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First District Supervisor Das Williams — County Budget Funds Bluffs Preservation, Homelessness Reduction, and More

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

County Budget Continues Our Momentum

This week the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt the 2024-2025 County Budget. Due to rising costs and lingering State budget challenges, we took a tough approach this year to limit new expenditures. Despite that, this budget contains a remarkable trend against borrowing from our future. That means continuing to fund our roads to maintain the quality index, continuing homelessness reduction programs, and investing in technology and environmental preservation initiatives to move us closer to meeting climate change goals. Making progress on all of these things will take more than just a couple years of work; they require sustained efforts. Check out the video above to see some of the highlights of the Budget.

County Funding Secured to Assist in Preserving the Carpinteria Bluffs

Like many of you, I attended the Carpinteria Architectural Review Board hearing in January to demonstrate my concern with the proposal to build a large resort on some of the last remaining coastal open space in our community. My office made a request to allocate funding towards preserving the bluffs by purchasing the property for the public. I am happy to report that this past Tuesday, an$800,000 contribution was unanimously approved as a part of the County’s 2024-2025 Budget. Thank you to the Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs for your advocacy and stewardship of this important coastal land that is so special to our community.

Learn More about Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs

Pet Safety During 4th of July

It is a saddening reality that the summer fireworks fuelled festivities can be a scary time for our pets. Did you know that County Animal Services sees more lost pets coming into their shelters this time of the year than any other? Their team has put together some great tips to keep your pets safe over the next month.

Check your gates/fence – Ensure that you patrol your property to verify that all gates are locked and secure. Inspect for any loose fence posts and examine your livestock gates as well.

Check the chip/tag – Make sure to check your pet’s chip and tag to confirm that all information is updated. If your pet is not microchipped, you can visit SB County Animal Services or your veterinarian to have it done. Additionally, if your livestock are frightened by fireworks, ensure they are tagged to aid in reunification.

Give them distractions – To help your pets cope with the noise of fireworks, bring them indoors and offer them a variety of distractions such as toys, treats, puzzles, and soothing music.

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Free Summer Bike Safety Session

Volunteers Needed for Restorative Justice Program

The Neighborhood Restorative Justice Program needs volunteers! The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office expanded the Neighborhood Restorative Justice Program to all cities countywide in January 2024 and is looking for community-driven individuals who want to be part of a change in their community. The Neighborhood Restorative Justice Program aims to divert low-level misdemeanor offenders from entering into the criminal justice system by utilizing restorative justice practices. For more information and to apply as a volunteer, visit the District Attorney’s website, or email the program at SBDANeighborhoodRJP@co.santabarbara.ca.us

More Information

Aid Needed for Ukraine

I’ve been working with one of our local heroes, Nadi Lyhitchenko, to gather medical supply aid donations for Ukraine. As many of you know the civilian casualties as a result of Russia’s war are at the highest level in nearly a year. Nadia flew out to Poland to deliver these supplies herself last Sunday. If you or anyone you know has medical supplies that can be donated, please contact my office and we can help get them to the right place. You can also donate to Drones 2 Ukraine, an initiative a friend and I started at the onset of the war that can help get Ukraine with tools to reduce the use of live soldiers for reconnaissance, keeping them out of harm’s way.

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Das Around Town