Sacramento County Board of Supervisors Meeting Summary – September 18, 2026

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors met on September 18, 2026, with a quorum present (Supervisor Cerna absent). The meeting included presentations on pet adoption, service dog recognition, food safety awards, recovery month, and the fiscal year 2025 audit. The board also discussed and approved responses to a grand jury report on foster youth, adjusted airport parking rates, and accepted a financial report. Public comments highlighted concerns about unlicensed food vendors in the Delta.

Consent Calendar

• Items 6–41 were approved unanimously (4‑0) with a brief discussion on Item 10 (HVAC replacement at RCC Buildings). Supervisor Hume inquired about the timing of the design contract relative to the upcoming report on the future of the carceral facilities (CCC). Director of General Services Josh Green explained that the design work is at a critical juncture but does not preclude changing direction after the report. The consent calendar passed without additional public comment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Martha Esch (Lock Bed and Breakfast owner) spoke during off‑agenda public comments. She reported that unlicensed food vendors (ice cream, chicken, ribs, hot dogs) have been multiplying in the Delta region since the pandemic, operating without refrigeration or licenses, and negatively impacting her restaurant business. She also noted that the Lock Management Association has not held valid elections since 2018. Her two‑minute comment was concluded by the chair.

Discussion Items

• Adoptable Pet Update (Item 1): Annette Bedsworth (Sacramento County Animal Care) introduced Thumbelina, a 10‑month‑old Catahoula available for adoption. She reported that Freddie, featured at the last meeting, was adopted quickly. Updates included the first “Barks and Books” day where students read to shelter dogs, and a vaccination event planned for September 19 at Supervisor Kennedy’s Fun Fair, aiming to vaccinate 300–400 dogs at no cost to the county (vaccinations sponsored by Petco Love). Supervisors praised the program.
• Recognition of Joanne Broush (Addendum): Supervisor Kennedy presented a recognition for Joanne Broush’s leadership in fundraising and volunteer coordination to rebuild Castle Park in Folsom. Broush raised $175,000 from individuals and secured a total of $425,000 in contributions toward the $1.1 million park rebuild. Approximately 1,500 volunteers contributed 6 days of work. Broush thanked her board, the Folsom City Council, donors, and volunteers.
• National Service Dog Month (Item 2): A resolution was presented recognizing September as National Service Dog Month. Kendra Clark, a volunteer puppy raiser for Canine Companions for 14 years, spoke about the life‑changing impact of service dogs and the need for more puppy raisers and breeder caretakers.
• National Food Safety Month (Item 3): Jania Monastero and Rolando Villarreal presented the resolution. They highlighted that Sacramento County maintains foodborne illness rates below the state average. The 2025–2026 Food Safety Award of Excellence was given to 525 businesses; one from each supervisorial district was highlighted in a video (Sacramento Natural Foods Co‑op, Bodhi Bowl, Chick‑fil‑A on Madison, Chang’s Mongolian Restaurant, Tokyo Stop Sushi and Grill). Supervisors shared personal experiences with the Environmental Management Department.
• Recovery Month 2026 (Item 4): Behavioral Health Director Ryan Quist introduced Sharon Jennings, a member of the Sacramento County Speakers Bureau, who shared her story of recovery from substance use and mental health challenges. Jennings celebrated 38 years of sobriety (since June 15, 1988) and credited 12‑step programs and therapy. She now serves as chair of the Adult and Aging Commission and as a senior senator with the California Senior Legislature. The board presented the resolution.
• SHRA Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (Item 42): Kay Junta (SHRA Assistant Director of Finance) and Mandy Merchant (CLA) presented draft audit results for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. The audit received an unmodified (clean) opinion. One significant deficiency was noted (related to the financial close process), down from a material weakness the prior year. Single audit findings dropped from five to zero. Total net position increased by $35 million. Supervisor Hume asked about the presentation of combined versus separate city/county figures; staff explained the difference. The report was received and filed.
• Airport Parking Rate Adjustment (Item 43): Doug McDonald and Sherry Thompson (Department of Airports) proposed a one‑time market adjustment upon opening the new Parking Garage 2, raising garage daily rates from $21 to $28, daily lot from $14 to $19, and economy from $12 to $14. Thereafter, a $1 increase per year for four years starting January 1, 2028. A voluntary parking reservation system was also proposed (rates not to exceed noted levels). The board praised the new parking guidance system and the planned valet/concierge service. Motion passed 4‑0.
• Response to Grand Jury Report on Foster Youth (Item 44): Melissa Lloyd (Deputy Director, Child Family and Adult Services) presented the board’s draft responses to the 2025‑26 grand jury report. The report made findings and recommendations on placement, technology access, information sharing, CSEC reporting, community advisory board reporting, strategic planning, and staff training. The board largely disagreed with or partially disagreed with many findings, citing existing practices and legal constraints (e.g., foster youth bill of rights, state licensing rules). Supervisors Kennedy, Hume, and Desmond criticized the grand jury’s process and lack of subject matter expertise. The board’s responses included: agreeing with positive findings about welcome homes and sheriff’s office partnership; partially disagreeing on placement for exploited youth; wholly disagreeing on cell phone access (citing harm reduction and legal rights); wholly disagreeing on information sharing (stating it already occurs). The board voted 4‑0 to approve the responses and forward them to the presiding judge.
• Supervisor Comments (Item 46): Supervisor Kennedy requested staff to work with the City of Sacramento and WellSpace Health to develop a plan for continuing the use of the SOCT/Safe Stay tiny homes (state‑funded) after grant funding ends, given the valuable infrastructure.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar (Items 6–41) passed 4‑0.
• Airport parking rate adjustment (Item 43) approved 4‑0, authorizing a one‑time increase and four annual $1 increases starting 2028, plus a parking reservation rate schedule.
• Response to grand jury report on foster youth (Item 44) approved 4‑0; staff directed to forward to the presiding judge.
• SHRA financial report (Item 42) received and filed.
• Directive: Staff to return with a plan for continued use of the SOCT/Safe Stay tiny homes.
• Adjournment in memory of Arnie Zimbleman, educator, historian, and co‑founder of the Strauss Festival.