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
Family Justice Center Lease
- Staff requested approval for a 60-month lease with California Lutheran University for the East Valley Family Justice Center.
- The proposal includes authorization for tenant improvements not exceeding $1,250,000.
- The Board unanimously approved the lease agreement and associated funding.
Ventura County Animal Services Cost-Sharing Methodology
- The current model results in the county subsidizing approximately $1.9 million annually due to imbalanced city contributions.
- Board members discussed the financial strain on the general fund and the need for a sustainable billing model.
- The Board authorized the Director to update the cost-sharing methodology using a phased approach.
Channel Islands Harbor Public Works Plan Amendment
- A public hearing was held to approve a ninth amendment involving minor layout changes and a larger courtyard.
- No public comment was received regarding the proposed adjustments to the CARLS project.
- The Board unanimously adopted the resolution to approve the amendment.
De Novo Hearing – 85 Crestview Avenue
- The Board denied a request for continuance after public comment showed significant opposition to delaying the hearing.
- Staff presented evidence that the property is operating as an unpermitted commercial event venue in a residential zone.
- The Board unanimously approved all staff recommendations to uphold the Code Compliance determination.
Appointment of Tom Temple
- County Counsel requested an exception to the standard separation period to appoint a retiring employee as extra help.
- The appointment is limited to 960 hours per fiscal year to provide legal services to the Department of Airports.
- The Board unanimously approved the staff recommendation for the appointment.
Water and Sanitation Department Report
- The Director presented a report highlighting challenges with aging infrastructure and regulatory constraints.
- Supervisors discussed the impact of infrastructure costs on ratepayers and the need for grant funding.
- The Board unanimously voted to receive and file the staff report.
Closed Session
- The Board discussed items 75 through 79 in a closed session.
- County Counsel reported that no reportable actions were taken except for Agenda Item 77.
- The Board unanimously authorized the initiation of litigation in two separate cases.
Full summary
Meeting Call to Order and Administrative Matters
- The Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting for August 4, 2026, was called to order with all supervisors present. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Auditor-Controller Jeff Berg. A moment of inspiration was delivered by Tammy Barnett, CEO of Raising Hope, regarding the organization's support for youth aging out of the foster care system. The CEO provided an agenda review noting public comment letters and supplemental materials for specific items. No Levine Act disclosures were made.
Agenda Approval (Item 5)
- A motion was made by Supervisor LaVere and seconded by Supervisor Long to approve the agenda as modified. The motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Minutes (Item 7)
- A motion was made by Supervisor Long and seconded by Supervisor Lopez to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Consent Agenda (Items 9–60)
- The Consent Agenda included Items 9 through 60, with Item 48 pulled for separate discussion. Public comments were received regarding Item 11 (Election Certification), where a commenter advised against filing election results citing concerns over voter eligibility and sanctuary jurisdiction status. Public comments were also received regarding Items 44 and 45 (Employment Services Budget and Reduction in Force), where an employee raised concerns regarding staff demotions, transparency, and funding allocations. A motion was made by Supervisor LaVere and seconded by Supervisor Parvin to approve Items 9 through 47 and 49 through 60. The motion passed unanimously.
Family Justice Center Lease (Item 48)
- Staff presented a request to approve a 60-month lease with California Lutheran University (CLU) for the East Valley Family Justice Center, including authorization for tenant improvements not to exceed $1,250,000. The District Attorney and CLU President provided details on the strategic location and partnership model. A motion was made by Chair Garrell and seconded by Supervisor Parvin to approve Item 48. The motion passed unanimously.
Ventura County Animal Services Cost-Sharing Methodology (Item 68)
- The Director of Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) presented a report indicating that the current cost-sharing model results in the county subsidizing approximately $1.9 million annually, as cities cover only 64.5% of costs despite contributing 81% of animal intakes. The presentation noted non-compliance by the City of Santa Paula and the need to update the billing model. Board members discussed the financial strain on the general fund and the necessity of a sustainable model, expressing support for a phased approach to cost recovery. A motion was made by Supervisor Lopez and seconded by Supervisor LaVere to authorize the Director of Animal Services to update the cost-sharing model with contract cities using a phased approach. The motion passed unanimously.
LEAP Program Graduation (Item 61)
- The Board recognized the sixth graduating cohort of the Leadership Excellence and Action Program (LEAP). Two graduates shared their experiences regarding the program's impact on leadership skills. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
Proclamation Recognizing the Moon Ditch Mural (Item 62)
- Supervisor Lopez introduced a proclamation recognizing the artists and community members involved in the creation of the Moon Ditch mural. The Board officially recognized the team and the project. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
Recognition of High Tide Team 4414 (Item 63)
- The Board recognized High Tide Team 4414 for winning the 2026 FIRST Robotics World Championship. A proclamation was presented to the team. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
World Breastfeeding Week Proclamation (Item 64)
- Supervisor Long presented a proclamation recognizing World Breastfeeding Week. The Ventura County Breastfeeding Coalition presented the 2026 Liquid Gold Award to Community Presbyterian Church Preschool. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
Westminster Free Clinic Student Recognition (Item 65)
- Supervisor Lopez presented over 200 high school students participating in the Westminster Free Clinic program. The Board recognized the students and their parents. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
Ninth Amendment to Channel Islands Harbor Public Works Plan (Item 66)
- A public hearing was held regarding a resolution to approve a ninth amendment to the Channel Islands Harbor Public Works Plan for the CARLS project. Staff presented minor changes to the project layout, including adjustments to square footage and a reconfiguration to create a larger courtyard. No public comment was received. Supervisor Lopez moved to adopt the resolution, and Supervisor Long seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
De Novo Hearing – 85 Crestview Avenue (Item 67)
- A de novo hearing was convened to consider an appeal by property owner Jeffrey Tinsley regarding a Code Compliance determination of zoning violations at 85 Crestview Avenue ("The Colony Estate").
- Continuance Request: The appellant's counsel requested a continuance until after September 8th to review records. Code Compliance opposed the request. Public comment on the continuance indicated 22 individuals in favor and 6 against. Supervisor Grell moved to deny the request for continuance, and Supervisor Long seconded. The motion to deny the continuance passed unanimously.
- Merits of the Appeal: Staff presented evidence that the property, zoned Rural Exclusive (RE-5), was operating as a commercial event venue without a permit, citing marketing materials, noise complaints, and Sheriff's Office responses. The appellant argued that the property qualified for an exemption under the ordinance for events under 150 attendees and that the ordinance was constitutionally defective. Public comment was received from 38 speakers, divided between supporters citing professional management and economic benefits, and opponents citing noise, traffic, and illegal commercial use in a residential zone.
- Board Action: Following deliberation, a motion was made by Supervisor Garrell and seconded by Supervisor Parvin to approve all staff recommendations regarding the appeal. The motion passed unanimously.
Closed Session (Item 68)
- The Board recessed to a closed session to discuss items 75 through 79. Upon reconvening, County Counsel reported that no reportable actions were taken except for Agenda Item 77, where the Board unanimously authorized the initiation of litigation in two separate cases.
Appointment of Tom Temple as Extra Help Employee (Item 69)
- County Counsel presented a request to appoint Tom Temple, a retiring employee, as an extra help Senior Assistant County Counsel to provide legal services to the Department of Airports. The appointment is an exception to the standard 180-day separation period due to critical need and is limited to 960 hours per fiscal year. A motion was made by Supervisor Parvin and seconded by Supervisor Garrell to approve the staff recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.
Water and Sanitation Department Budget and Operational Status Report (Item 70)
- The Director of the Water and Sanitation Department presented a report on the financial and operational status of county water and wastewater districts, highlighting challenges with aging infrastructure, regulatory requirements, and Proposition 218 constraints. Supervisors discussed the need for grants and the impact of infrastructure costs on ratepayers. A motion was made by Supervisor Parvin and seconded by Supervisor Garrell to receive and file the staff report. The motion passed unanimously.
Receipt of Correspondence (Items 73 and 74)
- The Board considered the receipt of correspondence items 73 and 74. A motion was made by Supervisor Lopez and seconded by Supervisor Long to receive and file the items. The motion passed unanimously.
Board and CEO Comments (Item 71)
- Supervisors and the County Executive Officer provided updates on various community events, initiatives, and attendance at regional meetings. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
Adjournment and Memorials
- Supervisor LaVere provided updates on recent activities and requested the meeting be adjourned in honor of three veterans and to recognize the memory of Andy Ortega, a former Ventura County Fire Department Assistant Chief. Supervisor Hertzberg added Leonard Len Zerlin, a World War II veteran, to the list of individuals to be honored. The Board observed a moment of silence in memory of Andy Ortega and Leonard Len Zerlin. The meeting was subsequently adjourned. No formal motion, second, or vote was recorded for the adjournment or memorials.