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Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Ukrainian Solidarity Concert & Other Important Notifications

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We are at a time in history where the foundations of democracy, rule of law, and our way of life is under assault at home and abroad. Nowhere do we see this like the vivid tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, where brave people are leaving their jobs to fight against the invasion, and to most because they feel the future of the country faces the democratic West. Feel free to visit my Facebook siteto see how you can help or join me at this benefit concert in our community this evening.

Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program Application Period Open
The County of Santa Barbara, in partnership with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate and Santa Barbara Foundation, announce the Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program with emphasis on microbusinesses grants. The application period is now open on a rolling basis until all funds are granted.

Eligible microbusinesses that were adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic may apply for up to $2,500 in funding. Total available funds for Santa Barbara County microbusiness relief is more than $500,000.

Funding comes from the California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program that was enacted by California Senate Bill No. 151 (Government Code 12100.90). All interested parties are encouraged to review the grant program guidelines and additional information thoroughly.

 

In addition, staff from the County and Santa Barbara Foundation are hosting two informational workshops for interested microbusinesses on Tuesday, March 15 at 12 p.m. to be repeated at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 24. Register on the Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program webpage.

Opportunities to Provide Feedback

County Seeking Public’s Feedback on Draft Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan

The County of Santa Barbara is seeking the public’s feedback on the draft 2022 Santa Barbara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) Update. The MJHMP is updated every five years to prepare the county for changing and dynamic hazards, identifying vulnerable communities and structures, and preparing mitigation goals and actions.

 

County residents are encouraged to review the draft plans and provide feedback. The public comment period is open through March 15. The project information is hosted on the County’s emergency preparedness website at ReadySBC.org, including a link to attend a virtual public meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 9 when the draft plan will be discussed. Development of the MJHMP started in early 2021 with a final plan expected in fall 2022 following review and approval from participating local, state and federal agencies.

All written comments should be addressed to J.D. Saucedo at 4408 Cathedral Oaks Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93110 or via email to jsaucedo@countyofsb.org. All comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. March 15, 2022. !

2022-2023 Road Maintenance Annual Plan (RdMAP) Workshops

The Santa Barbara County Public Works Department will hold public workshops for the 2022-2023 Road Maintenance Annual Plan (RdMAP) on two dates this month. These are our annual meetings where the public can provide input on County road maintenance, and learn about maintenance activities in their area, the County’s approach to pavement preservation, current and ongoing projects, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.

 

The South County workshop will be held virtually on Thursday, March 24, 2022 from 7 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

 

RSVP for this event by visiting https://bit.ly/SBCRdMAP and filling out the form.

Carpinteria Construction Update
As of March 7, Caltrans and the City of Carpinteria have begun replacing portions of a drainage system damaged in the February 19 fire that closed Highway 101 and Via Real. Via Real WILL BE CLOSED to pedestrians and bicyclists starting March 7, and the existing vehicular closure will remain in place. Work is anticipated through the end of April with pedestrian, bicyclist, and vehicular access anticipated to be opened by April 8 (weather dependent). During construction, crews will dig a 16′ trench to install new concrete pipes and reline pipes under Highway 101. Street lights near the trench will be turned off and dismantled during work. The bike path along the opposite side of Carpinteria Creek will remain open with lighting. A detour will remain in place on Via Real to Bailard Ave and then to Carpinteria Ave.

For more information on construction updates visit www.sbroads.com

Painted Cave Pile Prescribed Burn Project to Occur Wednesday and Thursday
The prescribed pile burn project will include approximately 7 acres of combined brush. It will happen March 9-10, depending on conditions. It will be on Painted Cave Road, off Highway 154, in the southern portion of Santa Barbara County. Prescribed burns are so important in helping prevent the spread of wildfires and can reduce impacts to watersheds that can result in soil loss and sedimentation. The burn will be conducted when the meteorological conditions are highly favorable to direct smoke away from population centers.

Los Padres National Forest Prohibits Campfires in Santa Barbara Front Country
Los Padres National Forest officials announced that all campfires are now prohibited on National Forest System lands in the Santa Barbara front country due to the increasing fire danger and the potential threat to downslope communities. This prohibition will remain in effect through Feb. 24, 2024.

 

Over the past 15 years, eight large wildfires have directly impacted the front country communities of Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria. Extreme fire weather events are now occurring year-round and are compounded by the long-term, severe drought affecting Central and Southern California.

 

There are no developed Forest Service recreation sites along the Santa Barbara front country, nor are there any trash receptacles or public restrooms. Visitors are strongly encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything they bring with them.

 

Front country visitors possessing a valid California Campfire Permit will be permitted to use portable lanterns or stoves that run on propane, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.

 

To obtain a California Campfire Permit or to read this prohibition and its map, please visit the Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf.