To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Resources Department
Staff Name and Phone Number: Janell Crane, 707-565-2885
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Approve the following updates to the Civil Service Commission membership:
A) Appointment of Scott Alonso to serve a term of four years beginning August 18, 2026, and ending August 18, 2030. (Countywide)
B) Reappointment of Patricia Sabo for a term of four years beginning September 19, 2026, and ending September 19, 2030. (Countywide)
End
Executive Summary:
The Board of Supervisors are responsible for appointments to over 75 Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces. Vacancies and upcoming expiring appointments are posted on the County’s list of Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces website: <https://sonoma-county.granicus.com/boards/w/808bd6e42edf8e0f>.
Rule 50 of the Board Rules of Procedures states that the Clerk of the Board shall convene staff to review prospective countywide appointments and make appointment recommendations to the Board. The current item recommends the appointment of Scott Alonso and reappointment of Patricia Sabo to the Civil Service Commission.
Discussion:
The Civil Service Commission oversees the County personnel system and, in this capacity, prescribes, amends, and enforces the Civil Service Rules, makes determinations on classification study recommendations presented by Human Resources staff, and makes final decisions on appeals involving alleged improper action or the denial of any rights provided by the Civil Service Ordinance and Civil Service Rules. This includes appeals of classification, examination procedures, layoff administration, and disciplinary actions. The Civil Service Commission is comprised of five members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, each serving a four-year term.
Earlier this year, a seat on the Commission became vacant due to a resignation. The term of another Commissioner, Patricia Sabo, expires this September. Once the first seat became vacant, the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors publicly noticed the vacancy on the Board of Supervisors Boards and Commissions website, <https://sonoma-county.granicus.com/boards/w/808bd6e42edf8e0f>.
Staff received a total of four applications from interested parties to be considered for the two seats. Three of the applicants were determined to be qualified. The fourth applicant was ineligible for further consideration as they were a current County employee. Human Resources staff met with the three qualified applicants to discuss their interest. Their applications were then forwarded to the Chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors for consideration.
This item recommends the appointment of Scott Alonso and the reappointment of Patricia Sabo to the Civil Service Commission, for four-year terms, respectively.
Mr. Alonso has worked in public service since 2013 in various capacities with the County of Sonoma, City of Santa Rosa, and the California State Assembly, where he currently works as the District Director for Assemblymember Chris Rogers. When he was at the City of Santa Rosa, Mr. Alonso served on his union’s labor bargaining committee, Teamsters Local 856, where he helped negotiate a new three-year contract for their bargaining unit. In addition, Mr. Alonso has served in a variety of positions with a number of local boards and committees including, but not limited to, the Sonoma County Tourism Board, City of Petaluma Planning Committee, Petaluma People Services Center Board of Directors, Sonoma County Public Library Foundation Board of Directors, Measure Y Citizens’ Oversight Committee, and the City of Petaluma Animal Services Advisory Committee.
Ms. Sabo is a retired public schoolteacher and has served on the Civil Service Commission since 2014. During her teaching career, she served as President and Chief Negotiator of the Healdsburg Area Teachers’ Association.
Prior Board Actions:
July 22, 2014 (item 45) - Appointment of Patricia Sabo
February 26, 2019 (item 34) - Reappointment of Patricia Sabo
September 20, 2022 (item 19) - Reappointment of Patricia Sabo - File Number 2022-0962 <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5837623&GUID=9EF36FB5-6C93-4CCC-8742-AD0E951608C1&Options=&Search=>
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
A) Applications Recommended for Appointment
B) Applications Not Recommended for Appointment
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
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