Public Safety

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

• 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 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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

How to act

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