abandoned wells.
- Public comment included opposition citing economic impacts and takings concerns, as well as support citing climate and health benefits.
- The Board discussed the scope of Phase 1 versus Phase 2, CEQA exemptions, and potential legal exposures.
- The Board adopted the staff recommendation to proceed with the Phase 1 ordinance amendments.
Passed 3–2 · against: Lavagnino, Nelson
Closed Session
- The Board discussed anticipated litigation regarding the initiation of civil litigation in one case.
- The Board reviewed existing litigation involving Sable Offshore Corp. versus the County.
- The Board conferred with labor negotiators for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Managers Association.
Full summary
Meeting Start and Roll Call
- The September 15, 2026, regular meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors was called to order. The Clerk confirmed the presence of Supervisors Hartman, Lavinino, Lee, Capps, and Chair Nelson. The Board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
- Item: Approval of the September 1, 2026, minutes.
- Action: A motion to approve was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Capps.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
County Executive Officer’s Report
- Jana Petersen, County Executive Officer, presented updates including:
- A September 2 visit by a delegation from the Consulate General of Japan to local agricultural facilities to discuss plant health, pest prevention, and agri-tech collaborations.
- Completion of the Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) program by staff members Kyle Slattery and Mark Garcia.
- A reminder that September 15 is National Voter Registration Day and the deadline to register for the November 3, 2026, general election is October 19.
- An announcement of a virtual El Niño Community Meeting on October 1, 2026, regarding weather outlooks and storm safety.
- Introduction of a new "Your County, Your Services" video highlighting 911 dispatch operations and the "Text to 911" service.
Passed 3–2 · against: Lavagnino, Nelson
Administrative Agenda
- Item A-17: Supervisor Hartman requested to pull this item for later discussion. The Clerk confirmed it was also pulled by the public.
- Balance of Administrative Agenda: A motion to approve the balance of the administrative agenda (excluding A-17) was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Lee.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Item 1: Diaper Need Awareness Week
- Item: Resolution proclaiming September 14–20, 2026, as Diaper Need Awareness Week.
- Discussion: Lori Goodman, CEO of LEAP, spoke regarding the organization’s work distributing diapers to families in need.
- Outcome: The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 2: National 4-H Week
- Item: Resolution proclaiming October 4–10, 2026, as National 4-H Week.
- Discussion: Melissa Guillen, 4-H Youth Development Advisor, and several youth members spoke about their experiences with 4-H programs. Supervisor Lavinino commented on the value of 4-H funding and character development.
- Outcome: The resolution was adopted.
Administrative Item 17: Property Donation for Lompoc Animal Shelter
- Item: Consideration of recommendations regarding the donation of 1401 North The Street (APN 093-000-023) to the County, adjacent to the Lompoc Animal Shelter.
- Discussion: Carrie Cody, Secretary of SBC Animal Care Foundation, thanked the donor and the Board. Supervisor Hartman thanked donor Mary Louise Breitman and noted the donation provides flexibility for shelter improvements.
- Action: A motion to adopt the staff recommendation was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Lee.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
General Public Comment
- Andy Caldwell (COLAB) spoke regarding emissions from solar decisions, housing affordability, and the impact of oil and gas prohibition on local resources and resiliency.
- Anna Arce reported on an incident at the South County Santa Barbara Jail involving ICE agents and volunteers, requesting the Board hold the Sheriff’s Department accountable.
Departmental Item 1: Phase 1 Oil and Gas Prohibition Ordinance Amendments
- Item: Hearing to consider recommendations regarding Phase 1 oil and gas prohibition ordinance amendments.
- Staff Presentation: Karina Martin (Planning and Development) presented the proposal to prohibit drilling new onshore oil and gas wells and re-entering previously abandoned wells.
- Background: The Board directed staff in 2024 to identify measures to address greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas. Phase 1 focuses on prohibiting new wells; Phase 2 (underway) will address the phase-out of existing operations.
- Legal Basis: Aligns with the 2030 Climate Action Plan and Assembly Bill 3233.
- Environmental Review: Determined categorically exempt from CEQA (Class 7 and 8 exemptions).
- Planning Commission: Voted 3-2 to recommend adoption of LUDC/CZO amendments and 3-1 to recommend approval of the Coastal Land Use Plan Amendment.
- Implementation: Inland amendments take effect 30 days after adoption; Coastal amendments require California Coastal Commission review (9–15 months).
- Board Questions:
- Chair Nelson inquired about the status of Phase 2, CEQA implications for mineral resources, and whether staff analyzed economic impacts, replacement supply sources, or health effects. Staff indicated these analyses are not part of the Phase 1 CEQA exemption and are deferred to Phase 2 or not conducted. Staff stated the prohibition is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan despite introductory comments encouraging mineral resource extraction.
- Supervisor Hartman requested clarification on the number of active (1,039) and idle (1,221) wells.
- Supervisor Lavinino asked about the recent Planning Commission approval of an asphalt facility and whether local oil use was considered. Staff clarified the action was a change of ownership for an existing permit.
- Supervisor Capps noted a previous California Energy Commission review indicated no significant impact on production.
- Public Comment:
- Opposition/Delay Requests: Speakers including Ted Cordova (EMB Natural Resources), Kevin Ivey (Mineral Royalty Owner), Alex Gutierrez (Sentinel Peak Resources), Tony Padilla (Sentinel Peak Resources), Emory Johnston (Royalty Holder), Cliff Simonsen (Oil Industry Service Company), Doug Imperato (Resident), John Hochleitner (Pacific Troy and California Incorporated), Olivia Simonson (California Well Services), Rich Field (Pacific Coast Energy Company), Bill Dunlap (Royalty Owner), Claire Weinman (Grower Shipper Association), Ed Hazard (NARO California), Ben Oakley (Western States Petroleum Association), Mike Stoker, Drake House (Sierra Resources), Anne Meyrie (Caliente Ranch Quiama LLC), Charlie Catherman (Small Business Owner), Michael Malhart (NARO Member), Dwight Belden (NARO California), Kathleen Belden (Property Owner), and Thomas Becker (who raised a recusal request regarding Supervisor Hartman) opposed the ordinance or requested delays/studies. Arguments included economic impacts on local jobs and tax revenues, constitutional takings of mineral rights, CEQA "piecemealing" concerns, the necessity of oil derivatives for agriculture and other sectors, and the argument that prohibiting local production shifts demand to imports with higher environmental costs.
- Support: Speakers including Janet Blevins, Taryn Hefo (Environmental Defense Center), Ken Huff (Resident), Pasha Madabi (UCSB Professor), Murray Dawson (SBCAN), Tia Cordell (Community Environmental Council), Amri Salazar (UCSB Student), Ethan Madej (805 Action), Haley Ehlers (CFROG), Bruce Haas (Sierra Club), Brooke Balthaser (CFROG), Lauren Tatarsky (Mineral Rights Action Network), Mary Ellen Brooks (Citizens Planning Association), Emily Engel (Sierra Club), Nicole Mervis (WAVE), Maureen Ellenberger, Pedro Matias (UCSB Environmental Affairs Board), Candace Minigan (Coastal Ranchers Conservancy), Sneha Namboodiri (UCSB Environmental Affairs Board), Michael Chiakos (Community Environmental Council), and Dr. Lee Heller supported the ordinance. Arguments included climate change mitigation, reduction of air pollution and methane leaks, protection of drinking water and biodiversity, health cost savings, and alignment with state climate goals.
- Other: John Wickenden opposed the measure citing California’s declining oil production. Eric Vasquez (Asfalta LLC) submitted a letter opposing the changes. John Harris (Numeric Solutions) presented an assessment of mineral and royalty estate value, recommending staff review economic impacts.
- Board Questions and Staff Response (Continued):
- Supervisor Hartman asked if the ordinance addresses slant or horizontal drilling and vested LUPs. Staff confirmed that existing wells, plans, and permits remain valid.
- Supervisor Hartman requested the County Counsel respond to the recusal claim. County Counsel stated that as a legislative item not involving a specific property, there are no concerns about Supervisor Hartman’s participation.
- Chair Nelson inquired about mineral reserves in the Santa Maria Valley and the county generally. Staff acknowledged that minerals exist in areas of previous production but stated they do not have specific data on volume or extent.
- Chair Nelson asked if the Board has the legal ability to prohibit operations without being compensation-proof for potential takings. Staff indicated that potential takings issues will be studied during the amortization analysis.
- Chair Nelson asked if the percentage of accessible versus inaccessible mineral resources has been analyzed. Staff stated they did not analyze this.
- Chair Nelson asked about the evaluation of impacts outside the county, such as well capping. Staff stated they did not evaluate these impacts, noting they are indirect and difficult to predict.
- Staff clarified that the CEQA exemption was determined to be correct because it does not require an exhaustive analysis of all conceivable impacts, particularly those outside county boundaries. Staff noted that Phase One and Phase Two are independent projects and can undergo different CEQA analyses.
- Deliberations:
- Supervisor Capps clarified that the decision is on Phase One only.
- Supervisor Hartman expressed interest in analyzing different amortization periods for different well types prior to budget workshops and stated her intention to support the ordinance.
- Supervisor Lavinino suggested that a conversation involving industry, students, and other stakeholders is needed to determine what Phase Two would look like. He expressed concern about the disconnect between public views and the reality of the petroleum industry’s role in daily life and the economy, and stated he would not support the staff recommendation.
- Supervisor Capps responded to Supervisor Lavinino’s comments, emphasizing the engagement of younger people in the process.
- Supervisor Lavinino argued that North and South County have different economies and that the county has not studied the environmental impacts of tourism. He cited air and water quality data showing compliance with regulations and argued that the oil industry supports disadvantaged communities.
- Supervisor Hartman countered that North County is changing with new industries and that the shift away from oil is a market fact driven by renewable energy costs and EV adoption. She cited climate-related disasters as evidence of the need for action and stated she would support the staff recommendation.
- Supervisor Capps supported the staff recommendation, citing the historic nature of the moment and the financial costs of climate-related damages compared to oil profits.
- Supervisor Lee supported the staff recommendation, noting that his district is deeply affected by fire and flood and supports the transition to renewable energy. He acknowledged the impact on jobs but stated the priority is safety and climate action.
- Chair Nelson expressed concern that the ordinance may be seen as "piecemeal" and that the lack of a complete environmental analysis and honest accounting of legal exposure and property rights could lead to the decision being overturned. He cited data showing that oil and gas jobs are concentrated in North County and stated he would not support the staff recommendation.
- Motion and Vote:
- Action: A motion to adopt the staff recommendation was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Capps.
- Outcome: The motion passed 3 to 2.
Closed Session
- The Board moved to closed session to discuss anticipated litigation regarding the decision to initiate civil litigation in one case, existing litigation involving Sable Offshore Corp. versus the County (U.S. District Court, Central District of California), and to confer with labor negotiators for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Managers Association. The County Counsel reported that the Board took no reportable action during the closed session.
Adjournment
- The Chair adjourned the meeting, scheduling the next session for September 22, 2026, in Santa Barbara.