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First District Supervisor Das Williams — Keep Fighting For Our Planet

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2024 • Comments Off

Keep Fighting For Our Planet

You may have heard the news that Sable (formerly Exxon) has out-maneuvered the County in the oil pipeline dispute by revising its plans to move the safety valves underground, and outside of our jurisdiction. This will likely lead to a restarting of offshore oil drilling at the Santa Ynez Unit off of Gaviota.

Those of us who were here during the Refugio Oil Spill in 2015 know what is now at stake, and how deeply terrifying that news is.

Das speaking at a press conference following the 2015 Refugio Oil Spill.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to some of the most talented environmental and legal minds in the world, who valiantly defended the Board of Supervisors’ de facto denial of Exxon’s permit. This is a fight I would gladly take on again any day of the week. That’s why 10 years ago, I wrote the State law that would become the basis for the County’s denial of Exxon’s permit. I still believe the cost of facing Big Oil in court is far less than that of climate change-causing emissions, and their permanent damage to our environment.

I have heard the discouragement of some that the momentum we have had since 2015 at holding Big Oil accountable may be fading. My message to you is this: Don’t get mad, get even. Do everything in your power to reduce the power oil companies have over us. How?

Drive less or take the bus
Buy or lease an Electric Vehicle
Ride a bike or walk to work
Get an electric water heater or get a home battery
Support affordable housing

And don’t forget to keep using your voice. That is what democracy is all about. This will not be the last fight.

Be a part of climate change solutions

Community Environmental Council:

Navigating EV Roadblocks

Learn why now is a great time to lease or purchase an EV. We’ll address the most common concerns that keep people on the fence, including:

Navigating incentives and rebates
Understanding lease agreements
Finding the right charging solution
Buying a used EV

Monday, September 30, 2024

6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Via Zoom

Central Coast Community Energy (3CE)

Electrifyze

Learn about EV basics, range, charging, and estimate the costs.

Learn tips and tricks to navigate EV buying like a pro, with info on incentives, out the door costs, and how to find the best deal.

Estimate Your Cost

Red Flag Warning and Heat Advisory Issued

A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Los Angeles, effective from 12 PM Thursday Afternoon through 10 PM Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. This warning comes as a result of anticipated extreme heat, dry conditions, and gusty Sundowner winds that are expected to affect the foothills and mountains of southern Santa Barbara County.

As a result of this weather alert, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department prepositioned a helicopter and hand crew for 24 hours today.

Residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their properties.

By now you probably know that hot & windy conditions are taking place across our region this week. Strong winds across the county are possible. The forecast includes higher temperatures for mountain and coastal areas. Below you will find some hot weather resources.

Community Cooling Relief

Cuyama Valley Family Resource Center

4689 Highway 166, New Cuyama, CA, 93254

(805) 345-1961

Hours of Operations:

Wednesday (9/4): 9am-4pm

Thursday (9/5): 9am-6pm

Friday (9/6): 9am-4pm

Saturday (9/7): 10am-6pm

Cuyama Branch Library

Address: 4689 Highway 166, New Cuyama, CA, 93254

(661) 766-2490

Hours of Operations:

Monday and Wednesday: 2pm-6pm

Friday: 3pm-6pm

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday: Closed

Carpinteria City Hall

5775 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013

(805) 684-540

Hours of Operations:

Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Carpinteria Community Library

5141 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013

(805) 684-4314

Hours of Operations:

Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Santa Barbara Central Library

40 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

(805) 962-7653

Hours of Operations:

Monday-Thursday: 10am-7pm

Friday-Saturday: 10am-5pm

Sunday: 12am-5pm

Goleta Valley Library

500 North Fairview Avenue, Goleta, CA, 93117

(805) 964-7878

Hours of Operations:

Tuesday-Thursday: 10am-7pm

Friday-Saturday: 10am-5:30pm

Sunday: 1pm-5pm

Monday: Closed

Learn More

International Overdose Awareness Day

I had the heavy honor of speaking at the FamilesAct! Overdose Awareness Day vigil last Saturday.

Like many of us, I have members of my family who have struggled with addiction. This experience has shifted the lives of our family forever

I know the feeling of driving someone who has overdosed to the Emergency Room, and praying that they will make it out alive.

In 2018 the County joined a massive lawsuit against opioid distributors and producers. When we got into this lawsuit, it was never just about the money for me. It was about attempting to extract some measure of justice from the companies that have pushed this poison into our communities. That said, I am proud to report that in 2022, the lawsuit was settled, and the county is set to receive 1.6 million per year for the next 15 years.

We plan to utilize these funds to reduce the harm that addictive substances, both illegal and legal, have inflicted on our community. This includes expanding the Behavioral Wellness department’s sobering center and sober living beds. and getting substance use treatment to those who are in our jails sooner, rather than later.

Emergency Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month! Just this year we have already experienced a number of emergencies, including the Lake Fire and Winter storms. Now is a great time to take steps to be better ready for future emergencies. Here are some helpful tips from the County Office of Emergency Management:

Make or Update Your Disaster Plan: Creating a disaster plan is as easy as having a conversation with your household about what you will do before, during, and after an emergency. Having discussions will empower your family to take control of their safety and survival during a disaster.
Build or Refresh Your Disaster Supply Kit: Tailor your disaster supply kit to your household. Be sure to include basic items your household may need as well as any items for household members with medical needs or comfort items for kids. Make it an activity with your loved ones and see how many items you can find around your home and place in a bin in five minutes.
Make Sure Your Pets Are Included: Although we can’t talk through our family’s emergency plan with our pets, it is still important to include them in your planning. Remember to plan for your large animals, including transportation and sheltering in the event of an evacuation.
Meet Your Neighbors: During a disaster, knowing your neighbors and any special considerations they may have can be lifesaving.
Sign Up For ReadySBC Alerts or Update Your Contact Information: To receive these emergency notifications from the County, you must sign up for alerts. If you’re already signed up, confirm or update your account information this month. Be sure to spell out your entire street address, this is a common reason that community members don’t receive alerts. If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.
Get Familiar With ReadySBC.org: Learn more about local hazards and how to best prepare for yourself and your loved ones.
Follow the County Office of Emergency Management on social media: During National Preparedness Month, we’ll be sharing information about preparing for specific types of emergencies. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook at @SBCountyOEM.