Board Meeting 4/13/21

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Community Advisory Board Meeting - 10/18/23

Agenda

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?      Yes            On-Line:  Yes            
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? 3 Minutes
• Appeared members were prepared? Yes

• Civil Discourse: One caller had to be muted for her hate speech.  The MXCAB Chair had to remind attendees that the group respects the public’s First Amendment rights, but as warned previously, anyone speaking with hatred to others will be muted.  There is not place for such speech in the MXCAB meetings.

• Newlife Movement in Richmond, director spoke and shared his dismay that no funding has been designated to this group to help the most vulnerable youth.
• AB will take a first poll of member’s priorities for funding from the next MX revenues.
• Results of the first poll were compiled on a spreadsheet and explained by Adam Nguyen, which reflects AB members’ priorities, 18 categories with the highest poll for Mental Health services at 13 for children and African American in addition to overall desire for mental health.
• Discussion about the legality of assigning county monies to specific racial groups.
• Some discussion about Guaranteed Income – Community Conversation on Income Inequality
• Quite a number of people spoke during Public Comment.  Most were advocating for the African American Holistic Wellness Center.

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them?  Yes

• 9/20/23 Meeting Minutes
• ATLAS REPORT

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 8/16/23

Number of Members: 27      All Present? No        # Absent? 6        Total Attendees: 76

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?  Yes          On-Line:    Yes         O
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? 2 Minute limit

• Making Democracy Work: Civic Ed., Redistricting
• Climate Change, including water issues
• Housing and/or Homelessness
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Health Care
• Civil Discourse
• Social Safety Net
• DEI

• General overview of MEASURE X and about $120+million/year
• BOS has final say about allocation and consider the MXCAB recommendations
• MXCAB role was to gather information from community, CBO, County, MXCAB established its operating principles and vision with DEI as focus.
• October of 2021, MXCAB presented its report to the BOS.
• Presented the present timeline.
• September 19, 2023 will be an important BOS meeting because BOS will review and hear department recommendations. See the following links for the timeline of dates with specifics for what each meeting will cover: Measure X allocation process 2023 - supplementary timeline
• Current unfunded MEASURE X Recommendations (2021)_V2.xlsx  (Highlight of what is currently unfunded such as early childhood mental health. NOTE: under Goal #4, services for children with disabilities was funded.)
• MEASURE X Board opened to hear public presentations requesting considerations for next round of MEASURE X monies.
• Many people from the community spoke on behalf of children, seniors, and issues related to the needs for more mental health services in the county.
• This link opens to a list of what was funded, not funded as recommended either by the MXCAB or BOS: MEASURE X Recommendations Comparison
• MXCAB made a motion and voted to set up an additional meeting to give the community another opportunity to come before the board to request MEASURE X funds.
• Item #5 on the agenda was tabled to the next meeting.

Adjourned @ 7:19 pm

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 7/19/23

Total Attendees: 35

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?   Yes          
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? Yes
• Appeared members were prepared? Yes, generally.
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?         No                 

• Making Democracy Work: Civic Ed.
• Social Safety Net
• DEI

• Innovation Fund is one time $2 million administered by the CAO, Julie Enea presented
• See slide deck: 54318_Measure X Innovation Fund CAB Presentation_7-19-23.pdf
• MXCAB grappled with the best way to proceed with a letter of suggestion to the BOS about each supervisor joining with their district MXCAB representative to do outreach into the community to inform CBO about applying for the next round of MX monies.
•  Grappled with the best way to get memo to County Department Heads, motion made that the memo would be sent to the BOS to distribute, this is the proper procedure.  MXCAB unanimously voted yes.
• MXCAB draft memo to BOS proposing in-district community meetings before Sept 19
• MXCAB draft memo to department heads July 2023
• November 7th is an all-day BOS and MXCAB joint meeting open to the public

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them?  Yes

Measure X allocation process 2023 - supplementary timeline

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 6/21/23

Number of Members:  27                  # Absent? 8        Total Attendees: 14

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?    Yes              
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? Yes, 2 minutes
• Appeared members were prepared? Intro 3 new members to the Board, 4 vacant
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?   No                       
• Unacceptable behavior? Person from public is unacceptable in her comments to the Board. The chair of the Board handled it well.

• Civil Discourse; same public commenter speaks about conspiracy theories and attacks rather than offer constructive comments.  The Board listens without engaging.

Introduced new members. Discussion about $4.67 million in additional money that needs to be allocated. BOS will be hearing on Sept. 19 input about this additional money. Brainstormed about how to keep the community informed about MX. There is ongoing conversation about a dashboard to create transparency

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them?  Yes, the Board discussed issues relevant to the Brown Act to assure they are not violating it.

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 3/15/23

Agenda

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?                      On-Line:   Yes  
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes

• Civil Discourse
• Social Safety Net - Measure X is heavy in this topic

• MXCAB bylaws - proposed revisions_V6_3.6.23: Board did an overview of the revisions, red font is Finance Comm., blue font is MXCAB, other colors are individuals on MXCAB.
• Discussed the Financial Committee recommendation of an oversight committee: PowerPoint Presentation. That body would verify the funds the BOS designated from MX tax, and if it was actually used for the designated items. Each BOS member will select 2 people from the community to be a part of the oversite committee.
• MXCAB is curious about their recommendations and oversight that those monies are used for the most vulnerable in the community. How is the impact of the monies being measured?
• Discussion about the County’s web page that would present what programs were selected for funding, how the dollars are used, the impact to the people receiving fund. The page would be “dynamic.”
• Group made some adjustment to the language on the proposed revised bylaws that all agreed upon
• All MXCAB members will be reappointed or replaced, per the bylaws, next month.

Any recommendations for local League action on issues (Voter Services, Community Conversations, etc.) or on behaviors observed?  No

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 12/14/22

Total Attendees: 10 voting members (quorum)

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?          On-Line:  Yes
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? 2 minutes limit
• Appeared members were prepared? Yes
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?     No                     

• Making Democracy Work: Civic Ed., Redistricting
• Climate Change, including water issues
• Housing and/or Homelessness
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Health Care
• Civil Discourse
• Social Safety Net
• DEI

• Motion to accept the AB report as amended - approved
• Motion made to accept the revised bylaws - moved and seconded, approved
• Revised bylaws will now go to the BOS for approval.
• Discussion regarding issues the MXCAB has had with CAO.
• Rebecca Brown of Further the Work shared what has transpired since the completion of the report. It appears Further the Work is being retaliated against without explanation for why the company was not chosen to continue being on the County list of reputable vendors.  Further the Work has worked with many of the county offices from public defenders to public health departments and has been instrumental in bringing in $80-90 million to the county over the past 7 years. 
• MXCAB members are very concerned about this issue and the reflection upon the MXCAB it creates.
• Suggestion to send the BOS, with cc to CAO, a letter from MXCAB regarding Further the Work being left off of the vendor list. Focus of the letter is to be on the process, transparency and the “chilling effect” it’s creating.
• Motion made to send a letter-motion carried.
• Discussion on MX financials: Mr. Nguyen fielded numerous questions about allocations, one-time expenditures, more clarity, dashboard for the community to navigate easily and have transparency of MX revenues.
• Reminder of the celebration scheduled for Dec. 20 from 3:30-530 at the NAMI Contra Costa office, 2151 Salvio St. Suite 5. Community is invited. (See link below)

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them? Yes, numerous reminders about the importance of the Brown rules.

Any recommendations for local League action on issues (Voter Services, Community Conversations, etc.) or on behaviors observed?  Perhaps support for the MXCAB in their efforts to have the County be more transparent with the MX revenues and their processes.

Measure X Community Advisory Board (MXCAB) Year-End Celebration Dec. 20 at 3:30 p.m.

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 11/16/22

Total Attendees: 29 Yes

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?       On-Line:    Yes             
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? Yes
• Appeared members were prepared? Yes
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?  No                        

• Social Safety Net
• DEI

• MXCAB is accepting the Draft report as the final report from the Further the Work group that wrote the report.
• MXCAB is very pleased with the report: well-written, data and information is easy to see as they are all in one place.
• All 8 of the MXCAB members present voted unanimously to accept the report. 9 were needed for the motion to pass.
• Reviewed the proposed changes to the MXCAB Bylaws: discussion to include language that can direct the selection of members to MXCAB, alternates being able to vote, possible language about how to handle members who are absent frequently.
• MXCAB Operating Principles - rev 4.28/21
• Q&A re: budget and additional funds from sales tax. This discussion will be continued at the Dec. meeting.
• Set a time to celebrate the MXCAB’s accomplishment with some type of event.

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Community Advisory Board Meeting - 10/19/22

Total Attendees: 63

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?                      On-Line: Yes                 
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? Yes, 2 min.
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?     No                     
• Discussed any controversial topic?  Yes       Topic: the overreach of the CAO
• Unacceptable behavior? One caller who insisted on attacking Supervisor Gioia multiple times during the evening.

• Making Democracy Work
• Health Care
• Civil Discourse
• Social Safety Net

• Mariana explained about the letter she wrote to the CAO today, related to inappropriate unilateral canceling a meeting and unilaterally removing items from the MXCAB agenda. Additionally, the consultant hired to write the report has not been completed and it is now as of Oct. 15 out of compliance. 
• There is definitely confusion about role responsibilities.  Mariana has not been included in communications.  Also, videos of these meetings have not been posted as expected to be. Mariana believes that there is an overreach by county staff.  There is a serious erosion of trust. Mariana had a number of requests to halt the inappropriate items. (Note this letter will be included in the November agenda for public record.) Supervisor Gioia has to still familiarize himself with the letter Mariana sent.
• Supervisor Mitchoff has seen the letter and it will be addressed by the CAO. MXCAB is an advisory body to the BOS.  Clarification of item will be forthcoming.
• Supervisor Gioia, explained his interpretation of the issue of meetings as per the by-laws.
• An MXCAB member questioned the spirit of what this work is about is absent from the conversation. Gioia believes that MXCAB has the flexibility.  But believes that it does need to be clarified.  MXCAB should be receiving regular monthly reports, there should be a dashboard revealing everything that is received and funded. The concern also is that the relationship is more adversarial than partnership.
• Considerable concern that the unelected CAO has the power to cancel meeting, agenda items, the consult for the report over the barrel. Concern about MXCAB being a shield for the County from the community who come with concerns to the advisory members.  There is a great amount of frustration with the MXCAB.
• Concern about a break in the trust and momentum.  The MXCAB wants to recover what they had.   A request to hear from Rebecca Brown consultant from Further the Work, about how the report got stuck.
• Ms. Brown said she has never had such a situation occur.  CAO threatened to file breach of contract against her if she did not present the heavily redacted report by October 24.  She is not going to send that report unless directed by the MXCAB.
• November 8th BOS meeting with MXCAB and discussion of revising the by-laws.
• Supervisor Gioia, spoke and expressed his appreciation for all on the MXCAB and wants this to succeed.   Agrees there has been a break of trust and that it needs to be restored. He will do all he can moving forward to make sure that the things go forward more positively. Clarification must come from the full board. The goal is to bring the momentum back. He looks forward to hearing comments from the MXCAB. Gioia is hopeful that we can move forward.

• Invite CAO to attend MXCAB meeting
• Request and see the full report
• MXCAB monthly unless this body changes it otherwise
• Address possible retaliation against Ms. Brown’s company as a result of the report issues
• Provide recommendation to the BOS about the role of the MXCAB 
• Send a letter to BOS regarding needs assessment by-laws.
• Rec and develop specific recs prior to Nov. 8th BOS meeting
• May be additional MX money and what the plan would be for those revenues (This was mentioned in the report and was removed.)
• The MXCAB receive reports from the finance committee. vs. CAO, CAO provides the staff to the finance committee. Wording needs to be developed.

• Performance metrics from Health Services, Anna Roth
• Spreadsheet to measure the MX impacts;
• Many of the items/projects, like A3, County Cares, labs, etc., are in process of development as presented by Ms. Roth’s PPT.

• First project: $1 million to help with refugee services.  Target to serve 195, which is the number identified in the community.  Hope to permanently house 90% and employ 90%. 
• Second program is the Navigator…case workers that engage short-term with families to meet the needs identified.  90% referred will receive services.
• Third projects are the youth centers in East County and Central County. Will be seeking input from the communities, especially the youth, as the planning moves forward. Youth Committee of the Work Force Development.
• Fourth project is the master plan on aging: to retain a consultant to help develop a plan, help encourage age- appropriate services; anti-age and ageism campaign; coord community engagement events, first is in November; technical support for older adults; provide new lines of services: transportation, etc.
• Fifth project: Child care services beginning with children with special needs; develop/expand childcare providers including expanding the hours of availability.

• Fire Services, mitigations
• Library, literacy outreach projects, purchase van to do the outreach
• Public Works, transition county fleet to ZEVs
• Last Item…Request to administration about delaying the deadline for the Oct. 24th for the contractor.

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them? Yes, but members were clearly disheartened by the breach of rules by the County CAO…a sabotaging of their work

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 6/15/22

All Present? No, 13 but, there is a quorum      # Absent? 12   Total Attendees: 28

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance? Yes             On-Line:  Yes
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? Yes
• Appeared members were prepared? Yes
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?   No                       
• Discussed any controversial topic?  No                          
• Took any unusual action?  No                                          
• Unacceptable behavior? No

• DEI: Board wanted to elect a person of color for the open vice chair position and did

• County has someone to write the MXCAB report from the previous year.
• M. Moore will be involved and the lead person will come before the MXCAB to report progress.  The report is schedule to be completed by September.
• Need to elect a Vice Chair, Ms. Williams is stepping aside from this role.
• Qualifications for the position, one must be an actual member not an alternate. One member highlighted that there was no member present for District 4. Michelle Stewart was nominated and accepted the nomination. After some discussion about District 4, the Board moved to a vote.; Ms. Stewart was elected unanimously except for one abstention.
• Now that the last cycle is completed and revenues have been allocated.  Now the goal is to assure that there is some plan to track these expenditures in each area that has received funding.
• Discussion re: innovation fund and who would be developing the plan; concern is that it be a committee with CBOs involved in the decision making. The intent of the MXCAB has long been to be inclusive in the decisions.
• Board moved to Next Step - spoke of some items that members had high interests about: innovation fund, housing trust.
• Board discussed how the community was notified about the MX meetings and was concerned that people are not aware of them. 
• Decided to continue meeting on the 3rd Wednesdays until further interest in changing

Any recommendations for local League action on issues (Voter Services, Community Conversations, etc.) or on behaviors observed?  None

MXCAB_Host Agencies for projects_6.10.22.xlsx - one-page spreadsheet of approved projects including the total allocated to each and the department responsible for each.

Total Attendees: 35

Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?   Yes                   On-Line:   Yes              

• Making Democracy Work: Civic Ed., Redistricting
• Civil Discourse
• DEI

Tonight, is the one-year anniversary of Board members being appointed.  It’s the last meeting for Lisa Driscoll who is retiring as Chief Financial Officer.  Introduced the new Chief Financial Officer, Adam Nguyen.

Focus on who will be contracted to write the report for last year’s work.  The hope is to work with a report writer organization who has worked with other government agencies.  Moore, offered the name of a woman report writer who has worked with other government agencies.  The MXCAB will not be involved in selecting the report writer, but it can recommend a writer.

The MXCAB requested that they have some involvement with the writer who will address its goals and will support the MXCAB’s overarching work.  Some concern about the report including what the BOS issues are. 

What will the process be for reviewing and input from the MXCAB?  How will BOS be interacting with the report writer?  L. Driscoll suggested that the contract is reviewed by the MXCAB as well as the draft report.

Next step: continue to seek a report writer.  Once found, a draft report will be produced with involvement from MXCAB.

Discussed the evaluation process for the effectiveness of the MX funds for those items that were funded.  Have to develop performance measure to determine what and how to evaluate the impact the funds are making, or not.

MXCAB will have input on the goals and expected outcomes in the process.  County staff is focused on upcoming budget deadline of March 31, so have not begun on this yet.  Some items on the list of funded are fairly straight forward but others require more detailed definition; e.g., the item re: innovation

It will be important to have performance measures to determine if areas where there are gaps, that those gaps are being narrowed now due to receiving MX revenues.

Will there be opportunities available for community input? This issue was highlighted multiple times during the meeting.

MX information will be in the proposed County budget that will be posted on the 31st. A chart will be included in the proposal and will show the item funded, the amount funded, and which department the item falls under.

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them? Yes

Meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m.

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 9/22/21

Total Attendees: 46

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?    Yes             On-Line: Yes                
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? Returned to 2 Minutes
• Appeared members were prepared? Yes
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?     No                     
• Unacceptable behavior? No

• Making Democracy Work: Civic Ed., Redistricting
• Climate Change, including water issues
• Housing and/or Homelessness
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Health Care
• Civil Discourse
• Social Safety Net
• DEI

The Board walked through the thematic list to discuss the yellow highlighted statements that were added for clarification of items the Board raised at its previous meeting.

Board discussed for some time, the ballot’s phraseology for funding of the Regional Hospital funding, but it is not reflected in the current rank list. The Board grappled between the many areas of need, and the funding to the regional hospital and clinics.

Chair and Co-Chair will review the document and put into sentences, without changing content.  This will come back to the Board for acceptance.  Once it is approved, the two leads will work with the contracted report writer to formalize what the Board has decided.

Opened meeting to public comment.  Deaf Hope made numerous reminders to the Board that those who are deaf must be considered in the recommendations.

Board voted unanimously to accept the motion for the recommended list as given (see link below).

Next meeting will be to approve the first draft of the formal report, and to debrief our process and how the process can be improved

Any recommendations for local League action on issues or on behaviors observed?  No

Report and Recommendations

October 6 is next meeting.

One of Board members is moving to Philadelphia so will be turning in her formal resignation soon.

Adjourned at 7:32

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Community Advisory Board Meeting - 9/17/21

Total Attendees: 33

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?       Yes          
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? One minute
• Appeared members were prepared? Yes
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?     No                     
• Discussed any controversial topic?     No                       
• Took any unusual action?  No                                            
• Unacceptable behavior? No

• Making Democracy Work: Civic Ed., Redistricting
• Climate Change, including water issues
• Housing and/or Homelessness
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Health Care, in particular Mental Health support
• Civil Discourse
• Social Safety Net
• DEI

• Board discussed the importance of making individual strategies listed clear, with more descriptive language for the strategies so that all can understand them.
• Acknowledged that mental health was a major ask from the community and the straw polls of Advisory Board reflects this ask.
• Local Housing Trust Fund and Community Land Trust was highlighted as something to elevate in recommendations, needs explained more and note of the difference.
• Member of the Board expressed concern about the Regional Hospital being low on the list of rankings because it is part of the ballot language which the voters wanted in passing Measure X.
• Board member wants to highlight language about other monies that the Regional Hospital may be receiving as a consequence of the pandemic. The Regional Hospital does need funding regardless of the additional funds to cover the extra costs of the pandemic.
• Continued discussion about the Regional Hospital and the service it provides addresses many of the many different vulnerable populations in the County, across the County as well with the outreach offices.
• Moved to public comments at 5:00.
• Board wants a statement to the public reminding them that they can always address the BOS about any issue they wish.

Any recommendations for local League action on issues or on behaviors observed? No

• Previous meeting minutes
• Working Document:This is an important link to open and scroll through.

Next meeting is September 22 @ 5:00

Adjourned at 5:28

Total Attendees: 65

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?   Yes    On-Line:  Yes                :
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? I minute is short for some speakers.  During public comment, one member expressed that it was not right to have the public wait all evening, allow one minute, and asked to speak slowly for interpreters.  This has been an ongoing issue during the last several meetings. 
• Appeared members were prepared? Yes
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?   No                           
• Discussed any controversial topic?  No                             
• Took any unusual action? No                                            
• Unacceptable behavior?  No

• Climate Change, including water issues
• Housing and/or Homelessness
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Health Care
• Social Safety Net

Board spent some time highlighting areas that may not have been given space and time for explanation.  They took another straw poll to see where the members may be thinking are high on their minds.  The result of this poll will be compiled and shared at the next meeting (Sept. 22).  Chair Moor reminded the Board of the operating priorities they began with which was to focus on the most vulnerable, high need members of the community.

Board continued to discuss how they were going to go about narrowing to the most important areas.  They talked about thinking about ways that other funds can be used to address some areas that could/should not receive Measure X funds at this time.

Discussed developing a principles statement with goals that address the needs through an equity lens that can be used to guide the Board.

Looks like an additional meeting will be necessary to be able to narrow topics to most significant.

Any recommendations for local League action on issues or on behaviors observed?  No

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 9/1/21

Total Attendees: 59

• Meets Brown Act Requirements: Yes
• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?    Yes            On-Line:  
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the open agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and to varied opinions? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? Had to cut to one minute per person
• Appeared members were prepared? Yes
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?  No                        
• Discussed any controversial topic?   No                          
• Took any unusual action?       No                                           
• Unacceptable behavior? No

• Housing and/or Homelessness
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Health Care
• Social Safety Net
• DEI

Members had some confusion at the start of the meeting, due to the use of documents and the changes from one document to another.

Talked about: Elderly, deaf, veterans, fire, youth, young adults, mental health, housing, etc.

Good discussion about the voters approved MX based on the County hospital maintenance, and the importance of keeping it in mind for some funding.

One community public member voiced her objection for not being able to speak before the Board.  Get Vocal for Victims, a victim advocacy group, had submitted a packet to the Board and had requested to speak previously to the Board but according to the speaker, she was denied.  The Chair apologized and acknowledged receiving the packet.  The speaker noted that her group was the only victim advocacy group to come before the Board advocating for victims of abuse, crime.

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them? Yes

Any recommendations for local League action on issues or on behaviors observed?  Not at this time.  The Board is following their charge carefully.

Link to the list of the issues that the Board is considering: 46803_8.20.2021 Poll Results Data for MXCAB rev3.pdf

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Community Advisory Board Meeting - 8/25/21

Total Attendees: 99

• Meets Brown Act Requirements: Yes
• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance? Yes                 On-Line:  Yes     
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? Had to limit time to 1 minute for public
• Appeared members were prepared? Yes
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?   No                        
• Discussed any controversial topic?  Yes  
  Topic:  A synthesizing of the varied topics into one document, but the Board had not received the document ahead of time. Numerous Board members expressed their dismay about this.
• Took any unusual action? Voted after some discussion about the document synthesizing themes.    Action: Did not pass

• Housing and/or Homelessness
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Health Care
• Social Safety Net
• DEI

Fair amount of conversation on process in synthesizing all of the themes.

As the Board went line by line to raise questions or thoughts on the various items there were numerous items that had good discussion and suggestions as the Board worked to understand the line items and find areas to consolidate.

Good discussion and suggestions about Racial Equity and that everything perhaps needs to be viewed through this lens. The subject of housing and the idea of a community land trust and housing trust. 

The Board ended comments and questions on line item 26

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them? Yes, and the Board followed through well.

Any recommendations for local League action on issues or on behaviors observed?  None

Total Attendees: 84

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?    Yes               On-Line:   Yes    
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input?  Yes, 2 minutes
• Appeared members were prepared? Yes
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?     No                          
• Discussed any controversial topic  
• Took any unusual action?        No                                          
• Unacceptable behavior?  No

• Making Democracy Work: Civic Ed., Redistricting
• Climate Change, including water issues
• Housing and/or Homelessness
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Health Care
• Civil Discourse
• Social Safety Net
• DEI

• The first hour and half was listening to many members of the public speak in support of a wide range of important issues: Mental health, Health care, Housing, Climate change, Fire, Youth center (Miles Hall) etc. 
• The Board carried on a discussion for clarification, and understanding of how to use the result of the straw poll they will take as a way to help in the process of determining what is the greatest needs categories. 

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them? Yes, 2-minute time limit for speaking.  Chair asked for clarification about public meeting process to assure the Board is following the appropriate rules that they are expected to follow.  Also, clarification about whether or not the Board can state the name of a specific group or program.  The Board can name a particular program or group.

Next meeting is scheduled for this Friday, August 20, at 12:00.

______________________________________________

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 7/28/21

LWV Observer Name: Shawn Gilbert

Agenda

Number of Members:  27                                 All Present?    No          # Absent? 3  

Topic: Library, Arts, Agriculture

# Attendees: 100

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?   Yes                 On-Line:  Yes               
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? Yes
• Appeared members were prepared? Yes
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?     No                     
• Discussed any controversial topic?   No                         
• Took any unusual action?  No                                           
• Unacceptable behavior? No

Many presenters focused on the disparities that exist for marginalized communities as they relate to libraries, arts and culture, and issues related to weights and measures.  This fits in with our goals for DEI including youth and veterans, not just lower income residents    

• Alison McKee, County Librarian:
• Compared to other counties, library receives less to operate twice as many libraries. Disparity of access due to disparity of funding. Least economic communities have least access to library compared to the hours of libraries in cities where higher income communities are.
• Library Presentation

• Antonio Medrano, Chief Community Liaison and activist at San Pablo Library: New library has made a big difference. Still giving out free food on Tuesdays - community comes for food and then comes into the library. Library is the hub for the community.
• Ben Miyagi, Arts and Culture Commission of CCC
• Jenny Balisle, Artist, Arts and Culture Commission of CCC: Our county invests $.12 per resident compared to other counties that spends more than a $1.00. Managing Director of Arts & Culture Commission of CCC
• Arts Commission Measure X Presentation.pdf
• Silvia Ledezma, Artist and leader in the California Arts Council: County to make a more active role in funding the arts and promote exhibits, fairs and more, inspire youth engagement. Poetry Out Loud needs funding to compete. Veteran Arts program
• Antonio Tony Tamayo, Artist and part of About Face (Vet arts program that has been discontinued) and Poetry Out Loud; Arts and Culture Committee of CC (go to YouTube for video)
• Naina Shastri, Dancer, vice chair San Ramon Dance Center
• Ruthie Dineen: East Bay Center for the Performing Arts which serves youth in West County and hoping to expand to east county. Critical to help support with funding to provide cultural, performing arts programs in schools.
• Marva Reed: Richmond resident; on steering committee on the arts of African Diaspora
• Sheila McKinney: Ryse; Youth poet; current poet laureate of Pinole; attends Pinole High;
• Ciera Jevae (Cece): Ryse; former poet laureate of Pinole;
• Tara Malik: Ryse;artist, photographer;
• Keertana Sreekumar: 15-year-old writer, poet; founder of Youth Art Committee of San Ramon; spoke on TED X stage
• Dedannajaamadijiijaga: black vet, disabled, activist for About Face, art therapy program for veterans that was defunded.
• Jose Arriaga: Agriculture; weights and measures issue. Requesting a Quality Control program for the County to monitor and control overcharges. CCC has more overcharges than LA County.
• Matt Slattengren, CCC Agriculture: Request 2 FTE Weights and Measurement Inspectors

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them? Yes

Any recommendations for local League action on issues or on behaviors observed? None

• Board discussed adding extra meetings
• Next meeting: August 4, 2021 @ 5:00 re: Environment, Transportation and Conservation and Development
• Excellent presentations!

______________________________________________

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 7/14/21 

# Zoom Attendees: 99                             Adjourned: 7:16 PM

Agenda

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?     Yes            On-Line:    Yes            
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? Tight, but important to maintain because meeting typically runs 3 plus hours
• Appeared members were prepared? Yes
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?  No                            

• Making Democracy Work: Civic Ed., Redistricting
• Climate Change, including water issues
• Housing and/or Homelessness
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Health Care
• Civil Discourse
• Social Safety Net
• DEI

Agenda:  Includes List of presenters for this meeting

• Claudia Gonzalez, Alliance to End Abuse
• Hisham Alibob, Alliance to End Abuse: initiated by the BOS, PPT presented about violence in the County, violence is a public health issue
• Maria Solorzano, Family Justice Center: PPT presentation, violence is interconnected, interpersonal, preventable, offered transformational ideas,
• Janell Coleman, Community Speaker, Absent
• Kelley Curtis, Director EHSD CalFresh/CalWORKs division
• Patience Ofodu, Workforce Development Board
• Melinda Self, Director of Dept. Child Support Services, PPT presentation
• Salina Mansapit, Child Support Specialist II
• Dr.Vic Baker, Equitable Economic Recovery Task Force, PPT presentation
• Dr. Carol Doham-Kelly, Rubicon, PPT presentation Collaborative Workforce
• Kimi Barnes, Rubicon
• Alissa Friedman, Opportunity Junction, job training a real need in our County, PPT presentation, tech needs large
• Kim Castaneda, VP of Development and Communications - Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, PPT presentation, 94,000 in our county are food insecure, 1 in 10 children.
• Chelo Gonzalez, Direct Service Program Manager - Food Bank of CCC, Food as Medicine Continuum, PPT presentation,
• Keeva Dean, personal testimony for Food Bank,

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them? Yes.  Excellent job of keeping the meeting on track.

Next Board meeting: July 21, 2021, Topic: Immigrants

______________________________________________

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 7/7/21 

Total attendees: 125

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?   Yes                On-Line:  Yes             
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? Yes, first use of a clock on screen to track speaker time
• Appeared members were prepared? Yes
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?  No  
• Discussed any controversial topic?  Yes    Topic:  Courtroom issue: D.A. Becton conveyed she could not address the Board member’s concern at this meeting. She could not discuss an ongoing case which she has no awareness of.  Board Chair did finally get back to order.
• Took any unusual action?  No
• Unacceptable behavior?  No

• Making Democracy Work: Civic Ed., Redistricting
• Climate Change, including water issues
• Housing and/or Homelessness
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Health Care
• Civil Discourse
• Social Safety Net, intersects with Criminal Justice Reform and DEI
• DEI

• Diana Becton, County District Attorney, presented PPT:  Human Trafficking partner with schools, org. for victims, and other state and local police; Independent Investigations, Youth incarceration, Youth Justice Initiative, sees it as a healing proposal vs. punitive
• Esa Ehman-Krause, Chief Probation Officer, presented PPT about probation programs and services; Juvenile Hall, historically low
• Patrice Guillory, director of ORJ, presented PPT
• Pat Mims, director of Reentry Success Center to expand services to formerly incarcerated
• Robin Lipetzky, Public Defender RPS Contra Costa
• Angelene Musawwir, Public Defender Social Work Supervisor meets with formerly incarcerated to determine their needs
• Brandon Banks, Public Defender Managing Attorney in arraignment court
• David Livingston Sheriff
• Lt. David Hall Sheriff Dept. presented PPT
• Donte Blue, Chief Program Officer of Rubicon
• Rhody McCoy, Rubicon Reentry Success Center: employment assistance, Health Wellness
• Tamisha Walker, Safe Return $1.3 million not $13 mill as CC recorded; rec an East County Equity Center to provide resources and services to a long-neglected area of the county
• Adey Teshager, info about the Equity Center goals…no additional funding to the Sheriffs Dept
• Danny Espinoza, Lift Up Contra Costa campaign manager; discussed reimagining public safety, Invest more in the needs of the community vs. more police; asking for Justice reinvestment
• Veronica Benjamin, activist RPSCC, rec independent citizen oversight board for police actions outside the sheriff dept.; Coroner should not be a part of the Sheriff Dept
• Randy Joseph, Reimagining Richmond; mental health should be funded for 24 hours
• Melvin Willis & Cheryl Sudduth, Racial Justice Coalition, est. 2014, committed to racial justice through changes that eliminated social issues that make life difficult
• Chelsea Miller, co-director of the CHAT Project (Began in 2018 and piloted with Family Justice Center), Collective Healing and Transformation… Restorative justice as a focus in domestic violence; Tara Cantu staff with CHAT;
• Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them? Yes, especially in keeping the time and keeping equity among all presenters.  One group had their time shorted and it was brought to the attention of the chair.  With apologies the time was restored to the presenters.

Any recommendations for local League action on issues or on behaviors observed?  None, at this time.

• Measure X Community Advisory Board ‐ Suggested Speakers (updated June 25, 2021)
• Civil Grand Jury Report on CCC Psychiatric Emergency Services

This evening’s meeting was a bit bumpy due to the new addition of the clock to keep track of speaking time. 

______________________________________________

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 6/30/21

Number of Members:   113                               All Present? Yes                      # Absent? None

Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?	Yes
Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed?	Yes
Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise?	Yes
Maintained civil conduct: attentive, courteous and open to varied opinions?	Yes
Provided adequate time for public input?	Yes, very mindful
Appeared members were prepared?	Yes
Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?	No
Discussed any controversial topic?	No
Took any unusual action?	No
Unacceptable behavior?	No

Substantive Issues relevant to League program priorities at any level (LWVDV, Bay Area, State, National): 

• Tonight’s presentations were on the topics of housing and homelessness.
• Presentation 1: Discussed housing and service needs: 1 Housing & Services Needs (DCD)
  • Not enough local sources to meet local needs.
  • Amalia Cunningham, Assistant Deputy Director, Department of Conservation and Development presented
  • Presentation 2: on 2 Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa
    • Joseph Villarreal, Executive Director, Contra Costa Housing Authority presented
    • Over 150,000+ unhoused persons in Shelter/Streets
    • 7.1 million Californians live in poverty if factor cost of living
    •  HACCC is helping by Increased base programs:
• 2006 – 7,426 units (183 homeless)
• 2021 - 10,602 Affordable Housing Units (1,177 Homeless)
• 15 years - +3,176 units (43%)
• Use PBVs to Become an Affordable Housing Funder
• Preservation
• Production
• Problem is that enough sources to meet local needs. (Similar to presentation 1)
• Presentation 4: 3 Housing and Homelessness (Health Services)
  • Presented by Lavonna Martin, Director, Health, Housing, & Homeless Services, CCC Health Services Department
  • Video of personal story (was not able to be played, but listed on the presentation above)
  • Homelessness is accumulation of multiple factors
  • Contra Costa County has over 31 programs in systems of care
  • Collective Ask ($12 million a year) to fund and staff a Local Housing Trust Fund
  • Presentation 5 on Monument Impact
    • Presented by Tony Bravo, Community Organizing Manager, Monument Impact
    • Serves immigrant and refugees in Contra Costa
    • Fund eviction defense

• Presentation 6 on Richmond Land
  • Presented Mia Carbajal, CLT Program Manager, Richmond LAND
  • Community Trust Land— production and preservation actions
  • Presentation 7 being part of community (SOS)
    • Daniel Barth, Safe Organized Spaces (SOS)
    • Kenneth Modica, SOS community member
  • Presentation 8 on Empowerment Program Advocate
    • William Goodwin, Hope Solutions Resident Empowerment Program Advocate
  • Meeting was paused for an 8-minute break (change in speakers, not on the agenda)
    • Speaker Jocelyn who struggled with homelessness
  • Discussion among advisory board and audience members regarding the presentations; recommendations.
    • More discussions to come August 4th and August 11th when drafting and finalizing priorities.
    • Governance and decision model was asked about regarding conservation and development

______________________________________________

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 6/23/21

by LWV Observer Name: Shawn Gilbert

Number of Members:    27                               All Present?  No                    # Absent? 4

• Agenda was posted 72 hours in advance?   Yes               On-Line:  Yes            
• Agenda clearly stated items to be discussed? Yes
• Provided background information to the public via links in the agenda or otherwise? Yes
• Provided adequate time for public input? Yes
• Appeared members were prepared? Yes
• Appeared that an action item, not put on agenda for closed session, was discussed in closed session vs. in public session?   No                            

• Making Democracy Work: Civic Ed., Redistricting
• Climate Change, including water issues
• Housing and/or Homelessness
• Criminal Justice Reform
• Health Care, including Mental Health
• Civil Discourse
• Social Safety Net
• DEI

This meeting was focused on mental health with presentations from numerous agencies, 133 people on this call

Debbie Thomas, CC H.S.: Lai Cheng gave testimonial about her suicidal feelings last year and her experience when she called the Crisis Hot Line.  It left her traumatized.   She later called 211 for help. 1 in 5 adults experience behavioral health crisis. Larrge need for comprehensive redesign. Launching the Miles Hall Community Crisis Hub Pilot, A3 anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Grace Herrera personal testimony about her granddaughter’s mental health crisis and calling the mobile health team for help.

Aracelia Aguilar, Deaf Hope: discussed the invisibility experience of the deaf members of the community,  request a rethinking of our systems that addresses access for the most impacted individuals and invite them to be a part of the solutions.

Jovanka Beckles, County clinician/facilitator of teams to improve the quality of life for children 6-18 with mental health issues

Vi Ibarra, CC Developmental Disabilities Council: 70% unemployed of developmental disabilities. Nickole Bouslog had her comments read to the Board about her experience of being a person with developmental disabilities and the issue of transportation, work, quality care givers.

Sandy Young, Developmental Manager for Putnam Clubhouse: Selah Baker gave her personal testimony about the lack of services for her as a person with mental health bi-polar challenges and recovery due to the services she needed: housing, employment, health support.

Roger Daniels & Susanna Marchland, Fred Finch Family: Need for more social/emotional learning for youth

Shelly Ji, NAMI CCC: Need for diverse residents of the community. GregBecker, Volunteer Coordinator for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), spoke of the needs for individuals with mental health challenges.

Kiku Johnson, Rainbow Community Center (only organization in county for intersectional community): LGBTQ community faces challenges across the County .The Trevor Project survey focused on LGBTQ youth 13-18. High rates of suicide thoughts especially during the pandemic.

Anna Lubarov, Mental Health Specialist (ret.) in CCC Behavioral Health program which has made progress in the last 50 years. Suggests establishing a Mental Health Recovery Vision (all are treated as equal).

CCC has a dire shortage of mental health professionals which needs to be addressed in order to meet the needs of the community.

Did the agency promote rules publicly and enforce them? Yes, the issue is of time.  Requested of speakers to keep within the time allotment.

Any recommendations for local League action on issues or on behaviors observed?

The focus of this evening’s meeting was on mental health services or lack thereof in the county.  This falls within the realm of League safety net priority.  The League’s support for the efforts of the MXCAB to fill the gap with MX $s for some of the agencies who presented.

Calendar with each week’ topics of focus

Other: This evening’s presentations were intense/emotional as at least 9 people gave their personal testimonies about their difficulties of living in our county as individuals with mental health challenges. 

The Board responded to comments made at the last meeting, about including a broader set of diverse voices to present to the Board.  This week included a much broader, diverse, group for presentations.

______________________________________________

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 5/26/21 

by Shawn Gilbert, Observer

• No Advisory Board meeting next week due to Memorial Day holiday.
• Focus of the meeting this evening is Early Childhood, 5 guest presenters

• Everyone was welcomed. 
• The Board is following the Brown Act procedures and Civil Discourse expectations. This a model for how meetings should be conducted.
• Next meeting June 9, 5:00 pm, due to Memorial Day holiday

• Presentations from Early Child Providers:
  • Camilla Rand, First Five: the focus is on the gaps in the county. First five years of life are critical to child development and growth.  High program investment in health, education for children reaps a 13% return. Whole families, whole children.
  • Christine Reich: Too many County children live in poverty. 16% live in deep poverty (live on less than $12,550) It’s expensive to live in CCC. Only 44% of children are ready for kindergarten.  0-12 age, 75,000 need child care, but only have 40,000 spaces, which is an important shortfall.  Infants and toddlers have the greatest gap. County has about 261,000 children. 1 in 5 children do not have adequate food. Demand for 7900-10900 for mental health services but only supply for 500 children. Unmet need in disability services as well - screening is crucial
  • John Jones, CoCoKids: Large gap in services - waitlist, more than 5,380 for childcare in CoCoKids and 5,358 child care for Community Services due to funding gap.  Child care workers are low pay positions. Affordability is difficult for low-income families. Return of investment in children: every dollar invested on child care generates $0 .68 in additional spending.
  • Francine Jolton, Pediatrician in CCC: Explained the difficulties of giving care and screening for children at the Health Services department.
  • Micaela Mota, mom in the Richmond area: Works with children with special needs. Waited for more than a year to get help with childcare until the CARE’s program offered help.
  • Need: support to families in need, child care slots, early childhood mental health is crucial (10,000 children in need, disabilities screening, support for providers of children, expand the Children’s Leadership Council (2018). Requesting $16.7 million.
  • Key focus piece is mental health services for children and families. Housing is also another huge issue for children and families. The health navigation piece is important to help families get connected to the services they need.  Have to build trust, language and culture respect are key.  Using people from the community to help is important
  • Discussion about cultural sensitivity to community.  Also, how are immigrants and monolingual families being served. 

• Process for finalizing the information that is gathered and will be presented as recommendations to the BOS.
  • A motion was made and seconded for the language that has thus far been put to paper. 
  • Board voted on the motion and it did not pass.

• Agenda
• Report on Children in CCC  

______________________________________________

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 5/19/21 

by Shawn Gilbert, Observer

• 82 Participants
• May 12 meeting minutes

Procedural Issues: Board is mindful of the Brown Act and practices the guidelines for civility, time, and agenda publication days ahead of the meeting.

• Opened the meeting to public for comments and questions
• Moved to hearing from Supervisors Mitchoff and Gioia to clarify exactly what the Board’s charge is: The Board is not to recommend a specific dollar amount. Can look at areas in both a broad or narrow view. Discussed magnitude vs. percentages.  Something could have a higher priority of need but does not need as much as another area with lower priority.
• Discussion focused on writing a fully clear motion related to what the AB’s charge is.
• Opened to public comment
• More discussion on creating a clear motion that really reflects what the AB agrees is the real meaning of the language they use
• Clarification about the BOS does not have to follow the recommendation of the AB and the BOS is not required to spend all of the money
• Opted not to vote tonight on the motion this evening, defer to the next meeting
• Moved to the Fire Protection presentations and PPT
• East CC and West County do not have the appropriate need of service; East County needs 3 additional stations
• Requesting $28.85 million for ongoing and one-time costs for the County
• Opened to questions and comment of the AB members to the fire chiefs
• Opened to public comments: Callers disheartened to hear the long response time in our County and the need for more stations to meet the need in different parts of the County; a lot of support for the increased fire services
• Next meeting:  May 26, and focus will be Early Childhood
• Adjourned: 8:09 P.M.

Public promotional flyer with dates, and topics for each week’s meeting

______________________________________________

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 5/12/21 

by Shawn Gilbert, Observer

Agenda

Procedural Issues: Following the Brown Act well, good civil discourse

Substantive Issues: Focus of this meeting is on Aging and Adults with series of guest speakers

• Projections for the County’s aging population is huge increase
• Limited discretionary funding for older adults
• Barriers to services
• Isolation and ageism creates great impact on the aging adults

Need to expand housing, home care, etc.

Transformation Ideas: A Master Plan on Aging, protect older adults from abuse and neglect, form Disability Resource Connection, Pilot flexible fund for Aging Services

• MOW does more than provide meals to Seniors
• Shared some personal stories of specific individuals in the County and their difficulties

Nicole Howell :Skilled nursing are not the best situation for older adults as experienced in light of the pandemic

• Public Transportation for Seniors needs to seamless…bus transfers, Para transport drivers cannot help Seniors
• Lyft charges $3 each way for Seniors. This is a financial burden when living on SSI.  Lyft does not wait for the Senior so they have to recall.

• County has an agency to help veterans at no cost: help with CalVet, Medi-Cal; home mortgage
• 52,406 Veterans in CCC and their families which is about 254,000
• Funds come from County General Fund: $1,351, 618 expenditures with about $970,000 from County
• The help to veterans add return of $13,304,000 for every county dollar reaps $17.
• Veterans want to come for help and do; prefer the County service of the Federal level
• Shared about the fraud veterans are exposed to

Opened to Board’s questions and comments to presenters

• Moved to the next issue: Discussed the language access which included the recognition of the 2 Spanish interpreters in this night’s meeting; acknowledged the closed caption of the meeting as well.
• Discussion carried over from last week about the process that will followed as the Board moves forward. Wanted clarity about what the charge is of the Board and reread the purpose that is in the directive document. This issue is about do they offer actual $ amounts as recommendations to the BOS.
• Making motion to follow the verbiage in Parts 2 and 3 of the Measure X by-laws. After a fair amount of discussion, the issue was delayed to gain more time to decide.
• Adjourned: 8:15

Video

______________________________________________

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 5/5/21 

by Shawn Gilbert and Izzy Martinez, Observers

Meeting was recorded.  Wide variety of community organizations were represented

Procedural Issues: Board followed appropriate civil discourse and meeting rules.

• Began with general public comments
• Receipt of April 28th Action
• Moved to have comments about the revised schedule of weekly focus items (Link is below)
  • Discussed and agreed members of the Board should not be the presenters on key topic
  • Some concern about not enough time for some of the big topics
  • Concern about upcoming fire season and where it is placed on the schedule for discussion
  • Took comments/questions from the public about the process going forward
  • Long discussion on groups, org. that may be significant to presentations to the Adv. Board (Link below)
  • Comments about groups coming forward are meant to inform the Board, not to present for the goal to advocate for funds
  • Voted to approve the revised Presentation Schedule with one addition, approved unanimously
  • Operating Principles: Principle #6, add “re-entry” population. Motion approved. 

• Finalizing priorities and recommendations to submit to the Board of Supervisors
• Item 7 about language equity and language justice discussed: issue of translation for more inclusion, (approx. $1300 for agenda pack (22 cents/word).   Estimate for 12 sessions, ballpark $25,000 to $30,000 which can be budget requested as operating costs from the BOS.  Interpreters were discussed as a starting point to have meetings interpreted. Approved unanimously.

______________________________________________

Community Advisory Board Meeting - 4/13/21 

by Janet Hoy, Izzy Martinez, and Shawn Gilbert, Observers

Agenda and Minutes

• Affirmed following the Brown Act

• Introductions of all attendees: Wide variety of community organizations represented - 46 participants. Roll call of appointees and alternates (17).
• Number of comments about need for East County representation and focus on safety net programs.
• 2 required trainings: Brown Act and Ethics for Local Government (total approximately, 2 hours (See link to trainings.)
• Review of By-Law: Article I, Purpose: oversee annual assessment of community needs, create detailed priority list of top 10 service gaps, then make funding recommendations to Board of Supervisors Mariana Moore.
• Priority areas: health, emergency services, housing safety net, early childhood, seniors. Overall priority is those who struggle the most.
• Mariana Moore presented overview of the genesis of “Needs Assessment” survey’s origins and acknowledged there are gaps.
• Recommended reading the Needs Assessment report.
• Measure X collection began April 1. No money has been allocated at this time, but 2 recommendations: $600,000 for Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, and subsidy funds for Health Services. 21-22 budget: Office of Racial Justice and tax office. County hospital and clinics will get money already allocated.
• Supervisors’ budget will be reviewed next week. Need to ‘pitch’ what you feel strongly about!
• Obvious gaps, example: services for support for elders and those experiencing interpersonal violence.
• Interconnectedness/intersectionality of all the needs areas.
• Confirmed a desire of civil discourse, open, honest, inclusive of all voices, calling groups by appropriate name…black people.
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair- top two vote getters- BK Williams (Vice Chair) and Mariana Moore (Chair). 
• Meeting Schedule: staffed by County Admin office (Lisa D and two others). Have to determine dates of future meetings.
• Brown Act requires posting of agenda and minutes of prior meetings 72 hours in advance of next meeting.