However, anyone who owes rent starting April 1^st may be at risk of eviction, even with a pending rental assistance application. Legislators in Sacramento are working quickly to extend the eviction protections to those with pending rental assistance applications. I strongly encourage anyone who needs assistance to apply by March 31^st. There is no guarantee that you will receive eviction protections but it is being worked on.

The Santa Barbara County rental assistance program is being administered by United Way of Santa Barbara. To qualify applicants must earn less than 80% of the Area Median Income, but priority will be given to tenants earning below 50% of the Area Median Income. The tenant must also live in the County.

For more information and application requirements can be found here. For application assistance, call 805-965-8591.

If you are facing eviction, click here to learn more about Tenant Protection Rights. (Civil Code 1179.13) For legal advice, contact the Legal Aid Foundation at (805) 963-6754.

Direct Support for Ukrainian Organizations

Ukraine’s Armed Forces are raising funds to support their efforts to defend Ukraine. This is the most direct way to help Ukraine fight Putin’s invasion.

Voices of Children addresses the psychological effect of armed conflict on children. Founded in 2015 in response to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Voices of Children provides art therapy, mobile psychologists, and individualized support to traumatized children.(Paypal works best)

Santa Barbara-based Organizations

Direct Relief is a nonprofit that supports local providers of health services; mobilizing essential medicines, supplies, and equipment that are requested and appropriate for the circumstances; and managing the storing, transporting, and distributing of resources to organizations in the most efficient manner possible. Donate Here.   (Under “Direct my Donation to” choose option 1. Ukraine Crisis)

Shelterbox builds awareness of global displacement and facilitates providing families with life-saving shelter and essential tools and supplies that will enable them to rebuild their homes and transform their lives after disaster.

International Organizations

CARE is an international humanitarian organization that has set up an emergency Ukrainian Crisis Fund with the goal of providing immediate support for 4 million people. Donations will go toward providing Ukrainians with water, food, supplies, hygiene kits, immediate support and aid, and cash. CARE prioritizes supporting women, girls, families, and elderly.

International Medical Corps is a nonprofit providing health-care services, psychosocial support, and care to citizens of countries dealing with disaster, disease, and conflict. It is accepting gifts to provide Ukrainians with better access to medical and mental health resources.

The public is encouraged to go to www.sbcag.org/broadband to self-report their internet needs and take a speed test on a personal computer or laptop at home, work, or wherever they connect by May 31. Individuals can also identify areas with low or no service, or where access to the internet is unaffordable within this test. Those without internet access can call SBCAG at 1-805-961-8902 to report why they do not have internet access.

The Broadband survey and speed test is available in English and Spanish. Privacy controls protect responses and anonymous participation is an option. Data collected will include the location, internet speed, and monthly internet cost.

Cox participates in the federal government’s Affordability Connectivity Program (ACP), and we have expanded our eligibility to match ACP criteria. By applying the $30 ACP internet subsidy, even more of our current and future customers will have access to free 100 Mbps internet service.

Nonprofit Advocacy & Lobbying 101

w/Nona Randois from Alliance for Justice

Tuesday – April 19th, 10am-3pm

St. Marks-in-the-Valley — 2901 Nojoqui Ave, Los Olivos

Ballot measure advocacy by nonprofits isn’t just legal – it’s important, powerful, and fundamental to democracy. With policy being decided at the ballot box in California, it’s important for nonprofits to be part of the conversation. This training will help nonprofits understand what they can do to advocate around ballot measures and will also help them grasp ballot measure reporting requirements.

(c)(3)s play an important role in educating and engaging the public on policy issues and actions taken by elected officials on the local, state, and national levels. After this workshop participants will have a clear understanding of how to maximize advocacy, the kinds of advocacy activities 501(c)(3)s can engage in, and when a communication is considered lobbying.

To learn more and register click here. The $35 Registration Fee* includes snacks and lunch.

*sliding scale is available, please contact cb@fundforsantabarbara.org to make arrangements.

The scheduled neighborhood include:

Lower Hot Springs (500-800 blocks)

Para Grande

Riven Rock

Ashley

Ayala

Cold Springs

The Montecito Fire Department now has an Interactive Neighborhood Chipping Map available HERE. Type in your address for your neighborhood’s chipping date details. For more information visit Montecito Fire Protection District.