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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Beginning Term as Central Coast Community Energy Chair

by Community Contributor • September 20, 2023 • Comments Off

Beginning My Term as Chair of Central Coast Community Energy (3CE)

I am honored to have been elected the Chair of the Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) Policy Board of Directors. For those who don’t know, 3CE formed beginning in 2021 as our new, locally-owned electricity provider. Our reach spans 30 cities and 5 counties, from Carpinteria to the Santa Cruz Mountains. With no investors or shareholders, the revenue generated by 3CE stays local, helps keep rates lower than SCE and PG&E, and provides millions for rebates and incentives that lower greenhouse gas emissions. For example, during last week’s 3CE Policy Board of Directors meeting, we adopted the FY 2022-23 Operating Budget that includes approximately $16M for Energy Programs. During my time as Chair, I am looking forward to increasing the awareness of the important work 3CE is doing.

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Important Update from County Fire Chief

At this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board approved three Ambulance Provider Permits that will transition ambulance responsibility to the County Fire District. While our Fire Departments and their paramedics already respond and are often first-on-scene to a variety of medical calls, this is an important change that will make emergency response times faster, and promote efficiencies in the emergency medical system. Please read this open letter to the community from County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig to learn more.

Dear Community Members of Santa Barbara County,

Today, we are excited to announce that the Board of Supervisors approved three Ambulance Provider Permits for the Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District (Fire District). Permits for Emergency Medical Calls, Interfacility Transports and Special Event Standby, and Critical Care Transport will provide the Fire District the opportunity to expand our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for ambulance transport across the County of Santa Barbara. The approved permits under the new County system will allow us to more fully integrate our paramedic first response with ambulance transport and provide seamless continuity of care from ‘9-1-1 call’ to arrival at hospital emergency rooms.

As we move forward toward a March 1, 2024 implementation, we would like to highlight some enhancements of service delivery within the County:

Dispatching the closest most appropriate medical resource through a Regional Fire Communication Center (RFCC)
Reinvesting EMS transport revenues, to add ambulances on the streets and much needed community co-response programs through community paramedicine
Provide a faster response to Priority 1 calls
New fleet ambulances and equipment across the County of Santa Barbara
Ambulance surge units strategically located throughout the County of Santa Barbara
Social work outreach for the unhoused population
Community career development initiatives
Child car seat safety program
Transition the Fire District from Basic Life Support to Advanced Life Support
Dispatch nurse accessibility for 911 calls

Under the current contract, American Medical Response will continue to be the ambulance service provider for the county through the end of February 2024. The Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District will be implementing our expanded Emergency Medical Services on March 1, 2024.

We look forward to having a smooth transition as we expand our EMS ambulance workforce. The Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District will be holding community workshops for those interested in learning more about the opportunities to become an integral part of our team. More information on how to apply will be found on our website and social media in the upcoming days.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District’s strength is further amplified by the invaluable partnership of the Santa Barbara County Fire Chiefs Association, Operational Area Fire Departments, local hospitals, local labor groups, and community leaders. Together, we look forward to enhancing EMS and ambulance transport throughout the County of Santa Barbara.

Sincerely,

Mark A. Hartwig

Fire Chief / State Licensed Paramedic

Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District

Learn How You Can Go Electric

Curious about driving electric? Join me in going electric, and celebrating National Drive Electric Week. Community Environmental Council (CEC) is hosting an EV101 webinar tomorrow, Thursday, September 21 at 12 pm, where their team can help you explore the many benefits of electric vehicles, uncover cost-saving incentives and rebates, and delve into the logistics of EV charging. Be sure to secure your spot by registering here: cec.pub/evs4everyone.

Hunger Action Month

Last week, the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution recognizing September as Hunger Action Month. 1 out of every 10 residents of our County are food insecure.1 out of every 3 of those served by the Santa Barbara County Foodbank are children. And unfortunately, it is

no mystery as to why. The average family spends 30% of their income on childcare, and up to 60% of their income on housing. The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County has demonstrated exceptional dedication in the fight against hunger, providing free, nutritious food to families across our county. We are very lucky to have such an effective and mighty organization right here in our backyard.

Ways you can take action

Dine out for Hunger: Support local restaurants by ordering selected menu items; $1 from each purchase goes to help those in need.

La Paloma Cafe – La Paloma Margarita
Lark – Wayne Farms Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Loquita – Almejas (Spanish style clams)
Lucky Penny – San Marzano
Helena Ave Bakery – Market Bowl

Buy Groceries: Shop at Ralphs or Food 4 Less and round your bill up to contribute.

Volunteer: Help assemble food bags for seniors.

Donate Food: Food donations make up a significant portion of the food distributed to the community.

and more! Check out foodbanksbc.org for all the ways you can support.

Public Input Requested on Regional Economic Resilience Roadmap

The Resilience Roadmap is a joint Economic strategy for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. The draft plan highlights three major initiatives: creating new career pathways in various industries, boosting the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and addressing our jobs-housing imbalance.

Public comment is encouraged on the document and is open through October 12. Comments can be emailed to cedscomment@reachcentralcoast.org or mailed to: REACH/CEDS comments, PO Box 13201, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406. A printed copy of the draft CEDS is available upon request by emailing cedscomment@reachcentralcoast.org. Please refer to the page number or section heading when submitting a comment. Copies of the document are available in English and Spanish below.