Measure G recommendations on the County Executive delayed to January; cannabis zoning heads to the Board

The meeting opened with a land acknowledgment, an invocation by a San Pedro rabbi invited by Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District), a pledge led by an Army veteran from Palmdale, pets for adoption presented by Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District), and a scroll (listed on the supplemental agenda) presented by Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) to the Assembly member for the 65th District, who is leaving the Assembly. 00:17:53

• Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) noted that adoption fees at county animal care centers are waived all month for people who come read to a shelter dog. 00:30:54
• Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) credited the honoree with a 2022 county-sponsored state law defining mobile stroke units. 00:31:51
• A guest said his service in the Assembly ends at the end of November. 00:35:28
• A guest cited a recent state bill on smoke damage for fire survivors that he stood with the governor and a supervisor to support. 00:37:36

The executive officer read the changes to the agenda: items continued, items held for discussion, one item referred back to Public Works, and recusals and an abstention on specific items. The Board then approved the requested continuances and, after public comment, approved the consent calendar in one vote, with item 10 split off for a separate vote. 00:40:34

• Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District) moved, seconded by Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair), to approve the requested continuances and referral back read into the record. Result: passed. 00:43:37
• Holly Mitchell (Supervisor, Second District; Chair Pro Tem) moved, seconded by Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District), to approve the consent calendar and other items before the Board, except item 10, with Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair) abstaining on item 8 and Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair) and Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District) recused on item 14. Result: passed, 5-0. 01:23:03

• The clerk announced that item 7 would be continued one week at the request of Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District). 00:40:34
• The clerk announced that items 18 and 19 were held by Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) and Holly Mitchell (Supervisor, Second District; Chair Pro Tem). 00:41:05
• The clerk announced that the Public Works director asked to refer item 40, the Verizon streetlight license, back to the department. 00:42:06

A motion by Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) and Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District) asks the CEO and several departments to report back in writing within seven days on how the county could keep disaster case management going for Eaton and Palisades fire survivors if the FEMA-funded Disaster Case Management Program is interrupted. It asks for options to reprioritize some or all of a $2,000,000 legal-services grant given to Consumer and Business Affairs, and for the feasibility of repurposing $1,500,000 of county renter protection and homelessness prevention (RPHP) funds (agenda). It also directs letters to the FEMA Administrator and the Governor seeking funding through January 8, 2028, and a 90-day report on disaster case management for future disasters. The agenda cites 400 to 500 cases the Eaton Fire Collaborative estimates may need continued case management. It passed on consent; Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair) abstained. 00:52:16

• Approved as part of the consent motion by Holly Mitchell (Supervisor, Second District; Chair Pro Tem), seconded by Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District). Result: passed, 4-0-1. Abstained: Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair). 01:23:03

• The clerk announced that Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair) would abstain from the vote on this item. 00:40:34

A motion by Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) and Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) sets out a review of Less Restrictive Programs (LRPs), the community-based residential programs where youth leaving juvenile custody are placed. Probation and other agencies report back in 90 days on how youth are assessed, a full list of programs, their costs, staffing, and oversight. The Auditor-Controller audits all LRP contracts within 120 days. Contract renewals pause until that audit is done, but current youth stay in place and new placements continue. A working group convenes within 30 days, and the Department of Justice, Care and Opportunities is studied as the program's administrator. Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair) added an amendment creating a task force that includes LRP providers. 01:21:45

▶ Hear it Should program providers get a seat, or just a survey? · 0:52

• Amendment by Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair) to add a task force including LRP providers, accepted by Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District); item 10 approved as amended. Result: passed, 5-0. 01:23:35

• Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair) proposed an amendment creating a task force that includes LRP providers to give feedback and recommendations on implementation. 01:21:45
• Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) accepted the amendment but said audits should happen routinely for all county contracts, not only when a motion asks for one. 01:22:20

The item lets Public Health sign nine new sole-source HIV prevention contracts worth up to $2,167,761 in total through May 31, 2027, paid for with supplemental CDC funds awarded September 11, 2026. It also lets the department add funding to any of 67 existing HIV prevention contracts through November 30, 2026 (agenda). Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District) asked to be removed as coauthor because she recused herself. Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District) and Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair) both recused under state campaign contribution rules, each citing contributions over $500 from a party to the proceeding. It passed on consent. 00:41:05

• Approved as revised as part of the consent motion by Holly Mitchell (Supervisor, Second District; Chair Pro Tem), seconded by Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District). Result: passed, 3-0. Recused: Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District), Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair). 01:23:03

• The clerk announced the recusals of Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District) and Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair) under the state contribution rule. 00:41:05

The Board certified the Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report for the Los Angeles County General Hospital Campus Master Plan. It adopted a mitigation monitoring program and a statement of overriding considerations, and it approved the Master Plan and its use and development standards. The Director of Economic Opportunity may update those standards within the scope of the environmental report. The campus is in the First District. Speakers described the plan as turning the campus into housing, retail, services and open space, and said a community benefits agreement is still to come. It passed on consent. 01:05:18

• Approved as part of the consent motion by Holly Mitchell (Supervisor, Second District; Chair Pro Tem), seconded by Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District). Result: passed, 5-0. 01:23:03

A motion by Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair) adopts a county Tribal Consultation Policy for government-to-government consultation with local tribal governments. Departments must name a manager to oversee it, the Native American Indian Commission director must deliver an implementation guide by March 2027 followed by annual reports, and Internal Services must build an intranet portal. One caller asked the Board to delay the vote. It passed on consent. 01:20:00

• Approved as part of the consent motion by Holly Mitchell (Supervisor, Second District; Chair Pro Tem), seconded by Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District). Result: passed, 5-0. 01:23:03

A motion by Holly Mitchell (Supervisor, Second District; Chair Pro Tem) adopts a resolution titled "Establishing a National Vision for Reproductive Freedom, Family, and the American Promise," affirming the county's commitment to reproductive health. Three speakers from reproductive justice groups supported it. It passed on consent. 00:53:03

• Approved as part of the consent motion by Holly Mitchell (Supervisor, Second District; Chair Pro Tem), seconded by Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District). Result: passed, 5-0. 01:23:03

Measure G changes county government by creating an elected County Executive, who discussion indicated takes office in December 2028, and by separating executive and legislative functions. The Governance Reform Task Force brought its first recommendations. Some were to be received and filed: the executive's management role, intergovernmental affairs, constituent services, which CEO functions move to a new Director of Budget and Management, and an independent County Legislative Analyst (CLA). Others needed action: dropping the "Mayor" title for the Board Chair, a public education campaign, County Code changes giving the executive the evaluation of department heads, several CEO transition reports within 90 to 120 days, and a CLA office operational no later than October 1, 2027, with a national search for its leader (agenda). Board members raised concerns about costs, constituent services, unincorporated areas, the CLA timeline, the executive's pay, and a legal demand letter. The Board added an amendment by Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair) on unincorporated area services, then continued the whole item to January 26, 2027 so the incoming First District supervisor can weigh in. 01:23:35

▶ Hear it Top county pay, but only a residency requirement to run · 1:06

• Amendment by Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair), seconded by Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District), directing the CEO to deliver a public transition report within 120 days on the Office of Unincorporated Area Services and on past and current approaches to constituent services, including how the executive office and Board will coordinate so departments stay responsive to residents' needs identified by Board offices. Result: passed, 5-0. 04:33:17
• Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) moved, seconded by Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District), to continue item 18 as amended to Tuesday, January 26, 2027. Result: continued, 4-0-1. Abstained: Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District). 04:34:15

• A task force member described the recommendations as foundational, setting an initial governance framework so detailed transition work can follow. 01:25:25
• A task force member said the current Chief Executive Office will not exist in the new structure, and its functions must be realigned among new offices. 01:29:22
• A task force member recommended an independent, nonpartisan County Legislative Analyst serving the Board, set up in phases before the elected executive takes office. 01:34:44
• Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) supported moving department head evaluations to the County Executive, saying five bosses can mean no boss. 01:39:04
• Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) worried that executive-run constituent services could leave out the supervisor who represents the resident. 01:40:14
• Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) opposed a national search for the CLA office, preferring to hire from within county staff. 01:41:15
• Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) asked to delay a vote on the CLA until the CEO reports on its scope, size and budget. 01:42:16
• Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) proposed holding off on votes until the incoming First District supervisor is seated, weeks away. 01:43:23
• County Counsel explained that receiving and filing means the Board hears the information without adopting or acting on it. 01:44:55
• The Chief Executive Officer said there is no cost estimate yet for the executive's office and gave as a comparison a roughly $720,000 transition stipend for an incoming supervisor's office. 01:47:43
• A task force member said the CLA would analyze Board-approved motions moving toward implementation, and some requests could be shared with the executive office. 01:54:37
• A task force member cited the state Legislative Analyst's office, which she recalled has about 50 staff, as a reference point. 01:57:11
• The Chief Executive Officer said it is unclear how many staff could move to a CLA without their current jobs needing to be backfilled. 02:02:56
• Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair) said the recommendations say little about unincorporated areas, noting her district has about 350,000 unincorporated residents. 02:03:45
• Holly Mitchell (Supervisor, Second District; Chair Pro Tem) urged the task force to let getting details right, not candidates or election timing, drive its timeline. 02:16:36
• Holly Mitchell (Supervisor, Second District; Chair Pro Tem) argued that the new structure will add costs despite Measure G's promise of no new taxes, and asked where the money will come from. 02:18:48
• A task force member said the Board would keep setting state and federal legislative policy, and the executive would advocate the Board's positions. 02:20:37
• The Chief Executive Officer suggested the Board codify its budget policies in ordinance now, such as a rainy day fund requirement, to guard fiscal stability under an elected executive. 02:23:32
• A task force member said a continuance to January would force the task force to rework its 2027 plans and likely put the October 2027 CLA date out of reach. 03:01:12
• A task force member said the task force added two months of special meetings to meet its deadline, and a pause would be a challenge. 03:04:30
• The Chief Executive Officer listed the reports his office would owe: a 90-day CLA staffing inventory and 120-day reports on legislative affairs, unincorporated constituent services, the executive and budget office split, and the CLA. 03:09:41
• Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District) asked that some of the report-back work be allowed to begin during the continuance, saying the incoming supervisor would benefit from it. 03:11:24
• County Counsel said continuing the whole item also continues the report directives, unless the Board splits the item. 03:11:47
• A supervisor confirmed that she intended to continue the entire item, including the report backs. 03:14:26
• Joseph Nicchitta (Chief Executive Officer) said items for the next fiscal year's recommended budget must be in by year's end, but a delay is not fatal because money can be set aside. 03:19:23
• County Counsel said the county must still meet the deadlines written into Measure G. 03:21:29
• Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) asked about task force consultant spending, saying she was told $1.1 million has been spent and a $2.9 million work order remains open. 03:29:01
• The clerk said the open work order is budgeted for consultants and other services and supplies, and agreed to provide a breakdown. 03:29:25
• Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) warned against rushing changes to meet an arbitrary deadline, citing problems she attributed to how Measure G was drafted. 03:29:46
• Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) argued that the elected executive structure will reduce supervisors' ability to solve local problems, especially in unincorporated areas. 03:31:54
• Joseph Nicchitta (Chief Executive Officer) agreed the CLA needs some capacity before December 2028, but objected to moving CEO and County Counsel staff out by October 1, 2027. 03:38:24
• Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) questioned why state and federal legislative advocacy would move to the executive rather than stay with the legislative body. 03:43:50
• A task force member said the task force placed advocacy with the executive for accountability, after the Board sets the county's legislative agenda. 03:44:59
• Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) noted that the elected executive must be paid at least $1 more than any other county elected officer. 03:47:34
• The Chief Executive Officer said the District Attorney is the highest-paid county elected officer, at $443,540 plus a 19% MegaFlex benefit. 03:48:28
• Joseph Nicchitta (Chief Executive Officer) said the Board will set the executive's salary under the charter, with a floor of $1 above the highest-paid countywide elected official. 03:49:42
• A supervisor compared the governor's salary, about $245,000, with her projection that total pay for the executive could reach about $558,000 by 2028. 03:50:28
• A supervisor raised a demand letter received the night before that questions the legality of parts of the county executive provisions. 03:52:31
• Dawyn Harrison (County Counsel) said the letter's authors do not demand that the county stop work on the recommendations, so it alone does not require a continuance. 03:54:19
• Dawyn Harrison (County Counsel) said her office reviewed the legality of an elected County Executive and its powers before the measure went to the voters and, at a board office's request, consulted outside counsel again after it passed; it still holds that courts would likely uphold them, though she never called it a slam dunk. 03:55:04
• Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) asked County Counsel and the new ethics commission to opine on conflicts of interest for supervisors who might run for the executive office. 03:57:36
• Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) pledged not to run for County Executive and asked colleagues to make the same pledge. 03:58:37
• Holly Mitchell (Supervisor, Second District; Chair Pro Tem) estimated roughly $12 million in projected three-year costs for the task force and ethics commission, and said she would describe costs as within existing budget rather than budget neutral. 04:16:05
• Holly Mitchell (Supervisor, Second District; Chair Pro Tem) said she has never been clear why the elected executive had to start in 2028. 04:18:07
• Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair) stated for the record that she is not interested in running for the County Executive post. 04:24:47

Measure G requires Board agendas to be posted at least 120 hours before meetings. The task force unanimously recommended its Option Two. The regular agenda would post by 4 p.m. eleven days before each meeting (the second Friday before), and the supplemental agenda by 4 p.m. six days before (the Wednesday before). Internal deadlines would move up about a week, late additions would be limited to urgent ones, and agenda entries would be about 20 words when feasible, with full text linked. The Board instead adopted an amendment by Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) and Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) choosing Option Three, which keeps the current regular agenda schedule and allows only revisions on the supplemental agenda. The amendment also continued the 20-word clarity and accessibility standards for 90 days pending a County Counsel and executive office report, and required monitoring with a status report within a year. 02:25:09

• Amendment by Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District), seconded by Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District): adopt Option Three; continue the agenda clarity and accessibility standards for 90 days with a written County Counsel and executive office report; direct the executive officer to implement Option Three and return with any Board rule amendments; and require ongoing monitoring with a status report within one year of implementation. Item 19 approved as amended. Result: passed, 5-0. 04:34:49

• A task force member described the task force's outreach, including a survey of 311 responses across 162 zip codes and a review of 11 other California counties. 02:28:10
• A task force member stressed that the task force unanimously recommended Option Two. 02:30:20
• A task force member laid out the Option Two schedule, with the regular agenda posted eleven days before the meeting. 02:36:03
• A task force member recommended agenda entries of about 20 words when feasible, with full documents linked. 02:38:25
• A task force consultant cited other counties that post agendas well ahead, including Yuba County at 127 hours and San Diego County at eight days. 02:46:18
• Holly Mitchell (Supervisor, Second District; Chair Pro Tem) worried that having two live agendas posted at once could confuse the public about which meeting an item is on. 02:48:02
• The clerk confirmed that the executive office would monitor the changes and report on whether they work. 02:50:00
• Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District) suggested giving the two agendas distinct names to tell them apart. 02:53:42
• A supervisor said business groups had complained that items posted late Friday left no time to mobilize members, and backed the task force's plan. 02:59:27
• Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) argued that shortening agenda entries would cause misinformation and make the agenda less accessible. 03:59:41
• A task force member said agendas running past 100 pages are hard to navigate, and shorter, clearer entries would help the public. 04:02:48
• A supervisor said the initial recommendations lacked department feedback, even though department items fill most of each agenda. 04:05:39
• A task force member countered that the task force engaged 27 of 39 county departments, plus Board offices and the CEO. 04:07:33
• A supervisor introduced an amendment with Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) to adopt Option Three instead of Option Two. 04:08:30
• Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) said this item could not wait for the new supervisor because of a December deadline for the posting requirement. 04:10:29
• A task force member said Option Three poses a compliance risk because its Friday supplemental agenda does not meet 120 hours. 04:10:49
• Dawyn Harrison (County Counsel) said she believes all three options comply with Measure G, because Option Three's supplemental agenda carries revisions only. 04:12:24
• Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) argued that Options Two and Three both leave read-in motions as the route for late items. 04:12:42
• County Counsel said Brown Act urgency and emergency additions remain available under any option. 04:14:27
• Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair) doubted that 20-word entries would help residents without internet access or who don't use QR codes, and opposed the 20-word limit. 04:18:29
• A supervisor noted she is due to chair the Board next year and expects many read-in motions. 04:23:36

A motion by Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District) and Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) directs the Department of Mental Health to hire a chaplain, paid for with mental health realignment funds, to work with faith-based partners and homeless services providers. It sets up a voluntary faith-based subcommittee on the behavioral health needs of people experiencing homelessness, with a report in 90 days and then quarterly reports until both are in place (agenda). Supporters said the support is voluntary and interfaith. Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) questioned whether the department's recruitment language reflects an interfaith background. 04:34:59

• Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District) moved, seconded by Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District), to approve item 15. Result: passed, 5-0. 04:55:50

• Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District) said the department already works with faith groups through interfaith collaboratives, and a dedicated chaplain would coordinate those partnerships. 04:36:51
• A supervisor said the motion is about meeting people where they are, not bringing religion into government. 04:40:09
• A supervisor noted that the position is funded with mental health realignment dollars as a clinical investment. 04:42:12
• Holly Mitchell (Supervisor, Second District; Chair Pro Tem) asked how the department will make sure the chaplain and subcommittee reach a broad range of faith traditions. 04:43:54
• County staff said recruitment emphasized a candidate with a broad, inclusive approach to spirituality and an equity lens. 04:44:06
• Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) noted that the department had already begun recruiting and asked what the motion adds. 04:46:28
• County staff read the job posting, which describes a Program Manager I reporting to the director and serving as an advisor on faith-based partnerships. 04:47:41
• Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) said the posting does not call for interfaith experience and reads as slanted toward one religion. 04:48:53
• A supervisor said she would have liked to see the recruitment language before voting. 04:51:24
• County staff assured the Board that selection and interview questions emphasize an interfaith, nondenominational approach. 04:52:13

Supervisors adjourned in memory of residents and public servants. Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) named a Pasadena educator and Korean War veteran, a Temple City elementary school principal, and an Antelope Valley businessman and volunteer. Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair) named a veterans' advocate who founded a group feeding veterans, one of her Assessment Appeals Board appointees, a Public Works senior civil engineer, and a civil engineer and Army veteran. Holly Mitchell (Supervisor, Second District; Chair Pro Tem) named the founder of a Lawndale group home for youth in the probation and foster care systems. Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) named the three people killed in the September 30 air ambulance crash off Catalina Island (the pilot, the flight nurse and the patient) and a lifelong Avalon resident. 05:10:04

• Adjournment motions taken as seconded. Result: passed, unanimous. 05:28:41

In closed session the Board considered initiating litigation in one case. It authorized County Counsel to file suit; the defendants and other details will be disclosed once the action is formally filed. No reportable action was taken on CS-5 (one case), CS-7, CS-9 or CS-11, a California State Auditor audit. 07:12:09

• Authorize County Counsel to initiate litigation (one case). Result: passed, unanimous. 07:12:09

• Item 8 (fire survivor case management): about five speakers, including staff of a countywide tenant legal services program, opposed diverting renter protection and homelessness prevention funds or tenant legal services money to fire recovery and urged the county to find other funding.
• Item 10 (Less Restrictive Programs): about eleven speakers. Several program operators and a youth advocate asked for a formal role or task force for providers rather than just a town hall or survey. Youth from an anti-recidivism group described how the programs helped them. Several speakers supported the motion or its intent, some while asking for a bigger role for providers. One speaker asked that youth be screened for human trafficking.
• Item 35 (LA General campus): about eight speakers supported the master plan, citing affordable housing, health services and historic preservation; two speakers from an East Side coalition asked that a coming community benefits agreement be enforceable and its benefits defended, one saying it returns next month.
• Item 4 (reproductive freedom): three speakers from reproductive justice groups supported the resolution.
• Two home care workers from a union asked the Board to invest in in-home care as bargaining begins.
• Item 9: one speaker asked that CERT training include human trafficking awareness.
• Item 12: one caller asked to delay the tribal consultation policy until after the November election, arguing a ballot measure could affect which tribes are consulted.
• Item 29 (continued): one speaker thanked Janice Hahn (Supervisor, Fourth District) for raising Health Net's end of assisted living transition benefits, which the speaker said affects over 2,000 people.
• Items 18 and 19: about five commenters. Two unincorporated-area residents supported Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair)'s amendment on unincorporated services. One speaker urged moving parts of item 18 forward rather than delaying. One supported the CLA and criticized the process. One made accusations of corruption.
• Item 15: one caller, a county employee, supported the chaplain position; one in-person speaker made personal attacks on supervisors and was told to stay on topic.
• General public comment: about five law students from a pretrial justice practicum urged expanding the Rapid Diversion Program, funding the county's independent pretrial services pilot, ending pretrial electronic monitoring, changing pretrial risk scoring that penalizes unhoused people, and setting a closure date for Men's Central Jail. Other speakers raised youth protections in the transitional housing contracts on item 33, Metro LIFE TAP card expirations, alleged illegal rent increases at a Marina del Rey property (a supervisor asked the speaker to stay to meet staff), accessible housing transparency, and months-long delays in county rental assistance payments. Two speakers made inflammatory or personal remarks.

• Item 18 (Governance Reform Task Force recommendations) continued to Tuesday, January 26, 2027, as amended by Hilda Solis (Supervisor, First District; Chair); the report backs it would order are on hold until then.
• Item 19: the executive officer is to implement Option Three and return with any Board rule amendments; County Counsel and the executive office are to report in writing within 90 days on the agenda clarity and accessibility standards; a status report is due within one year of implementation.
• Item 10: Probation reports in 90 days, the Auditor-Controller's LRP contract audit is due in 120 days, and the CCJCC working group convenes within 30 days (agenda); a task force including LRP providers was added.
• Item 8: written report back within seven days; letters to the FEMA Administrator and the Governor; 90-day report on future disaster case management (agenda).
• Item 12: Tribal Consultation Policy implementation guide due by March 2027 (agenda).
• Item 7 continued to October 27, 2026; items 26, 29 and 54 continued to November 10, 2026; item 40 referred back to Public Works.
• Closed session: CS-1 through CS-4 and CS-8 continued to November 17, 2026; one CS-5 case to October 27 and one to November 17; CS-10 continued to October 27, 2026.
• The executive officer agreed to give Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) a breakdown of task force consultant and stipend spending; the CEO is to look at CPI-based projections of the elected executive's salary.
• Kathryn Barger (Supervisor, Fifth District) asked County Counsel and the ethics commission to opine on conflicts of interest for supervisors who might run for County Executive.
• Lindsey Horvath (Supervisor, Third District) asked for a uniform Measure G implementation timeline for all Board offices.
• County Counsel will keep evaluating the demand letter on the county executive provisions and has ordered records preserved.
• The incoming First District supervisor is expected to be seated in early December.
• A speaker said the LA General community benefits agreement returns to the Board next month.
• The Board authorized a lawsuit (CS-6); details will be disclosed once it is filed.
• Next Board meeting: October 27, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

Routine approval of the day's agenda, which had one public hearing item. 00:02:51

• Approve the agenda (mover and seconder not clearly identified); Pam O'Connor (Commissioner) had not yet arrived. Result: passed, 4-0. 00:03:02

Routine approval of the minutes of the commission's September 30, 2026 meeting. 00:03:12

• Approve the September 30, 2026 minutes (mover and seconder not clearly identified); Pam O'Connor (Commissioner) had not yet arrived. Result: passed, 4-0. 00:03:20

The county proposes amending Title 22, its planning and zoning code, to allow commercial cannabis businesses in certain zones of unincorporated Los Angeles County. This is one of two parts of a Commercial Cannabis License Program; the other part, amendments to Title 8 (licensing and operating rules), goes to the Board of Supervisors separately. The commission also considered a Program Environmental Impact Report with findings, a statement of overriding considerations and a mitigation monitoring program (agenda). The item was continued from August 26, 2026 without the hearing being opened. The commission only makes a recommendation; the Board of Supervisors decides. As presented by staff, the rules would decide where cannabis storefronts, delivery businesses, cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and testing labs could locate: only in some commercial, commercial-only mixed-use and industrial zones, in existing buildings, and indoors, with a 600-foot buffer from schools, parks, libraries, day cares, licensed arcades and drug treatment facilities, and 500 feet between storefronts. Staff said there would be 90 licenses in total, 25 of them storefronts. Much of the debate was about unlicensed shops already operating in unincorporated communities and who enforces against them. 00:06:34

• A commissioner moved to close the public hearing and recommend that the Board certify the final Program Environmental Impact Report and adopt the findings of fact, statement of overriding considerations and mitigation monitoring and reporting program for the commercial cannabis license program and zoning ordinance, subject to the Board finding the final Title 8 amendments consistent with the project description and the EIR. Seconder not clearly identified. Result: passed. 01:26:18
• A commissioner moved to adopt the resolution recommending that the Board of Supervisors approve the commercial cannabis zoning ordinance (Project No. PRJ2024-000811, Advance Planning Case No. RPPL2024001191) with staff's recommended revisions and two added conditions: that churches and places of worship be added to the sensitive uses covered by the buffer, and that a letter from Robert Luna (Sheriff) on the cost of enforcement to shut down illegal businesses be attached. At county counsel staff's prompting, the motion also added a letter from the commission urging the Board to deal with enforcement against illegal shops immediately. Seconder not clearly identified. Result: passed, 5-0. 01:28:20

• County staff said the Office of Cannabis Management sought the commission's recommendation to the Board on certifying the final environmental impact report and adopting the zoning amendments 00:07:54
• County staff said the Title 8 licensing ordinance would go to the Board of Supervisors at a possible future hearing, not to this commission 00:08:54
• County staff said the August hearing was continued after public feedback so people had more time to review the wider framework, including Title 8 00:09:57
• County staff said the cap on non-retail cannabis businesses in a single planning area was cut from five to three per license type, after concerns from North County communities about their large amount of industrial zoning 00:11:52
• County staff said staff planned to put the planning-area limits into program regulations authorized under Title 8 00:11:52
• County staff said businesses would need hookups to existing water and sewer systems, that wells, septic systems and hauled water would not count, and that generators would be allowed only for emergencies 00:12:54
• County staff said that in Altadena, after last year's fire, cannabis businesses could not locate within 600 feet of damaged or destroyed schools, day cares and other youth sites for five years after the program is adopted 00:14:03
• County staff said cannabis businesses would not be allowed in residential or agricultural zones or in significant ecological areas 00:14:03
• County staff said planning staff would approve sites through a ministerial site plan review against objective standards, and that businesses would be limited to buildings that already exist 00:15:09
• County staff said all operations must be indoors in a fully enclosed building, and that outdoor and mixed-light cultivation would not be allowed 00:15:09
• County staff described a 600-foot buffer from K-12 schools, parks, libraries, licensed day cares, licensed arcades, and drug treatment and recovery facilities 00:16:14
• County staff said storefronts would have to be at least 500 feet from each other, including storefronts in neighboring cities 00:16:14
• County staff said the program would cap storefronts and delivery-only businesses at five each per supervisorial district, alongside the planning-area limits 00:18:22
• County staff said the environmental review found transportation was the only significant and unavoidable impact, mainly because of customer trips and trips between businesses 00:21:28
• The chair asked whether buffers around fast-food restaurants were considered, saying he had seen cannabis shops opening close to them 00:23:50
• County staff said staff found no other jurisdiction or state rule that requires buffers around fast-food locations 00:24:39
• County staff said adding buffers around all fast-food restaurants would further limit room for a legal market, so staff gave priority to youth-oriented uses 00:26:08
• A commissioner said all current storefront sellers in unincorporated areas are illegal, and that there are at least 15 within a four-block radius on one boulevard in her community 00:33:59
• County staff said law enforcement would keep handling illegal operators, with the County Counsel's office filing civil suits, while the Office of Cannabis Management would oversee licensed businesses 00:29:16
• County staff described escalating tools for licensed businesses: notices to correct, administrative fines, suspension, revocation, and not renewing the one-year licenses 00:30:22
• County staff said the program is limited to 90 licenses in total, and that having a regulatory program would make the county eligible for state enforcement funds 00:31:25
• County staff said 25 of the licenses would be storefronts, split among the five districts, and that half would go first to eligible social equity applicants in a phased, slow start 00:32:26
• County staff said more resources are needed to deal with the illicit market, which is a matter for the Board of Supervisors 00:36:40
• County staff said staff believe the illicit market could be dealt with in a couple of years if given the resources 00:37:47
• County staff said the office would work with public health to promote the emblem program, which marks licensed retailers for consumers 00:39:05
• A commissioner proposed clearing out illicit shops as legal ones open, for example closing three illicit shops for every licensed one 00:41:12
• County staff suggested the commission might condition its recommendation on resources to address existing illegal shops 00:41:36
• County counsel staff cautioned that such a condition is technically outside the commission's authority 00:42:46
• A commissioner noted that a 2017 ordinance already made sales illegal and said sheriff's enforcement since then has been spotty, and nonexistent in some communities 00:43:27
• County staff confirmed that the office enforces only the licensed market, and that the unlicensed market falls to the sheriff, county counsel and other partners 00:44:34
• A commissioner suggested the commission might not support the program until existing illegal shops are cleaned up, warning the public would be confused 00:45:17
• A commissioner asked whether people could still open dispensaries if the program did not go forward 00:48:25
• County staff said the Board directed staff to move ahead, that demand for the product exists, and that the program offers consumers legal access 00:48:48
• A commissioner raised concerns about cannabis odor drifting over open space and farms in District 5, citing problems on the Central Coast 00:50:04
• County staff said existing county Title 11 code, enforced by the public health environmental health division, already requires that odors not be detectable outside the building 00:51:45
• County staff said measures such as charcoal scrubbers and ventilation filtering could be required to reduce odors 00:53:10
• A commissioner said she wanted the ordinance more than anyone and did not want to curtail it, but wanted the problems in dense urban areas like her community addressed 00:54:00
• County counsel staff advised after the break that the commission cannot condition its recommendation on shutting down illegal businesses, because enforcement is outside its jurisdiction 01:02:47
• County counsel staff added that the program's environmental impact report did not consider closing illegal businesses as a precondition 01:02:47
• County counsel staff recommended recording the commission's enforcement concerns in the statement of proceedings for the Board, as was done on an earlier area plan 01:03:50
• County staff said he leads the department that houses the cannabis office, and that he would include the commission's recommendations in the department's letters to the Board on Title 22 and Title 8, which already recommend more investment in enforcement 01:05:19
• County staff said the department has asked for $5 million on an ongoing basis for law enforcement partners to support enforcement 01:07:29
• A commissioner suggested hearing from Robert Luna (Sheriff) on how enforcement could work 01:14:54
• A commissioner asked whether planning could take part in enforcement through something like the county's earlier ordinance that brought noncompliant liquor stores into compliance 01:15:56
• County staff said illegal cannabis shops were never legally established, so there is no land-use tool beyond shutting them down, which is the sheriff's department's job 01:18:01
• County staff invited the commission to send a memo or letter that the department would attach to its letter to the Board 01:19:58
• County counsel staff confirmed that a commission recommendation asking the Board to address enforcement is appropriate, though making approval depend on it is not 01:20:25
• County staff said churches and places of worship are not in the proposed buffers, because buffers from very common uses would amount to a de facto ban in many unincorporated areas 01:21:03
• A commissioner said he wanted churches and places of worship added as a condition, saying he views them like preschools and child care 01:23:08
• County staff clarified that a church with a school or day care center would already be subject to the buffers 01:24:02
• A commissioner urged getting the sheriff on record with a cost estimate for enforcement, so the Board understands the size of the problem 01:24:33
• A commissioner praised staff's documents for showing a last-updated date on each page and for clear graphics 01:27:50

Time for public comment on matters not on the agenda. 01:28:38

• Three members of the public spoke on the cannabis ordinance (item 11); all raised concerns and none spoke in clear support.
• One speaker, president of a community association, urged the commission to put the proposal on hold. He cited illegal dispensaries near schools and homes in several unincorporated neighborhoods, including a 24-hour shop he put at 340 feet from two schools, along with doubts about staffing and a projected county revenue figure he called too small. He also claimed there are over a thousand illegal dispensaries in unincorporated areas. These are his claims, not confirmed by staff.
• One speaker, for a rural-town group, thanked staff for clarifying the infrastructure rules. She argued that the ordinances give no legal authority for planning-area caps, that the county's odor code requires only an odor control plan, not equipment, and that the environmental report ignores public-safety effects, which she said violates CEQA.
• One speaker, for a homeowners association, asked that churches and houses of worship be added to the 600-foot buffers because children attend programs there, and cited failed enforcement against the illegal shops already operating.
• No one spoke during general public comment (item 12).

• The clerk said the cannabis zoning ordinance will be scheduled for a future public hearing before the Board of Supervisors.
• Staff said the Title 8 licensing ordinance would be considered by the Board of Supervisors at a possible future hearing.
• Staff said the planning-area caps on non-retail businesses and the five-year Altadena buffer around fire-damaged youth sites would be written into program regulations under Title 8.
• The commission's letter urging the Board to act on enforcement, and a requested letter from Robert Luna (Sheriff) on enforcement costs, are to go with the recommendation. The head of the department that houses the cannabis office said its Board letters would include the enforcement recommendation.
• County counsel staff recommended recording the commission's enforcement concerns in the statement of proceedings.
• Under the agenda, the commission adjourned to 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 28, 2026.