Supervisors set August study session; commissioners and public push for youth engagement and different public‑comment timing

Supervisor Noelia Corso told the joint commission that the Board of Supervisors plans a study session tied to juvenile services in August and will use two surveys — one for commissioners and one for system partners — to inform a delinquency‑prevention work plan. Corso said the board is leaning toward taking general public comment at the start of meetings and extending comment limits to two to two‑and‑a‑half minutes to reduce the wait time for speakers.

Commissioners and members of the public pushed back during the June 30 meeting, saying early public comment could prevent attendees from responding to material presented later in the meeting. "It feels like community voice is not timely," Commissioner Bocanegra said, arguing that public comment after presentations would allow speakers to react to specifics and better inform the board. Bocanegra also urged that supervisors visit the Youth Services Center (YSC) or hold parts of the study session there so board members can see facility conditions and better understand youth experiences.

Public commenters also asked that youth and family members be included as presenters or be allowed to participate by Zoom, and recommended that the commission present a clear, focused agenda to ensure the study session leads to concrete outcomes. Supervisor Corso said she would consult the county attorney about the public‑comment format and noted two supervisors planned a YSC visit before the study session.

Commissioners agreed to continue planning, provide input on the survey questions and press for opportunities to include youth voice and family testimony in the August meeting. The commission emphasized that the study session's structure should maximize community input while fitting the board's new meeting format.