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First District Supervisor Das Williams — Remembering Those We Have Lost

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2024 • Comments Off

Not One More

2014

2024

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since our community was struck by a tragic mass killing in Isla Vista. This is a time to remember those we lost: George Chen, Chengyuan “James” Hong, Weihan “David” Wang, Katherine Breann Cooper, Christopher Ross Michaels-Martinez, and Veronika Elizabeth Weiss. Yesterday, the community gathered together once more as we did after that fateful night in their memory. For the families of the six who were killed, the residents of IV, and the emergency personnel first on the scene, this was a traumatic and unimaginable experience.

In 10 years time, our world has changed a great deal. While our society has made strides in combatting hate, there has also been a sharp rise in violence by those who are acting on their hatred. And since May 23, 2014, there have been 4,769 more mass shootings across our nation.

The good news is we can all be a part of the solution. When Senator Nancy Skinner and I wrote California’s “red flag law” in 2014, we could not have foreseen just how critical these gun violence restraining orders would become to preventing gun violence. Studies show that in just the first four years, they prevented as many as 58 mass shootings.

But where we still have a long way to go is improving the rates of close family members and acquaintances who are utilizing these lifesaving orders.

If you know someone or come into contact with people who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others with a gun, you should know what options you have. You can learn more and find valuable resources below, and at SpeakForSafety.org.

What Can I Do?

Select a category that best fits your personal or professional situation:

Teachers/School Employees

Law Enforcement

Veterans

Families and Households

Attorneys

Health Providers

Commemorating Memorial Day

As we observe Memorial Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the reality that the triumph of democracy and freedom is not inevitable. It remains alive today because of the sacrifice of countless human beings. Many generations of Americans have indeed made the ultimate sacrifice, often going to foreign places far from home and giving their lives. But sacrifice is also something a whole society does in order to achieve great things. Please take this weekend as a time to remember those who have given their lives for our way of life, and join local community groups this coming Monday at an observance ceremony.

Carpinteria Lions Club Memorial Day Observance

Monday, May 27 at 10:00 AM

Carpinteria Cemetary, 1501 Cravens Lane, Carpinteria, CA

Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649 Memorial Day Ceremony

Monday, May 27th at 11:00 AM

Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara, CA

Addressing the Root Causes of Crime

We need to ensure our investments in public safety address the root causes of crime. As the Board of Supervisors’ representative on the Community Corrections Partnership, I was proud to support a Public Safety Realignment Plan that invests in programs that will make our community safer. This planincludes an expansion of mental health treatment beds for people who would otherwise be languishing in our jail, without the proper supports they need to heal. It also includes funding for the District Attorney, Public Defender, and Probation Department to enhance their efforts to divert non-violent offenders and rehabilitate them in the community. These programs have the primary goal of addressing the root causes of safety issues and reducing the likelihood that an individual will commit another crime.

New Funding for Carpinteria Bike/Pedestrian Trail

This month, the County Board of Supervisors approved funding for the Franklin Creek Trail Improvements project in Carpinteria. Over $570,000 was allocated to advance the project, which is being led by the City of Carpinteria. This project is taking the existing trail and improving the connections along routes that kids take to get to Aliso Elementary school, and putting in accessible pavement, and new fencing. In addition to being fun for the whole family, bike and pedestrian trail projects like this are an important component of our strategy to reduce regional traffic congestion.

Joining Supervisor Joan Hartmann in Carpinteria for the CycleMAYnia Mayor’s Ride. Credit: SBCAG & Ingrid Bostrom

101 Construction Update

Montecito

Crews will pour concrete in the median and continue retaining wall work at the southbound off-ramp at San Ysidro Rd. Side supports (abutments) and back walls are being constructed for the Romero and Oak Creek bridges. Please expect trucks entering and exiting the median at night and day/night noise.

Summerland

Landscaping continues on Wallace Ave and along the freeway between N Padaro Ln and Evans Ave.

Padaro segment

Crews will continue working on new median safety barriers and drainage improvements.

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