Public Safety

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

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

How to act

What's happening

• The Board will adopt an ordinance adding Chapter 4.128 to the County Code, prohibiting the sale and distribution of kratom and 7‑hydroxymitragynine products.

Why it matters

Aims to protect public health by restricting potentially harmful substances.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Supervisors will adopt a resolution authorizing the County Executive to accept a $152,650 grant from CAL FIRE and approve an appropriation transfer to fund new equipment for wildfire risk‑reduction fuel‑treatment projects.

Why it matters

Provides needed resources to improve wildfire mitigation and protect communities.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board will adopt a resolution to buy parcels at 1501‑1521 Bayshore Highway, 1533‑1545 Bayshore Highway, and 818‑826 Mahler Road in Burlingame for $13,000,000. The President will be authorized to sign the purchase agreement.

Why it matters

Acquiring the land gives the county control over future development or public use, affecting nearby residents and taxpayers.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The City Council will adopt a proclamation declaring the week of May 10–16, 2026 as National Police Week and May 15, 2026 as Peace Officers' Memorial Day.

Why it matters

It honors local police officers, recognizes their service, and commemorates those who have died or been injured on duty.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Council may adopt a resolution renewing Ordinance No. 647 that governs the police department’s acquisition and use of military equipment.

Why it matters

Sets policy for how police can obtain and deploy military‑grade tools, affecting community safety and oversight.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved a one‑time Measure K grant of up to $15,000 to the Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL Center) to support community engagement through the Friendly Acres Neighborhood Association.

Why it matters

Funding will foster neighborhood organizing, leadership development, and stronger police‑community relationships.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board approved a one‑time Measure K grant of up to $28,000 to All Five to expand onsite early childhood mental health support.

Why it matters

Enhanced services will help young children access mental health care early, supporting development and family stability.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board introduced and adopted an ordinance adding Chapter 4.128 to the County Code, prohibiting the sale and distribution of kratom and 7‑hydroxymitragynine products.

Why it matters

The ban aims to protect public health by restricting access to substances with potential abuse risk.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Board authorized the County Executive to submit grant applications to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services for up to $759,000 in Emergency Management Performance Grants.

Why it matters

Grants will fund preparedness activities that protect residents during disasters.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Governing Board approved a $3,116,611 agreement with Ghilotti Construction for County Service Area 7 water system pipeline improvements, with authority for change orders up to $311,661.

Why it matters

Improved water infrastructure enhances reliability and service for affected communities.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• The Council will receive a staff report and public comments about upcoming collective bargaining with SEIU Local 521 and AFSCME Local 829.

Why it matters

Public feedback can shape the city’s negotiating position, affecting employee wages, benefits, and ultimately city services.

Who is affected

How to act

What's happening

• Board will receive a report from the County Executive, Sheriff, Custody Health Services, and Technology Services on the status of jail reform efforts.

Why it matters

Updates the public on changes to jail operations that affect safety and inmate welfare.

Who is affected

How to act