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Veterans Affairs Commission

October 9, 2025 ·12:00 PM Final ·330 Fair Lane, Building A Board of Supervisors Chamber Placerville, CA 95667

https://edcgov-us.zoom.us/j/91249101434

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 39 items

  1. 1 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION INSTRUCTIONS: The Commission meeting room will be open to the public. The meeting will continue to be live-streamed via Zoom. By participating in this meeting, you acknowledge that you are being recorded. To observe the live stream of the Commission meeting go to https://edcgov-us.zoom.us/j/91249101434. Members of the public may address the Commission in-person or via Zoom to make a public comment. The public should call into 530-621-7603 or 530-621-7610. The Meeting ID is 9124 910 1434. Please note you will not be able to join the live-stream until the posted meeting start time. If you are joining the meeting via zoom and wish to make a comment on an item, press the "raise hand" button. If you are joining the meeting by phone, press *9 to indicate a desire to make a comment. Speakers will be limited to 3 minutes. Although the County strives to offer remote participation, be advised that remote Zoom participation is provided for convenience only. In the event of a technological malfunction, the only assurance of live comments being received by the Commission is to attend in person. Except for a noticed teleconference meeting, the Commission reserves the right to conduct the meeting without remote access if there is a malfunction. If you choose not to observe the Commission meeting but wish to make a comment on a specific agenda item, please submit your comment in writing. You are encouraged to submit your comment in writing by 4:00 PM on the Tuesday before the meeting to ensure the Commission has adequate time to review. Please submit your comment to the Clerk of the Board at edc.cob@edcgov.us. Your comment will be placed into the record and forwarded to Commission members.
  2. 2 PAGE BREAK
  3. 3 PROTOCOLS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
  4. 4 Public comment will be received at designated periods as called by the Commission Chair. Individuals will have three minutes to address the Commission. Except with the consent of the Commission, individuals shall be allowed to speak to an item only once. Individual Commission members may ask clarifying questions but will not engage in substantive dialogue with persons providing input to the Commission. If a person providing input to the Commission creates a disruption by refusing to follow Commission guidelines, the Commission Chair may take the following actions: Step 1. Request the person adhere to Commission guidelines. If the person refuses, the Commission Chair may turn off the speaker’s microphone. Step 2. If the disruption continues, the Commission Chair may order a recess of the Commission meeting. Step 3. If the disruption continues, the Commission Chair may order the removal of the person from the Commission meeting.
  5. 5 PAGE BREAK
  6. 6 CALL TO ORDER - PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
  7. 7 ROLL CALL
  8. 8 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS AND WELCOME
  9. 9 ADOPTION OF AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
  10. 10 All items on the Consent Calendar are to be approved by one motion unless a Commission member requests separate action on a specific item including moving items to or from the Consent Calendar and adopt the Agenda and the Consent Calendar for discussion. At the appropriate time as called by the Chair, members of the public may make a comment on matters on the Consent Calendar prior to Commission action.
  11. 11 CONSENT CALENDAR
  12. 1. Commission to review and approve mileage reimbursement for Veteran Affairs Commissioners for the month of September 2025. 25-1658
  13. 2. Commission to review and approve Veteran Affairs Commission September 11, 2025 meeting minutes. 25-1659
  14. 14 END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
  15. 15 PAGE BREAK
  16. 16 AGENDA ITEMS
  17. 3. Commission to review and approve an alternate November meeting location. Due to unforeseen construction at the El Dorado Hills Fire Station 85, the Commission will review and vote on an alternative location for the November 2025 meeting. The proposed options are: 1) Georgetown Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 3000 Veterans Way, Georgetown; or 2) Conference Room D, 330 Fair Lane, Placerville; or 3) Board of Supervisors Chambers, 330 Fair Lane, Placerville Jonathan Brown, Veterans Service Officer (VSO), reported that he and Courtney Frame, Administrative Technician for the Veteran Services Office, visited the Georgetown Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Hall and found the space to be sufficient. The only foreseeable issue is that El Dorado County IT would not be available to assist with technical problems. Commissioner Welch noted that parking near the VFW Hall is limited. Brown added that there is additional parking available across the street from the Hall. Commissioner Smith asked whether the District 1 meeting would be moved to December. Frame informed the Commission that El Dorado Hills Fire Station 85 would also be unavailable in December due to a Santa Charity Drive. Frame explained that the Commission is allowed to use the Georgetown VFW Hall up to three times before the location must be approved by the Board of Supervisors for regular use. Commissioner Reynolds reported that the Board of Supervisors requested the Veterans Affairs Commission (VAC) hold at least one meeting in District 4, as he had presented to the Board in August. Commissioner Welch corrected the address for the VFW Hall to 6289 Main Street, Georgetown, CA. 25-1660
  18. 4. Commission to review and approve proposed dates and locations for Veteran Affairs Commission 2026 meetings. Commissioner Reynolds asked about the location for the District 2 meeting. Frame responded that it would be held in Shingle Springs at the El Dorado County Child Support Services office. Frame also informed the Commission that if they were satisfied with the Georgetown VFW Hall, they could potentially return there for the VAC meeting scheduled on May 14th. 25-1661
  19. 19 PAGE BREAK
  20. 20 GUEST SPEAKER - VETERAN SPOTLIGHT
  21. 5. Jeanne Shuman from Jake's Journey Home to provide an overview of the organization and how they help to serve the veteran community. Shuman reported that Jake's Journey Home was created to honor her two sons, Jake and Joey, who passed away. She started small, making blankets and tote bags with the message: “Made with love from Jake's Journey Home.” Shuman delivered hundreds of these hygiene totes to homeless veterans and veteran communities. She now works with various organizations across California to support homeless veterans. In the first seven months of 2025, Shuman reported that they housed 26 individuals, conducted 7,235 field interactions, and delivered 10,647 comprehensive services. Currently, Shuman operates out of the Veterans Memorial Building (VMB) and has received grants from Endow El Dorado, the Irma D. Anderson Family Fund, and the El Dorado County Veteran Affairs Transient Occupancy Tax (VA TOT) mini-grant program. The organization has made significant progress in helping homeless veterans in El Dorado County. Shuman emphasized the community can contribute by volunteering their time and skills, donating to support outreach efforts, and advocating for policies and programs that assist voiceless, underserved, underrepresented, and unhoused individuals. She also announced a volunteer gathering scheduled for November 15th and encouraged anyone interested to participate. Additionally, Shuman reported they are working closely with the Probation and District Attorney’s Offices in Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado Counties. 25-1662
  22. 6. Snowline Hospice to provide an overview of the organization and how they help to serve the veteran community. Bill Wiedemann from Snowline Hospice shared that the organization offers several programs to support different members of the community. These include Snowline Health, Hospice Care, and an Elder Care Program designed to assist seniors while they continue living in their homes. Additionally, Snowline operates several thrift stores throughout El Dorado County. Founded in 1979, Snowline Hospice is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing comfort, care, and support to those in need. Wiedemann noted that they partner with the VA and other organizations to assist veterans. Volunteers often spend time with veterans, listening to their stories and offering companionship. Snowline Hospice Thrift Stores provide discounts for veterans, and if a veteran is in need of a specific item, the store will offer it free of charge. The organization also hosts an annual Stand Down event, where they distribute coats to veterans-last year, they gave away over 200 coats to those in need. Each November, Snowline holds a fundraising event for veterans, with proceeds benefiting the El Dorado County Veterans Alliance. The organization also receives an annual grant from the VA TOT to help support its veteran outreach. On average, Snowline Hospice is able to assist approximately 54 veterans in El Dorado County each year. 25-1663
  23. 7. Work for Warriors to provide an overview of the organization and how they help to serve the veteran community. Work for Warriors was not in attendance to provide an overview of the organization and how they help to serve the veteran community. 25-1664
  24. 24 EX-OFFICIO REPORT - RECEIVE AND FILE (Brown)
  25. 25 PAGE BREAK
  26. 26 COMMITTEE REPORTS - RECEIVE AND FILE
  27. 27 • TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) (Reynolds) - Commissioner Mullens-Becker reported that she had assisted Guns Up! with the Ducks Unlimited Group in both Yuba City and Placerville. She also shared that the VA TOT Committee met earlier that morning and confirmed there will not be a second round of TOT Mini-Grants through the El Dorado Community Foundation. Instead, the TOT Committee plans to propose a one-time donation of $75,000 to the Senior Nutrition Program at the November VAC meeting. This donation aims to support services for veterans in need and reduce the remaining funds currently held at the El Dorado Community Foundation. Timalynn Jaynes, Assistant Director of Human Services at the Health and Human Services Agency, provided a spreadsheet detailing the number of veterans receiving meals through the Senior Nutrition Program to Commissioner Mullens-Becker. The program estimates it is serving 73 veterans at congregate meal sites and 123 veterans through the home delivered meal program each week. If the VAC approves the donation, it will then be presented to the Board of Supervisors for final approval following the November meeting. • RULES (Welch) - Commissioner Welch stated there was nothing to report. • HOUSING (Welch) - Commissioner Welch reported that he was invited to an event celebrating the recent construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Sacramento. He noted that, at this time, there is no active movement or development of ADUs in El Dorado County. • LEGISLATIVE (Smith) - Commissioner Smith stated there was nothing to report. • TRANSPORTATION (Thompson) - Whalen reported that EDVR currently has a few drivers available to provide transportation for veterans in need. The organization receives approximately four to five ride requests each week and is operating with a small team of dedicated drivers. • BUDGET (Reynolds/Mullens-Becker) - Commissioner Reynolds reported that the budget was covered by the VA TOT report. • EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT (Mullens-Becker) - Commissioner Mullens-Becker announced her intention to step down from the Education and Employment Subcommittee of VAC. She shared that she is currently unable to dedicate the level of attention the subcommittee deserves and hopes another member will be able to take on the role and contribute with greater focus and effort. • OUTREACH (Reynolds) - Commissioner Reynolds reported that he is collaborating with Lynette Stott, Deputy Director of the Health and Human Services Agency, to manage the Veterans Affairs Commission’s Facebook and Instagram pages. He expressed interest in linking the two accounts to streamline posting across platforms. Reynolds also shared that he plans to work with Jeanne Shuman from Jake's Journey Home to help connect and coordinate the two social media accounts when he has the opportunity.
  28. 28 COMMUNICATIONS' REPORTS - RECEIVE AND FILE
  29. 29 • VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING (VMB) – VETERANS HOUSE COUNCIL (Reynolds) - Commissioner Reynolds reported that the VMB House Council met on September 4th. Diane Muirhead, Treasurer of the House Council, stated that their current budget is $5,452.99 and that they are working on obtaining a reimbursement through their insurance policy. Muirhead requested a motion to amend the list of building improvements to reflect the correct amount allocated for the build-out in the Veteran Services Office. Reynolds also reported that the VMB passed the Health Inspection, although a few items require attention, such as replacing toilet paper and adjusting the vents above the stove. Building Manager Joe Thuesen will follow up on the status of the Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for the facility. Finally, Reynolds shared that Commander MacAdams of Post 10165 wants to review the El Dorado County’s policy regarding the selection process for the Veteran Affairs Commission. McAdams feels that the authority has been removed from the veteran organizations, and MacAdams requested that this issue be added to the House Council agenda for review and discussion at future meetings. • AMERICAN LEGION SERVICE OFFICER (Zelinsky) - Zelinsky reported that one of the homeless veterans he has been working with to enter a recovery program has decided that the program would not meet his needs. Zelinsky is now collaborating with El Dorado County Probation and the veteran’s VA social worker, Leah Reeves, to identify a more suitable option. Next, Zelinsky shared that another homeless veteran he was assisting successfully connected with the VA in Mather and now has room and board secured for the next four months. Next, Zelinsky reported that a veteran was recently transported from the Navigation Center to Victory Village in Jackson, but the arrangement is not working due to the veteran’s lifestyle. The veteran is not interested in participating in any type of rehabilitation program and may end up back on the street. Next, Zelinsky reported that a veteran who graduated from Veterans Court is currently struggling with their mental health. He is attempting to initiate a conservatorship for the veteran, although the individual is resistant to receiving help. Lastly, Zelinsky reported that he was able to help a veteran’s daughter reunite with her phone. EDVR and the Military Family Support Group (MFSG) also assisted in getting her shelter for the night. • EDC VETERANS ALLIANCE - Jack Babbitt reported that the El Dorado County Veterans Monument Veterans Day Memorial would be on Tuesday, November 11th at 11 AM. The theme of the memorial will be the 250th Anniversary of the Army, Navy, and the Marine Corps. Babbitt reported there might be a flyover, and they would announce veteran/service support person of the year. The next El Dorado County Veterans Alliance meeting would be on Tuesday, October 14th at 8 AM at the VMB. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. Next, Babbitt reported the Veterans Alliance is working on improvements for the Veterans Monument. They hope to add a worlds map in the Honor Circle, but are still in the planning phase. Lastly, Babbitt reported the updated Veterans Monument Criteria is in the process of being completed with a few specific items being corrected.
  30. 29 PAGE BREAK
  31. 30 GOOD OF THE ORDER (COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS)
  32. 31 OPEN FORUM
  33. 31 VSO Brown reported that he and Sharon Neu, Veterans Service Representative (VSR) II, would be attending the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers (CACVSO) conference from October 19th to 24th. Next, Brown reported that the Veteran Services Office would be participating in the El Dorado Veteran Resources (EDVR) Veteran Appreciation Halloween BBQ on Friday, October 31st, from 11 AM to 1 PM. Next, Brown reported that he was invited to tour Hearts Landing Ranch on Friday, October 3rd. He found the tour inspiring, noting how quickly the animals formed deep connections with people. Hearts Landing Ranch uses a specialized, ground-based approach to equine therapy that facilitates new and effective ways to communicate, build trust, and address personal struggles. The combination of a peaceful, natural ranch setting and the guidance of mental health professionals, in conjunction with equine specialists, creates a highly supportive experience. Next, Brown reported that following the last Veterans Affairs Commission (VAC) meeting, he planned to visit the Georgetown Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Hall. He toured the facility with Courtney Frame and they determined that the location would be suitable for hosting a future VAC meeting. Next, Brown reported that for the month of September, the Veteran Services Office recorded 125 walk-in visitors, 108 scheduled appointments, and 292 incoming phone calls. Lastly, Brown noted that Tisha Holy, VSR II, continues to provide services to clients in South Lake Tahoe. 25-1771
  34. 32 Open Forum is an opportunity for members of the public to address the Veteran Affairs Commission on subject matter that is not on their meeting agenda and within their jurisdiction. Public comments during Open Forum are limited to three minutes per person. The Commission Chair may limit public comment during Open Forum.
  35. 33 NEXT MEETING LOCATION, DATE & TIME November 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM 6289 Main Street Georgetown Veterans of Foreign War Post 9241 Georgetown, CA 95634
  36. 34 ADJOURNMENT - 1:39 PM
  37. 35 PAGE BREAK
  38. 38 • VA VET CENTER/MILITARY FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP/EL DORADO VETERAN RESOURCES (Whalen) - Whalen reported that MFSG and EDVR would be holding a meeting on October 9th at 6 PM at the VMB. He also shared that their organization has an abundance of food and donated clothing available for veterans in need. Lastly, Whalen mentioned they are working toward becoming fully staffed so they can take the Vet Center Van to more locations for outreach. • REGIONAL VETERAN EVENTS - Whalen reported that the VMB House Council will meet on Thursday, October 9th at 6 PM. Next, Whalen reported that the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Poker Run will take place on Saturday, October 11th from 8:30 AM to 12 PM at the Folsom Harley Store. Next, Whalen reported that the Mission to Honor event will be held at Foothills Church in Cameron Park on Friday, October 17th from 10 AM to 2 PM. Next, Whalen reported that the Nevada City Stand Up for Vets event will run from Sunday, October 17th to Monday, October 18th, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Nevada City Elks Lodge. Next, Whalen reported that on Saturday, October 25th, the Okinawa Armory will host a Trunk or Treat from 1 PM to 4 PM. Next, Whalen reported on Wednesday, October 29th, AARP will participate in the Sacramento State Resource Fair from 10 AM to 2 PM. Lastly, Whalen reported that EDVR will host a Veterans Appreciation Halloween BBQ at the VMB from 11 AM to 1 PM.
  39. 39 PAGE BREAK