The Kern County Board of Supervisors delayrd a vote Tuesday on an occupancy agreement for the Family Justice Center after state conflict-of-interest laws forced two members to recuse themselves, leaving the board without a quorum.
The County’s potential contract with Bakersfield Recovery Services comes after the Kern County District Attorney’s Office controversially terminated its deal with the Open Door Network.
The backstory: Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer terminated the county’s deal with the Open Door Network over the domestic violence nonprofit’s chief speaking out regarding the case involving Zimmer’s nephew, former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner.
The Open Door Network was contracted with the Kern County District Attorney’s Office to provide assistance to crime and domestic violence victims through the Family Justice Center.
State prosecutors had charged Scrivner with child abuse and possessing assault weapons. They accused Scrivner of getting into bed with one of his children and touching the child inappropriately. The California Department of Justice has appealed the diversion.
Scrivner was granted a mental health diversion last year by a Kern County judge. All charges will be dropped against him if he completes the diversion program.
Skidmore has been outspoken as part of her organization’s advocacy, including an appearance in Sacramento last month standing alongside Scrivner’s wife and one of his children in support of a bill that would change who can receive mental health diversions to avoid prosecution.
Lack of quorum: Supervisors Phillip Peters and Leticia Perez remained after their colleagues stepped aside due to potential conflicts. The pair received campaign contributions from Bakersfield Recovery Services in excess of the state’s $500 contribution limit as allowed by its pay-to-play law.
The recusals reduced the five-member board to just two voting members—short of the minimum needed to proceed.
Supervisor David Couch wasn’t in attendance at Tuesday’s Supervisor meeting.
What’s next: The Bakersfield Recovery Services contract will return for consideration during the Board’s April 14 meeting.