Board of Supervisors — September 22, 2026

Good morning everybody. In the interest of starting close to on time, we're going to get going with a call-to-order for this meeting of the Board of Supervisors for September 22nd. Madam Clerk please call the roll.

Yeah, thank you very much Supervisor Gorel. Good morning to our CEO Dr. Johnson the rest of our Board of Supervisors truly appreciate you enabling us to come out here today to talk about fault prevention and the Ventura County Elderly Fault Prevention Coalition truly appreciates this honor to be here once again we've been coming out here since 2013 so it's been at least 1314 years since we've been here to present information to you. So with this week being the first week of fall and serendipitously the National Falls Prevention Awareness Week, we'd like to shine a spotlight on the impact of falls on our community As was mentioned earlier, and also there should be a video clip coming up regarding how we want to bring awareness to the community.

We want to stay strong. We want to stay healthy. We want to stay steady and stay independent. And that's what we wish for our seniors in the county of Ventura to prevent falls. So they're going to be some items Um, moments of inspiration in the video that will be coming up in terms of how to keep home safe. But in addition to that is something called evidence based exercises that are really important and maintaining balance some of these Tai Chi.

Walk With Ease, Steppin' On, Otago and Bingo Size. So we appreciate the cohesiveness of our coalition because it takes a village. There are multiple evidence-based organizations and coalitions that come together to make this happen. And we want to keep our county safe. We want to keep our seniors upright and not on the ground. So having said that hopefully we can have the video played. Can we cue that video? Thank you.

Hello, my name is Thomas Duncan. I'm the Trauma Medical Director at Ventura County Medical Center and the leader of the Ventura County Elderly Fall Prevention Coalition. We would like to thank our CEO Dr. Johnson and the rest of our Board of Supervisors for the opportunity to be recognized during this moment of inspiration With our population getting older and falls being the number one cause of preventable injuries and deaths in seniors nationwide, we collectively aim to lessen this problem. About 1 million fall-related hospitalizations occur each year among seniors, and one in four older adults over age 65 will fall each year. According to the CDC, the projected cost of fall-related injuries to the United States health care system will be $101 billion—that's billion with a B—compared to $19 billion in the year 2000.

By working with our EMS to begin the fall prevention process in the field, it helps navigate our unfortunate elders in the correct direction by recommending mitigation measures to prevent falls. Data shows that maintaining one's strength and balance leads to diminishing the number of falls in our oldest citizens. As such we are recommending moving from action to awareness.

by staying strong, staying steady and staying independent. Other recommendations to decrease falls include but are not limited to having medications checked every six to 12 months and being evaluated by your health care clinician for a physical exam in the same timeframe wearing proper footwear not flip-flops having a home evaluation for grab bars and other safety measures Having an eye exam and also an ear exam at least once a year.

Installing night lights, removing clutter and tripping hazards. Eliminating rugs or having them taped at corners so the edges do not overturn. Eating a well-balanced diet. Maintaining proper hydration to prevent dehydration. Informing your health care clinician about a fall if you've had one and asking family and friends for help. Remember, falls are not a normal part of aging.

Once again the goal is to move from action to awareness by staying strong, staying steady, and staying independent. Thank you very much. Hello my name is Thomas

Duncan. Thank You Dr. Duncan um you had a fantastic conference uh you have one just about every year I believe And I remember my favorite part of the one a few years ago as at Cal Lutheran University, you actually had Dr. Johnson and Supervisor Lopez dancing to Zumba in the front row and I knew then you'd captured everyone's attention but there are literally hundreds of seniors there probably 1,000 or more from all over the county and he did a great job with that conference and always do so thank you so much for everything you do look out for our seniors and to prevent falls.

Thank you very much. And by the way, that video has gone viral. We're going to try to beat it this year. All right. Could everyone join me in a round of applause for Dr. Duncan? All right, thank you again for that moment of inspiration. We're gonna

None.

Okay not seeing any I'll turn it over to the CEO Dr. Johnson

Thank you Mr. Chair, good morning Supervisor staff and all in attendance today. The agenda review for September 22nd 2026 is as follows item 8 general public comment one public comment letter has been submitted. Item 12 Board of Supervisors recommendation of Supervisor Gorrell and Supervisor LaVere to approve sponsorship of or act of support for state legislation establishing a conditional public agency safe harbor following the lawful transfer of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs to qualified nonprofit organizations. A board letter has been submitted.

Item 13, county clerk recorder and registrar voters. Approval of the appointment of district directors, municipal advisory council members, and library trustees in lieu of the November 3rd, 2026 general election. Exhibit 17 has been submitted. Item 35, Public Works Agency Watershed Protection District. Adoption of resolution to waive Watercourse Protection Ordinance WP2 permit deposits and fees related to preventative work in watercourses in preparation for anticipated winter storms 2026. A PowerPoint presentation has been submitted.

Item 42, Sheriff's Office. Adoption of a resolution superseding and replacing resolution number 26-099 adopted August 4th 2026 to add seven full time equivalent fixed term position allocations of deputy sheriff one public comment letter has been submitted item 46 sheriff's office First public hearing regarding adoption of an ordinance repealing and reenacting Chapter 3, Public Emergency of Division 5 of the Ventura County Coordinates Code. A PowerPoint presentation has been submitted.

Item 48, Public Works Agency. Public hearing regarding adoption of a resolution to temporarily close a portion of Kanata Larga Road. A revised board letter and revised resolution has been submitted. And lastly item 49 resource management agency planning public hearing regarding approval of amendments to the coastal zoning ordinance non-coastal zoning ordinance subdivision ordinance coastal area plan and general plans implement the county of Ventura energy and military land use compatibility road map. A revised board letter and four public comment letters have been submitted.

Thank you, Mr. Chair this concludes agenda review.

Thank You Dr. Johnson just just to notify Members of the board and the public item number 49 that agenda item is a is an item that I intend to ask the board to continue. To another agenda item to another board meeting in the future County Council indicates the best time to do when that agenda item was noticed for a time certain slot so I'm not going to bring

So for item number 14 I'm sorry. Item 15, 16, 40 and 42 so there are no comment for item 14. Then

I'll just make my comment on 14. Although this is a recommendation to change the zoning currently from industrial to a housing project. I just wanna be mindful that we need to remember how important it is to keep industrials on land, to create the jobs and then house the people. So as we go forward, I just wanted to make that comment. That's it thank you.

Okay thank you Supervisor Parvin We're going to go to public comment now if you could take that. Thank you.

Thank You, Chair Corral. So for item number 15 we currently have one speaker that's going to be Alice Sweetland who's joining us here in person. Please proceed to the podium and you will have three minutes to give your comment.

Good morning, I'm Alice Sweetland from the City of Oxnard and I'm speaking on behalf of the Ventura County Aging Services Coalition. We thank the Board of Supervisors and county staff for advancing this important review. We are encouraged by the proposed engagement of Health Management Associates and look forward to working collaboratively collaboratively with the firm and the county to strengthen the vital services provided to older adults, family caregivers and adults with disabilities throughout Ventura County. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you for your comments Our next speaker is on item number 16, and that speaker is going to be Tracy Pirie who's joining us today in person. She also has a handout that she would like to have us distribute to the board and Brendan will take care of that. Thank you Tracy please proceed with your comment.

Good morning and thank you for this opportunity to speak on this item. This morning, I'm here on behalf of REBAC which is the Retired Employees Association of Ventura County. And we are the sole accepted representative for the Ventura County retirees and we also hold a seat on the Joint Labor Management Health Care Committee which reviews insurance options and rates On March 17th of 2026, this past year, REVAC sent a letter to the board expressing concern that $10 million was used to reduce the plan-year 2026 Ventura County Health Care Plan rate increases for active employees from 27.2% to 12.5%, with no equitable consideration for non-Medicare eligible retirees.

By contrast, BCHCP rates for non-Medicare retirees increased between 31.8% and 43.3%. We are writing now and basically I'm here to speak on the proposed plan year 2027 rates which appear to repeat the same inequity raised last year, which is substantial County subsidies being applied to active employee VCH CP rates without comparable relief for the non Medicare retirees.

We attended or I attended the county's Joint Labor Management Health Care Committee meeting this past week on September 16th. And at that meeting, Ventura County staff shared the proposed insurance rates for active and non-Medicare retirees. Again, the proposed VCHCP rates increase show a significant disparity. Active employee rates will increase by 5% while retiree rates would increase by 19.3%.

When asked about any subsidy like this past year or the current year, which is plan your 2026 staff could not provide the proposed amount that would be subsidized and directed us to review the Board of Supervisors letter that was released on Friday. After reviewing that board letter, we learned that the proposed subsidy is now $23.3 million and is only provided for the current plan year and that that subsidy again only applies to active employees.

So it's deeply concerning to us. These facts raise several questions that deserve a clear response before Plan Year 2027 rates are finalized. If a subsidy is necessary to maintain VCHCP's viability, why is that subsidy not applied equitably to all plan members?

Thank you Tracy for your comment. You're three minutes there. I'm sorry what? You've used your time. Oh okay

thank you well hopefully you can read the rest of the letter and see what all our concerns are thank you.

Thank you

okay our next public comment is going to be for item number 40 And we are going to hear from. Thank you Martha Montelongo. Thank you Martha.

That was very good on the first try. Thank you I'm here speaking on behalf of 14 property owners we live along the Peach Hill Wash. One of the members she couldn't be here she's due to medical reasons but she's written a few letters on behalf of all of us one of them was to Ben Frischetti who is with the Public Works And it reads, as concerned residents whose properties line the Peach Hill Wash we formally request immediate action to address ongoing damage safety risks and lack of maintenance affecting our homes and surrounding environment. And over time conditions along the wash have significantly deteriorated and this situation is now urgent Continued erosion, flooding and neglect have resulted in loss of property safety hazards and environmental damage.

While the county has previously acknowledged and addressed some issues related to excessive runoff from the Peach Hill development up above us in the city of Moorpark these efforts have been insufficient and temporary in nature Storm patterns have changed dramatically since 1979's environmental impact report, which did not account for current climate realities. It also the environmental impact report this is an aside it explicitly predicted all of the erosion and hazards that we're facing today and nothing was done about it. This was in 1979 there was an environmental impact report draft This has been an ongoing problem. So the second letter that I want to read from also written by the same resident she wrote she addressed it to project manager at the Ventura County Watershed Protection.

She said Dear Tammy, my husband and I are writing to formally document our recent discussions regarding emergency work being performed on the Peach Hill Wash. It's happening now. It has been going on since the beginning of September On Thursday, September 3rd we spoke with Tammy Bua project manager and Mike Barro project manager from Toro Enterprises following a construction notice that we received from Ventura County Public Agency.

After receiving the notice David called Mike Burro Mr. Burro informed us that the project involves emergency slope stabilization directly across from our property at 4176 Santa Rosa Drive. When David asked if this work was being directed by an engineer plan or if it was routine county maintenance, Mr. Barrow was unable to confirm and referred our questions to TAMI Bus or TAMIBUA. Because the current slope consists only of soil we are deeply concerned about accelerated erosion on the side of the wash closest to our barn.

Yes, just 3 minutes time for public comment. Thank you.

Is that is a letter submitted to the to the county. Could

you I don't know if she submitted it, but I would like to submit it because there's more I mean your reinforcing obviously there's a problem with erosion obviously it's a hazard and there's a sewer line and that's why the East side is being actively project protected now, but nothing on our side.

Yeah. Thank you. We'd be happy to take a copy of that letter and and the clerk can facilitate that thank you very much.

Thank you.

Thank

you for the opportunity to speak to you.

Thank you. Our next speaker is going to be for item number 42, and that's going to be Spencer Ritchie who's joining us today here in person. Spencer please proceed to the podium and you can make your comment.

Hi. I'm on camera okay. Hi, I am Spencer Ritchie from Camarillo. So I've noticed that the VCSO wants to hire 7 full-time deputies which you know You know by itself it wouldn't be that controversial. However, this comes directly after you know not only. You know the VCS so spending tons of money on you know flock all per cameras that are I that are still running even though The VCSO knows that early in 2025, there was a quote unquote breach where out-of-state law enforcement agencies And yeah, and I think ICE as well accessed the data.

So there's that. And then there's also albeit with the caveat that so far it's just the cities of Camarillo and Thousand Oaks paying for this out of their city funds but there's also that recent multi-million dollar contract for flock drones No, not Flock, not Flock. For Axon drones for the VCSO. That you know on top of the their camera capabilities. They also have, you know automatic AI recording and a transcription every single emergency call people are going to tell them and that's what you know people are often going to have instead of all alive.

Deputy and then also I know that typically it's not the same deputies working in our jails versus working in our streets. But you know, it still bears mentioning that you know why are why does the VCS so need to hire? You know this many new full-time deputies when we already have a lot of stuff to replace, you know deputies going on beats. Thank you. Thank you

for your comment.

Thank you.

At chair girl that concludes the public comment for our consent items. Thank you. All

right. Thank you madam clerk. So if there are no other motions or requests it seems to me that we're pulling agenda items 12 and 35 from the consent calendar And so the most the specific motion is to approve consent agenda items 9 through 1113 through 34. And 36 through 44. If that is the motion I think it is we've got a first and second. Yes,

I just wanted to make it clear on the record that that motion includes approving agenda items 2323 which are the responses to the grand jury reports without modification. Thank you.

I do believe that's the case. Yes.

Item number seven, motion to approve has been moved by Supervisor Lopez, seconded by Supervisor LaVere. One more vote please and that passes unanimously thank you.

Thank you so why don't we address agenda item number 12 if we could take up agenda item number 12 Supervisor Lopez, did you have a question related to that?

Yes. Thank you Chair. So yes I appreciate the letter that both you and Supervisor LeVere have provided so just want had some questions for clarification on this process and Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. And considering there's been a lot of conversations as we have seen over the last couple of months here and to this item relating to the animal services wanted to clarify if the animal services director was consulted in

had an opportunity to make comments on it and then has seen it subsequently.

Okay, got it. And because you know I think considering the process to propose legislation, I think we've been through it before. It wasn't clear from the letter that there was input from the Animal Services Director and given everything I wanted to make sure that that was clear and how we are moving forward. If I understand correctly from the letter The interest is in pursuing legislation, but at this point we haven't identified a potential author.

That's correct. No author has been identified, however other counties have taken interest in what we've done and San Diego County and San Luis Obispo County are likely to copy and paste what we're working on and to potentially put forward their own effort to join in this process to try to develop a legislative strategy. It doesn't make sense to necessarily look for an author right now. We'd like to leave that up To our legislative team led by Michelle Guzman, really to kind of think that through a little bit because it might be from our legislative delegation. It might be from somewhere else in California. The contents of the board letter were also informed by the Humane Society.

So the Humane Society is actively looking to develop a coalition around it as well so it may be a broader effort In the end and know that you know what legislation really would would be relevant January of next year when the legislative introduction deadline or period opens and closes January February of next year.

Got it. And is this going to be primarily left on Michelle as the government affairs director or is it going to be on our state lobbyists just in terms of the outreach to engage legislators? I mean, the Animal Code is a It is a very sensitive subject and just from my experience working in the state legislature, I can expect that this is going to be a very challenging time. And so just thinking about the resources to engage legislators and starting with our local delegation. So

yeah, do you want to add to that Supervisor Lavear?

I guess to answer that question specifically, it's kind of to be determined. Obviously we want to start with Miss Guzman and determine whether or not there's a role for HPE, our state lobbyists, or you know depending on what ultimately what coalition is formed how many counties are involved? I think that's why a lot of its still to be determined until we see the size and scope of the coalition and determine then like who's going to be kind of the lead.

All right, and then last question. I wasn't sure if I understood correctly from the recommendations about a establishing a minimum county policy of if that's also a part of identifying what we can do here locally or if If those conversations are already taking place, what we can do within our county because the legislative process can I mean something could happen next year if the legislation passes or it could go on to the next year if it's carried over or it could just not pass. So what are we doing to address this?

The concerns that are at the core of this proposal

Go ahead. I think the issue at the core of the proposal, kind of the reason why we're doing the proposals because there's nothing we can do locally to address this. It would require state legislation to impact as you mentioned the animal code and dealing with liability. There's nothing we could do at the local level to limit that liability. We need state legislation to offer that to us.

Okay.

All right. I agree with that. You know, I think that if Sacramento wanted to act they could. I was the Humane Society Legislative of the Year for 2013. I'm still proud of that you know because I got a lot of animal welfare legislation passed in one year 12 months not 24 not two-year cycle if our legislature wants to act if they want to support you know if they want to support protecting municipal communities that have the responsibility to take care of animals like this, and if they want to reduce the number of incidents of euthanasia. I think that there's an opportunity here. The legislature clearly acts in other areas. They've limited medical malpractice because they think it's important to keep healthcare reasonably affordable. And so I think if they want to save animals That could be saved in theory, this is an opportunity.

This doesn't direct any action. This doesn't make our animal services director specifically change his mind about any outcomes but it just creates a safe harbor if the animal services director does indeed want to transfer an animal to a shelter or rescue that is certified and dangerous animals and willing to take that animal that it would create some safe harbor protections for the municipality.

And in this, just one more point and then in this world where you know jury verdicts have given plaintiffs tens of millions of dollars. It's just becomes impossible for a county like us to operate In a way that it doesn't require us to always just continue to think about the potential liabilities and that's not necessarily fair. Supervisor Long?

No, I was actually very glad to see this on the docket so Supervisor Loehr, Supervisor Goral thank you. It's a fine line of what is needed to be done to take care of public safety And then also the desire of community members who have a different passion. And it's unfortunately, it's the liability of the county and we see it too often you gave that 5.3 million dollars of LA and they were trying to do good and it still went on to the taxpayers so there has to be a safety net I think there is good intention in all and I really appreciate bringing in our animal I'm going to turn it over to Michelle Guzman And that at that time could be something if we want to add that into our legislative platform, that we could.

So we'll look at that as a group and see what we need to do but I really appreciate this bringing it forward. Thank you.

Sorry follow up as you mentioned the platform. This wouldn't amend the platform because there's already an item in there related to this right? And I think last year we added language that would give Michelle that flexibility to go and pursue legislation.

Exactly, exactly but I think this letter right now is heightening the importance of trying to reduce the liability so I think that's good. I agree we have it in our platform but I think this is also another highlight of really just that ask

And I think this is trying to add a little more specificity to the kind of the platform was more general. This is a specific piece of legislation which we think should be pursued at the state level.

I just have another quick comment of, you know only a couple of lawyers could have put this board letter together. Right? Okay. I appreciate it and I'm just hoping that somebody does run with the torch on this because it is very important and after what we've gone through in this last month, I'd like to see it go all the way and solved. Thank you.

Thank you. The Humane Society has expressed support in the effort and I hope that it sparks momentum, organic momentum in the right direction so that's the hope anyhow any other questions from the board? Any other concerns is there a motion and a second on item 12?

Yeah, thank you chair if I can invite a director Stratcliffe's you want to take the lead on this? This is something that we've been discussing over the past few months because of some I guess specific neighborhoods in my district but I know this is going to be a countywide policy and I thought As we enter into what's potentially a significant El Nino season. And I know we'll be doing a larger update on this, I believe next month.

But this was one item that I thought would be helpful for the public to hear a little more about and I'm really proud that the county is kind of stepping up and taking the lead here to try to encourage We want to be their partner in that. So, Director Stracalus?

Good morning Chair Gorrell, members of the Board, CEO Dr. Johnson. Really this item starts with strategic thinking and advanced planning in preparation for a strong El Nino season and forecast. And in speaking with other public works agencies in Southern California I'm not sure if anyone that's taken this particular action This is the first time that we've had a board of supervisors As you know, the Watershed Protection District is one of multiple agencies charged with regulating activities within watershed channels. And we've got about 750 watershed channels here in Ventura County. The focus of the district's responsibilities are to assure that the natural flow characteristics of the water within each channel is not impaired, diverted, impeded by a project or activity It's also to ensure that flood levels do not increase from a project within a channel and that the time it takes for floodwaters to recede is not adversely impacted.

The district's application fee is $505, and there is a $2,000 deposit for time allocated to staff review and inspections. There are a couple of more regulatory agencies such as the California Fish Department of Fish and Wildlife as well as the Army Corps of Engineers that also have regulatory authority The watershed channels, particularly as it relates to the endangered species list. This is a graphic showing most of the 750 red line channels or watershed channels that the Watershed Protection District oversees.

Also, CDFW and the CORE regulates as I mentioned earlier. Most of this is in a natural state on private property. Private property owners may apply to receive a permit to do work on their land within these red line channels and within the 750 miles of red line channels there are about 200 miles that have engineered improvements that Watershed Protection has land rights to and does maintain The Watershed Protection District works to maintain the infrastructure within these 200 miles through vegetative removal, dredging, maintenance of drop structures and levees and concrete channels.

So that leaves 500 miles of redline channels and while yes regulated by the district they're not maintained by the district Fresh on our minds from the Christmas storms of 2025 is what can happen within a watershed channel. You see some significant erosion on the graphic to left jeopardizing single-family home and reactively back in January of 2026, your board waived watershed protection permit fees and enabled residents to apply for permits and take pro reactive actions to reinforce The slopes along their properties.

This is another location that also took that action. Why we're here today is in a proactive approach to assist private property owners by waiving application fees and deposits, allows proactive collaboration between private property owners And I'm going to turn it over to the board of Supervisors to talk a little bit about the process and watershed protection staff on some of the concepts. And it is consistent with just yesterday's proclamation signed by Governor Newsom Your approval of the to adopt a resolution to waive specified water course protection fees. Temporarily until December 31st 2026 and allow property owners to proactively respond as they.

Thank you for questions yeah, thank you any questions by the board.

You called it first. Okay, and so thank you so much Supervisor Lavera I'm really glad that you pulled this because it is This preparing for El Nino has been high on my district's landowners trying to figure out what they can Can't do and so I wanted to ask how is it that we can? Make sure that our community is doing that Can we do a press release and get it out in the Santa Paula Times and the Fillmore Gazette We're going to hit 26 and if state funding is always coming is not Board to do the things that they need to do to prepare is greatly appreciated. I know all the work that you've been doing for the state and trying to get this emergency decorations is fabulous, and the preparation you're doing is amazing. I do have to pass along from Piru.

Thank you so much. Because they've been hit so hard with all the mud and so forth, and to really think of them. But I also think of Fillmore as an island. We have two creeks that come in, and if those bridges get out there they're stranded. And we've seen that in 2016, it's a redundant thing. However, we haven't been able to clear those creeks out to deepen them to control some of the water flow. And so I want to make sure that whatever we can do as a county and for the property owners, we get that message out.

If I may, and I'm going to let Dr. Strakoulos respond but I do want to jump in here because the emergency declaration it clears some of the process and the requirements for notifications. It does not open a door for funding and staff still have to be very strategic in what they're looking at and how they're addressing it. I don't want to get too far ahead because I do know That in October, Dr. Strakoulos, Director Maynard with Office of Emergency Services, Fire Chief Gardner and our PIOs will be coming before your board to give a very detailed and thorough presentation about what we've been working on behind the scenes for some time now. Part of the balance here is that and with guidance from the National Weather Service is that we don't want to get out too early saying this is going to happen, this is going to happen.

This is going to happen because there are two different continuum's we're looking at and so what we don't want to do is cause fatigue in our residents so that when we say go they're gonna say we've heard this ten times and nothing's happened and they're not gonna move and we really need them to go. And so I just want to be really cautious there it's a very tricky balance of strike but I know Director Strakoulos and his team have been Really looking at the problem areas to try and address them as needed. But again, this proclamation didn't open up funding or resources it really just said okay you don't have to do these 30 60 90 100 a day notifications or maybe you know sometimes we have to work for wait for bird season to do things so some of those requirements are waived during this time but I'll defer to you Mr.

Stregalos

Yeah, I was just thinking that this has really been a team effort right? Fire, Sheriff's Office all the agencies Dr. Johnson's leadership in terms of preparedness and we have been working really hard over the last several months preparing and part of that team is the community and that's why we're here today to give the community that opportunity to proactively go out and do things and not worry about permit fees and help them along

And I think that's fabulous and I'm supportive in all ways. And I know our communities looking at the announcement from the governor yesterday, and they're hearing that Cal OES is supportive Air National Guard is going to be involved permitting Support local efforts by fast tracking and identifying other winds. And because of the strong storms in the coastal flooding, so I wanted to make sure that we have those answers for our community. I know people who've spent a million dollars on rocks in front of their property and it was gone the next day.

So I'm trying to figure out if there's any wins, which I know you guys are fabulous in figuring out. You know is it the fire? Is it how do we come together to try to help our communities as much as possible so thank you. Thank you

and if there's no other questions or comments are there any public comments on this particular item which is Item 35 since we pulled it.

Thank you Chair Gerald there are no requests to speak for this item.

Thank You Madam Clerk how many public speakers do we have for agenda item 8? Agenda item 8 but general public comments how many do we have signed up?

I think yeah we currently have seven speakers in our queue.

Seven all right let's take those at this time let's take the general public comments Agenda item number eight.

Thank you, Chair Gorrell. And just as a reminder to members of the public who wish to address the board today with public comment on any agenda item please visit VenturaCounty.gov forward slash BOS comment for participation information and instructions for in-person public comment please check in with the deputy clerk at the entrance of the boardroom if you wish to make comments you must be in the board room or if you're participating remotely you must be connected to the meeting via zoom or telephone before the close of the public comment period for that agenda item Request to make public comment on an agenda item will be accepted until the public comment period for each agenda item is complete. For our remote participants, please accept the prompt to be promoted and unmute your mic when it's your turn to speak.