Board Exits 30-Year EMS Authority, Delays New Advisory Body Over Voting Rights

The Solano County Board of Supervisors took its most consequential step in EMS governance in three decades Tuesday, unanimously voting to withdraw from the joint powers authority that has overseen emergency medical services since 1996 — then splitting over who gets a seat at the table on the replacement advisory committee. Elsewhere, three state Delta agencies presented together for the first time, revealing $29 million in Proposition 4 grants headed to the region, and the sheriff disclosed that bronze memorial stars honoring fallen officers were stolen for scrap metal.

• Board votes to exit the 30-year SEMSC Joint Powers Authority, beginning a 12-month transition to direct county EMS oversight

• Advisory committee composition deferred 3-1 after clash over whether the ambulance provider should get voting rights

• EMS ambulance RFP back online with bids due June 5; current Medic Ambulance contract runs through December 2026

• Three Delta agencies present jointly for the first time; $29M in Prop 4 grants expected to open summer 2026

• Sheriff reveals stolen peace officer memorial stars; arrest made within 48 hours, community member offered $10,000 reward

• SB 707 remote access policy adopted ahead of July deadline, requiring one-hour recess if remote meeting access fails

EMS Governance Overhaul: County Takes Direct Control After Three Decades

Why it matters: For the first time since 1996, Solano County will directly oversee its emergency medical services system — a shift that puts the Board of Supervisors in charge of ambulance contracts, dispatch standards, and hospital coordination at the same time a new ambulance provider is being selected.

The basics: The Solano Emergency Medical Services Cooperative Joint Powers Authority, or SEMSC JPA, has governed the county's EMS system for nearly 30 years. In 2025 the Board directed staff to begin transitioning oversight to the county's own Local Emergency Medical Services Agency, or LEMSA. Tuesday's resolution formally triggers a 12-month withdrawal process.

Where things stand: EMS Administrator Benjamin Gammon delivered a sweeping presentation on the county's EMS landscape, covering the LEMSA's role, hospital capacity, the exclusive operating area ambulance contract, and emergency medical dispatch implementation.

On the ambulance contract, Gammon delivered welcome news. "I am happy to let this board know that as of May 5 last week, the RFP is back online. It took a little bit of hiccups. We got stuck in a little bit of a state hold, but we were able to push through," said EMS Administrator Benjamin Gammon. Bids are due June 5, with a potential Board recommendation by the end of July. The current Medic Ambulance extension runs through Dec. 1, 2026, at a $719,000 franchise fee — up from the original $500,000.

Gammon also reported progress on emergency medical dispatch: three cities — Vallejo, Benicia, and Suisun City — must meet a Jan. 1, 2027, state mandate. "Within the last couple weeks all three cities have engaged with me and we should be live by the mandate of California by January 1, 2027," he said.

The JPA withdrawal resolution passed 4-0 (For: 4, Against: 0, Absent: 1; Supervisor John M. Vasquez absent).

The Voting Rights Dispute

The proposed LEMSA advisory committee would include hospital representatives, trauma physicians, dispatch officials, urban and rural fire chiefs, a community member, and a behavioral health representative as voting members. The county health officer, EMS medical director, EMS administrator, OES, the exclusive operating area provider (Medic Ambulance), and Vacaville Fire (a "201" transport provider) would serve as nonvoting members.

The other side: Sandy Whaley of Medic Ambulance argued forcefully during public comment that excluding the ambulance provider from voting was a significant omission. She cited Sacramento, Riverside, San Diego, Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, and Sonoma counties as places where ambulance providers hold voting seats, contending that providers are uniquely positioned to offer data-driven insight on response reliability, hospital capacity, and workforce shortages.

Supervisor Mitch Mashburn sided with Whaley — to a point. He drew a sharp analogy: "I would liken this to the planning commission that advises the board now on specifics around land use. They get the first look and they get the first vote. And so I have to ask myself, would it be appropriate for us to put a developer on the planning commission?" He moved to grant the contracted provider a vote, but only during the term of their contract.

Supervisor Wanda Williams pushed back, arguing the Board had been given only one structural option. "We were not provided with all the different options that were available. We were given one option, one option only. We're not provided any other type of other best practices that have been taking place," she said, requesting a county-by-county survey before deciding.

Decisions: The advisory committee composition was deferred on a 3-1 vote (For deferral: 3, Against: 1, Absent: 1), with Supervisor Mashburn casting the lone dissent — he preferred to move forward immediately with the ambulance provider voting rights amendment.

What's next: Staff will compile comparative data on how other California counties structure their EMS advisory committees. The matter returns at a future meeting. Meanwhile, ambulance RFP bids are due June 5.

Three Delta Agencies Present Together for First Time; $29M in Prop 4 Grants on the Horizon

Why it matters: One-third of Solano County lies within the legal Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The joint appearance of all three state Delta agencies signals growing coordination — and major grant funding — on conservation, climate resilience, and community enhancement.

Where things stand: Representatives from the Delta Protection Commission, Delta Stewardship Council, and Delta Conservancy each presented on their missions and projects touching Solano County.

The Delta Protection Commission highlighted the National Heritage Area designation and a passport program with three locations in Solano County. The Delta Stewardship Council outlined its legally enforceable regulations, noting at least eight covered actions in Solano County, including the Lookout Slough project and the Pacific Flyway Center.

Campbell Ingram of the Delta Conservancy drew attention to the agency's track record — $160 million invested in 140 projects over 15 years — and upcoming Proposition 4 funding. "We have a total of $29 million allocated for the Delta Conservancy and Prop 4. I have to say that this is not enough," Ingram said. The $29 million will be split roughly three ways: $8.6 million each for habitat, nature-based solutions, and community enhancement, with solicitations expected to open summer 2026.

Ingram also briefed the Board on nutria control ($10 million invested; the invasive rodent population is being held but not eradicated), AB 2216 to expand the Conservancy's boundary, and SB 872 for Delta levee maintenance funding.

Supervisor Williams encouraged expanding the National Heritage Area passport program in Solano County. "I drove on my first levee on the tour, didn't realize we were. Because in my mind, it was a road, not realizing I was literally on a levee that the Japanese had helped build," she said, urging more public education.

Supervisor Mashburn delivered pointed criticism of the Delta Stewardship Council's handling of the Delta Conveyance Project — the controversial tunnel proposal to reroute Sacramento River water. He challenged the Council's gubernatorial appointees for dismissing all but three of hundreds of public appeals: "That board, just like the water board, is a board that's made up of gubernatorial appointees who, while they are well intentioned, may not necessarily be experts on the Delta. They're just buddies of the governor."

What's next: Local agencies and community organizations should prepare for Prop 4 grant solicitations opening summer 2026.

Sheriff Reveals Stolen Memorial Stars; Arrest Made Within 48 Hours

Why it matters: Bronze stars honoring 21 fallen peace officers were ripped from the county's memorial — apparently for scrap metal value — just days before the annual memorial ceremony. The veterans memorial was also damaged.

Supervisor Mashburn read the Peace Officers Memorial Day resolution. Sheriff Brad DeWall then disclosed the theft, which he said happened roughly two weeks prior. An arrest was made within two days. Community members rallied: one citizen offered to purchase replacement stars, and another offered a $10,000 reward. "I had a community member offer $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of anybody responsible," Sheriff DeWall said. Temporary stars were placed in time for the ceremony.

The sheriff named the three fallen sheriff's deputies honored at the memorial: Hale Humphrey (1963), Jose Cisneros (1985), and John Sandlin (2004). He also announced Dalton Reichen as Deputy of the Year, recognized for leading complex investigations that resulted in 20 arrests and 55 firearms seized.

Decisions: Resolution adopted 4-0 (For: 4, Against: 0, Absent: 1).

Six EMS Heroes Honored, Including Officer Whose 90-Second Tourniquet Saved a Life

For the first time, EMS awards were presented before the Board of Supervisors — a reflection of the county's elevated focus on emergency medical services oversight.

EMS Administrator Benjamin Gammon and Scott Wagness presented six award categories: Dispatcher of the Year (Mia Watson), Law Enforcement Responder (Officer Joseph Ussery, who applied a tourniquet within 90 seconds to an arterial bleed victim), Paramedic of the Year (Jimmy Perry), BLS Provider (Saraly Severa Garcia), Hospital Provider (Dr. J. Peter Zofi, recognized for advancing trauma care and implementing a tranexamic acid IV push protocol), and the Jason Comer Award (Chief Jeremy Langwell, honored for a 35-year career that included COVID vaccine administration).

Decisions: Resolution adopted 4-0 (For: 4, Against: 0, Absent: 1).

Board Adopts SB 707 Remote Access Policy Ahead of Deadline

Why it matters: The policy protects disabled residents, caregivers, and rural communities who rely on remote access to participate in public meetings.

SB 707, enacted in 2025, requires eligible legislative bodies to adopt formal policies by July 1, 2026, addressing disruptions to remote public access during Brown Act meetings. The policy mandates: immediate notification to the chair if remote access is disrupted; suspension of open session; a minimum one-hour recess for good-faith restoration efforts; and a roll-call vote with specific findings before resuming if access cannot be restored. Closed sessions may continue during the recess.

Decisions: Adopted 4-0 (For: 4, Against: 0, Absent: 1).

Four JROTC Programs Honored for 7,700+ Volunteer Hours

Supervisor Mashburn read four resolutions recognizing JROTC programs at Armijo High School (75 cadets, 900+ volunteer hours), Vanden High School (111 cadets, 1,720 hours, Distinguished Unit Award with merit, and a perfect 100% evaluation score), Jesse Bethel High School (97 Navy JROTC cadets, 597 community service hours plus 297 hours supporting school activities), and Fairfield High School (104 cadets, 4,386+ hours). Several Jesse Bethel cadets earned full ROTC scholarships to the University of San Diego and UCLA. Student leaders from each school spoke about personal growth and leadership.

Decisions: Resolutions adopted 4-0 (For: 4, Against: 0, Absent: 1).

Minor Items

• Consent calendar approved 4-0, including $350,000 for prison legal services, $233,000 for property tax refunds, $450,000 for fleet fuel costs, an $85,000 FAA grant, IT contract extensions, and a $5 million BAAQMD grant application for the Rise Vallejo Early Education Center energy upgrades.

• Suisun Valley wine region celebrated after being named the No. 1 wine region in the U.S. in the 2025 USA Today Readers' Choice awards. Third-generation winemaker Ron Lanza of Wooden Valley Winery credited the county's Suisun Valley Strategic Plan, adopted starting in 2008, for the region's resilience amid statewide grape oversupply.

• LGBTQ+ Pride Month resolution adopted 4-0 and Pride flag display authorized. A presenter noted over 425,000 Americans have relocated states since the last election due to declining LGBTQ rights, with many moving to California.

• Memorial Day resolution adopted 4-0. Supervisor Cassandra James introduced the resolution, and Veterans Services Officer Al Sims delivered remarks honoring the county's 28,000+ veterans, Travis Air Force Base, Gold Star families, and 13 service members lost in a recent conflict.

• Three longtime employees honored upon retirement: Charlie Palomeras (36 years, Resource Management), Susan Chimera Kosar (36 years, Health and Social Services), and Horacio Noel Buitrago (25+ years, Auditor-Controller) — a combined 97+ years of county service.

• Ellen Hudson named May 2026 Employee of the Month for her work as Senior Capital Projects Coordinator managing EV charging stations, library remodels, and security upgrades.

• Wildfire resilience planning: Public commenter Karen Young of the Solano Resource Conservation District described a Regional Priority Plan for wildfire resilience across six counties, noting over 30% of the region has burned in the last 10 years.

• Closed session: Labor negotiations; no reportable action.