Public Services

What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution of commendation honoring the Dierberg Family of First Bank as a 2026 Legacies of Hope honoree.

Why it matters

It publicly acknowledges the family’s contributions to community support programs.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved a second amendment that adds $1,181,800 to the contract, bringing the total maximum contract amount to $29,571,800.
• The amendment adds a $15 per member per day rate for uninsured ancillary services, extends the JIC program to June 30, 2027, and allows up to two additional MHRC beds when available.

Why it matters

It provides more funding and capacity for mental‑health rehabilitation and justice‑involved services, helping vulnerable individuals and reducing community costs.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution of commendation honoring Linda Stafford Burrows as a 2026 Legacies of Hope honoree.

Why it matters

It publicly recognizes her contributions to community support initiatives.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming the month of October 2026 as National Cyber Security Awareness Month in Santa Barbara County.

Why it matters

It publicly designates October as a time to promote online safety in the community.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

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

Why it matters

Raises public awareness of diaper need, encouraging community support for families lacking diapers.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board will approve the written record of the August 18, 2026 meeting.

Why it matters

Approved minutes become the official account of decisions and actions taken on August 18, ensuring transparency and an accurate public record.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board set hearing dates of September 22, 2026; November 10, 2026; and December 8, 2026 to adopt proposed Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element Amendments.

Why it matters

These hearings will decide land‑use changes that shape future development and community quality of life.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Approve a $20,000 contribution to the Isla Vista Community Services District for the bluff memorial installation.
• Approve a budget revision to appropriate $20,000 from the General County Programs General Fund.
• Find the project meets the social needs of the community and is not a CEQA project.

Why it matters

The memorial honors community members and uses county discretionary funds to support local cultural projects.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board adopted a resolution proclaiming August 26 2026 as Women’s Equality Day in Santa Barbara County.

Why it matters

It officially recognizes gender equality and raises community awareness of women’s contributions.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved and authorized the Chair to execute an independent contractor agreement with Lightfully for Day Rehabilitation and Day Treatment Intensive services, up to $400,000.
• The Board authorized the Behavioral Wellness Director to modify contract terms, performance measures, suspend services, and reallocate funding as needed.
• The Board determined the action is not subject to CEQA environmental review.

Why it matters

Enables delivery of day‑rehab and intensive treatment services for individuals with mental‑health and substance‑use needs.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved and authorized the Chair to execute a third amendment to the legal services agreement with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, extending the term to August 31 2027 and increasing the maximum contract amount by $20,000.00 to a new not‑to‑exceed total of $150,000.00.
• The amendment was found not to be a CEQA project.

Why it matters

Extends legal representation for the county and raises the budget for professional legal services.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The board approved reappointing R.W. “Hap” Ziegler to the Civil Service Commission.
• The appointment term ends on May 31, 2030.

Why it matters

It keeps the commission staffed with experienced members, affecting county hiring and personnel decisions.

Who is affected

How to act