The County of Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, the County Executive Office and County Department Directors remain committed to equal opportunity despite growing confusion surrounding such terms as equal opportunity, affirmative action, harassment and non-discrimination.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is a body of laws and practices that allow all persons to work and advance on the basis of their merit, ability and potential and equally receive public services. The County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors strives to ensure the County is in compliance with state, local and federal laws and policies related to EEO. The Board of Supervisors consistently continues to work toward eliminating harassment and discrimination in the workplace and the community by promoting equality and diversity.

The Board of Supervisors has assigned the responsibility of ensuring compliance of laws and diversity efforts to the County Executive Officer. This responsibility was allocated to the Office of the EEO Manager who conducts countywide investigations, seminars and trainings in compliance with federal, state and local laws. These trainings provide information regarding the County’s legal responsibility to comply with such laws pertaining to EEO issues. Mandatory training is provided for County managers, leads, and supervisors every 2 years to maintain compliance with California State Law AB 1825. Training is also provided for non-supervisory staff on a monthly and quarterly basis.

All county staff are encouraged to bring questions and concerns to the EEO Office where staff has been trained to facilitate resolutions, investigate unlawful complaints and make appropriate referrals to other department agencies or organizations. The EEO Office also provides administrative support to the Commission for Women (link http://www.countyofsb.org/cfw/index.html), assists with countywide diversity efforts and partakes in the County Cultural Recognition Program.

The County of Santa Barbara respects and values a diverse workforce and strongly promotes strategies and activities to recruit, develop and retain qualified men and women of varied backgrounds, lifestyles, experiences and races.