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
Recognition of Senior Concerns and Older Americans Month
- The Board acknowledged the "Young at Art" exhibit and heard remarks on Senior Concerns' mission.
- A video presentation featuring participant testimonials was shown to the assembly.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this recognition item.
Proclamation for Correctional Professionals Week
- Chief Miller and Senior Deputy Burdine provided remarks on probation officer rehabilitation efforts.
- A proclamation declaring May 3 through May 9, 2026, as Correctional Professionals Week was presented.
- No formal motion or vote was recorded for this recognition.
Migrant Education Speech and Debate Tournament
- Officials reported that 78 students participated regionally, with 31 advancing to the state competition.
- The group won three trophies at the state level, highlighting the program's skill-building impact.
- No formal motion or vote was taken on this presentation.
Proclamation of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Supervisor Lopez moved to proclaim May as AAPI Heritage Month, which passed.
- JACL representatives discussed preserving the Historic Japanese Cemetery in Oxnard following vandalism.
- A proclamation was formally presented to the JACL representatives.
Recognition of Jury Appreciation Week and the Civil Grand Jury
- Grand Jury members described their investigative role while public comment addressed summons system concerns.
- A proclamation was presented to the Grand Jury representatives.
- The motion to recognize Jury Appreciation Week passed.
Recognition of National Salvation Army Week
- Captain Torres outlined the organization's mission regarding food, housing, and disaster relief.
- A motion to recognize National Salvation Army Week for May 11–17, 2026, was passed.
- A proclamation was presented to Salvation Army representatives.
Recognition of Michael Nye
- The Board recognized Michael Nye for nearly 38 years of service with the Ventura County Housing Authority.
- Mark Lund highlighted the agency's high-performing status under Mr. Nye's leadership.
- A proclamation was presented to Mr. Nye and his son.
Proclamation of National Historic Preservation Month
- Supervisor Long introduced a resolution to proclaim May as National Historic Preservation Month.
- Representatives presented on the Cultural Heritage Board's advisory role and the Historic Preservation Awards program.
- A resolution was presented to the Board.
Proclamation of Older Americans Month
- A proclamation with the theme "Champion Your Health" was presented to the Board.
- Representatives discussed the contributions of older adults and the value of intergenerational connections.
- The Board signed and presented the proclamation.
Proclamation of Military Appreciation Month
- Captain McHugh addressed veteran challenges and the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation's work.
- The Foundation reported a reduction in homeless veterans from 134 in 2023 to 41 in 2026.
- A proclamation was presented to recognize Military Appreciation Month.
Ventura County Fatherhood Summit
- Supervisor Long introduced a resolution regarding the third annual summit scheduled for June 14.
- Representatives discussed goals to promote father engagement through workshops on child development and legal rights.
- A resolution was presented to the Board.
Fire Hazard Reduction Program (FHRP) Public Hearing
- The Fire Marshal reported 99.9% voluntary compliance among notified properties.
- Public comment questioned the program's effectiveness, though Board members clarified it is part of a broader strategy.
- The hearing was closed and the staff-recommended parcel list was approved unanimously.
Entitlement Area Annual Action Plan Public Hearing
- Staff presented intended uses for CDBG and HOME funding, including reallocations for compliance and affordable housing.
- Public comment was received supporting the proposed funding allocation.
- The motion to approve the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan and amendments passed unanimously.
Department Budget Presentations
- Agencies presented balanced budgets noting revenue reductions, legislative impacts, and operational challenges.
- Specific updates covered behavioral health transitions, synthetic drug outreach, and Medi-Cal reimbursement reductions.
- The Board received and filed the presentations unanimously after questioning preparedness for legislative changes.
H.R. 1 and State Budget Impacts Presentation
- CSAC representative Graham Canals explained potential cost shifts of up to $9.5 billion annually to counties.
- Board members asked questions regarding advocacy strategies for the requested $1.9 billion in state funding.
- The presentation was received for information and placed on file unanimously.
Reappointment to Civil Service Commission
- A recommendation was presented to reappoint Dr. Vincent Stewart to the Civil Service Commission.
- The motion to approve the reappointment was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Home Key Plus Lewis Road Project Contribution
- Staff and Gold Coast Health Plan representatives requested acceptance of a $2.5 million contribution.
- The funds are designated for the 88-unit permanent supportive housing project at Lewis Road.
- The motion to approve the staff-recommended actions passed unanimously.
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFD) Policy
- Staff presented a draft policy detailing the use of property tax growth to fund infrastructure.
- Public comment focused on Taxing and Revenue Area boundaries and voter accountability.
- An amendment requiring good-faith efforts to consolidate EIFD boundaries was adopted before the policy passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- The Air Pollution Control Board entered a closed session to consider the performance evaluation of the Air Pollution Control Officer.
Full summary
Agenda Item 4: Recognition of Senior Concerns and Older Americans Month
- The Board recognized Older Americans Month and acknowledged the "Young at Art" exhibit created by participants in the Senior Concerns Adult Day program. Andrea Gallagher, President and CEO of Senior Concerns, provided remarks on the organization's mission to support older adults and caregivers through programs including Meals on Wheels and Adult Daycare. A video presentation featuring testimonials was shown. No formal motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Agenda Item 5: Agenda Review and Brown Act Disclosures
- The Clerk presented the agenda review, which included items on the Migrant Education Program, a proclamation for the Ventura County Fatherhood Summit, a public hearing on the Entitlement Area Annual Action Plan, department budget presentations, and a new policy on Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts. A request was made to accommodate a special presentation from the CSAC executive board. A motion was made to adopt the agenda as modified, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 6: Consent Agenda
- The Board considered the consent agenda comprising items 9 through 32. No questions were raised, and no public comment requests were received. A motion to approve the consent agenda items was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 7: Approval of Minutes
- The Board considered the minutes from the meeting held on April 28, 2026. A motion to approve the minutes was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 8: General Public Comments
- Seventeen speakers addressed the Board. The majority of comments concerned a dog named Bruce in Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) custody under a court order for euthanasia. Speakers requested a pause on euthanasia to allow transfer to a sanctuary, citing expert opinions and the Hayden Act, while others defended the shelter's operations and urged adherence to the court order. One speaker raised a separate issue regarding unpermitted structural work at a property on North Ventura Avenue. Director Esteban Rodriguez of VCAS stated the agency is legally required to follow the court order, which determined the dog posed a public safety threat. County Counsel confirmed the Superior Court's ruling is a final order. The Chair noted the case is not an agendized item and the Board is prohibited from deliberating or deciding on the matter. No motion was made, and no vote was taken.
Agenda Item 33: Proclamation for Correctional Professionals Week
- The Board recognized National Correctional Officers Week. Chief Ron Miller and Senior Deputy Probation Officer Justin Burdine provided remarks on probation officer work, including rehabilitation and mentorship. A video was presented, and a proclamation declaring May 3 through May 9, 2026, as Correctional Professionals Week was presented. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
Agenda Item 34: Migrant Education Speech and Debate Tournament Presentation
- Supervisor Lopez introduced the 23rd Annual Regional Speech and Debate Tournament for migrant education students. Dr. Williams and County Superintendent Dr. Cesar Morales reported that 78 students participated regionally, with 31 advancing to the state competition where the group won three trophies. The presentation highlighted the program's role in developing critical thinking and public speaking skills. No formal motion or vote was taken.
Agenda Item 35: Proclamation of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Supervisor Lopez presented a motion to proclaim May as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Dr. Lilian Welty Tomei of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) presented on the organization's history and efforts to preserve the Historic Japanese Cemetery in Oxnard, including restoration following vandalism. A proclamation was presented to JACL representatives. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 36: Recognition of Jury Appreciation Week and the Civil Grand Jury
- Supervisor Lopez presented a motion to recognize Jury Appreciation Week and the Ventura County Civil Grand Jury. Kathleen Garcia and Doug Yellen described the Grand Jury's investigative role. Public comment was received regarding concerns over the jury summons system. A proclamation was presented to Grand Jury representatives. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 37: Recognition of National Salvation Army Week
- Supervisor LaVere presented a motion to recognize National Salvation Army Week (May 11–17, 2026). Captain Torres outlined the organization's mission regarding food, housing, and disaster relief. A proclamation was presented to Salvation Army representatives. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 38: Recognition of Michael Nye
- The Chair presented a motion to recognize Michael Nye for nearly 38 years of service with the Ventura County Housing Authority, including 11 years as Executive Director. Mark Lund highlighted the agency's high-performing status under Mr. Nye's leadership. Mr. Nye and his son provided remarks. A proclamation was presented. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 39: Proclamation of May as National Historic Preservation Month
- Supervisor Long introduced a resolution to proclaim May as National Historic Preservation Month. Representatives from the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board and Plein Air Ventura County presented on the board's advisory role, the Historic Preservation Awards program, and an art exhibition of local landmarks. A resolution was presented to the Board.
Agenda Item 40: Proclamation of Older Americans Month
- A proclamation recognizing Older Americans Month with the theme "Champion Your Health" was presented. Representatives from Senior Concerns and the Conejo Senior Volunteer Program discussed the contributions of older adults and the value of intergenerational connections. A proclamation signed by the Board was presented.
Agenda Item 41: Proclamation of Military Appreciation Month
- Captain Jim McHugh presented on Military Appreciation Month, addressing veteran challenges and the work of the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, which reported a reduction in homeless veterans from 134 in 2023 to 41 in 2026. A proclamation was presented.
Agenda Item 42: Ventura County Fatherhood Summit
- Supervisor Long introduced a resolution regarding the third annual Ventura County Fatherhood Summit scheduled for June 14. Representatives discussed the summit's goals to promote father engagement through workshops on child development, financial literacy, and legal rights. A resolution was presented.
Agenda Item 43: Public Hearing on Fire Hazard Reduction Program (FHRP)
- A public hearing was held regarding the approval of the parcel list for the Fire Hazard Reduction Program. The Fire Marshal reported 99.9% voluntary compliance among notified properties. Public comment was received from a Thomas Fire survivor questioning the program's effectiveness and citing infrastructure issues. Board members clarified that FHRP is one component of a broader fire prevention strategy. The public hearing was closed. A motion to approve the staff-recommended action was moved by Supervisor LaVere, seconded by Supervisor Parvin, and passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 44: Public Hearing on Ventura County Entitlement Area / Housing Solutions Funding and Action Plans
- A public hearing was held regarding the approval of the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan and amendments to prior years' plans for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Staff presented intended uses for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funding, including reallocations for compliance and affordable housing. Public comment was received supporting the funding allocation. A motion to approve the staff-recommended actions was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 45: Budget Presentations
- Budget presentations were delivered by the Probation Agency, Human Services Agency (HSA), Health Care Agency (HCA), Public Health Department, Ventura County Health Care Plan (VCHCP), and Ventura County Medical System (VCMS).
- Probation Agency: Chief Miller presented a balanced budget, noting revenue reductions offset by county funds and a downward trend in client numbers.
- Human Services Agency: Director Robinson presented a budget heavily funded by federal and state sources, detailing anticipated impacts from H.R. 1 and cost shifts for CalFresh.
- Health Care Agency: Director Finkhauser introduced presentations on Behavioral Health, Public Health, VCHCP, and VCMS.
- Behavioral Health: Dr. Denning discussed the transition from MHSA to BHSA and funding reductions due to H.R. 1.
- Public Health: Dr. Vargas presented initiatives including synthetic drug outreach and a proposed budget reduction due to grant losses.
- VCHCP: Demetri Franklin presented on accreditation, savings, and a request for additional county contribution to support net equity.
- VCMS: Dr. Finkhauser and CFO Michael Taylor presented on surgical outcomes, patient volume declines, and a budget projection including costs for SB 525 and Medi-Cal reimbursement reductions.
- Board members asked questions regarding preparedness for legislative changes. A motion to receive and file the presentations was moved by Supervisor Long, seconded by Supervisor LaVere, and passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 46: Presentation on H.R. 1 and State Budget Impacts
- Supervisor Long presented a motion to hear a presentation from Graham Canals of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) regarding H.R. 1 impacts. Mr. Canals explained potential cost shifts of up to $9.5 billion annually to counties and outlined a request for $1.9 billion in state funding. Board members asked questions regarding advocacy strategies. The presentation was received for information. A subsequent motion to receive the presentation and place it on file was moved by Supervisor Long, seconded by Supervisor Veer, and passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 47: Reappointment to Civil Service Commission
- A recommendation was presented to reappoint Dr. Vincent Stewart to the Civil Service Commission. A motion to approve the recommendation was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 48: Acceptance of Contribution for Home Key Plus Lewis Road Project
- Staff and Gold Coast Health Plan representatives presented a request to accept a $2.5 million contribution for the 88-unit permanent supportive housing project at Lewis Road. A motion to approve the staff-recommended actions was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 49: Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFD) Policy
- Staff presented a draft administrative policy manual chapter regarding Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs). The policy details the use of property tax growth to fund infrastructure, the composition of the Public Financing Authority, and requirements for fiscal impact analysis. Public comment was received from the City of Thousand Oaks, the Ventura County Taxpayers Association, and the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce regarding TRA boundaries and voter accountability. Discussion focused on bylaws, alternates, and consolidating Taxing and Revenue Areas (TRAs). An amendment was proposed to require good-faith efforts to consolidate EIFD boundaries into one TRA. A motion to approve the staff recommendations as modified was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board Meeting
- The Air Pollution Control Board convened and reviewed the agenda. A motion to approve the minutes from April 14, 2026, was made, seconded, and carried. Public comment was received regarding workplace concerns. The Executive Officer reported on district operations and the Carl Moyer program. An unscheduled vacancy notice for Tom Lucas was received and filed. The board entered a closed session to consider the performance evaluation of the Air Pollution Control Officer.
Adjournment
- Following public remarks and announcements, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made. The motion was accepted and passed. The meeting was adjourned in memory of Reece Beck and Robert Taylor.