Board proclaims July Disability Pride Month and recognizes Probation Services Week

The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors adopted a proclamation declaring July 2026 Disability Pride Month and a separate resolution recognizing July 19–25 as Probation Services Week.

Rita Casaverde of the county Diversity Coalition thanked the board for the Disability Pride Month proclamation, called it "especially meaningful" because the meeting included Zoom access, and invited residents to a July 20 hybrid event on disability access and awareness. Jerry Meehite of Access Central Coast, noting his organization’s 50th anniversary, thanked county partners and highlighted services for people with disabilities.

During virtual public comment, Jennifer Chastis Brown and John Lee, both people with disabilities, praised the proclamation and urged continued inclusion and authentic accessibility.

On probation, Chief Probation Officer Tom Mylder said the department employs about 160 professionals, noted that the majority of staff have college degrees, and highlighted program metrics in the staff resolution: the department reported serving roughly 575 people through mobile and housing programs in FY25‑26 with a claimed success rate of over 90% for those assisted. The board viewed a short video summarizing probation’s role in pretrial services, supervision and rehabilitative programs.

Board members thanked advocacy groups and probation staff for their work and encouraged continued partnership to expand accessibility and services. The proclamations passed during the meeting on the board’s consent/presentation calendar.