Public commenters raise election administration concerns, warrant records and benefits disputes while board approves consent agenda
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Summary
At the Jan. 6 meeting, residents raised issues about VoteCal procedures and AB 1249 implementation, alleged missing warrant records and a CalWORKs/EBT dispute; the board approved the consent agenda and adjourned to closed session.
Several members of the public used the board's Jan. 6 public presentations period to raise procedural questions about election administration and to lodge complaints about county actions.
Speakers described VoteCal processes for cancellation and restoration of voter registrations and urged timely mailing of NVRA postcards. A resident identified as Russ Person summarized Assembly Bill 1249 — effective Jan. 1, 2026 — which he said requires non‑VCA counties to provide at least one early voting location on the Saturday before an election and broadened in‑person options for voters casting vote‑by‑mail ballots. "AB 1249 adds election code section 3016.3...non‑VCA counties must provide at least one early voting location on the Saturday before Election Day that is open for a minimum of six hours," the speaker said.
Separately, Mike Guillen told the board he was arrested and removed from his home during what he described as an inspection‑warrant execution; he said he obtained a certified letter from the superior court saying three warrants referenced by county counsel could not be located and asked the board for direction on resolving the discrepancy. Chair and staff acknowledged the comment and asked staff to follow up.
Thomasina Rivers alleged county welfare staff delayed or conditioned release of CalWORKs benefits and said she filed a police report and has shared materials with the FBI and a magistrate judge. The board allowed the statements but did not record an on‑the‑spot remedy in the public transcript.
Earlier in the meeting the board approved the consent agenda by motion and voice vote and later approved proclamations honoring outgoing chair Leticia Perez, as well as the two proclamations noted above. Supervisor Flores also called attention to a consent item awarding an $885,000 Office of Traffic Safety grant to the district attorney’s office for DUI enforcement work through September 2026.
With no further public comment the board moved to adjourn to closed session to consider an item under county administration.