Board approves consent calendar, proclaims several May observances

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on consent items and adopted a series of proclamations during its meeting May 13.

The board approved routine consent business, including multiple proclamations recognizing May observances and a retirement resolution, by a 5-0 roll-call vote. The board also earlier approved a remote appearance for Supervisor Arroyo under the California Government Code emergency provision by a 4-0 vote when one supervisor was absent.

The board read and approved proclamations recognizing Peer Support Appreciation Week in connection with national mental health awareness, National Search and Rescue Week to honor volunteer search-and-rescue personnel, Caregiver Appreciation Month to acknowledge resource parents and kinship caregivers, and National Police Week. Supervisors and visiting community members spoke briefly in support of each proclamation.

Speakers thanked peer support specialists, search-and-rescue volunteers, caregivers and law enforcement for services to residents. During public comment following the consent items, members of the public, staff and peer support specialists described local programs and urged continued training, certification and funding for peer services. Several speakers noted that certified peer support is now reimbursable by Medi-Cal, which helps integrate peer services into behavioral-health care.

Votes at a glance - Approval of remote appearance by Supervisor Arroyo (emergency circumstance under California Government Code) — Motion carried 4-0 (one supervisor absent). - Consent calendar (including proclamations for Peer Support Appreciation Week, National Search and Rescue Week, Care­giver Appreciation Month, National Police Week; retirement resolution) — Motion carried 5-0.

The board moved on after the consent items to scheduled presentations and public hearings.