Board of Supervisors - Regular Meeting

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Okay, we are ready. Madam Clerk, roll call, please. Here. Here.

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Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 meeting of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. We will begin with the invocation and a flag salute. The invocation will be led by Pastor Brad Levy of People's Church. After the invocation, please remain standing for the flag salute. And I'd like to introduce and welcome the executive pastor and chief operating officer, Brad Levy of People's Church. Pastor Brad has served in the ministry for over 30 years and is passionate about strengthening leaders, empowering people, and building lives. Pastor Brad has been married to his wife, Jana, since 1991, and they have three children and three grandchildren. Welcome and thank you for being here. And if everybody would please rise.

Dear Jesus, we thank you for today. We thank you for this opportunity to serve our community and communities. We pray that you'd be glorified and honored in all, not only decisions, but deliberations and communication in this room. We pray that we would keep, first and foremost, those that we are serving at the forefront of our minds. We pray that our county, our area, and this state and world would be better based upon what takes place here today. We give all this to you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The agendas are on the back table for anyone wanting to follow along. Madam Clerk, the first item, please.

Item number one, approve agenda.

Is there a motion and second to approve the agenda? No, yeah, yeah, we got the consent coming up. All those in favor say aye. Passes unanimously.

We now move to item number two, approve consent agenda item numbers 20 through 45. Mr. Chairman, members of the board, Chairman Bredefield wishes to pull item 33 and 39.

Okay, these matters are routine in nature and usually are approved by a single vote. Would any board members like an item removed from consent or discussion other than the ones I pulled? None. Would any members of the public like an item removed from consent for discussion? Seeing none, is there a motion and a second to approve the rest of the consent agenda? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Passes unanimously.

Mr. Chairman, we'll hear items 33 and 39 following number seven.

Okay.

We now move to item number three, presentation of retired plaque to Todd Talent, Sheriff Department, 26 years of service.

And I believe the Sheriff's Office is here to present.

Good morning, Chairman Redfield, members of the board. Todd, today we recognize and celebrate an extraordinary career dedicated to service, sacrifice, and professionalism. On behalf of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, we proudly congratulate you on your retirement and thank you for more than 30 years of distinguished service in law enforcement, including over three years with the Hanford Police Department and nearly 27 years serving the citizens of Fresno County. Throughout your career, Todd has demonstrated exceptional leadership, versatility, and unwavering commitment to public safety. His service reflects not only remarkable skill and dedication, but also a willingness to take on some of the most demanding and specialized assignments within our profession. For 10 years, Todd served as a K-9 handler, and a member of the SWAT team alongside his K-9 partner, participating in high-risk tactical operations and deployments, and those assignments required courage, discipline, and absolute trust. He also spent eight years assigned to Mounted Patrol, where he helped strengthen community relationships while supporting patrol operations and special events throughout Fresno County. Whether serving in tactical environments or engaging with the public, Todd carried himself with professionalism and integrity. Todd's investigative experience included serving as a missing persons detective, where he worked tirelessly to help families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. He additionally served five years as a lead in crime scene investigations and property evidence management. Always embracing innovation and new technology, Todd was also a member of the Sheriff's Drone Unit for over five years, using unmanned aircraft systems to support search and rescue missions and investigative operations. And finally, we would also like to recognize and thank Todd's wife Dee, who is in attendance today. Thank you, Dee. and their children. A career in law enforcement is never carried by the deputy alone, and behind every successful career is a family who sacrifices time, holidays, missed events, and countless moments together in support of their loved one's service. Being the spouse of child, or a child of someone in law enforcement cannot be easy, and your support, patience, and strength have undoubtedly helped make Todd's remarkable career possible, so thank you. Todd, congratulations on your retirement. Thank you for your years of service, your leadership and your dedication to this office and the people of Fresno County. We wish you and your family many years of happiness, health and well-deserved time together in the next chapter of life.

Congratulations, Todd.

I don't have anything great to say or big, but a big thank you to everybody, both at the Sheriff's Department, County of Fresno, and the citizens of Fresno County. It was a great time. Thank you.

Any comments from the board?

Thank you. Right back at you.

Yeah. Yeah, I would like to. Go ahead.

Yeah, thank you very much. 26 years is a long time.

It was a great 26 years. Yeah, good.

Yeah, I'd also like to thank you. I mean, I think you said it very well. It's not an easy job. It's tough on the family. 26 years of service here, but service to other agencies as well is quite a career. And we acknowledge it and thank you for your service and for your family service as well.

Thank you.

Any comments from the public? All right, Todd, would you please step forward, receive your plaque, and photo with the board.

Thank you very much.

Mr. Chairman, item number four, we were advised yesterday afternoon that the individual could not attend today. We will go ahead and mail his plaque.

Okay.

We now move to item number five under Supervisor Magnuson, proclaimed June 2026 as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month in the County of Fresno.

And I'll turn this over to Supervisor Magnuson.

And I see that we've got Sonya Bouguet here with some of her staff. It's important for us to remember the most vulnerable in Fresno County. And so that's why it's very apropos for us to make this recognition today. But I'm going to have Sonia make a few remarks.

Thank you, Supervisor Mack, Sonia Bugay, Department of Social Services, and with me is Ali Adebi, who is our Deputy over Adult Services, and I want to thank you for recognizing June as an Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Our partners from Fresno-Madera Area Agency of Aging did not make it, but they intended to today. So I want to start by recognizing that, Adult abuse, while it's not as reported as frequently as child abuse, it is a significant problem across the country and in our community. And we partner not just through Adult Protective Services, but I want to mention some of our partners, starting with Fresno Madeira Agency on Aging, because they are responsible for investigating abuse in facilities that are licensed. and with them, Valley Caregiver Resource Centers. We partner with our public guardian for cases of self-neglect, and then last but not least, our law enforcement agencies, and I do want to especially highlight our sheriff's office, who is co-located with us on Clovis campus for our adult abuse investigation unit. It is a challenge. So part of our job is actually providing awareness. We get about 6,000 reports of adult abuse every year. About 3,300 of those are investigated. And just under 1,000 are confirmed cases of abuse. And what we've had for the past several years is growing numbers of financial abuse. So really being aware, partnering with agencies to recognize financial abuse of our elders who have saved and worked all their lives and then cannot maintain their livelihoods because they were victims of abuse. So thank you for proclaiming it. You all have a purple ribbon to recognize our adult abuse awareness. And with that, I have no other remarks. Thank you.

Any other comments from the board?

Yeah, thank you chair. Um, thank you. Supervisor magazine for bringing this forward and thank you to our partners. Um, I was at senior village, uh, the other day and you are seeing an increase in, uh, fraud against our elders. And what's even more concerning is that a lot of folks are now using. AI to simulate voices of family members and folks that you know they're familiar with and so I really want to thank our our folks especially in the sheriff's department and you know working with them to prevent a lot of these issues that come up with our seniors so thank you any other comments

Yeah, you said there's a thousand confirmed cases every year?

Yes, and a third of them are financial abuse.

Yeah, it's, you know, there's nothing worse than victimizing innocent, helpless folks, children, and the elderly. And it is something that needs to be cracked down on greatly, and Appreciate your efforts, appreciate the sheriff's efforts to make sure we protect those who really can't protect themselves. Any comments from the public? Is there a motion and second to approve the item?

I'll move for approval.

All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? None. Come up and take a photo with the board and receive your proclamation.

We now move to item number six under sheriff corner public administrator adopt resolution to fill a sheriff's account clerk position with extra help retirees surrenders and do part-time effective May 25th, 2026 finding pursuant to government code section 7522.56 F1 that 180 day separation period of retired employees returning to employment as extra help is not applicable based on your board certification that the nature of employment is necessary to fill a critically needed position before the 180 day separation period.

Morning Chair, morning Board. Today we're coming before you to ask for a 180-day waiver to the standard rule. We're trying to bring back Surinder Sandhu. She's a 26-year employee with the Sheriff's Office. She was an account clerk supervisor. She's going to be coming back helping us clean up and train the next person in line. So what we're asking for today is a 180-day waiver.

Okay.

Any questions, let me know.

Any comments from the Board? Any comments from the public? Seeing none, is there a motion and a second to approve? All those in favor, say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed? None opposed, passes unanimously. Thank you.

We now move to item number seven. Under the administrative office, conduct public forum in accordance with government code section 7283.1D. Receive statistical report from the sheriff regarding the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement access provided to incarcerated individuals in the jail in 2025 and receive public comment.

Sheriff Zanoni.

Good morning, Chairman Bredefield, members of the board and the public in attendance today. The information we have compiled is in compliance with Senate Bill SB54 from 2017, commonly referred to as the Truth Act. This data is in regards to incarcerated persons in the Fresno County Jail who were transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the calendar year 2025. During that year we had a total booking of 27,164. We received 634 ICE detainers and holds from Immigration and Customs Enforcement We had zero ICE interviews conducted in our facilities, and we transferred 63 incarcerated persons to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A breakdown of those 63, 36 were crimes against persons, four involved sex crimes, 13 were crimes against property, and 10 were either drug or DUI felony charges. This shows a three year historical overview of those transfers. As I said, 2025, we had 63. In 2024, it was 102. So this year, we were down 38% from the previous year. And in 2023, we had 39. Any questions on that slide? Go to the next one. And the reason we did the PowerPoint today, because I know not everyone in attendance here has the report that you have and that I have in front of me, but these are, when we talk about drug offenses, you're talking about possession for sales of narcotics, which include cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, transportation for sales of the same drugs. Sex offenses are sexual battery, lewd acts with a minor. The violent offenses False imprisonment with violence was the number one amount of crimes regarding those 63 people with 10. Domestic violence came in second. And then when we looked at our felony burglary charges, we had eight. So those were the top three. So false imprisonment with violence, felony domestic violence, and felony burglary. Those were the top three on the list. And then you could see the rest of the crimes as we go down there, including the weapons offense, which is a possession of a machine gun. So these individuals are all dangerous, violent, and involved in felonious criminal activity and subsequently in compliance with SB 54 were transferred to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement from the Fresno County Jail during the calendar year 2025. Do you have any questions?

Any comments from the board or questions from the board? Any comments from the public? Okay, the public forum is now closed. This item was to conduct a forum and receive the sheriff's report, which we've done. So no motion is necessary. We will move on to the next item. Oh, go ahead. Come on up.

Thank you.

Buenos dias, Chair and Supervisors. I'm here today regarding the Truth Act and the presentation that was shared by the sheriffs. I strongly urge the county to take stronger action to reduce ICE transfers as we've seen that they have definitely decreased, but we also need to increase transparency and ensure that local public resources are not being used to support federal immigration enforcement. As everyone knows, the purpose of the Truth Act is never to simply collect statistics. It's intended to create public accountability around how local agencies interact with ICE and how those interactions impact immigrant families and community trust. Today, the board has an opportunity to move beyond minimum compliance and adopt concrete safeguards that actually reduce harm. And that includes limiting all voluntary cooperation with ICE to the fullest extent possible under California law. Every ICE notification, interview, hold request, or transfer increases the risk of family separation and creates fear throughout the entire community. And this includes U.S. citizen children, mixed status families, farm workers, and survivors of violence. In addition, local law enforcement agencies should not be allowing ICE agents to use county-owned or county-controlled property as a staging ground for immigration enforcement operations. Committee members have repeatedly raised concerns about ICE agents waiting in jail parking lots, using sheriff's substation areas, coordinating from county facilities, or conducting transfers directly from local custody spaces. Even when these actions may appear administrative, they signal to the public that local government is participating in immigration enforcement. County property, taxpayer-funded infrastructure, and local personnel should not be used to support civil immigration enforcement activities that fall outside of the county's responsibility. Thank you.

Thank you. Come on up.

Hello, good morning Board of Supervisors. My name is Jessica Flores. I'm a community organizer and I'm giving my public comment on behalf of Services Immigrant Rights and Education Network. I'm here in solidarity with our community. Our community is frightened. Families are afraid to report crimes. Victims are afraid to come forward and witnesses are afraid to cooperate because they fear that any interaction with the criminal legal system could lead to a transfer to ICE or a deportation. We acknowledge that the number of ICE transfers and that there were few, but our goal should be zero transfers. SB 54 is a law to limit enforcement, not an invitation to find justification for cooperation. We know that fear is really heightened among our community. You know, if we want true public safety, our folks should feel safe enough to report crimes and to be able to trust the Sheriff's Department without any risk of encountering with ICE. So we do ask that the county and the Sheriff's Department to stop voluntary cooperation with ICE and to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the safety of all community members here in Fresno County. Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else? Go ahead, ma'am.

Good morning, Board of Supervisors. My name is Sarai Martinez. I'm with CVDIO, a local community organization that focuses on supporting farm workers in the Central Valley. We know that this, we're here today in solidarity, too, in ensuring that there's more transparency and more accountability to what the state laws say about limiting or having stopped any transfer incorporation from local police. and the Sheriff's Department to ICE and DHS. We know that our communities need to be able to cooperate. There's been a lot of work throughout the years about building the trust in the community for local enforcement. I know there's been progress being made, but what is happening right now across the nation and also here is limiting that security, not just for our communities, but for everyone. So we're here to urge to stop any transfer notifications to ICE, to stop DHS for accessing county properties, that including parking lots in all county properties, and also to stop sharing information. Again, we want to make sure that everyone has the right to due process and ensure that our communities continue to be safe. Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else?

I just want to briefly piggyback off the others that having worked in different fields like child abuse prevention and human trafficking prevention and education that we do not allow things that would become deterrent to reporting so that we are not coming against what we're doing. You mentioned about our most vulnerable being children and elderly and we need to make sure that we are We are encouraged doing things that are helping people report victimization and not be a deterrent. Thank you.

Anyone else from the public? Sheriff, did you?

Very briefly. Someone mentioned DHS. law enforcement agencies throughout the state of california including here in the central valley have a partnership with the h s i believe it's over sixty five agencies in its part of the task force called the internet crimes against children task force so these things are in the best interest of public safety they do not focus on immigration uh... they focus on public safety and they focus on individuals who are trying to harm our children and My recommendation to the board is that we comply with SB 54 as it is written and continue to take care of those individuals that have committed, as you saw earlier on the slides, these very serious felony crimes. That is the law, that is what we're gonna comply with. This is not about politics, it is about public safety, and that is my focus as sheriff, to focus on public safety and those individuals that are out there harming other people in our community and committing crimes against the residents of Fresno County because Our job is to make sure that every resident in Fresno County is safe, that we comply with the laws, which we are, and absolutely want the victims and the witnesses to come forward and report those crimes. Because as we've seen in the past, Individuals who have an undocumented status who commit crimes are involved in criminal street gangs. They target people of undocumented status because of their fear to report it. We have gone a long way to reduce that fear and to get people to come forward and make our streets and our community safer here in Fresno County. Thank you.

And the public forum is now closed. I just want to add, I appreciate all the work that the Sheriff's Department does. ICE has been vilified by some. They're just simply enforcing federal law. If you don't like the laws, change the laws. But the fact is, they are getting criminals out of our society who are preying on people in our community. SB 54, I think, is a problem in that you can't even get people you have in the jail and call ICE to really notify them that we've got these dangerous criminals. It restricts you. It restricts our ability to make our community safe. So I don't support that. And I do support ICE getting rid of criminals who are here preying on people. as well as people involved in drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and all kinds of horrific things that are taking place. I understand the sentiments that people express, and I respect that, but I support ICE, I support our Sheriff's Department, and I support law and order, and following federal law. And that's where I'm at, and I appreciate the work that you and your officers are doing every single day to make this community safe. Any other comments from the board? Yes, sir.

Yeah, thank you, Chair. Sheriff, thank you for that presentation. You and I have had a couple conversations on this one. I think the speakers that came up and spoke, they do a lot of great work in the community. And as far as advocacy, I work with them closely. I also want to make sure that for the benefit of the public, we have this conversation in the context. Like, it's important to separate, as you did, Sheriff, with folks that are here undocumented that are committing crimes. Even folks in our own community want those folks removed from our neighborhoods and our streets. Where the issue comes up is when you have the federal agencies targeting folks that are just going to work. You have the tamale lady or the food vendor or folks that have done nothing wrong but try to provide a living for their community. And I want folks to see that big banner that's in the back that says $9 billion for our agricultural industry. A lot of that work has been because of the sweat and sacrifice of our undocumented community here, that work in our fields, that pick our crops. And I just want to make sure that the public understands that. I don't think anybody here is advocating for, you know, not putting away people that do bad things. SB 54 was very clear in making sure that local law enforcement don't participate in federal immigration duties, right? I think you've done a good job of doing that. Anytime I've gotten a call from Sacramento, I've talked to you. We've cleared some things up. But I know also that your agency depends on the trust of people in our community. There are a number of current open investigations that are dependent on the testimony of undocumented folks. And I think we need to make sure that we maintain that trust with our community. Thank you.

Any other comments from the board? Okay. Thank you very much, Sheriff.

We now move to the items pulled from consent. Item 33, under Behavioral Health, approve and authorize the Department of Behavioral Health to contribute funds to participate in the Fresno Rainbow Pride Festival for fiscal year 25-26, per administrative policy number 80.

Good morning.

Good morning, chairman and supervisors. I'm Susan Holt, your behavioral health director and public guardian, and I'm happy to take any questions you might have on item 33.

Well, thank you. I appreciate it. I pulled the item. I reviewed the materials. You're handing out information regarding mental health services that you provide in our community, and that's why you're attending. There's only written materials that you're handing out, if I understand that correctly.

Correct, we're handing out educational information for the community to access both mental health and substance use disorder services provided by the department and we also provide information on the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for our community.

I appreciate that and I think that's an appropriate use of your resources and your department and for that reason I fully support that. Any other board members?

Yeah, Susan, thank you again for being here. If you can talk just briefly about other events that you participate in throughout the year where the community gathers, I think that would be great.

Yeah, so we participate in quite a number of events in the community. Just this last Saturday at no cost to the county, we participated and had an outreach booth at the NAMI Walk event. We have a history of doing that annually. We typically also present information at a resource booth at Sober Stock. We often come in September for a proclamation to the board for National Recovery Month every September. This month, as you all know from last week's proclamation, which we appreciated, it is Mental Health Awareness Month. So our team was out at numerous schools all across Fresno County at the request of schools providing information about our services to youth. We also participate typically in veterans outreach activities in partnership with our veteran community. We have participated in health fairs. We have outreach at educational carnivals as well and so forth.

and I assume the answer to the question of, as you participate in these outreach events, do you find that participation, people reaching out, using our hotline numbers and resources typically goes up?

Yes, so when we have outreach events, we have an information sheet that lists all of our contact information, such as our 24-7 access line, and as I mentioned, the 988 materials. And we do find that individuals who didn't know how to navigate the behavioral health system, often that's their first entry into understanding how to contact us.

Thank you.

Welcome.

Any other comments? Yes. Supervisor Chavez.

Thank you, Sharon. Thank you, Susan, for the work that you do. Last year, I know our folks were there delivering services, programs, resources, and I think it's worth mentioning that your agency does a lot of great work with our LGBTQ community. I'm looking at the statistics. I think 39 to 41 percent of LGBT teenagers contemplate suicide. And so it's important to link them with those services. We know that one out of 10 actually attempt suicide annually. So to have those services there I think will be invaluable for our community. I want to thank you and your department for always having a presence in our community.

Thank you.

Thank you. On behalf of the department, we appreciate that. Our department is really passionate about our community. So thank you.

Any comments from the public? Seeing none, is there a motion? Oh, I'm sorry, go ahead.

Of course, I believe that the idea of support and we all should be supporting behavioral health. I wanted to express my gratitude for them for behavioral health being out in hot weather to get their valuable and vital services as well as so many events and their dedication to our community. And I appreciate that they recognize that the reason why we need behavioral health is because largely due to minority stress from the chronic strain caused by stigma and discrimination. And I think we should take that seriously that it is the stigma and discrimination that is a burden that we should be lifting. These items should not even have to be required to go to the board and add the burden of work to already hardworking people awaiting approval for actions that they've already done to enhance the health and well-being of our community. Our board with this one and the other one should be supporting and facilitating and that is making it easier for departments to do their jobs and their efforts to meet their goals and serve their community, which they so passionately do. That includes going out to community with these resources. As I mentioned last week about the importance of going out to large events because there's so many people that come out to these events. It is a shame that the library last week was denied the opportunity to do the same thing with connecting with our community with library services that they would have had to reach so many people and that personal beliefs of board have overrided the opportunity but I thank you that this approval is that there is approval for this and I think that we need to be working as a board and as a county to make their jobs easier to expand and help them to be able to be more successful. Thank you.

Thank you. Susan, did you have something?

Yes, Chairman, my apologies. I wanted to correct a statement that I made. In addition to the print materials, on occasion, our team has a little community engagement game, like a little, like you see on Price is Right, where you drop the little chip in and it lands on a color. And then our team asks them a trivia question. And the answer is always correct, because it's something to engage in a conversation about behavioral health. And they win a little prize, which could be a tiny little ducky or a little wristband. So I wanted to correct the statement I made that it was only print materials.

Thank you very much. Yes, sir.

Good morning, Board of Supervisors. My name is Charlie Soto. I am currently a candidate running for District 4 Supervisor. I just want to talk briefly about this subject and how I feel about it, bring up a few points, and then I'll leave the rest to you guys to determine what you're going to do with that. Last week's behavior I felt was embarrassing as far as the signs and the arguments and the rhetoric. Due to the fact that I have family members who are part of the LGBT community, this topic today should be taken seriously. The mental health of our children is very important. And if we go through and we start hiding the fact that, you know, this is a community that's out there and they deserve that respect to be acknowledged, you know, you don't want to pay taxes toward having it aware. Fine. But do pay the taxes that allow just a small fee for this community to be recognized with the treatment they need for the care they deserve. If you're not going to allow the funding, then at least allow the stipulation for outside sources to pay for the fees to allow this awareness, to allow this promotional health to be put out there to the public. If not, if not, then you truly show your colors as far as political parties and you're taking this as a left or right and not as a serious thing where you're taking care of the community. The residents of Fresno County deserve better. Treat them with the respect that they deserve, no matter who they are.

Anyone else from the public wishing to speak on this? Okay, the public portion is closed. Is there a motion?

I'll move for approval of this item. Second.

All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Passes unanimously. Thank you, Susan.

We now move to item number 39 under Public Health, pulled by Chairman Bredefield, approve and authorize the Department of Public Health to contribute funds to participate in the Fresno Rainbow Pride Festival for fiscal year 2025-26, pursuant to administrative policy 80.

Good morning, Board. Joe Prado, Director of Fresno County Department of Public Health, here to answer any questions.

Okay, go ahead, Supervisor Mack. Same question as I had before. So can you talk about other events that you participate in throughout the year, and how has that participation garnered more involvement from the public accessing services with the Department of Public Health?

Yeah, with the Department of Public Health, on average, and it skews from year to year, about 50 events a year we conduct. And we really work with our partners to identify what type of education materials we bring out. So like when we work with school districts, very focused on childhood vaccinations and focus on the childhood lead poisoning prevention program, making sure that the community is aware of those education materials and the things to look out for for lead in candy or in some also dishes and things of that nature. When we start working with another population, let's say we work with the rural areas, rural areas definitely want to hear more about what else is available in the public health department when it focuses on childhood vaccinations. It also wants to lean into Valley Fever. We're on the west side of Fresno County. So we pretty much tailor it to whatever that need is. So we work with senior centers, we work with city officials as well within the parks area to really talk about some of these similar topics. And so that is just really tailored for what that looks like. What we see after the outreach is really a lot of engagement into our programs, but also learning more website touches. We always monitor to see how that education material is going out. So that's one way we do community events. But also we do social media. We also do some other outreach that way. And that's another way we can get a broader message throughout the entire county of Fresno.

Thank you.

Any other comments?

Thank you, Director Prado. Our folks have done a good job of reaching out to our LGBT community. I know that last year they had, I believe, 16,000 to 20,000 folks that went in and attended the event. Could you just briefly talk about what The incidence number is for the HIV AIDS epidemic here locally. What have you seen as far as trends and what that looks like as far as you do an outreach community and making sure that we get those numbers down?

Yeah. So what we're seeing in the HIV community as of recent is we're seeing late testers. What that means is somebody is not coming in for screening and so what we're seeing is somebody go from HIV to AIDS in a very rapid pace in less than 12 months. So that's a significant issue because now AIDS, it costs more to treat AIDS and it harms that individual even more if they elevate to AIDS. So we want to be able to get out sooner to really educate people about HIV and testing and PrEP and some other treatment and preventative issues there. So that is something we definitely see. So we see pretty much over 100 new cases. that we're seeing in a year. And so when we actually started evaluating that data, who is actually contracting HIV and AIDS? And so we just feel like the Pride event is a great event for us to get the education out and get some testing resources out there as well to be able to really educate the community about it.

Have you seen those numbers go up recently, go down or stay the same?

So with HIV AIDS specifically, we saw an increase, the highest since 2017 and 2023. In 2024, we saw those numbers go down a little bit. So we're always kind of tracking that. What we're seeing within the HIV population, we are seeing co-infection with syphilis.

and so that is something we're seeing a co-infection so now it's a higher it's a more difficult disease to treat so that's why we're really combining hiv and syphilis education materials at the pride event and and i appreciate that and i think that's where the the underlying theme is prevention absolutely folks from from getting sick and i think your department does a great job of doing the outreach and we appreciate that thank you any other comments uh any comments from the public

I wouldn't want to leave public health out. I've actually seen them at different community events and really appreciate the access to different information that he's mentioned. And I want to thank them as well for the hard work in our community, for their dedication, for their going out when the weather may be warm to be able to ensure the health of our community. And I really I think that their statement in our agenda thing says it very well that the department recognizes and participates in community events to promote public health and foster positive engaging environment that increases education prevention overall community well-being. Participation in Fresno's Rainbow Pride Festival supports effective grant implementation, community trust, and continuity of established public health engagement efforts. And again, I'm grateful for this department and their work. I grieve that they've dealt with more stress and more work in addition to the many demands that the department already has in order to get permission to be able to do things that again should be given so that they could focus on the work themselves and I asked that the board considers measures to be able to make their jobs easier to take away this red tape that is just giving another task when there's already so many important things to take care of with such a vital resource that our public health provides us and we should be working towards every effort and not create impediments even when there's differences in what we think should be out there in order to best increase public health. Thank you. Thank you.

Good morning. My name is Marissa. I am a Fresno resident and I am queer. I was admittedly previously apathetic to local politics, but you got my attention. I'm not old enough to remember the AIDS crisis or the public health department's involvement in negating said crisis, but I read about it. I love to read. I am a bookseller and believe access is equivalent to survival. I shelve books every day that contain opinions I heartily disagree with, and I shelve them because I disagree with their contents, because discourse is progress, and progress without discourse does not exist. There is a book with a man whose teachings I subscribe to, and I challenge the men who claim to represent it to prove that today. to love their neighbor, to show care to strangers, to show love to those Jesus surely would have been seen speaking with, to allow the public health department to pursue their mission without discrimination to its fullest extent. As someone who attended last week's meeting, we all know this is not about money. I implore you to choose not to continue to discriminate against the LGBT plus community and to choose not to spend our precious time and resources on who can and cannot be represented at Pride. You have been charged with taking care of your own. We are your own. Love us as you love yourself. I hope you use your position to do that. Thank you.

I actually didn't come here for this one. But my church will be marching in the Pride Parade. My church will have a table in the festival. And because we believe that love is love, it isn't something that we parcel out to people. And that to decline having our county public health for providing important information to a certain group of people because they're different than we are is absolutely the most hateful thing to do. So please rise to this occasion.

Thank you. Anyone else from the public? Okay, the public portion is closed. I just have a couple comments, Joe. Appreciate, Joe, you bringing this forward. As I said last year, my objection to what was done last year was where $6,000 of taxpayer money was spent handing out rainbow condoms and lube which I didn't see as a role of public health and I thought was a complete waste of taxpayer money and an inappropriate waste of taxpayer money. You weren't the director at the time, I want to be clear about that, but I was very public about that. I do see a role for public health to be at this event as well as at many events disseminating important medical and clinical information to a wide variety of populations, including this population, and letting them know about the services that are provided as well. And so I don't have any objection to that for that reason, just as I didn't with Department of Behavioral Health, because you have a role to disseminate that information. And you shared with me the materials you're handing out. I think it's all very important information that you're handing out. And so I thank you for doing that. And I think it will be a benefit to the people there. And so I will support this today as well. Is there any other comments from the board?

A motion to approve.

A motion, is there a motion? Oh, you made a motion? Motion. Oh, and a second. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed, passes unanimously. Thank you.

That concludes all our consent items pulled from this morning. We now return to your regular agenda under public works and planning, item number eight, conduct public hearing to receive testimony on proposed county community development housing and homeless program activities that will be funded by federal grants. Approve the 26-27 annual action plan INCLUDING USE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS GRANT EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANTS AUTHORIZED DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND PLAN TO EXECUTE STANDARD FORM 424 CERTIFICATIONS ENTITLEMENT GRANT AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS GRANT AND AUTHORIZED COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER TO EXECUTE STANDARD FORM 424 CERTIFICATION ENTITLEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT FOR EMERGENCY SOLUTION GRANTS.

Good morning, Chair and members of the Board. Jonathan Avedian with the Department of Public Works and Planning, Community Development Division. With me is Jennifer Kish-Kropatryk. This public hearing serves as the second required public meeting to discuss the 2026-2027 Action Plan. Following today's hearing, staff will address any comments provided by the public, make any allowable changes directed by your Board, and then submit the plan to HUD. The plan is substantially similar to the current 2025-26 action plan in types of activities included. Total funding including new funding for 2026-27 and reprogrammed prior years funding for CDBG is approximately 4.6 million and for home approximately 12.2 million. We're happy to answer any questions.

Any comments from the board? Seeing none. Oh, I'm sorry.

There's still an active advisory committee that works on these deals.

Yeah, we have a Citizens Advisory Committee appointed by your board. They reviewed, they were the first public meeting on this plan, and they meet in the fall to provide input on the preparation of the plan, and then we work on it over the fall and spring, and then bring it up to your board in the spring for approval.

I just wanted you to make that clear to everybody. I've had 30 years of experience with this.

Thank you. Any other comments from the board? Any comments from the public?

That's right.

And if you would say your name, Brandi.

Brandi Nusviegas. Okay. I am, I'm still reviewing this. There's so much going on, but again, I want to thank the work of the community. That's, I mean, the hard work on here. Several things. One thing I noted that there was a housing and community development citizens of Irish community, which I am grateful that we have things like this. We need to... create ways of being able to hear from those who are affected. I'd love to be able to see something like this with those and I know this is way more difficult but in addition to lived experience and the continuum of care advisory with those who have lived experience or at least outreach to hear from those with lived experience who are currently unhoused because that would be you can't replace direct experience with things on here. But grateful for this. I do ask that the, recommend that maybe with the county that they, that we have more outreach maybe a newsletter something so that we know about because I saw that there was no public but I didn't know about that this existed until I read this and I would I think this would be a valuable resource but would love to be able to see how we can work on improving outreach for all county things. through communications through the county. Really quick I want to note that they recognize that the challenges are the need for rapid rehousing services and that the challenge is lack of affordable housing. This is something that we need to continue to do because again as the USC The UCSF study had mentioned, and a lot of other studies, this is our greatest need is affordable housing, and so all resources we can get to increase that would be vital. Thank you.

Thank you, Brandi. Anyone else from the public? Okay, I'm going to close the public portion. Is there a motion and a second? All those in favor, say aye. Any opposed? Passes unanimously.

We now move to item number nine under Public Works and Planning. Consider appeal of Planning Commission's denial of variance application number 4180 proposing to allow creation of a 2.7 acre parcel and a 3.8 acre parcel, a 4.3 acre parcel and a 7.44 acre parcel from an existing 16.53 acre parcel located in AE20 zone district and if your board chooses To grant, appeal, and overturn Planning Commission style variance application number 4180, it would be appropriate to A, make four required findings specified in section 860.5.060.D of Fresno County Zoning Ordinance for approval of a variance stating basis for making those findings, and B, approve variance application number 4180 with conditions of approval including an additional identification condition as recommended by staff.

Good morning, Mr. Chairman. Hold on. Hang on one second, please. Mr. Chairman, I have not, according to the Levine Act, I wish to recuse myself from this. To my knowledge, I've not received any contribution in the last 12 months. However, it's come to my attention that when you transfer money from one to the other in the manner that you do it, there may be an issue. So in abundance of caution, I will recuse myself from this matter.

Thank you very much, Supervisor Pacheco. Do any, before I pass it to you, do any board members need to report any ex parte communications they've had on this matter? Okay, seeing none, you have the floor.

All right, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. Tawana Butunga, Principal Planner with the Department of Public Works and Planning. This item comes to you on appeal of the Planning Commission's technical denial at its March 12th, 2026 hearing. The variance application proposes to allow the creation of a 2.7-acre parcel, a 3.8-acre parcel, and a 4.3-acre parcel, and a 7.44-acre parcel from an existing 16.53-acre parcel. The parcel is zoned AE20, and this concludes my presentation at this time. The applicant and their representative are here if you have any questions, and I'm here if you have any questions for me.

Does the board have any questions for staff? Yes, Supervisor Maggi.

I was looking at some of the comments from the Planning Commission meeting, and it looked like it was a 3-3 vote, so it was a technical denial of the Planning Commission. Is that correct?

That is correct.

And we had, unfortunately, three Planning Commissioners that were absent, so, you know, we... We might not be here if we had a full board, but a question I have, do you have the numbers of other properties that have gone through either parcel map or a lot split that are non-conforming to the zoning that they have? Because I know that was one of the issues that came up, and the applicant in this case was talking about how there are a number of other properties that have been granted what he's requesting. And I know at the Planning Commission, one of the biggest issues that I saw was, is there provable water? And there was a water study that was done that demonstrated that there is a well, or that the site can produce like 30 gallons a minute for over, I forget how many hours it was, 40 hours or 70 hours. So water was kind of taken off the table as an issue. So if you can just specifically speak to other properties that have been granted the opportunity to go through a split that are nonconforming with their zoning.

Yes, in terms of the immediate area, there have been a couple of variances that have come before the Planning Commission and then eventually before your board on appeal that were granted approval within the general area. In terms of the exact number, I don't have that in front of me. Specific to your question regarding the water, they did go through a hydro study and the hydro study determined that there was enough water that could support the proposed parcels through a shared well agreement.

Go ahead, so you're saying they share this they'll share one well that that is correct Any other questions and the purpose of the Split for the parcels do we know what they intend to do they intend to just parcel it off and make it available for sale and Okay, okay. Any comments? Well let me open the hearing to receive public testimony. If the appellant is here, they have five minutes to present.

Five minutes, thank you. Good morning, Chair Bredefelt, Vice Chair Chavez, and members of the County Board of SOUPS. My name is Darius Sassemi representing Granville Homes 1306 West Herndon. And with me is Brenda Cosio that will address any other technical questions you may have. We filed, important to put on the record, we filed our application for this variance on September 13th, 2023. before your general plan was updated, about a year before that. The property does not lend itself to ag uses because of its topography and also is not in the preferred ag, not that one, the other one that shows the ag. There's actually a State of California map that shows where appropriate ag uses are and the dark green is ag. And of course the light green is not, the brown is not. Again, as staff already shared, first question we had to answer, is there enough water for four homes? We plan on building four homes, one home on each lot. And the answer was yes. It took about a year. Ken Schmidt, our consultant who is here behind me, Did a test well, we tested the wells in the area to make sure that we're not dropping the water level to other wells. And the answer came out that there's ample water for four, actually single family residential, four lots, generates more recharge than ag. Because we will have to create a pond to capture rainwater to recharge the groundwater. The water, we talked about stormwater runoff, single-family homes create recharge. We have to, by the way, also go through just an FYI. All of you already know this. We have to go through a WELO, a water usage study, when the homes get built to make sure the front yard and backyards are exceptionally water efficient. County has to approve that before actually we can pull the permit. I think that's all I had. Be glad to answer any questions.

And I've got a couple of questions for you, Darius. So again, the report that we have here says that the formal variance application was submitted October 14th of 2024. You indicated that it was turned in September of 2023. Do you have any documentation that can demonstrate that the application was actually submitted in 2023?

Yes, we do actually clarify the record. It was a pre-application. So we met with staff, had a bit of preliminary comment on the application itself, and then direction on how to formally submit. And I do have a staff letter dated in 2023 that I can provide to perhaps the clerk after this meeting.

Yeah, I would supply that to the clerk that would be helpful and then to Darius what there's four findings of fact that I mean if this body is to overturn what the Decision it was a technical denial at the Planning Commission We have to have four findings of fact. I think staff was able to make one of the findings Can you make can you just state for the record what the other three findings? how you can come to the conclusion that the other three findings can be made and

I'm gonna summarize those and then Brenda can go over in details. By the way, one of the points that you asked earlier, can you hand out the maps? There's dozens of lots approved by this body over the last decade on lots that are less than three acres, in the vicinity, within a thousand feet, that this body has already approved. So there's two acre lots, 2.3 acre lots, 2.5 acre lots, and our smallest lot size is 2.8. and goes up to seven acres. And that's the map that the clerk is handing out. Please take a look at it. So it's not an anomaly. That's one of the findings, that we actually comply with what this body has already done previously. Does it have to be Does this variance have to be approved and four homes built? No, but Fresno County is short 58,000 homes. 42% of those, which is over 20,000 homes, is above moderate. In other words, Fresno County is short over 20,000 above moderate priced homes. These are gonna be above that, I realize that, but there's a trickle down effect. When you build four homes, then those buyers will sell other homes down below that are less expensive and so on and so forth. We believe it has a 20 home multiplier that will provide more housing ultimately even down to the lower income folks. And one of the points was water. Is there enough resources to justify building these four? And again, for us, it was, is there enough water for four lots? If the answer was no, we would have stopped. Because we realize that's the most... No, go ahead. You're responding to his question. OK. That's really the first question for all of us. And the topography for, can it be ag land? Can you actually plant a crop on this? The only thing that's possible is grazing. And I talked to somebody that provides grazing land and said, hey, for us to take a truck load of cattle or sheep, come to that property on this topography to graze on 15 or 16 acres and then ship them back will cost us substantially more. And it's disturbed land and it's not ag land. So all of those reasons why we continued with this request.

I'll just state since this is in my district, a key piece of information is the fact that you indicated that you started the process in 2023 before our general plan was approved. One of the things that we did along Reno Road and in that general area is we've limited lot sizes to five acre lots and we did Rezone a rezone there and I recognize that this particular application is outside of that general area But also to you started the process before a general plan was involved upon your testimony and what you've submitted to the clerk So, you know when I look at the because of that information and I look at the you know the four findings of fact You know I can I can personally get there But I want to hear the rest of the testimony of the public before I make any further comments any other comments from the board I

Okay, any comments in favor of the appeal from the public? We'll start with those in favor, if there's anybody. Okay, any comments against the appeal? Okay, seeing none, I'll close the public hearing and bring it back to the board. Is there a motion and a second?

So before I make that motion to I think at the at the Planning Commission there was one individual that had some concerns about water and I think the water study may have just proven out that there is adequate water for this particular site and the four findings of fact. as i take a look at the the four that are here when i look at this particular property involved the fact that this board has approved a number of other variance requests to allow for smaller lots and not in conformance with zoning and that this application was turned in in 2023 prior to our general plan update i can make finding one When I take a look at the preservation and enjoyment of substantial property rights of the applicant, I can also make that finding just simply because of the number, again, the number of lots in the area that have been approved that are similar in size and in some even smaller than what's being proposed here. and i don't see this being material detrimental so i can make finding number three again because there are other lots in the area that have been approved there's been a water study and so i'm not aware of this project impacting negatively surrounding properties and uh since the this process was started in 2023 prior to our general plan update i can uh finding number four so with that um i would like to select option two i've stated that i can make the four findings of fact specified in Section 860.5.060.D of the Fresno County Zoning Ordinance and I've already stated those and also I want to approve the variance application 4180 with conditions of approval including the additional indemnification condition as required by staff so that's my motion.

I just want to say the water issues in my mind is completely put to bed Mr. Schmidt, who's there, is probably the premier geologist that works in this area in the state of California. Very familiar with this area. I worked with him on a lot of other issues.

Okay. Any other comments? There's been a motion and a second. All those in favor, say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed? Passes unanimously. Okay, we'll just wait for Supervisor Pacheco to come back.

Chairman Redfield, just a correction, passes with Supervisor Pacheco refusing himself from item number nine.

Yes.

Okay.

Yes.

We now move to item number 10. Under social services, receive and discuss the Fresno County Mod C quarterly governing body report and updates for the period of December 14, 2025 to March 13, 2026.

Good morning, Chairman, members of the board, Delvin Baker, Deputy Director, Department of Social Services, Child Welfare Branch. I'm here to provide our transitional shelter care facility quarterly report for the time period of December 14th, 2025 to March 13th, 2026. In the last quarter, we have not developed any new policy and procedure guides requiring board approval. We've had 24 contacts with law enforcement. We've had 46 total entries into our shelter with 36 of those being unduplicated youth. We've had three youth who have stayed for more than nine days within the shelter. We've had no changes to the shelter budget. We've had no administrative actions against our licensee or employees for this quarter. This concludes the report. I'm available for questions.

Any comments from the board?

No.

Any comments from the public? Seeing none, this item was to receive and discuss the report, so no motions necessary. Madam Clerk, next item. Thank you.

Thank you.

Item 11, board committee reports and comments.

Are there any committee reports? Yes, Supervisor Magsik.

So our Maddie Institute intern, Michaela Geil, who's in the audience here, is finishing up her last day today. She's been with my office for about three months now. I just wanted to publicly thank her for her time, and I would encourage my colleagues. Here at the County of Fresno, we have started to take interns from the Maddie Institute. It gives young men and women an opportunity to see how local government works. to see if maybe they would like to have a career in government. And I know that the county of Fresno is always looking for good staff, so I would encourage my colleagues to participate in this program. And if I may, Mr. Chairman, I have a certificate that I prepared for Michaela, and I'd like to have her come forward and take a picture with us, if you're okay with that. Sure, of course. All right, Michaela, why don't you come forward? And she'll be headed to UC Irvine soon, so she'll be an ant eater.

That's where my son graduated. Fantastic. Congratulations. Thank you. Congratulations. It was a pleasure. Thank you. Congratulations.

Good luck. Thank you.

Okay, any other committee reports or comments?

Just that I'll be going to the CSAC Ledge Conference. Okay. We'll be leaving early this afternoon.

Oh, okay, safe travels.

Anyone else?

Supervisor, okay. Next item.

We now move to item number 12, Board Appointments.

Are there any appointments? Yes, Supervisor Mazik.

So the In-Home Support Service Advisory Committee, I would like to reappoint Diana Kendarian to the District 5 consumer seat, which expired on 1-6-2025.

Anyone else? I have one reappoint. Joyce feels keen to the Fresno Kings Madera Regional Health Authority at-large position.

Anyone else? Are there any comments from the public?

Seeing none, is there a motion second to approve?

Second. Third. Okay.

I'm sorry, was that motion by Chavez or Magsig?

No, Mendez.

Sounds good to me.

Magsig and then Mendez. Yes.

Okay, thank you.

Supervisor Chavez was the third. Okay, thank you. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Passes unanimously.

We now move time number 13 public presentations this portion of the meeting is reserved persons design just the board on the matter not on this agenda as well as any comments for closed session 15 through 19.2.

Okay, any comments from the public on any matter not on this agenda or any comments from the public on closed session items 15 through 19.2 yes, come on up please.

Good morning again, board. Sorry to see you two weeks in a row. I just wanted to follow up a little bit on last week. We heard a lot about protecting children at last week's meeting. That seems to be a priority for this board. Yesterday, as we know, in our own backyard in San Diego, there was another horrific act of mass violence motivated by far-right extremism and violent online ideology. In 2025, Gun deaths caused 226 children to be killed and 1,041 teenagers to be killed. The number injured was 465 children and 2,751 teenagers. I am coming before the board to ask that Fresno County take gun violence, Islamophobia, and the rise of violence in our youth seriously and to let the public know what they are doing to address these issues. It is Mental Health Awareness Month, as you guys made clear last week. And it is a common misconception that people with mental illnesses are those most likely to commit acts of gun violence. We now know that isolation, again, indoctrination into violent ideologies through online exposure and things like that are much more likely predictors of gun violence. So if the Board of Supervisors and the county staff would take the time to address this and then to let the public know how they are addressing it, how they are addressing the rise of violent extremism in our young men, how they are addressing the rise of violent ideologies in this country, and how they are addressing children and teens having inappropriate access to guns, that would be amazing. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Anyone else? Okay, next item.

We now move to item number 14 under county council. Any reports out from previous closed sessions?

No reports from prior closed sessions. I would not expect a report out after today, so the board may adjourn from closed sessions.

Okay, is there a motion and a second to adjourn? Second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Passes unanimously. We are now adjourned and we'll go into closed sessions.

Thank you.