Santiago Avila-Gomez

The open session included the call to order and subsequent reports. The Executive Officer's Report on Elections, Unfair Labor Practice Complaints, and Hearings covered actions taken regarding Sea Mist Farms, LLC, where General Counsel's request to enforce a subpoena was granted. The report also noted pending action on the Tri-Fanucchi Farms cases and a compliance update request for clarification on employee notification related to Ocean Mist Farms. The Board recessed into a closed session before adjourning.

The open session included the call to order and the unanimous approval of the minutes from the previous public board meeting held on January 21, 2026. The Chair's Report highlighted the reappointment of Julie Montgomery as the agency's General Counsel by Governor Newsom, noting her absence due to jury duty. Reports for the Executive Officer (Elections, ULP Complaints, Hearings), Litigation, General Counsel, and Legislative sections were noted as not provided. There were no public comments. The Board recessed into closed session to discuss internal matters before adjourning the meeting.

The meeting commenced with a roll call establishing a quorum, although one board member was initially absent but later joined. Key administrative actions included the approval of prior meeting minutes from February 4th. The Executive Officer's report detailed the granting of general counsel's request for subpoena enforcement in the CMIST Farms LLC case (2025 CE045). Pending matters discussed included the decision and recommended order from the administrative law judge in the Trifanuki Farms cases (2013 CE0008 VIS and 2013 CE014 VIS), where briefing was complete. Additionally, a compliance update was presented regarding Ocean Mist Farms (2017 CE0006 VIS), seeking clarification on which agricultural workers hired by respondents' farm labor contractors must be noticed. Following the open session, the board recessed into closed session, later reconvening to announce the next meeting date and adjourn.

The meeting began with roll call, noting the absence of one board member. Key discussions included the Chair's report announcing the establishment of a new subcommittee focused on compliance to assist in updating the compliance manual, which will be comprised of the Chair and Board Member Cynthia Flores. The General Counsel reported on one settlement involving Manpacking and Dominguez Farms regarding allegations of interfering with an employee's rights to voice concerns about working conditions, wages, and production standards, resulting in a $4,000 civil penalty. Outreach highlights for January, including presentations, radio interviews, and worker trainings across various counties, were shared. The Administrative Services Chief provided an update on the ALRB budget authority for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, detailing current staffing levels and submitted proposals for additional positions and IT upgrades to address unfunded California Department of Technology oversight costs.

The meeting commenced with a roll call of the board members. Key discussions included an announcement from the Chair regarding the reappointment of Julie Montgomery as general counsel, noting her temporary absence due to jury duty. The board confirmed there were no other reports. The public comment agenda item was addressed, with no members from the public queuing to provide comment. Following this, the board recessed into a closed session. Upon returning from the closed session, the final agenda item concerning announcements was addressed, and the date for the next board meeting was set for two weeks later on February 18th before the meeting was adjourned.