Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment Nonprofit Accountability topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Speakers tell Santa Barbara supervisors they were mistreated by Good Samaritan program; call for investigation
Summary
Two public commenters alleged harassment and mistreatment by county-contracted nonprofits (including Good Samaritan/Step Down), urged investigations and cited police and legal interactions; the board did not take immediate investigatory action at the meeting.
During public comment on Feb. 3, two residents made detailed allegations about treatment by nonprofit providers and the use of government funds.
Karen Halenstein told the board she had been personally targeted "by the District Attorney’s office" and said grant-funded programs had been used to harass her and her family, citing a specific civil case number in her remarks. She asked the board to address what she characterized as ongoing misuse of county resources.
Another speaker, identifying himself as Adon, described being removed from a transition housing program operated by an organization he called Good Samaritan (and associated Step Down programs). He alleged abusive conduct — including slurs and physical removal from housing — and asked supervisors to open an investigation, saying he has video evidence and legal counsel.
Board members did not take immediate action on those allegations during the meeting. The claims were raised during the public-comment portion that covered administrative items 10 and 13; neither the District Attorney’s office nor Good Samaritan responded at the meeting. The speakers requested follow-up and investigation by county staff or relevant oversight offices.
