Board authorizes Carpinteria special forum on cannabis odor with conditions on notice and record

The Board of Supervisors authorized a special meeting/community forum in Carpinteria to solicit community feedback on cannabis odor regulations, voting 3–2. The motion was prompted by public complaints about odor impacts in Carpinteria and concerns that prior processes left some residents uninformed.

Context: Supervisors debated whether the event should be a community forum (which two supervisors who have Brown‑acted can hold) or a special Board meeting (needed if a third supervisor participates). County Counsel explained that because two supervisors had previously Brown‑acted on the issue, adding a third converts the gathering into a special meeting, which must comply with the Brown Act.

Board directions: The Board authorized the meeting for Friday (March 14, noon–2 p.m., Carpinteria City Hall), asked staff to explore capturing audio/video (recording versus live streaming) within practical cost limits, and agreed that written comments collected at the special meeting could be folded into the March 18 hearing record. Several supervisors urged more public notice and broader outreach so the meeting would not attract a preselected audience.

Vote: Roll call recorded Supervisor Nelson Aye, Supervisor LaVagnino No, Supervisor Lee Aye, Supervisor Hartman No, Chair Capps Aye (3–2). County counsel clarified the meeting must comply with Brown Act procedures and the Chair and staff will coordinate notices and staffing.

What’s next: Staff will publish notice, investigate broadcasting/recording options and costs, and report back on the technical means to preserve the special meeting record for use in the March 18 ordinance hearing.