The Grand Jury noted that the County does not always list the qualifications in its Roster of Boards and Commissions. Describe the process for filling vacancies. The cities have a schedule of membership expiration dates. Applications may be obtained from a City Clerk or the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. Some cities, such as Santa Barbara, interview each applicant.
Some cities provide each new member with a handbook that explains policies and procedures.
The Grand Jury noted that many vacancies listed in the County Roster had not been filled when a new Supervisor was elected. The Ralph M. Brown Act was enacted by the California legislature in 1953 to ensure that the public's business was conducted in open meetings. Each member is given written materials. The county and some cities did not report on accomplishments. However, in reading the detailed responses from the cities, it is apparent that multiple activities have taken place.