Title
Authorize the appointment of Leticia Hernandez to the Resource Conservation District Board of Directors to fill an unexpired term, effective upon appointment through November 30, 2028. (REVISED VIA SUPPLEMENTAL)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors authorize the appointment of Leticia Hernandez to the Resource Conservation District Board of Directors to fill an unexpired term, effective upon appointment through November 30, 2028. (REVISED VIA SUPPLEMENTAL)
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Director Jynel Gularte resigned from the Resource Conservation District (RCD) of Monterey County Board of Directors in spring 2026, creating an unscheduled vacancy on the Board.
RCDs are governed by Division 9 of the California Public Resources Code (PRC). For districts with appointed directors, PRC, section 9316 provides that vacancies are filled for the remainder of the unexpired term through the appointment process established in section 9314. Under section 9314, the County Board of Supervisors is afforded an opportunity to interview candidates and make an appointment. If the Board does not act within the applicable 60-day period, the authority to fill the vacancy transfers to the RCD Board of Directors.
Following Director Gularte's resignation, the RCD notified the County of Monterey through the Clerk of the Board on May 1, 2026. The vacancy was subsequently noticed in accordance with applicable requirements; however, no applications or other responses were received through the County's recruitment process. More than 60 days lapsed without the Board of Supervisors conducting interviews or making an appointment.
Upon expiration of the County's statutory appointment period, the RCD Board of Directors proceeded with the vacancy-filling process. The district received an application from Leti Hernandez, who previously collaborated with the RCD through her work with the Center for Land-Based Learning. Based on her experience, qualifications, and re...
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