Public Services

What's happening

• The Board approved the appointment of Lucia Lahr to the Santa Maria Cemetery District Board of Directors, Fourth District, with a term ending December 31, 2027.

Why it matters

Adds a new member to the cemetery board, influencing decisions on cemetery management and services for the community.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board will hear from legal counsel about a possible new civil lawsuit.
• The Board will hear about the ongoing Sable Offshore Corp. lawsuit in federal court.
• The Board will hear from labor negotiators representing the Sheriff’s Managers Association.

Why it matters

Understanding potential legal costs and labor issues helps protect county resources and services for residents.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved a contract up to $56,000 for Area Agency on Aging services with the Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County.
• The contract runs from September 15, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
• The activity was determined not to be a CEQA project.

Why it matters

Provides essential services for seniors while using county funds and avoids the need for environmental review.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board approved the election of coverage under the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program, including Paid Family Leave, for Deputy Public Defenders.
• Board authorized the Chair to execute the application with the Employment Development Department and authorized Human Resources to submit required documents.

Why it matters

Provides disability and family leave benefits to deputy public defenders, improving employee support.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution naming September 14‑20, 2026 as Diaper Need Awareness Week in Santa Barbara County.

Why it matters

It raises public awareness about the need for diapers for families in crisis, helping community partners target assistance.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved and authorized the Chair to execute an agreement with Amergis Healthcare Staffing to provide temporary health personnel from September 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, not exceeding $300,000.
• The County Health Director was authorized to sign placement orders, add positions or approve rate changes, and make immaterial changes as long as the contract maximum remains unchanged.
• The actions were determined not to be a project subject to CEQA review.

Why it matters

The contract ensures temporary health staff are available to support county health services during a critical period.

Who is affected

How to act