Board of Supervisors

Chambers

County of El Dorado

330 Fair Lane

Placerville, CA 95667

Minutes - Final

Veterans Affairs Commission

Todd Smith, Vice Chair, District I - Alternate Robert Fischer

Roger Reynolds, Chair, District II - Alternate Donna

Mullens-Becker

Christopher Vinton, District III - Alternate Seth Culver

Ken Welch, District IV - Alternate Tim Thompson

Gary Norton, District V - Alternate Thomas Millham

Jon Brown, VSO, Secretary Ex-Officio

Courtney Frame, Recording Clerk of Veteran Affairs

Commission

Thursday, October 9, 2025

12:00 PM

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

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

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in-person or via Zoom to make a public comment. The public should call into 530-621-7603 or

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PROTOCOLS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

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

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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

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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.

CALL TO ORDER - PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

ROLL CALL

7 -

Present:

Absent:

Commissioner Norton, Commissioner Welch, Alternate Mullens-Becker, Alternate

Fischer, Chair Reynolds, Commissioner Culver and Vice Chair Smith

3 - Alternate Thompson, Commissioner Millham and Commissioner Vinton

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS AND WELCOME

ADOPTION OF AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR

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.

CONSENT CALENDAR

25-1658

Commission to review and approve mileage reimbursement for Veteran

Affairs Commissioners for the month of September 2025.

Attachments: September 2025 MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT

25-1659

Commission to review and approve Veteran Affairs Commission

September 11, 2025 meeting minutes.

Attachments: Draft Minutes Veteran Affairs Commission 9-11-25

A motion to adopt the agenda and approve the consent calendar was made by

Commissioner Smith; seconded by Commissioner Culver.

5 -

Yes:

Commissioner Norton, Commissioner Welch, Chair Reynolds, Commissioner Culver

and Vice Chair Smith

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR

AGENDA ITEMS

25-1660

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.

A motion was made by Commission Culver to hold the November Veteran

Affairs Commission Meeting at the Georgetown VFW Hall; seconded by

Commissioner Smith.

5 -

Yes:

Commissioner Norton, Commissioner Welch, Chair Reynolds, Commissioner Culver

and Vice Chair Smith

25-1661

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.

Attachments:

Proposed Veteran Affairs Commission Meeting Dates and Locations

2026

A motion was made by Commissioner Smith to approve the 2026 Veteran Affairs

Commission meeting locations and dates; seconded by Commissioner Norton.

5 -

Yes:

Commissioner Norton, Commissioner Welch, Chair Reynolds, Commissioner Culver

and Vice Chair Smith

GUEST SPEAKER - VETERAN SPOTLIGHT

25-1662

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.

Attachments: Jakes Journey Home

Public Comment: D. Zelinsky

25-1663

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.

Public Comment: D. Zelinsky

25-1664

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.

EX-OFFICIO REPORT - RECEIVE AND FILE (Brown)

25-1771

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.

Attachments: Veterans Services Ex-officio Report October 2025

COMMITTEE REPORTS - RECEIVE AND FILE

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.

COMMUNICATIONS' REPORTS - RECEIVE AND FILE

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.

•

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.

GOOD OF THE ORDER (COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS)

Commissioner Fischer shared that after attending the El Dorado Food Bank presentation

in August, he accepted their invitation to tour the facility. He was so impressed with the

organization that he signed up to volunteer. His first day was Wednesday, October 8th,

during which he helped prepare 110 boxes of food. Fischer plans to continue volunteering

and will report back on the impactful work the El Dorado Food Bank is doing for the

community.

Commissioner Reynolds encouraged the Commissioners to take on more responsibility

within the various sub-committees. While he acknowledged that everyone has a full plate,

he noted that some Commissioners may be able to take on a few additional tasks. He

also requested that Commissioners meet with their district Supervisors at least once a

month to maintain strong communication. Additionally, Reynolds reminded

Commissioners to notify Courtney Frame in advance of absences to ensure a quorum

can be met. He emphasized that, per the bylaws, excessive absences could result in

removal from their position. Lastly, Reynolds expressed his appreciation for the

Commissioners’ hard work and dedication throughout the year.

OPEN FORUM

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.

Public Comment: K. Adams

25-1772

Attachments:

Public Comment VAC Rcvd 10-9-25

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

ADJOURNMENT - 1:39 PM