Meeting Summary
Present: LaVere, Long, Parvin, Lopez, Gorell
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
Many Mansions Recognition
- The Board recognized Many Mansions for developing 24 affordable housing communities serving 2,000 residents.
- Data presented indicated 95% of residents remain stably housed and 90% of teen residents graduate high school.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this recognition item.
Ventura County First 5 Strategic Plan
- The Board received a report on the 2026–2029 strategic plan focusing on child health, resilient families, and early learning.
- A proclamation for "Take 5 and Read Day" on May 1st was also presented.
- The Board voted unanimously to receive and file the strategic plan and proclamation.
Real Estate Fraud Prevention Proclamation
- The Board accepted a proclamation designating March 2026 as Real Estate Fraud Prevention Month.
- The Clerk Recorder outlined proactive measures to maintain property records and issue advisory notices to owners.
- No formal motion or vote was recorded for this acceptance.
Public Defense Day Proclamation
- The Board accepted a proclamation designating March 18, 2026, as Public Defense Day in Ventura County.
- The Public Defender highlighted the office's representation of over 15,000 clients annually.
- No formal motion or vote was recorded for this acceptance.
Week of the Young Child and Child Care Assessment
- The Board accepted a proclamation for the Week of the Young Child and received the 2025 Child Care Needs Assessment.
- The assessment revealed that only 4 in 10 children ages 0–5 have access to licensed care in the county.
- The Board voted unanimously to receive and file both the proclamation and the assessment.
Lewis Road Mental Health Center Project Labor Agreement
- The Board approved a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the Lewis Road Mental Health Rehabilitation Center with specific modifications.
- Modifications allow for subcontractor exemptions if PLA participation causes delays or cost increases and ensure compliance with Prop 1 funding.
- Staff noted the Santa Paula Fire Station pilot project is currently seven months behind schedule.
- The motion to approve the PLA with modifications passed unanimously.
Mid-Year Budget Report
- Staff presented the FY 2025-26 mid-year update showing a projected $50 million net savings in the General Fund.
- The report included 36 recommendations covering budget modifications, grant activity, and 47 FTE position reductions.
- The Board voted unanimously to approve all staff budget recommendations.
Regulatory and Permitting Reform
- The Board approved a three-year work plan to streamline permitting processes and make them more customer-friendly.
- Specific actions included authorizing a two-year extension for Conditional Use Permits expiring before July 2028.
- The Board also authorized fee refunds for specific renewal applicants and received the work plan forecast.
- The motion to approve these recommendations passed unanimously.
Farm Workers Day Holiday Resolution
- The Board adopted a resolution renaming the March 31 County holiday to "Farm Workers Day."
- The change aims to provide a more inclusive observance recognizing the diverse farm worker community.
- The motion to adopt the resolution passed unanimously.
General Plan and Housing Element Status
- Staff reported that 86% of General Plan programs have been acted upon and the county has issued 96% of its RHNA housing target.
- The county is preparing to apply for the "Pro-Housing" designation to access state funding and incentives.
- The Board voted unanimously to receive and file the annual status reports.
Closed Session
- The Board entered closed session to address agenda items 57 through 60.
- No vote was recorded for the entry into closed session in the provided transcript.
Full summary
Agenda Item 4: Moment of Inspiration
- The Board recognized Many Mansions, a nonprofit organization founded in 1979, for its work in developing affordable housing and providing support services. Rick Schrader of Many Mansions presented remarks detailing the organization's development of 21 affordable housing communities in Ventura County, serving low-income individuals, veterans, seniors, persons with disabilities, and youth. He noted that the County of Ventura is a financial partner in nearly all of these communities and funds support services through the Continuum of Care, CDBG, and HAP funding. Chair Garrell shared data points indicating that Many Mansions has developed 24 affordable housing communities, serves 2,000 residents, and reports that 95% of residents remain stably housed and 90% of teen residents graduate from high school. No motion or vote was taken on this item.
Agenda Item 5: Agenda Review
- Dr. Johnson provided a review of the day's agenda, noting items regarding public comment, information technology services, a child care needs assessment, a project labor agreement, budget adjustments, permit streamlining, and a resolution renaming a county holiday. Supervisor Lopez moved to approve the agenda as modified. Supervisor LaVere seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 6: Consent Agenda (Items 9 through 45)
- The Clerk announced public comment on the consent agenda. Sandra Aldana spoke regarding a lack of transparency in the appointment process for the Gold Coast Health Plan and requested that the item be pulled from the vote. James Greenfield spoke regarding Item 26, criticizing the lack of cost transparency and aggregate dollar amounts for job order contract projects, urging the Board to pull the item. Supervisor Parvin commented on Item 32, expressing support for the Veteran Mentor Project agreement. Supervisor Long moved to approve the consent items 9 through 45. Supervisor LaVere seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 7: Approval of Minutes
- The Board considered the minutes of the previous meeting held on March 3, 2026. Supervisor Lopez moved to approve the minutes. Supervisor Parvin seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 8: General Public Comment
- The Clerk announced 24 speakers signed up for general public comment. Speakers addressed the following topics:
- Election Integrity: Multiple speakers raised concerns regarding election security, voter registration verification, the use of electronic voting machines, and the need for hand counts of paper ballots. Some speakers cited specific allegations of fraud in other jurisdictions and called for the Board to take action or issue statements regarding the California Voter ID Initiative.
- Water Works District 19: Several speakers addressed concerns regarding Water Works District 19 in Somis. Topics included proposed rate increases, the depletion of water reserves, the need for infrastructure assessments, the allocation of county overhead costs, and the lack of representation on the Citizens Advisory Committee. Speakers urged the Board to commission independent audits and develop a transparent long-term plan.
- Ventura Ranch Project: Speakers opposed the Ventura Ranch farmworker housing project. Concerns cited included the project's location in an extreme high fire severity zone, inadequate evacuation routes, traffic congestion, and the conversion of agricultural land. Speakers requested the Board deny the project.
- Santa Susana Field Lab (SSFL): Speakers discussed the cleanup of the SSFL site. They expressed concerns that Boeing's cleanup plans were insufficient, citing weakened standards, inadequate sampling, and the potential for hazardous waste to be misclassified. Speakers urged the Board to proceed with litigation against the state and Boeing to ensure a complete cleanup.
- Other Matters: One speaker offered blessings for the Board members.
- No motions were made or votes taken during the general public comment period.
Agenda Item: Public Comment on Waterworks District 19 and Prop 218 Process
- Public comment was received regarding the cleanup plan at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL), with a speaker expressing concern over weakened standards and urging the County to uphold previous agreements. Another speaker addressed a contract renewal with Dominion, calling for its cancellation and a new due diligence process. A third speaker requested Oxnard representation on the Gold Coast Committee and expressed concern over the sunset of the Logando Bienestar program. Following public comment, the Director of Public Works provided an update on Waterworks District 19, noting that the current five-year capital improvement program cannot be funded with existing revenue. Staff outlined a need for a 10-year plan, seeking grants, loans, assessments, and potential rate increases. The Chair acknowledged the feedback and announced that staff would re-engage with the community at an upcoming Municipal Advisory Council meeting to develop a long-term strategy. No formal motion or vote was taken on this item.
Agenda Item 46: Ventura County First 5 Strategic Plan and Proclamation
- Supervisor Levier presented a report from Ventura County First 5 regarding their new strategic plan for 2026–2029 and a proclamation for "Take 5 and Read Day" on May 1st. The Executive Director presented highlights of the strategic plan, which focuses on child health, resilient families, early learning, and systems integration. The presentation included data on program outcomes and the economic return on investment for early childhood programs. Following the presentation and a brief discussion, a motion was made by Supervisor Levier and seconded by Supervisor Long to receive and file the strategic plan. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 47: Real Estate Fraud Prevention Month Proclamation
- Supervisor Lopez presented a proclamation designating March 2026 as Real Estate Fraud Prevention Month. The Ventura County Clerk Recorder and Registrar of Voters provided remarks on the office's role in maintaining property records and preventing fraud, including the issuance of advisory notices to property owners. The Clerk Recorder highlighted the office's proactive measures and encouraged residents to monitor their title records. The Board accepted the proclamation. No formal motion or vote was recorded in the transcript for this item.
Agenda Item 48: Public Defense Day Proclamation
- The Chair presented a proclamation designating March 18, 2026, as Public Defense Day in Ventura County. Public Defender Claudia Bautista and her team were invited to the podium to accept the recognition. The Public Defender spoke on the importance of the right to counsel and the work of the office in representing over 15,000 clients annually. The Board accepted the proclamation. No formal motion or vote was recorded in the transcript for this item.
Agenda Item 49: Week of the Young Child Proclamation and Child Care Needs Assessment
- The Chair presented a proclamation designating the week of April 11–17 as the Week of the Young Child. Representatives from the Local Planning Council (LPC) presented the 2025 Child Care Needs Assessment, detailing demographic data, the high cost of living relative to childcare expenses, and the gap between demand and available licensed childcare spaces in Ventura County. The presentation noted that only 4 in 10 children ages 0–5 have access to licensed care, with significantly lower availability for infants and toddlers. Following the presentation, a motion was made by Supervisor Parvin and seconded by Supervisor Long to receive and file the proclamation and assessment. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 50: Project Labor Agreement for Lewis Road Mental Health Rehabilitation Center
- Supervisor Lopez presented a recommendation to direct staff to execute a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the Lewis Road Mental Health Rehabilitation Center, a project funded by Proposition 1. The proposal aimed to ensure local jobs and skilled labor for the refurbishment of the facility. Public comment was received from both supporters and opponents. Supporters, including representatives from building trades unions, argued that the PLA would guarantee local hiring, provide skilled labor, and keep public dollars in the community. Opponents, including the Ventura County Taxpayers Association and the Coalition for Employment and Construction, argued that the PLA was discriminatory against non-union contractors, would increase costs, and violated the Board's previous commitment to wait for the results of a pilot study on the Santa Paula Fire Station project before implementing further PLAs.
- Board members questioned staff regarding the status and performance of the Santa Paula Fire Station pilot project. Staff reported that the project is currently seven months behind schedule and the low bid was approximately 22% above the engineer's estimate. Staff attributed delays to a combination of design issues, contractor delays, and change orders, noting that a full report is pending. Staff also clarified the funding mechanism for the Lewis Road project, explaining that the County must advance funds from the General Fund to be reimbursed by the State, with strict timelines and penalties for non-compliance.
- Staff presented an update on the design and bidding timeline for the Prop 1-funded project, noting the design is 95% complete with bids expected in April-May and a potential award in August. A discussion ensued regarding the PLA, specifically comparing the current timeline to the Fire Station 29 project, where PLA negotiations took approximately 10 months. Staff clarified that the PLA is intended to be part of the bid package, meaning only contractors willing to abide by PLA conditions would bid. Concerns were raised regarding the potential reduction in the bidding pool and the complexity of negotiating PLA language to align with Prop 1 requirements and state mandates.
- Questions were directed at the contract language regarding union membership, with staff clarifying that while workers are not required to be union members to work on the project, labor is assigned through the union hall. Staff reported that the Santa Paula Fire Station project is currently at 50% of the 60% local workforce goal. Discussion also covered the risks of non-PLA projects, citing past examples of cost overruns and delays, versus the predictability of PLAs.
- Supervisors and staff discussed necessary modifications to the PLA to ensure compliance with the Prop 1 funding agreement and to address potential delays caused by subcontractor replacements. Two specific edits were proposed: (1) stating that compliance with the PLA is not required to the extent it conflicts with the program funding agreement as determined by the County, and (2) allowing replacement subcontractors to be exempt from the PLA if the County determines that requiring participation would delay or add cost to the project. A follow-up report on the project's performance was requested for six months after the Santa Paula Fire Station report.
- A motion was made to approve the PLA with the specified modifications. The motion was seconded. The item passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 51: Mid-Year Budget Report
- Staff presented the Fiscal Year 2025-26 mid-year budget update, which included 36 recommendations covering budget modifications, contingency releases, fund balance utilization, grant activity, and position adjustments. The report indicated that the General Fund is tracking with the adopted budget, with an anticipated net savings of approximately $50 million, representing a 2.7% variance. Key variances included higher-than-budgeted property tax revenues, additional investment income, and savings in professional services, offset by increased salaries and benefits costs.
- The presentation detailed specific budget adjustments, including the release of $5.4 million for the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center, transfers between realignment accounts, and funding for facility renovations at the Hall of Administration and a probation training facility. Non-General Fund adjustments included transfers for behavioral health capital projects and wildfire prevention grants. The report also outlined position reductions totaling 47 FTEs, primarily due to the termination of federal funding for the CalFresh Healthy Living Program and adjustments related to H.R. 1 impacts.
- Regarding the General Fund balance, staff noted that while the assigned fund balance is projected to be $425 million, approximately $300 million is currently deployed in a loan to the Ventura County Medical Center, leaving a residual balance of approximately $125 million available for other priorities. The budgetary calendar for the remainder of the fiscal year was outlined, including upcoming department presentations, a rates and fees presentation, and the preliminary budget presentation in June.
- Public comment was received from one speaker who raised concerns regarding the statistical data used for behavioral health facility planning, the validity of DSM mental disorder diagnoses, and the administration of medications at the Todd Road Jail.
- A motion was made to approve the staff recommendations. The motion was seconded. The item passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 52: Update on Regulatory and Permitting Reform
- Staff from the Resource Management Agency (RMA), Public Works Agency (PWA), Fire Department, and County Executive Office presented a joint report on a comprehensive planning and zoning regulatory reform program. The presentation outlined a three-year work plan aimed at making the permitting process more accessible, efficient, and customer-friendly.
- RMA Director Mullane detailed policy reforms already in effect, including simplified zoning ordinances, streamlined permitting for mountain fire rebuilds, and extended building permit terms. Upcoming Phase 1 reforms include downshifting certain permits from discretionary to administrative review, extending or eliminating Conditional Use Permit (CUP) terms, overhauling film permitting, and establishing a master list of county consultants for environmental reviews. The staff requested a two-year administrative extension for all CUPs expiring prior to July 2028 and the ability to issue refunds for renewal fees paid in the current cycle.
- Public Works Director Strakalos described process improvements, including the implementation of an online building permit portal, a fee estimation tool, expanded counter hours, and the creation of an Interagency Development Review Committee. Future initiatives include an electronic document review sharing platform and tools for preliminary agency clearance.
- Fire Chief Gardner highlighted people-focused initiatives, including the creation of a "Permit Navigator" role to guide applicants through complex processes, informal workshops, extended counter hours, and the establishment of joint fire and building counters to reduce agency handoffs.
- Estelle Busa, Deputy Executive Officer, outlined technology improvements, including a redesigned one-stop permitting website, enhancements to the Acela automation platform, and the development of a public-facing dashboard to track permit statuses.
- The staff requested three specific actions: (1) authorize the two-year CUP extension, (2) authorize fee refunds for specific renewal applicants, and (3) receive and file the three-year work plan forecast.
- Public comment was received from nine speakers. Comments included support for the reforms, concerns regarding the interpretation of the Local Coastal Program and "economically beneficial use," requests to include the Outdoor Events Ordinance in the first wave of amendments, and suggestions to make water infrastructure and fire protection permits ministerial rather than discretionary to reduce delays. One speaker requested the Board consider hiring an outside consultant to assist with implementation.
- Board members discussed the implications of the proposed changes, including automatic extensions for Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) expiring between the current date and June 2028 to allow applicants time for the new processes to be finalized. Questions were raised regarding the Building and Safety fee estimator, plans to break down agency silos through the Acela system and DRC meetings, and the impact of AB 339 on staffing and on-call contracting. Staff confirmed that the fee estimator is currently active for Building and Safety fees with plans to expand to other agency fees. Staff also noted that on-call contracts are essential for managing workload peaks and vacancies, though union negotiations regarding AB 339 may require adjustments to how certain tasks, such as zoning clearances, are handled. The Board discussed the frequency of future progress reports, with staff indicating the schedule would be determined by Board directive.
- A motion was made to approve the staff recommendations with a minor modification to the resolution as outlined in a correction memo. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 53: Resolution Renaming March 31 County Holiday
- Staff presented a resolution to rename the March 31 County holiday from honoring a single individual to "Farm Workers Day." The proposal aims to align with state legislation and provide a more inclusive observance that recognizes the diverse farm worker community, reflecting the county's agricultural roots and values of dignity and equity. A Board member asked for clarification regarding the need for a side letter with unions; staff confirmed that as a Board motion, unions would be notified of the change.
- A motion was made to adopt the resolution. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 54: Annual General Plan and Housing Element Status Reports
- Staff presented the annual status reports for the General Plan and the Housing Element. Regarding the General Plan, staff reported that 86% of programs have been acted upon, with over 28 programs completed and 23 others between 50% and 99% complete. Upcoming initiatives include an energy program addressing battery storage, solar, and wind; a military effort regarding Naval Base Ventura County; and a sea level rise program for the Local Coastal Program, which recently received certification from the State Coastal Commission.
- Regarding the Housing Element, staff reported that the county has issued 1,214 housing units over the first four years of the eight-year cycle, representing 96% of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) target. Staff noted that while the county does not directly produce most housing, it coordinates with applicants and community organizations. The county is preparing to apply for the "Pro-Housing" designation, which would provide access to state funding and incentives for both county projects and private developers. The application is scheduled for Board consideration on April 28.
- Board members asked about the status of extremely low-income housing units and the benefits of the Pro-Housing designation for private parties. Staff indicated that projects in the pipeline, including those related to Channel Islands University and farmworker housing, are expected to address the gap in extremely low-income units. Staff explained that the Pro-Housing designation would allow private developers to rank higher in state funding applications.
- A motion was made to receive and file the reports. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Board Comments
- Board members provided updates on various county activities and community events. Topics included recognition of the Public Works Agency (PWA) for receiving the Quality Based Selection Champion Award; acknowledgment of the Behavioral Health department's Care Team program; reporting of an 11.8% decrease in unsheltered homelessness compared to the previous year and a 28% decrease since 2023; advocacy efforts in Sacramento regarding state budget cuts affecting Medi-Cal, CalFresh, indigent care, and public hospitals; updates on the Airport Authority's community engagement regarding property at Camarillo Airport; progress on the Gold Coast Health Plan medically tailored meals program; community engagement efforts by RMA staff in the Harbor and Hollywood Beach areas regarding the Local Coastal Program; recognition of various retirements; updates on the Ventura County Library Foundation receiving a donation for the Fillmore Library; groundbreaking for the Williams Homes project in Fillmore; recognition of Dr. Johnson as Woman of the Year and other honorees for Women's History Month; updates on the Youth Advisory Council, the Family Justice Center grand opening, and the Ventura Community Services Expo; and remembrances of community members.
Public Comments and Adjournment
- No formal motions were made, seconded, or voted upon during this segment. Speakers provided remarks honoring several individuals, including veterans and community members, and provided updates regarding the appointment of Frank Shillow to the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee, upcoming sidewalk office hours, a tour of the Oak Brook Chumash Indian Museum, and the recognition of Lynn Klinger as Teacher of the Year.
Closed Session
- The board moved to enter closed session to address agenda items 57 through 60. No vote was recorded for the entry into closed session in this transcript segment.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned. No vote was recorded for the adjournment in this transcript segment.