News Briefs from March 3 Board of Supervisors Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2026 CONTACT: Public Relations Liaison Darcy Israel, (760) 878-0373

ANIMAL ADOPTION SPOTLIGHT

The Board welcomed Coco, a 1-year-old mixed breed female canine from the Inyo County Animal Shelter, to the meeting. This appearance is part of a new initiative to highlight animal adoption needs at the Big Pine facility.

Adoption Goal: Adoptable pets will be introduced quarterly to start, with a goal of monthly visits.
Shelter Status: Currently housing 30 dogs and 19 cats.
Contact for Volunteers/Fosters: (760) 938-2715.

JOINING THE TEAM

The following new employees were introduced:

Administration: David Fraser (County Administrative Officer)
Clerk-Recorder: Shyann Harvey (Office Technician)
Health & Human Services: Andrea Herrmann (Food Cook), Kerrie Michele Bohunovsky (Residential Caregiver), James Piper (Social Worker), and Anita Richardson (Registered Nurse)
Personnel: Deisy Linares (Office Technician)
Sheriff: Richard Marchant (Deputy) and Tamra Riesen (Food Cook)

TRANSPORTATION NEWS

Supervisor Will Wadelton provided updates on new California traffic legislation:

AB 390 (Move Over Law): Effective January 1, motorists must move over one lane (or slow down significantly) for any stopped vehicle displaying hazard lights, including stranded motorists.
AB 382 & AB 2583: AB 382 allows jurisdictions to lower school zone speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph. AB 2583 (effective January 1, 2027) will make this reduction mandatory statewide.

BY THE NUMBERS

Planning Director Cathreen Richards presented the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR). Highlights include:

Building Permits: 574 permits received in 2025 (80 more than in 2024).
Housing Permits (23 Total):
- 11 for new single-family homes.
- 3 for new manufactured homes.
- 9 for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
Completed Projects: 9 certificates of occupancy were issued in 2025 (6 single-family, 1 manufactured home, 2 ADUs).