IHSS Public Authority Advisory Commission

The IHSS Public Authority Advisory Commission is a volunteer advisory board which meets every month to make IHSS program recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. Meetings are open to the public. The commission consists of current and former users of personal assistance services, providers, and persons from existing County advisory bodies. The duties of the Commission (as defined by Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors’ Ordinance #4655 adding Chapter 2.124 of the Santa Cruz County Code entitled “The In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Commission of the County of Santa Cruz”) are to:
 
  • Serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors, as the governing board of the IHSS Public Authority, and any administrative body in the County related to the delivery and administration of the IHSS.
  • Review policies related to the delivery of In-Home Supportive Services and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding any proposed changes.
  • Review pending state and federal legislation that may impact the IHSS program, consumers, and/or providers and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding any proposed changes.
  • Stay informed and educated on In-Home Supportive Services and Public Authority issues.
  • Provide a forum for consumers and providers of personal assistance services, advocates and other interested parties to participate in IHSS policy and program development.

IHSS Advisory Commission By-Laws (PDF, 116 KB)

Advisory Commission Members 
  • Lois Sones, Chair, Representative of Seniors Commission
  • Foster Andersen, Vice Chair, Consumer
  • Stephanie Auld, Consumer
  • Maria Arreola, Provider
  • 4 Vacancies - Consumer
  • 1 Vacancy – Provider
  • 1 Vacancy – Representative of Commission on Disabilities
  • 1 Vacancy - Advocate Organization

IHSS Commission Meetings, Trainings & Presentations

2025 - 2026 Meeting Schedule
IHSS Advisory Commission Meeting are held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Human Services Department, located at 1400 Emeline Ave. (Building K), Room 207, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Meetings are held the 4th Friday of the month unless otherwise noted, and no commission meetings are held in July or December. 
 
CLICK HERE to open the schedule of 2025 - 2026 meetings.
Upcoming Meetings:
  • February 27, 2026
  • March 27, 2026
  • April 24, 2026
Recorded Meetings
NEW! Access a recording of our most recent IHSS Advisory Commission Meetings!
  • CLICK HERE to view/hear the January 23, 2026, IHSS Advisory Commission Meeting
Trainings and Presentations
Note: Schedule subject to change.
Check back here to find information and links to future trainings and presentations as they become available.

IHSS Commission Agendas & Minutes

Agendas
Agendas prior to January of 2025 may be located in Advisory Commission Archives.
 
Minutes
Minutes prior to January of 2025 may be located in Advisory Commission Archives.
 
Please note, some IHSS Advisory Commission Meeting Agenda packets as posted above, contain hyperlinks owned and managed by a third party that HSD cannot repair if or when that link breaks. To access a linked document for any broken links contained therein, please contact the agency of original publication. Thank you.

Contact Us

Office Location
500 Westridge Drive
Watsonville, CA 95076
 
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1300
Santa Cruz, CA 95061
 
Contact and Fax Numbers
Office: (831) 454-4036
Fax: (831) 763-8906
 
Become A Commissioner

Visit the County of Santa Cruz Commissions, Committees, and Advisory Bodies website.

Scheduled Meetings
Unless otherwise specified, regularly scheduled IHSS Advisory Commission meetings are generally held as follows:
  • DAY: Fourth (4th) Friday
  • MONTH: Every month except July and December
  • TIME: 1:00 PM – 3:00PM
  • LOCATION: 1400 Emeline Avenue (Building K), Room 207, Santa Cruz, CA 95060