Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Mapping our Justice and Mental Healthcare System

Das Williams, 1st District County Supervisor

Improving the Mental Health Care for those in our Justice System

This coming Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors we will discuss a report showing that our County has a higher-than-average jail incarceration rate compared to the rest of California, and hear an update on efforts to better manage the population of the jail. The most basic service in government is public safety, but it does not make us safe when some people are ending up in jail, or coming back to it, because of a lack of mental health services. We have a moral imperative to improve the situation. But we also have a financial need as well. As budgetary challenges loom on the horizon, the growing costs at the jail threaten to pre-empt any of our other priorities – parks, roads, libraries, and more. As the Board of Supervisors representative on the Community Corrections Partnership, I recently worked with our Behavioral Wellness Department to expand mental health treatment beds for justice system-involved individuals. During this pilot program, clients will receive intensive mental health treatment services to help them stabilize, and eventually move to a lower level of care with more independence.

But this is just one of many parts of a complex system, where criminal justice is interwoven with healthcare, social services and more. That’s why the County Executive Office invites the public to join them next Friday, January 26 as they work to update the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM). The meeting serves as an opportunity to learn about ongoing initiatives, discuss potential gaps or opportunities, and gather input from advocates, residents, and service providers. Following this collaborative input session, the County’s goal is to launch an updated public-facing SIM map and framework by spring 2024, addressing identified gaps and proposing solutions.

Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) Mapping Meeting

Friday, January 26, 2024

10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Carrillo Ballroom, 100 E. Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara, CA

For more information or to confirm attendance, please contact Angelica Ramirez at (805) 568-3400 or aramirez@countyofsb.org.

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Warming Centers Open This Weekend

With rain in the forecast this weekend, Freedom Warming Centers are officially activating for those in need of sanctuary from the weather, Friday 1/19, Saturday 1/20, and Sunday 1/21.

Hours: 6:00 pm to 6:00 am

Please Be Respectful Of Our Host Sites Other Activities

And Plan To Arrive No Earlier Than 6:00pm

SANTA BARBARA

Friday & Saturday: Trinity Episcopal Church – 1500 State Street

Sunday: Unitarian Society – 1535 Santa Barbara Street

CARPINTERIA

Veterans Memorial Building – 941 Walnut Ave

Warming Center Hotline: 805-324-2372

Sign Up For Updates

101 Construction Update

Padaro

Crews are continuing work on concrete roadways, drainage improvements, and sound walls for the northbound lanes. Crews will begin grinding roadway surfaces. Please expect night noise.

Summerland

Crews will grind pavement on the Ortega Hill Bikeway. Please expect night noise.

Montecito

Crews are working in the median on drainage improvements and temporary shoring installation to prepare the improvement areas. Demolition and temporary shoring will also begin at Romero and Oak Creek Bridges. Please expect trucks hauling material at night and day/night noise. At the San Ysidro Roundabout, landscaping has begun. At the Olive Mill Roundabout, crews are finishing up landscaping.

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Community Info Session on Homelessness

Register

Become a Poll Worker for the March Election

The County of Santa Barbara Elections Office is looking for civic-minded individuals interested in helping as polling place workers for the Presidential Primary Election on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Volunteers are paid for their service.

 

To serve as a poll worker, a person must be a registered voter or an eligible high school student. Registering to vote is easy and can be done by visiting SBCVote.com.

 

Put in your application now to be a Community Election Worker or, if you already work for the County, be part of the Santa Barbara County Employee Election Worker Program.

For more information go to SBCVote.com, contact Santa Barbara County Elections at (800) 722-8683 or email poll1@countyofsb.org

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E-Bike Safety Resources

The California Highway Patrol and People For Bikes are making it easier to learn about responsible and safe E-Bike riding techniques and best practices, with their online training and videos, including tutorials, videos, a quiz, and other interactive elements.
CHP E-Bike Safety Training 

Das Around Town

Das speaking at Santa Barbara Martin Luther King Jr. Committee’s MLK Jr. Day program

Das speaking at Sojourner Kincaid Rolle’s Celebration of Life

Serve on a Board, Commission, or Committee

Current vacancies on County District 1 Boards and Commissions:

  • Air Pollution Control District Community Advisory Council

For more information on each commission visit and to apply, visit: Santa Barbara County Boards and Commissions

Please contact Kadie McShirley in my office if you have any questions.

Direct line: 805-568-2186

Email: kmcshirley@countyofsb.org

Contact Us: (805) 568-2186

Das Williams, 1st District Supervisor

Darcel Elliott, Chief of Staff

Kadie McShirley, District Representative

Spencer Brandt, District Representative & Scheduler