Board of Supervisors

What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution honoring United Way of Santa Barbara County for administering the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
• Resolution No. 26-106 was passed by vote.

Why it matters

It publicly acknowledges the organization that helped renters stay housed during emergencies, highlighting county support for housing stability.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming May 2026 as Mental Health Month in Santa Barbara County.
• Resolution No. 26-110 was passed by vote.

Why it matters

It promotes community awareness of mental‑health issues and encourages resources and support for residents.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming May 2026 as Wildfire Community Preparedness Month in Santa Barbara County.
• Resolution No. 26-112 was passed by vote.

Why it matters

It encourages residents to prepare for wildfire risks, supporting safety and resilience in the community.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming May 2026 as National Stroke Awareness Month in Santa Barbara County.
• Resolution No. 26-111 was passed by vote.

Why it matters

It highlights the importance of stroke prevention and education, helping residents recognize warning signs and seek timely care.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming Compost Awareness Week for the week of May 3‑9, 2026.
• The motion was made by Supervisor Lee and seconded by Supervisor Lavagnino.

Why it matters

It raises community awareness about composting, helping reduce waste and improve soil health.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming May 6, 2026 as National Nurses’ Day and May 6‑12, 2026 as National Nurses’ Week.
• The motion was made by Supervisor Lee and seconded by Supervisor Lavagnino.

Why it matters

It honors nurses and highlights the importance of healthcare professionals to the community.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming May 2026 as National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month.
• The motion was made by Supervisor Lee and seconded by Supervisor Lavagnino.

Why it matters

It increases public understanding of ALS and supports patients and families affected by the disease.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming May 2026 as Water Awareness Month.
• The motion was made by Supervisor Lee and seconded by Supervisor Lavagnino.

Why it matters

It highlights water conservation issues and encourages residents to use water responsibly.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The Board received and filed the County’s FY 2025 Single Audit Reports.
• The Board determined the filing is not a CEQA project.

Why it matters

Filing the audit ensures financial transparency and the CEQA determination confirms no environmental impact from the administrative action.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding authorizing the Director to share costs of residential care and partial hospitalization for Medi‑Cal members with eating disorders from January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2030, with an estimated total payment of $1,200,000.00.
• The Board approved a one‑time five‑year extension of the MOU to June 30, 2035 under the same terms.
• The Board determined the MOU is not subject to CEQA environmental review.

Why it matters

The agreement helps fund essential eating‑disorder treatment for Medi‑Cal members while reducing the county’s direct cost burden.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The Board approved the minutes from the April 13, April 15, and April 17, 2026 budget workshops.

Why it matters

Approving minutes makes the workshop discussions official and ensures the public record is complete.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The board adopted an ordinance amending sections 46A-2, 46A-4, and 46A-6 of the County Code to address inclusionary housing.
• The board determined the ordinance does not trigger CEQA project review.

Why it matters

The changes create requirements for new housing developments that can increase affordable housing options for renters and homeowners.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The board approved, ratified and authorized the County Health Director to execute an MOU with CDPH for the internship program.
• The MOU allows CDPH‑paid interns to work in the County Health Department from April 18, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
• The board determined the MOU actions are exempt from CEQA.

Why it matters

The program expands training opportunities for future public health workers and strengthens the county health department’s capacity.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming the week of May 3‑9, 2026 as National Correctional Officer’s Week in Santa Barbara County.
• Resolution No. 26-108 was passed by vote.

Why it matters

It raises public awareness of correctional officers’ contributions and supports morale within the criminal‑justice system.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution designating May 9, 2026 as Stronger Starts Day of Action for Children in Santa Barbara County.

Why it matters

The proclamation raises awareness for child‑focused initiatives and encourages community participation on that day.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• Board approved Amendment No. 2 to the fire protection agreement with CAL FIRE, extending the service period from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026.
• The amendment increases the agreement by $854,842.00, bringing the total amount to not exceed $69,873,049.00, and is determined not to be a CEQA project.

Why it matters

It provides continued fire protection for State Responsibility Areas, protecting residents and ensuring the county meets its safety obligations.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The board continued consideration of Budget Revision Request No. 0011048 and set a new hearing date of May 12, 2026 in Santa Maria.

Why it matters

The budget revisions could change how county funds are allocated for services that affect all residents.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved and authorized the Chair to execute an MOU with American Indian Health and Services, Inc. for up to $89,300.00 to provide traditional health care practices to tribal Medi‑Cal members from May 12, 2025 through December 31, 2026.
• The Board delegated authority to the Director of Behavioral Wellness to suspend, delay, or adjust services and rates without further Board approval, while retaining the right to rescind this authority.
• The Board determined the actions are not subject to CEQA environmental review.

Why it matters

It secures culturally appropriate health services for tribal members while managing county expenditures through a capped contract.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The board continued discussion of the first amendment to the CHRS agreement to May 12, 2026.
• The amendment would allow cost reimbursement for custody services up to $800,000.00 and a budget revision of $500,000.00.

Why it matters

Provides funding for custody services that support early recovery programs.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The board received and filed the FY 2023‑2024 and FY 2024‑2025 Sheriff Voluntary Response reports.
• The action was determined to be exempt from CEQA.

Why it matters

Ensures oversight and transparency of supplemental law‑enforcement agreements.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The board approved the appointment of Alexandra Hurtado to the Commission for Women, term ending December 31, 2027.

Why it matters

Adds representation to the commission, influencing policies affecting women in the county.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved Steven Gaulin’s appointment to the Mosquito and Vector Management District Board, term ending Dec 31, 2027.

Why it matters

Not listed in the source document.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The Board approved James W. King’s reappointment to the North County Board of Architectural Review, term ending Dec 31, 2028.

Why it matters

Not listed in the source document.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved Kevin Small’s reappointment to the North County Board of Architectural Review, term ending Dec 31, 2028.

Why it matters

Not listed in the source document.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved first reading of the fire department fee ordinance and scheduled a second reading for May 12, 2026.
• Board exempted the ordinance from CEQA review and directed the fire department to conduct a fee study after twelve months.

Why it matters

The ordinance changes fire department fees for land development and permits, aiming for cost‑neutral rates that affect developers and property owners.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board conducted a public hearing under AB 2561 and received the annual workforce vacancies, recruitment and retention report for 2025.
• Board determined the actions are not subject to CEQA review.

Why it matters

The report provides transparency on county staffing challenges and recruitment efforts, influencing how services are delivered to residents.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved first reading of the speed limit amendment and scheduled a second reading for May 12, 2026.
• Board exempted the amendment from CEQA review because it involves only existing public facilities.

Why it matters

Changing speed limits affects driver safety and travel times for residents on roadways in the First and Fourth Districts.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The Board provided a closed‑session report with no actionable items.

Why it matters

Closed‑session discussions are not public, but the report informs the public that no decisions were made.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Approved the plans and specifications for the habitat mitigation landscape at Floradale Ave Bridge.
• Awarded the construction contract to Quincon, Inc. for $599,929.00.
• Authorized change orders up to $44,997.00 and supplemental work up to $50,000.00, for a total not to exceed $694,926.00.

Why it matters

Protects the Santa Ynez River habitat and funds local construction for the bridge project.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved Rodney Williams’s appointment to the Fire Board of Appeal, term ending Dec 31, 2026.

Why it matters

Not listed in the source document.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The board received notice of the California Coastal Commission’s conditional certification of the Local Coastal Program amendment (Case No. LCP-4-STB-24-0064-2).
• The board adopted a resolution acknowledging the certification, accepted suggested modifications, and directed the Planning and Development Department to forward the resolution to the Coastal Commission.

Why it matters

The amendment allows the county to issue coastal development permits for the newly certified area, shaping future shoreline development.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved the Fourth Amendment to the agreement with Pictometry International Corp., amending the scope of work to include additional services.
• The amendment may not increase the maximum contract amount beyond $1,701,830.00 and is determined not to be a CEQA project.

Why it matters

It expands mapping and imaging services that support county planning, public safety, and emergency response activities.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved Amendment No. 2 to the agreement with Federal Engineering, Inc., extending the term to June 30, 2027 for consulting services related to the Public Safety Radio System Replacement Project.
• The Board found the project exempt from CEQA under multiple exemption categories.

Why it matters

Extending the contract ensures continued technical support for the county's public safety radio system replacement, which is essential for emergency communications.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The board approved a contract with Community Solutions, Inc. to provide motivational interviewing, evidence‑based practices, case management and professional development training for probation staff.
• The contract may total up to $130,600 for the period July 1 2026 – June 30 2028, with authority for limited budget adjustments.

Why it matters

Improved training helps probation officers work more effectively with clients, potentially reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved Amendment No. 1 to the Geosyntec contract for $466,400.00 for additional construction management and quality‑assurance services for the Tajiguas Sanitary Landfill Groundwater Protection System Phase IVA project.
• Board authorized the Director of Public Works to approve change orders up to $46,640.00, raising the total contract ceiling to $2,093,304.00.
• Board determined that no new CEQA review is required for the amendment.

Why it matters

The amendment funds continued management and quality control of groundwater protection at the Tajiguas landfill, safeguarding local water resources and public health.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board received and reviewed the Public Works Director’s report on emergency actions taken after the late‑December 2025 and early‑January 2026 storms.
• Board approved continuation of those emergency actions and directed staff to report back to the Board every 14 days.
• Board determined the emergency actions are exempt from CEQA review.

Why it matters

Continuing the actions keeps roads and transportation infrastructure safe and clear after severe storms, protecting commuters and nearby residents.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Supervisors Lee and Lavagnino moved to approve the April 21, 2026 special meeting minutes.
• The motion passed.

Why it matters

Approving minutes makes the meeting’s decisions official and part of the public record.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Supervisors Lee and Lavagnino moved to approve the April 21, 2026 regular meeting minutes.
• The motion passed.

Why it matters

Approving minutes makes the meeting’s decisions official and part of the public record.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved the written record of the April 27, 2026 special meeting.
• A motion was made by Supervisor Lee, seconded by Supervisor Lavagnino, and passed.

Why it matters

Approving minutes makes the meeting’s decisions official and public.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Supervisors Lee and Lavagnino moved to approve the April 23, 2026 special meeting minutes.
• The motion passed.

Why it matters

Approving minutes makes the meeting’s decisions official and part of the public record.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved a resolution declaring the property as exempt surplus.
• The Board authorized staff to negotiate a development agreement with SoLa Impact LLC and, if needed, alternate developers.
• The Board determined the action does not constitute a CEQA project.

Why it matters

The action enables the creation of workforce housing, helping local renters and supporting affordable housing goals.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved, ratified, and authorized the Chair to execute a service agreement with ViaPath Technologies for inmate communications at the Northern Branch Jail and Santa Barbara Main Jail, effective Jan 1 2026 through Dec 31 2028.
• The Board found the agreement is not subject to CEQA environmental review.

Why it matters

The contract provides inmates and their families phone and electronic access, supporting safety and compliance with regulations.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved and authorized a $5,000 contribution from Fifth District discretionary funds to the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center.
• The Board determined the contribution provides a community benefit and is not subject to CEQA environmental review.

Why it matters

Funding supports vital services for survivors of sexual assault, enhancing safety and well‑being in the community.

Who is affected

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What's happening

• The Board received and filed a report from the County Elections Division requested on April 21 2026.
• The Board approved the report after a public hearing.

Why it matters

The oversight ensures transparent and accurate election processes for county voters.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board received staff presentation and held a public hearing on the Local Housing Marketing Program ordinance.
• Board approved the first reading and directed staff to amend Section 52.9 reporting requirements.
• Board waived further reading and scheduled a second reading for May 12, 2026.

Why it matters

It requires developers to report who rents or buys units, helping keep housing affordable for local residents.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution approving revisions to the Rules and Regulations of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s Board of Appeals.
• The Board approved the revised Rules and Regulations of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s Board of Appeals.
• The Board approved the nominated candidates and set their term to end on December 31st, 2026, and determined the action is not subject to CEQA.

Why it matters

The new rules and board members determine how fire‑related appeals are handled, affecting public safety and accountability for county residents.

Who is affected

How to act