Matthew Harley May

The council discussed the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Three-Year Plan for 2026-2029, covering full-service partnership programs, housing interventions, and integrated service approaches. The presentation highlighted strategies for assertive community treatment, intensive case management, and expanding substance use disorder services in three waves. The committee reviewed workforce development priorities, infrastructure projects, and strategies to reduce behavioral health disparities, including plans for improved access to care, suicide prevention, and justice involvement reduction. Additionally, the department provided updates on recent state audit reviews, community outreach events, and current wellness recovery initiatives.

The board discussed the financial status of various trust accounts and reviewed the 2025/2026 budget. Key topics included the potential for increasing DMV fee collections through legislative action, the challenges with the current NEC contract, and the status of the Rapid DNA system implementation, including potential database integration strategies and coordination with local justice partners. Additionally, members were notified of upcoming board representative changes.

The committee discussed cultural considerations and support strategies, emphasizing the importance of addressing community needs such as the rising cost of living, food insecurity, and the impact of health policy changes on access. Key topics included mitigating distrust within diverse populations regarding data collection, overcoming workforce barriers for transitional age youth, and the significance of trauma-informed care. The committee reviewed preparations for Mental Health Awareness Month and the upcoming Three Year Integrated Plan, highlighting the need for public engagement. Furthermore, the committee explored the core skills of culturally humble engagement, focusing on meeting community members where they are, building trust before treatment, and utilizing community partnerships to improve health outcomes and equity.

The agenda included a retreat and a regular meeting. Key discussion topics featured the election of new officers for the upcoming fiscal year, a comprehensive review and update of board by-laws, and a presentation on the Brown Act. Additionally, the board discussed committee appointments, reviewed the organizational mission statement, and heard the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Director's report. Future agenda items, ad-hoc reports, and planning for upcoming community outreach were also addressed.

The meeting included a closed session regarding real property negotiation for Building 1324 at Castle Commerce Center. Public hearings were held to consider a zoning code text amendment for by-right development and the adoption of the 2024-2032 Housing Element, including related environmental impact report addenda, general plan amendments, and rezoning actions. Additional actions included budget transfers for various county departments, the adoption of proclamations for Emergency Medical Services Week and American Medical Response, and the approval of contracts for school resource officers, animal control, and residential facility services. Various board appointments and recognitions were also addressed, and personnel modifications were approved.