Abegail Aquino

The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting to address 2026 dates allocations in Northern California. The Board denied both requests for 2026 racing dates by a 4-2 vote. The first request, from the Tehama District Fair, was rejected due to facility deficiencies, including the lack of essential components like a tote board, jockeys room, and adequate stalls, indicating it was unprepared for a race meet. The second request, from the Humboldt County Fair, was also rejected, primarily due to financial concerns regarding the potential diversion of an estimated $2 million from Southern California racing interests, which stakeholders argued could accelerate the exodus of horses from the state.

The quarterly meeting included Co-Chair remarks highlighting the one-year anniversary of the statewide action plan, praising staff efforts in implementing HDIS, and expressing concern over federal funding cuts affecting housing and health programs. The Executive Officer updated the Council on the Governor's launch of the Safe Task Force and the anticipated interruption in CoC funding. Advisory Committee updates summarized concerns regarding the Continuum of Care NOFO, emphasizing funding caps and conflicting policies. The Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB) raised critical issues concerning basic infrastructure, inconsistent warming shelter practices, barriers in the CoC NOFO process, and reports of CalAIM fraud, leading to extensive discussion on establishing a stronger feedback and accountability loop for LEAB input. Department updates detailed how various agencies are advancing Action Plan goals despite federal uncertainty, including impacts on Minority Serving Institutions, threats to veteran PSH funding, increases in low-income housing unit funding via private activity bonds, and the evolution of CalAIM transitional rent benefits. Standing business focused on the forthcoming Recovery Housing Guidance clarifying Housing First principles for voluntary participation and non-eviction for relapse. Additionally, updates were provided on planned AB 799 data reporting requirements and the restructuring of Cal ICH working groups.

The Intervention Evaluation Committee meeting began with introductions and establishing a quorum. The committee's purpose, which is to evaluate Registered Nurses (RNs) requesting participation in the intervention program and recommend terms for their agreements, was stated. General instructions for public participation were reviewed. Key discussion points focused on flexibility regarding requirements for participants with only a mental health diagnosis, noting that Uniform Standards related to substance use disorder (like drug testing and the three-year minimum) do not necessarily apply. The committee was advised they can use their expertise to create individualized plans based on clinical evaluations and work site monitor reports, rather than adhering strictly to uniform standards for these specific cases. Future agenda items mentioned include education on worksite monitoring options.

The committee meeting commenced with roll call, acknowledging absent members. General instructions for conducting the teleconference meeting via WebEx/Slido for public comment were provided. Key discussions included public comment from an RN requesting a shortened document retention period for her license following probation completion, and input from an expert practice consultant regarding the unchanged hourly rates for consultants since 2018, which may hinder recruitment. The Enforcement Division update covered participation in the NCSBN substance abuse disorder monitoring program study, the plan to include oral fluid testing for probationers upon contract renewal, and the acquisition of the testing vendor, Vault, by Affinity Health Group. The division is also seeking experts in several specialties. A statistic highlighted that 19% of cases pending with the Attorney General's office were over a year old. The newly approved Probation Frequently Asked Questions document was announced. The Investigations Division update noted ongoing workflow mapping with the Office of Improvement, with two workshops per week now being facilitated. The division requested eight additional special investigator positions, which were included in the proposed 2026-27 Governor's budget. Follow-up discussions addressed the time-consuming nature of acknowledging viral complaints and plans to implement an IT fix, as well as improvements to continuing education audit data uploads.

The board meeting commenced with a quorum confirmation. Key discussions included the consideration and approval of the November 17, 2025 board minutes. A budget update from DCA budget analysts detailed expenditure and revenue projections, fund condition statements, and noted an estimated surplus of approximately $2,000 for Fiscal Month Six, even with augmentation requests included. The President's report focused on a significant federal regulatory development from the US Department of Education proposing to narrow the definition of a 'professional student' for federal loan limits, which could severely impact PA student funding. Advocacy efforts by organizations like the California Association of PAs (CAPA) were detailed. The Executive Officer's report addressed two board vacancies (Enforcement Analyst and Office Technician) and the resignation of board member Ed Perez. Licensing activity reported a total of 29,477 licenses as of February 9, 2026, and licensing performance showed an average processing time of 28 days for complete applications during the last quarter of 2025. The board also paused participation in non-essential outreach activities due to budget deficits.