Meeting Summary
Present: LaVere, Long, Parvin, Lopez, Corral
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
Moment of Inspiration
- The Board recognized Gemma Kleinswick, a 10-year-old Girl Scout, for saving a fellow scout’s life during a camporee.
- Girl Scouts leadership provided context on the incident and the National Medal of Honor Gemma is scheduled to receive.
- The Board presented the award to Gemma and her mother, followed by a group photograph.
Agenda Review and Levine Act Disclosures
- Supervisor Lopez confirmed no board members had Levine Act disclosures to report.
- Dr. Johnson reviewed the agenda, highlighting upcoming proclamations, a drone contract, and an emergency waterworks contract.
- The Board unanimously approved the agenda.
Latino Heritage Month Proclamation
- Supervisor Lopez presented a proclamation designating September 15 through October 15, 2026, as Latino Heritage Month.
- Representatives from the Oxnard-LULAC Council discussed their mission to uplift women and youth and upcoming events.
- Supervisor Parvin noted the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Festival in Simi Valley.
Hunger Action Month Proclamation
- Supervisor Long presented a proclamation recognizing September 2026 as Hunger Action Month.
- FoodShare Ventura County detailed its annual food distribution efforts and the construction of a new facility in Oxnard.
- Supervisor Phillips shared an anecdote regarding FoodShare’s participation in the Ventura County Fair.
Sheriff’s Office Drone-as-First-Responder Program
- The Sheriff’s Office proposed a contract with Axon Enterprise for a drone program in Camarillo and Thousand Oaks, funded entirely by the cities.
- Presenters outlined the technology, cost structure, and privacy safeguards, including the prohibition of facial recognition.
- Public commenters raised concerns regarding privacy, data breaches, and the county’s healthcare funding priorities.
- The Board unanimously approved the contract authorization.
Appointment to Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council
- Supervisor Lopez recommended appointing Alice Sweetland to the Advisory Council based on her community service and current role.
- The Board unanimously approved the appointment.
Appointment to Children and Families First Commission
- Supervisor Lopez recommended appointing Dr. Marie Riojas Cortez to the Commission, citing her expertise in early childhood education.
- The Board unanimously approved the appointment.
VCERA Staffing Recommendations
- Staff presented recommendations to establish a new Retirement IT Manager classification and authorize two fixed-term positions.
- The Board discussed the timeline and costs associated with the Alameda decision implementation.
- The Board unanimously approved the staffing recommendations and related resolution amendments.
2027 Board of Supervisors Meeting Calendar
- The Chief Deputy Clerk presented the 2027 calendar, which avoids conflicts with conferences, holidays, and school breaks.
- Supervisors discussed the feasibility of months with only one scheduled meeting and the impact on staff workload.
- The Board unanimously approved the 2027 meeting calendar.
Correspondence
- The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the correspondence items.
Board Comments
- Supervisors provided updates on various initiatives, including the Career Expo, beach community meetings, and wildfire preparedness town halls.
- Several supervisors requested adjournments in memory of specific individuals.
- County Counsel noted the need to return to closed session.
Closed Session
- County Counsel reported that there were no announcements for the closed session.
Full summary
Agenda Item 4: Moment of Inspiration
- The Board recognized Gemma Kleinswick, a 10-year-old Girl Scout, for performing back blows to clear an airway obstruction and save the life of a fellow scout during a camporee. Tammy Helmuth, CEO of Girl Scouts of California Central Coast, and Michelle Kennetts, Director of Mission Delivery, provided context regarding the incident and the Girl Scouts’ National Medal of Honor, which Gemma is scheduled to receive. Gemma and her mother, Rachel, spoke about the event and Gemma’s involvement in the organization. The Board presented the award to Gemma and took a group photograph.
Agenda Item 5: Agenda Review and Levine Act Disclosures
- Supervisor Lopez asked if any board members had Levine Act disclosures; none were reported. Dr. Johnson provided the agenda review, noting the following items:
- Item 8: General public comments (6 letters submitted).
- Item 28: Supervisor Lopez’s presentation proclaiming September 15–October 15, 2026, as Latino Heritage Month.
- Item 29: Supervisor Long’s presentation proclaiming September 2026 as Hunger Action Month.
- Item 30: Sheriff’s Office authorization to execute a contract with Axon Enterprise Incorporated for a drone-as-first-responder system.
- Item 44: Public Works Agency Waterworks District report on an emergency contract with Toro Enterprises Incorporated for the Peach Hill Wash Access Road to prevent sewer main collapse.
- A motion to approve the agenda was moved by Supervisor Lopez and seconded by Supervisor Veer. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 6: Consent Items
- A motion to approve consent items 9 through 27 and 44 was moved by Supervisor Veer and seconded by Supervisor Parvin. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 7: Minutes of Previous Meetings
- A motion to approve the minutes was moved by Supervisor Lopez and seconded by Supervisor Garrell. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 8: General Public Comments
- The Board heard from 18 registered speakers, with a three-minute limit per speaker. Multiple members of the public addressed the Board regarding the safety of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) corridor between Emma Wood and Seacliff. Speakers, including representatives from the coalition "Safe Rec Ventura," cited data indicating over 10 deaths and 35 injuries in the last 12 years, specifically referencing the June 11 incident involving a drunk driver that resulted in two fatalities and one serious injury. Speakers requested that the Board direct county staff to collaborate with Caltrans to explore funding and projects for physically separated bike lanes and improved pedestrian infrastructure, noting that the upcoming Emma Wood bridge replacement project presents an opportunity for such improvements.
- Other speakers addressed unrelated topics, including a request for traffic signals in Rancho Sespe on State Route 126, concerns regarding evidence preservation in the Szilagyi v. County of Ventura litigation, opposition to animal shelter euthanasia practices, concerns regarding Sheriff Fryhoff’s rhetoric regarding immigration enforcement, and complaints regarding IHSS caseworker conduct.
- Chair Garrell acknowledged the comments, noting that the Board is not permitted to deliberate on items raised solely through general public comment. However, the Chair stated that the supervisors, who also serve as commissioners for the Ventura County Transportation Commission, would use that forum to address the concerns raised regarding PCH safety.
Agenda Item 28: Latino Heritage Month Proclamation (Taken Out of Order)
- Supervisor Lopez presented a proclamation designating September 15 through October 15, 2026, as Latino Heritage Month in Ventura County. She highlighted the economic and cultural contributions of the Latino community and introduced Alisa Miralez, chair of the Oxnard-LULAC Council 3147 Women’s Committee. Miralez and co-chair Carol discussed the committee’s mission to uplift women and youth, their work in leadership and education, and their upcoming "Viva La Mujer" event on October 4. Supervisor Parvin noted the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Festival in Simi Valley. No motion or vote was recorded for this item.
Agenda Item 29: Hunger Action Month Proclamation (Taken Out of Order)
- Supervisor Long presented a proclamation recognizing September 2026 as Hunger Action Month. Monica White from FoodShare Ventura County spoke about the organization’s work, including distributing 23 million pounds of food annually, serving 254,000 individuals, and utilizing 4,300 volunteers. She detailed specific programs such as drive-thru distributions, kitchen-free bags for unhoused individuals, and support for farm workers and seniors. White also discussed the construction of a new 85,000-square-foot food bank facility in Oxnard, noting that $46 million of the $50 million cost has been raised, with a ceremonial groundbreaking scheduled for September 11. Supervisor Phillips shared an anecdote about FoodShare’s participation in the Ventura County Fair. No motion or vote was recorded for this item.
Agenda Item 30: Sheriff’s Office Drone-as-First-Responder Program (Taken Out of Order)
- Commander Eric Tennyson of the Sheriff’s Office presented a proposal to authorize a contract with Axon Enterprise Incorporated for a drone-as-first-responder (DFR) program in Camarillo and Thousand Oaks. Key points included:
- Technology: Skydio drones piloted remotely by FAA-certified deputy sheriffs from the dispatch center.
- Cost: The program is fully funded by the cities of Camarillo and Thousand Oaks (60/40 split), with a total contract cost of approximately $6.9 million over eight years (through October 2034). The cost for two additional deputy sheriffs ($635,850 annually) is also covered by the cities.
- Benefits: Drones can arrive on scene in under two minutes, providing situational awareness before patrol deputies arrive.
- Privacy/Safeguards: No facial recognition or biometric technology is used. Recording only begins when the drone arrives on scene. Flight logs will be available on a public dashboard. The policy prohibits proactive policing.
Board Questions and Discussion
- Supervisor LaVere confirmed that the existing patrol-led UAS program would remain for other jurisdictions.
- Supervisor Parvin asked for clarification on "on scene" for recording purposes; Tennyson explained it is when the pilot can make relevant observations.
- Supervisor Lopez asked about specific scenarios (e.g., theft at Camarillo Outlets) and the status of the privacy policy. Tennyson stated the policy is in final review and will be published before the first flight. He confirmed that any expanded use (e.g., facial recognition) would require city-level approval and potentially return to the Board if county funding were involved.
- Supervisor Lopez asked if the pilots would be sworn officers; Tennyson confirmed they would be patrol-experienced deputy sheriffs.
- Supervisor Phillips asked about lessons learned from other jurisdictions; Tennyson noted that approximately 1,000 agencies use DFR programs and that the program design incorporates best practices from other agencies.
Public Comment
- Liam Andres O'Neill-Hernandez: Opposed the approval of the nearly $12 million contract, citing the county’s healthcare crisis and potential Medi-Cal funding issues. He requested a smaller test program and strong privacy rules.
- Blanca: Expressed concerns about AI transcription of 911 calls, the shift from staffing to technology, and privacy issues following the 2025 data breach. She urged the Board to vote no.
- Spencer Ritchie: Questioned the consistency of statements regarding ALPR capabilities, cited the Flock data breach as evidence of privacy risks, and expressed concern about potential misuse of the technology.
Board Discussion and Vote
- Supervisor Phillips commented on the historical adoption of technology in policing (dash cams, body cams) and the potential for DFR to reduce use of force and improve officer safety. He invited a motion.
- A motion to approve Item 30 was moved by Supervisor Parvin and seconded by Supervisor Long. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 31: Appointment to Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council
- Supervisor Lopez presented a recommendation to appoint Alice Sweetland to the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. Supervisor Lopez noted Sweetland’s longstanding commitment to community service and her current role as chair of the Oxnard Senior Services Commission.
- Motion: Moved by Supervisor Lopez, seconded by Supervisor Garrell.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 32: Appointment to Children and Families First Commission
- Supervisor Lopez presented a recommendation to appoint Dr. Marie Riojas Cortez to the Children and Families First Commission of Ventura County. Supervisor Lopez highlighted Dr. Riojas-Cortez’s extensive experience in early childhood education and her current position as a professor and chair of the early childhood studies program at CSU Channel Islands.
- Motion: Moved by Supervisor Lopez, seconded by Supervisor Long.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 33: Ventura County Employees Retirement Association (VCERA) Staffing Recommendations
- Anna Ford, from the Classification and Labor Relations Unit, presented three recommendations regarding VCERA: 1. Establishment of one new VCERA classification: Retirement IT Manager, to support IT infrastructure and data systems. 2. Authorization of two fixed-term position allocations for VCERA, with terms concluding no later than September 12, 2029, to support work resulting from the Alameda decision and subsequent Board of Retirement resolutions. 3. Amendment of Exhibit 1 of the Management Resolution to include the new classification.
- Supervisor Lopez inquired about the timeline for the Alameda decision implementation and associated costs. The presenter stated that specific timing and cost information could not be shared as it was not on the agenda. Supervisor Long directed the Board to the VCERA website for updates on the Alameda decision.
- Motion: Moved by Supervisor Long, seconded by Supervisor LaVere.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 34: 2027 Board of Supervisors Meeting Calendar
- Mia Martinez, Chief Deputy Clerk of the Board, presented the 2027 Board of Supervisors meeting calendar for review and approval. The calendar was designed to avoid conflicts with state and national county association conferences, county holidays, and school breaks.
- Supervisor Lopez raised concerns about months with only one scheduled meeting (February, September, and December), suggesting this could backload work onto staff. She proposed adding meetings in those months. Supervisor Garrell noted that recent initiatives to shift items to the consent calendar and present resolutions outside of board meetings have lightened the load, making single-meeting months feasible. Supervisor Parvin stated that staff are comfortable with the current schedule, noting that staff also attend conferences. Supervisor LaVere expressed comfort with the calendar but agreed that special meetings could be scheduled if necessary. The Clerk provided a list of specific conference and school break dates that influenced the calendar.
- Motion: Moved by Supervisor Long, seconded by Supervisor Parvin.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 37: Correspondence
- The Board reviewed correspondence.
- Motion: Moved by Supervisor LaVere, seconded by Supervisor Guerrero.
- Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Board Comments
- Supervisor Parvin provided updates on the Career Expo, noting over 1,100 pre-registrations and participation from over 20 departments and agencies. She also announced the upcoming Government Disability Summit.
- Supervisor Lopez provided updates on a beach communities meeting, noting resident interest in short-term rental ordinance revisions, which she plans to explore with the Resource Management Agency. She reported on the Gold Coast Health Plan Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission meeting, updates on the Healthcare Access Coalition workgroup, and presentations on quality improvement and health equity. She thanked the county librarian and Human Services Agency for addressing concerns from the City of Oxnard regarding library usage. She also noted attendance at the CSU Channel Islands convocation, a "Palomas in the Park" event, the Ventura County Walk to End Lupus, and the Government Center Solar Energy Installation Project ribbon-cutting. She requested that names be added to the adjournment in memory.
- Supervisor Parvin reported on the Ventura County Local Agency Formation Commission meeting, a pop-stop event in Moorpark, and the Economic Development Collaborative Board meeting, where contracts with the City of Ventura were ratified, and a grant agreement with the California PUC was approved. She noted participation in the Ventura County Sheriff’s Canine Golf Classic registration and a tour of the PW Gillibrand Company. She announced the upcoming Rotary Club of Moorpark 5k/10k run on October 4th. She requested adjournment in memory of Ralph Mahan, a fifth-generation farmer and founding member of the Ventura County Community Foundation.
- Supervisor Long thanked lobbyists for their work on state and federal issues, noting funding challenges for state-mandated items. She praised the Ventura County Healthcare Systems staff and noted the SCE government affairs meeting, where she was advised to prepare for power outages and El Niño conditions.
- Supervisor LaVere praised the GSA team for the solar energy installation project, noting the county’s leadership in renewable energy usage. He recognized the Public Works team for a graffiti abatement project in Ventura. He announced the second annual wildfire preparedness town hall to be held on September 3rd at 6 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors hearing room, focusing on home hardening and Zone Zero regulations. He requested adjournment in memory of Richard Allen, Frank Allison, and Stephen Phillips.
- Chair Garrell reported on sidewalk office hours in Newbury Park and a cleanup day in Somis, where over 50 bags of trash were collected. He announced a Camarillo Heights Community Town Hall meeting for the following Wednesday and the Fall Festival at Santa Rosa Valley Park on October 3rd. He requested adjournment in memory of Carol Anderson, wife of Roger Anderson and mother of Leslie Cornejo.
- County Counsel Tiffany North noted that the Board still needed to return to closed session.
Closed Session Announcements
- Stephen Phillips asked if there were any announcements for the closed session. Tiffany N. North stated there were no announcements.
Adjournment
- Stephen Phillips moved to adjourn the general meeting. The meeting was adjourned.