Borges Elected Board Chair for Second Consecutive Term

by ROGER GITLIN, Eye on Del Norte

At its first meeting of January 2026, the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors selected its leadership for the coming year, electing a Chair and Vice Chair as its first order of business.

Supervisor Chris Howard nominated Joey Borges to serve a second consecutive one-year term as Board Chair. The nomination was approved unanimously by the Board.

Howard also nominated Darrin Short to serve as Vice Chair. That nomination was likewise approved unanimously.

Second District Supervisor Valerie Starkey was not nominated for either leadership position. Starkey has served on the Board for six years.

Following the leadership elections, the Board proceeded with its regular agenda. The Consent Calendar passed unanimously.

Borges has indicated his intention to seek re-election and is expected to file candidacy paperwork in the near future.

Public comment during the meeting focused on several community concerns. Speakers raised issues regarding speeding and traffic safety, including a hazardous stretch of U.S. Highway 101 in Smith River. Other comments addressed federal immigration enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with residents expressing differing viewpoints.

The remainder of the meeting consisted of routine business.