How to speak at a Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors meeting about jail issues (in person, by phone, or in writing)

You can submit written public comments either at the meeting or by email to BoardOperations@cob.sccgov.org. If you can't attend, send your comment in writing - written comments get distributed to the Board as quickly as possible. One thing to know: it can take up to one business day for documents to appear on the agenda outline, so don't worry if what you emailed isn't visible right away.

Speaking in Chambers? You'll need to turn in a Request to Speak Form before public comment starts for the agenda item you want to address. Timing is key: submit the form before public comment opens on that specific item, not once discussion is underway. For Consent Calendar items, get your form in before the call for public comment on the Consent Calendar.

To participate by phone, call (669) 900-6833 and enter Webinar ID 824 2647 5160# when prompted. Write that Webinar ID down before the meeting starts - it makes the call-in process much less stressful, especially if you're in a noisy place or juggling other things.

1. Dial in to the meeting - Call (669) 900-6833.
2. Enter the Webinar ID - When prompted, enter 824 2647 5160#.
3. Request to speak - Press *9 on your phone keypad to signal you want to make a public comment.
4. Unmute when prompted - When it’s your turn, press *6 to unmute.

Joining remotely through a web browser? Use a current version of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. Santa Clara County specifies that your browser should be within two versions of the latest update. If yours is behind, update it before you join so you don't lose key features mid-meeting.

Public comment time is limited, and the limit depends on how many people want to speak (unless the Board President says otherwise). Ten or fewer speakers? Two minutes each. Eleven to twenty speakers? One minute each. Twenty-one or more? Thirty seconds per person. Plan your jail-related point to land fast.

If you use an interpreter or translator, the Board provides at least twice the allotted speaking time. The exception: when simultaneous translation equipment is used, the double-time provision doesn't apply the same way. If interpretation helps you communicate clearly, arrange for it so you can use your time effectively.

If you need ADA accommodations for a meeting, notify the Office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors at least 24 hours before the meeting. You can do that by calling (408) 299-5001 or emailing BoardOperations@cob.sccgov.org.

Quick Checklist

• ✓ If you’re submitting a written comment, email it to BoardOperations@cob.sccgov.org (and remember posting to the agenda outline may take up to one business day)
• ✓ If you’re calling in, have (669) 900-6833 and Webinar ID 824 2647 5160# ready
• ✓ If you’re joining by browser, use Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari within two versions of the latest update
• ✓ Write your remarks to fit the standard time limit (two minutes for 10 or fewer speakers; one minute for 11–20; thirty seconds for 21+)
• ✓ If you need ADA accommodations, contact the Clerk at least 24 hours in advance at (408) 299-5001 or BoardOperations@cob.sccgov.org