Data center letter ratification (Item 19)

Criticized the county's letter to Senator Padilla, saying the data center project bypassed CEQA, that the developer lacks experience and credibility, and urged the Board to move the item from consent to action and start a real dialogue.

Asked the Board to address Senator Padilla's concerns in the letter, put a data center item on a future agenda for open comment, and make their position on the project known — saying silence looks like enabling it.

Drawing on his air pollution control board service, said the issue is a failure to communicate and suggested adding CEO communications to the timeline privately as an olive branch.

Respectfully asked that item 19 be pulled from consent and made an action item so the public can comment, saying she stayed up until 1 a.m. wondering if her business will survive.

Challenged the letter's claim that the county didn't solicit the data center project, citing Tim Kelly's earlier statements at the podium and questioning where the RFP was; a heated exchange with Supervisor Kelley followed.

Said ratifying the letter sends a clear message to residents and asked the Board simply to align with the county's own adopted health and safety standards; urged them not to ratify.