Tag: Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams

Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Progress to Finish the 101 Project

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2023 • Comments Off

Good news! We just got closer to finishing the 101 freeway project. Recently we celebrated the award of $132.4 million to finish the Montecito segment of the project. This funding comes from the State SB1 gas tax and is also some of the first funding from the Biden infrastructure bill. Receiving this funding so quickly means we will avoid the project timeline being drawn out and just get it done. The best part is this funding will also go towards new electric buses for Santa Barbara MTD, more electric vehicle chargers, and pedestrian/bike path connectivity in Summerland and Montecito.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Earth Day 2022, Housing & Environmental Justice and more

by Community Contributor • April 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Community Environmental Council’s

2022 Santa Barbara Earth Day Celebration

Saturday, April 23 at the historic Arlington Theatre

Green Car and E- Bike Show

Climate and Culture

Climate Leadership Summit

Earth Day Concert

and more

I will be speaking briefly at the Climate Leadership Summit be sure to stop by!

To check out the full event schedule visit:

https://sbearthday.org/schedule

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — COVID Rental Assistance Apply by March 31st !

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2022 • Comments Off

State eviction protections end March 31st, along with the state-run COVID rental relief program. Luckily, Santa Barbara County has our own program, which will continue accepting applications after March 31st.

However, anyone who owes rent starting April 1st 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 31st. There is no guarantee that you will receive eviction protections but it is being worked on.

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

by Community Contributor • March 8, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Highway 101 Construction Update, New Mask Guidance, & Input Needed for CAP

by Community Contributor • January 14, 2022 • Comments Off

In the latest Highway 101: Carpinteria to Santa Barbara project construction update there is new information regarding San Ysidro Road and the freeway ramps, traffic lane switches by Sheffield Drive, and temporary closure of southbound on-ramp at Santa Claus Lane:

When the southbound off-ramp at Sheffield Drive reopens on January 18th, flagging to direct traffic at the intersections of San Ysidro Road and the freeway will cease during the morning peak periods. The flaggers have been on-site to help direct the extra traffic associated with the Sheffield off-ramp detour as it routes people to exit southbound at San Ysidro Road. With the detour complete, we won’t have the added traffic routed to the southbound off-ramp at San Ysidro Road.
Traffic lanes will switch between Romero Creek and Sheffield Drive to let people use the new pavement and provide space for the next stage of construction.
The southbound on-ramp at Santa Claus Lane began a 10-day closure on Jan. 10th to begin work on the improvements in that area.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Volunteer for Point In Time Count, 1/9 Remembrance Event, COVID-19 Info & More

by Community Contributor • January 8, 2022 • Comments Off

I want to wish you a healthy and happy New Year, and encourage you to live with less worry. I believe that living without worry is not about ignoring dangers, it is about controlling what you can control, taking precautions, but also living your life and not putting energy into what is outside our control.

“If you have a piece of truth, do not hide it like a treasure, but hang it on a shingle for the world to see.”

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Evacuation Order for Alisal Burn Scar Area & Storm Details

by Community Contributor • December 13, 2021 • Comments Off

Supervisor Joan Hartmann, who represents the area that recently burned in the Alisal Fire, recently sent out information to her constituents regarding an Evacuation Order that has been issued for the Alisal Fire burn scar. From Supervisor Hartmann:

“Meteorologists and emergency personnel continue to track an intense winter storm expected to arrive in Santa Barbara County around 6 pm tonight. This storm is expected to bring periods of heavy rain and high winds through Tuesday morning.

Rainfall totals could exceed 1″ or more per hour, which exceeds the thresholds for possible debris flows in the Alisal burn area.

Given these rainfall projections, the Sheriff issued an evacuation order for the Alisal burn area which went into effect at noon today. The Sheriff is going door-to-door to inform residents about the evacuation and to educate residents about storm related risks. The Sheriff, Fire Department and Public Works Department are all stationing emergency resources and staff to respond to this upcoming storm.”

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Celebrating the Holidays Safely & More

by Community Contributor • November 23, 2021 • Comments Off

Get Vaccinated, Including a Booster Shot if You’re Eligible

Vaccines are the best way to end the pandemic and they prevent COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death. They’re safe, effective and free. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and visit MyTurn.ca.gov to get vaccinated.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Alisal Fire Update & Air Quality Watch

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2021 • Comments Off

I know many are concerned about the growing Alisal Fire. The Board of Supervisors today proclaimed a local emergency and requested the Governor declare a state of emergency.

Below I am sharing information Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann shared earlier today in addition to other recent updates.

The Alisal fire has burned 7,500 + acres, with zero percent containment. There are 800 firefighters responding. Information about evacuations orders and warnings are available below.

Highway 101 remains closed between Highway 1 and Winchester Canyon Road/Cathedral Oaks in both directions. Highway 154 is the alternate route, however expect significant delays on this route.

Please visit https://readysbc.org/alisal-fire/ for status updates on the fire, evacuation zones and road closures. En Español: https://readysbc.org/es/alisal-fire/

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Rental Assistance Funds, Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment, & Booster Info

by Community Contributor • September 30, 2021 • Comments Off

The County of Santa Barbara Emergency Rental Assistance Program, administered through United Way of Santa Barbara County, is now accepting applications.

So many are still facing evictions and but aren’t aware that this assistance is available to them, so please help us spread the word!

The program is open to Santa Barbara County tenant-households with an annual income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), who have experienced a loss of income due to or during the COVID-19 pandemic and experiencing a risk of homelessness or housing instability.

To apply, the income of a household (all individuals on lease agreement, related or unrelated) must be at or below 80% AMI (area median income).

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Flex Alert at 4 p.m. (Sept. 8), Community Choice Energy Enrollment, and more!

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Due to extreme heat throughout the state, the California Independent Systems Operator (which manages the flow of electricity throughout the state) has issued a statewide Flex Alert from 4-9pm TODAY. Due to the extreme heat, energy demand is expected to be high, and if demand exceeds supply, they will implement rolling power outages. To avoid outages, residents are being asked to conserve energy from 4-9pm today to reduce strain on the energy grid.

Please avoid using major appliances between 4-9pm today!

Before 4pm:
Pre-cool your home if you use air conditioning
Close window coverings to keep home or apartment cool
Use major appliances
Charge electric devices and electric vehicles

Between 4-9pm:
Set your thermostat to 78 or higher, health permitting
Avoid using major appliances like dish washers and clothes washers and dryers
Turn off unnecessary lights

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Homeless Encampments Funding, Los Padres Closure, CWPP, & COVID-19 Update

by Community Contributor • August 31, 2021 • Comments Off

(Aug. 31), our Board approved nearly $1.5 million in American Result Plan Act funding to implement an expanded Encampment Resolution Strategy to eliminate homeless encampments in the county. This is in addition to the work and $48 million in funding that has been invested in the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year. The outcomes of some of this work and funding over the last 6 months are detailed on the slide below. All of the Supervisors were in full agreement that encampments are not safe for those who live in them or the residents who live in the vicinity of them and we all expressed our eagerness to solve this problem. In order to move those who live in encampments out of those encampments, we need places for them to go. I have, personally, been working hard to determine locations, such as empty parking lots, where we can put temporary housing to move folks into a more safe and clean setting as we work on placing them in permanent housing. If you have a location we could put temporary housing and are interested in partnering with the County, please let me know.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — SB Gun Buyback, Gubernatorial Recall Election, & COVID Update

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2021 • Comments Off

The Coalition Against Gun Violence, the City of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Police Department will host the 6th Anonymous Gun Buyback at Earl Warren Showgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, from 8 a.m. to noon. Donors will receive a $100 Smart & Final Gift Card for each handgun or rifle and $200 gift cards for each assault weapon.

The event is designed to protect the identity of those turning in guns, even illegal guns, which are accepted under the supervision of Santa Barbara Police Department. Participants will be asked to place unloaded firearms in the trunk of their car and enter the queue. Police will contact drivers, remove the firearms and provide a chit under the windshield wiper to exchange for the appropriate value in gift cards. Guns are disposed of under the care of SBPD.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Indoor Mask Mandate Effective Friday

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2021 • Comments Off

Beginning Friday, August 6, Santa Barbara County Public Health is mandating the use of universal face coverings indoors, regardless of vaccination status due to a significant increase in cases due to the Delta variant. The current case rate for our county is 12.4 per 100,000 residents, which would put us in the Purple Tier if the tier structure was still active. The vast majority of cases are with unvaccinated people but we are seeing a slight increase in cases among vaccinated people as well (see chart below) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed in preliminary data that fully vaccinated people who do become infected with the Delta variant can be infectious and can spread the virus to others.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Highway 101 Highlight, COVID Update, & more news

by Community Contributor • July 26, 2021 • Comments Off

Yes, concrete. I like to highlight innovative programs in our district, and the Highway 101: Carpinteria to Santa Barbara project has a big one. The new concrete mix site (see photo) is going in by the southbound on-ramp at the North Padaro Lane. This enables concrete for the new freeway lanes to be mixed on-site and reduces truck routes by 6-16 miles per trip, saving an estimated 463,771 truck miles for the Carpinteria, Padaro, and Summerland segments. This also reduces water use by 400,000 gallons (concrete mixed on-site uses less water), reduces off-site neighborhood impacts, and saves taxpayers between $10-$15 million. Old concrete is also being recycled across the freeway (see left edge of photo). Crews are also installing a new concrete surface that is a quieter and has a longer lifespan. For more project information, visit www.SBROADS.com.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Big Step to Legalize Utility-Scale Solar, Save Water, & Drive Safely!

by Community Contributor • July 14, 2021 • Comments Off

It meant a lot to me to be able to have my oldest daughter, Ya’Ash, sit beside me on the dais today as we provided direction to staff on the development of our Utility-Scale Solar ordinance – meaning we are one step closer to legalizing utility-scale solar in our County. We must live our values and move away from our dependency on fossil fuels by creating clean energy locally. I fight so hard on turning the tide on climate change to ensure our children, including my daughters, have a habitable planet to live on. While I was in the legislature, I missed the final vote on SB 350 in 2015 (a bill that I carried on the Assembly side and, at the time, created the highest goal for clean energy in the country at 50%) due to Ya’Ash’s birth so having her by my side today was extra meaningful. I’m still fighting for clean energy and we’ve made incredible progress in the last six years and more progress is yet to come!

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Delta Variant & Redistricting Commission Meeting!

by Community Contributor • July 6, 2021 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has been notified by the UC Santa Barbara Virology Laboratory of two additional COVID-19 cases resulting from the Delta variant. The Delta variant is labeled as a variant of concern by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is known to have increased transmissibility. Two cases resulting from the Delta variant had previously been identified through variant surveillance in late April 2021. County health officials are conducting thorough investigations on both new cases at this time.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Potential PSPS Warning, June 15 Changes, & Boat Wreckage Cleanup!

by Community Contributor • June 15, 2021 • Comments Off

This week there will be a lot to watch for! There is a Red Flag Warning effective Monday, 6/14 at 6:00 pm until Wednesday, 6/16 at 6:00 am in the mountains and south coast due to forecast winds, low humidity, and very hot temperatures. There will be an Excessive Heat Watch in effect starting Wednesday, 6/16 morning to evening. Drink water and keep your family, including your pets, cool and hydrated. Monitor the forecast for updates, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Walk-In Vaccination Opportunities & June 15th Changes

by Community Contributor • June 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Child care is critical to Santa Barbara County’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This past year has highlighted how child care is a pillar of our national and local infrastructure, and has exposed unsustainable vulnerabilities and inequities that existed pre-pandemic. Santa Barbara County’s already fragile child care system needs a stronger infrastructure to ride out and recover from this pandemic as well as to ensure preparedness for the next emergency.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — My Turn, Appointments, Webinar for Businesses, & A Look at Last Year

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2021 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is beginning a phased roll-out of the My Turn scheduling platform offered by the State of California.

The My Turn tool is part of an effort by state health leaders to organize California’s broad-reach vaccination drive, consisting of public and private health systems, pharmacies, hospitals, community health clinics, pop-up sites, and mobile sites.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — South County Vaccination Appointments Available & More

by Community Contributor • April 5, 2021 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara: April 6 and April 8

WHERE: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Enter via the driveway on Calle Puerto Vallarta

WHEN: Tuesday April 6, 9:30AM – 6:30PM; Thursday April 8, 9:30 – 6:30

Second doses will be provided at the same location first doses are received. A clinic will be available in the same location three weeks from your first dose appointment.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — 50+ Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine at County Public Health Vaccination Sites

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara County residents who are 50 years of age and older will be able to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning today for Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics in Lompoc, happening March 28 through April 3. Effective April 1, people 50 years of age and older will also be eligible to schedule appointments at any of the participating pharmacies, hospitals or health care providers as supply is available.

As of this afternoon, county residents may begin scheduling appointments for the first Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics located at the Dick DeWees Community & Senior Center in Lompoc happening from March 28 through April 3 and available to all eligible groups.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Stop Hate, Spring Break COVID Guidance, Climate Workshop, and More

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2021 • Comments Off

It’s been nearly a week since the Atlanta spa shootings that left six Asian women dead, plus two other individuals, and I, of course, can’t stop thinking about it or about all the events that led up to this moment. All the hate directed at the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, blaming our community for the COVID-19 pandemic, perpetuated by our former president, is also a recurrent theme of our history.

I’ve been thinking about my own experience growing up AAPI in America and the experiences of my opa as an Indonesian man in the Dutch Royal Navy during WWII. I have had the advantage, and sometimes disadvantage, of appearing racially ambiguous; many people are unsure of my racial and ethnic heritage. I’ve also had the experience my whole life of having others place their own ideas of my racial and ethnic heritage upon me. Read more of my Op Ed in the SB Independent…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Santa Barbara County Moves to Red Tier

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2021 • Comments Off

At (March 16)’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received a COVID-19 update from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department. Some very positive news was shared, which is cause for celebration. However, while the winter surge we experienced is now over, we have to stay vigilant collectively as a county so we can continue to see a decline in cases and other metrics, especially with spring break on the horizon.

Our adjusted case rate is 7.7 and positivity rate is 3.3. Effective at 8:00 am tomorrow, Wednesday, 3/17, Santa Barbara County is now in the Red Tier. As a reminder, the following sector changes apply in the Red Tier according to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The state has reached its first health equity vaccine goal of vaccinating 2 million persons in the hardest hit communities in our state and our cases fall between 4-10 cases per 100,000 population.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Vaccine, Testing & More

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2021 • Comments Off

If you had asked me five years ago if it were possible to have a Board of Supervisors hearing about redistricting, the long-term planning work program, or marijuana without having a knock-down-drag-out fight, I would have told you no way. This week, we discussed all three civilly and though there were disagreements, there was a confluence of purpose and principle. When the rest of the nation has become more partisan and angry, I hope it is reassuring to you to have a Board that works together to get things done.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Testing & Vaccine Update, Youth Sports, & Electric Vehicle Webinar

by Community Contributor • March 5, 2021 • Comments Off

In order to return to the things we enjoyed pre COVID-19, such as gatherings, travel, live entertainment, in-person education and indoor dining, it is critical that we increase the amount of COVID-19 testing in our County, as well as mask up, physical distance and vaccinate when it is our turn.

Right now, it is as important as ever to get tested for the COVID-19 virus because frequent testing is the best way (short of getting vaccinated once available) to make sure positive cases are identified quickly and get isolated in order to stop further spread.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — The Latest on Vaccines

by Community Contributor • March 1, 2021 • Comments Off

Beginning this week, the state has begun to use a 70/30 formula in allocating vaccine doses. 70% of our vaccine doses will go to those who are 65 and over while 30% will be going to those residents who fall under Vaccine Tier 1B: education/child care workers, food and agriculture workers, and emergency services workers.

Vaccine appointments will be made available for Emergency Services Workers, Grocery Workers, and Phase 1A Health Care workers beginning March 1st at 9am on the County’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment website.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Limited Vaccines Available for 65+ Starting Tuesday & More Mask Guidance

by Community Contributor • February 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Residents of Santa Barbara County who are age 65 and older will be eligible to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Tuesday, February 16, 2021. This expanded eligibility means that local health care providers, pharmacies, hospitals, and Public Health vaccination sites can open appointments to those 65+ once vaccines become available to them. Vaccine supplies are still very limited and health care providers are simultaneously ensuring those that received a first dose will also be able to receive a second dose.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Active Cases Continue to Decrease, Vaccine Distribution, & Rental Assistance

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2021 • Comments Off

At (Feb. 9)’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.

Over the last two weeks, the number of active COVID-19 cases have been cut in half and we are seeing decreases in every area of Santa Barbara County. Our adjusted case rate is 36.4 and our positivity rate is 10.2. This is a significant improvement over the numbers we heard just a week ago.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — The Latest on Vaccines and Rental Assistance

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2021 • Comments Off

At (the Feb. 2) Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.

Santa Barbara County is expected to receive 6,580 vaccine doses today. On average, we have been allocated 6,000 vaccine doses each week from the state. 6,000 doses is only enough to vaccinate 1.3% of our population, which we have found to be a similar percentage as other counties, but we have a far larger percentage of our population that is 75 and above.

Until allocations are increased due to increased vaccine dose availability, appointments remain limited. While there are a reported 11,000 people on the wait list at Cottage and 8,000 at Sansum, the following pharmacies are offering COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments for community members 75+ years of age:

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Marian Medical Center Administering COVID-19 Vaccine for SB County Residents 75+

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2021 • Comments Off

In partnership with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, Marian Regional Medical Center will provide COVID-19 vaccinations to Santa Barbara County residents age 75 and older by appointment only.

Health care workers who provide direct care to patients, residents of a facility, or in a home care capacity in Santa Barbara County continue to be eligible and may also take advantage of this opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccinations will be given by appointment only to eligible Santa Barbara County residents and health care staff. To make an appointment please call (805) 739-3815 or visit: https://sugeni.us/Wg5A.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Governor Lifts Stay-at-Home Order

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2021 • Comments Off

The California Department of Public Health issued guidance today lifting the Regional Stay at Home Order due to projected increasing ICU capacity. All California counties will return to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and color-coded tiers. Santa Barbara County has returned to the Purple Tier and a Health Officer Order outlining the specific restrictions and allowances for Santa Barbara County businesses and residents will be issued. This Health Officer Order will take effect at 8 a.m. on January 26, 2021.

Santa Barbara County will continue to restrict gatherings of any size at this time.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Potential Public Safety Power Shutoff Warning through Jan. 20

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2021 • Comments Off

Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) notification issued by Southern California Edison for several parts of southern Santa Barbara County, including Santa Barbara, Mission Canyon, Montecito, and Carpinteria; PSPS Outages May Occur (through Jan. 20).

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Vaccine Info for Those Over 75

by Community Contributor • January 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Folks who are over 75 will begin being contacted by their medical provider to schedule a vaccination appointment and those who are over 75 are also able to sign up for appointments at our Public Health community vaccination sites here: https://publichealthsbc.org/covid-19-vaccine-appointment-registration/?

As soon as more vaccines become available from the state, vaccination will begin for those who are 65 and older. It is important to keep in mind that vaccination supply is still limited. For reference, there are over 32,000 county residents over the age of 75 and the vaccination sites will have approximately 1200 total vaccines (not including the vaccines that are available at medical providers). Our capacity to vaccinate will increase as soon as we get more vaccines from the state, which will hopefully happen very soon.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — New Information on COVID-19 Vaccines & Testing

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2021 • Comments Off

I know that for many in our community, there is anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. Many are wondering when they can get it, how many have been administered to date, who qualifies for each tier, etc. At yesterday’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, which provided some answers to the burning questions I have heard from many constituents.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Montecito Debris Flow Remembrance, COVID-19 Update, & Oath of Office

by Community Contributor • January 7, 2021 • Comments Off

Given the events happening in this country, particularly the storming of the Capitol yesterday, I make an urgent plea to all of us to RAMP THIS DOWN. Civil strife of this kind erodes our republic, and in other societies, leads inevitably to bloodshed and often worse. The hate is contagious. We must value our nation’s future and our ability to live together in common humanity more than short term partisan advantage, and stop devolving into warring tribes that share no dialogue, understanding or future pursuit of happiness together.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Small Business Grants, Stimulus Bill, & Vaccine Info

by Community Contributor • December 29, 2020 • Comments Off

The Governor announced the creation of a $500 million COVID-19 Relief Grant administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development for small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and the health and safety restrictions. Funds will be awarded to selected intermediaries with established networks of Community Development Financial Institutions to distribute relief through grants of up to $25,000 to underserved micro and small businesses throughout the state. Cultural institutions and non-profits are also eligible for these grants.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Hope is Arriving in the Hour of Greatest Fear

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2020 • Comments Off

At this week’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19 and the status of the vaccination.

Currently, we have 40 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 240 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 1136 active cases County-wide. Our adjusted case rate is 19.2 per 100,000 residents and we have a 6.1% test positivity rate.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Potential PSPS and Stay Home Order in Effect

by Community Contributor • December 7, 2020 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — COVID-19 Regional Stay Home Order

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2020 • Comments Off

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to clarify what you are likely hearing in the news. The Regional Stay Home Order, announced December 3, will go into effect within 24 hours in regions with less than 15% ICU availability. It prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes sector operations except for critical infrastructure and retail, and requires 100% masking and physical distancing in all others.

The order will remain in effect for at least 3 weeks and, after that period, will be lifted when a region’s projected ICU capacity meets or exceeds 15%. This will be assessed on a weekly basis after the initial 3 week period. Learn more about this order.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Thanksgiving Reflections, COVID Update, Racial Equity Hearing, and More!

by Community Contributor • November 25, 2020 • Comments Off

Happy Thanksgiving.

What do you feel seeing those words? Angry? Sad? Hopeful? Or a combination of all three? I thought it would be good to go back to when the national holiday was established – back in a time when Americans were grappling with political divisions greater than any before, the legacy of racism, and experiencing death and economic hardship unlike any time in our history.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Santa Barbara County Moved Back to Purple Tier

by Community Contributor • November 17, 2020 • Comments Off

The State of California (on Nov. 16) determined that transmission rates of COVID-19 were rising at an alarming rate. Based on the increase in positive and active cases in our community, the state moved Santa Barbara County from our recent red tier to the most restrictive purple tier. Currently, we have 14 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 44 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 255 active cases County-wide. Our adjusted case rate is 7.1 per 100,000 residents and we have a 2.7% test positivity rate. The state went from 6,000 new cases per day to approximately 11,000 new cases per day in just a few days. Hospitalizations increased more than 1,000 in a week. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Officer issued a revised Health Order today indicating this change. For a reminder of what activities/sectors are permitted to operate in the purple tier and at what capacity, click here.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — 101 Widening in Summerland, Debris Basin Update, and Reminder to Vote!

by Community Contributor • October 30, 2020 • Comments Off

We are still in the Red Tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics, but we are getting closer to moving into the Orange Tier. Currently we have 1 active case in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 6 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 138 active cases County-wide. Additionally, the Board of Supervisors recently voted to pass an Ordinance to adopt remedies, including administrative fines, for violations of County Health Officer Orders Pertaining to COVID-19.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Halloween and COVID-19

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Like many other things in 2020, Halloween will need to be celebrated differently this year to keep people safe. Trick-or-treating is strongly discouraged by the state this year to prevent household mixing amid the pandemic. Alternative activities for Halloween and Día de los Muertos include:

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Free Flu Shots, How to Vote, and More!

by Community Contributor • October 7, 2020 • Comments Off

At (Oct. 6’s) Board of Supervisors meeting, we received an update on COVID-19 and we are still in the Red Tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics. Currently we have 4 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 11 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 118 active cases County-wide. This is a significant reduction compared to the peak of nearly 450 active cases County-wide during the spike in July. As you can see from the graph below, daily hospitalizations are decreasing overall as well.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Santa Barbara County Moves into Red Tier

by Community Contributor • September 30, 2020 • Comments Off

At the (Sept, 22) special Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19. According to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics, Santa Barbara County has met the State’s red tier case rate and positivity rate criteria for two consecutive weeks. As a result, the risk of COVID-19 spread in Santa Barbara County has been downgraded, effective immediately, from widespread to substantial, allowing movement from the purple tier to the red tier. Currently we have 3 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 13 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 170 active cases County-wide.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Big News on COVID Metrics and Happy National Voter Registration Day!

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2020 • Comments Off

At (Sept. 22)’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19. The graphic below shows the adjusted case rate for Santa Barbara County for this week as 6.7 new cases per 100,000 population. According to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics, we need to lower our 7-day average positive case number to at least 7 per 100,000 population to move to the red tier. That being said, if our case rate stays below 7 positive cases per day per 100,000 for another week, we will be able to move into the red tier as early as September 29th. Additionally, we would need to remain in the red tier for 14 consecutive days in order for K-12 schools to reopen, which could be as soon as October 13th. Currently we have 2 active cases in the South County Unincorporated Areas (which include Montecito, Summerland and the City of Carpinteria), 19 active cases in the City of Santa Barbara, and 151 active cases County-wide.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Air Quality Watch and More

by Community Contributor • September 16, 2020 • Comments Off

At (the Sept. 15) Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19. Santa Barbara County remains in the purple tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics. However, according to the graph below, we are getting closer to meeting the metrics of the red tier after recovering from the spike we endured in July.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Making Progress

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2020 • Comments Off

Although we have not reduced our cases enough to move from the purple tier to red tier according to the California Blueprint for a Safer Economy metrics, we are making significant progress. On August 31st, the county’s 7-day case rate was 9.0 per 100,000 population. Yesterday, the Santa Barbara County Department of Public Health released our first official report card number as 8.3 cases per 100,000 population. We need to lower our 7-day average positive case number to 7 per 100,000 population to move to the red tier. If we remain vigilant and maintain this positive momentum, we will likely be able to move to the red tier by the end of September. See more about which sectors can operate in each tier.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Lots of Updates!

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2020 • Comments Off

At today’s Board of Supervisors hearing, we received an update on COVID-19. In the past two weeks, we have experienced an 18% decrease in active cases and a 31% decrease in hospitalizations. This is encouraging news, but further underscores the importance of each of us continuing to do our part (washing hands, social distancing, and wearing masks) so that we can reduce our case numbers and graduate to Tier 2 of the new State framework as outlined below.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — More on School Waivers and Rental Assistance Program

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2020 • Comments Off

At yesterday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, we received an update on COVID-19 and the school waiver process. It is of great importance that we ensure there is enough testing capacity to safely allow TK-6 schools to reopen. In order to reopen schools in an equitable fashion, I am determined to make sure that public schools have the same access to testing as private schools, which likely have more funds to contract with private testing companies. To that end, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is reserving two hours per day for school districts at each of our county testing sites and have determined that there is some capacity at the local state-sponsored testing sites as well. According to the graph below, our 14-day average case rate is below the state case rate and we continue to observe an overall decline. However, that does not mean we can abandon the precautions that have gotten us here. It is crucial that we continue the same hygiene practices, wearing face coverings, and limiting gathering with those not in our households so that we can continue to make progress.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — APCD Air Quality Warning for Santa Barbara County

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2020 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District issued an Air Quality Warning for Santa Barbara County. Smoke from wildfires burning throughout the state, including in Monterey County, are affecting local air quality, and conditions may continue over the next several days. Due to elevated temperatures and stagnant air conditions, we are also experiencing increased ozone levels in regions of the county.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Historic Heat Wave & Energy Shortages – What You Need to Know

by Community Contributor • August 17, 2020 • Comments Off

There is a significant warming trend and heatwave impacting California and the rest of the West Coast that will put pressure on our energy grid. In order to avoid electricity shortages, we are asking businesses and residents to reduce energy usage in order to prevent service interruptions.

It’s especially important to limit energy usage from 3 pm to 10 pm, especially air conditioning, electric car charging and other energy intensive technology.

Sign up to receive Flex Alert notifications from your utility provider to help California conserve energy during times of grid stress. You can also check out https://readysbc.org/psps/ for tips on what to do before, during, and after power loss.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — ¡Viva La Fiesta…Safely!

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2020 • Comments Off

Last week I was talking with a constituent who was worried about the mask wearing habits of tourists while walking outside. I acknowledged it is important to promote people planning on wearing a mask even as part of an outdoor excursion (such as where there are bottlenecks and the inability to keep physical distance from others) even if there are times when it is not necessary (certain types of exercise do not require a mask, especially outdoors and if there are no other people around). Then I pointed out the vented mask she had been wearing around town for the past two months does not work to protect anyone around you and has been banned in some jurisdictions, such as our County, because it only filters air coming in and not the air you breathe out.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Let’s Get Out of this Together

by Community Contributor • July 27, 2020 • Comments Off

America, and even our community, is very divided on how to respond to the strange times we are in. However, we must be united in concern about the futures of our children and grandchildren, preserving lives, and saving as many jobs and people from poverty.

How can we do all that?

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Protect. Respect. Wear your mask! And more closures

by Community Contributor • July 15, 2020 • Comments Off

(On Monday,) July 13, Governor Gavin Newsom ordered statewide closures of some indoor business operations and additional closures for those counties that have remained on the state’s County Monitoring List for 3 consecutive days. Santa Barbara County is included on this list, found here.

The Governor’s order is effective immediately. Santa Barbara County has issued a Health Officer Order which provides more details and guidance. I’ve listed out a summary of the changes below.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Testing Update & Racial Justice

by Community Contributor • July 10, 2020 • Comments Off

In early May, Santa Barbara County began community testing in partnership with the California Department of Public Health. The testing being conducted is intended to identify if an individual currently has the COVID-19 virus. Over the course of the past two months the testing sites’ utilization has increased significantly. While we continue to support members of our community getting tested, the current volume of asymptomatic, low/no-risk individuals getting tested has reduced the capacity of these state-run sites to test essential and healthcare workers, symptomatic individuals, those who have had an exposure or individuals at risk. Community members unable to schedule an appointment at the state-run sites should contact their primary care provider or local urgent care centers.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Not Out of the Woods Yet & Preparation for Fire Season

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2020 • Comments Off

We continue to see increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in some regions of the County. I urge you not to panic, but to remember that jobs, businesses, and lives depend on continued use of precautions. These include:

Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and staying away from large gatherings and crowds.
Putting distance between yourself and other people (at least 6 feet).
Wearing face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Face coverings may act as additional protection, but are not a substitute for physical distancing, which is the most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — State-Wide Face Covering Mandate & Some Detail on Recent Covid Cases

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2020 • Comments Off

Governor Newsom (on June 18) announced that face coverings are required to be worn State-wide in the circumstances outlined in the State guidance. It does not substitute for existing guidance about social distancing and handwashing.

Additionally, our Santa Barbara County Public Health Officer has put a pause on further reopening of personal care services such as nail salons, tattoo parlors, businesses offering facials, electrolysis, and waxing, etc.

Despite these significant acts of warranted precaution, we are seeing that the majority of active cases in Santa Barbara County are regional in nature. During the Public Health Department presentation to the Board of Supervisors this week, we learned more about why so many of our cases have been in North County, versus a much smaller amount of cases in South County (34 cases total).

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Black Lives Matter

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2020 • Comments Off

This has been an especially difficult last couple of weeks as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic while being forced to confront the reality of systemic racism with the murders of several Black lives over the last few months – George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Tony McDade. This isn’t the first time there have been protests in the streets over the taking of Black lives and a lot of the anger and pain you see is because of the reality for Black Americans knowing this won’t be the last time they have to protest in the streets to get justice and make change – and knowing that the next time the protest might be for them. We must take this time where we are already being forced out of the norm and out of our routine to look within our collective soul as a country and address the pain and discomfort of racism that has existed since the founding of our country.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Significant Testing Capacity Available & Business Reopening Webinar

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2020 • Comments Off

Yesterday, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department provided an update to the Board of Supervisors on COVID-19. Despite the reopening of more businesses and people out and about at the beach and downtown, our indicators have remained well within the guidelines set by the State. In fact, we have seen a 27% reduction of active cases. However, we need more people to take advantage of our increased testing capability. Many of you emailed me about procuring a greater amount of testing and now we ask that you please use it! I know many of you were not utilizing our local testing sites because you wanted to make sure they were available for healthcare workers, and other essential workers, but now there seems to be testing capacity for everyone who is interested. Please see more information on testing below:

Online appointment registration: https://lhi.care/covidtesting

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — State Action on Salons, Religious Services, and Graduations – With Restrictions

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Yesterday, in response to Governor Newsom’s announcement, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued a revised Health Officer Order which provides updated guidance for places of worship and providers of religious services and cultural ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, hair salons, and barbershops.The Order states that:

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Late Stage 2 Businesses Can Now Open; State Just Approved Our County Attestation

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

I am very pleased to announce the State Department of Public Health approved Santa Barbara County’s attestation to move further into Stage 2, which allows in-dining restaurants and retail stores to open as long as they follow safety guidance provided by the state and complete a self-certification of safe practices. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued this Health Officer Order, which provides local guidance.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Expedited Reopening for Certain Businesses Coming Soon

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2020 • Comments Off

Yesterday, Governor Newsom announced changes to his criteria for counties to be able to move more quickly through Stage 2 of his reopening plan (although no counties can move past Stage 2 into Stage 3 until the Governor authorizes that action) and today, our Public Health Director is sending in our attestation that Santa Barbara County meets the criteria.

The new criteria is as follows:

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — More Testing and a Guide for Reopening

by Community Contributor • May 15, 2020 • Comments Off

Despite a large increase in the amount of testing, COVID-19 infections continue to be modest. During Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors hearing, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Director presented the above graph, which indicates that new cases have continued to decline if you exclude the cases from the Lompoc Federal Correctional Institution. At the Board of Supervisors meeting this coming Tuesday, the Board will receive a presentation on the Reopening In Safe Environment (RISE) Guide, which builds off of the guidance from the Governor’s Resilience Roadmap but also provides local guidance and best practices for industry sectors as developed by an expert panel.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Good news, expanded testing begins next week

by Community Contributor • April 29, 2020 • Comments Off

Good news, expanded testing begins next week, see below for details. Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom outlined the State’s plan to reopen the economy in four stages:

Stage 1: Improving testing and tracing, procuring personal protective equipment and ensuring hospital surge capacity.

Stage 2: Opening, with adaptations, school and child care facilities and lower-risk workplaces like retail stores, manufacturers and offices. Park and trail restrictions will also be loosened.

Stage 3: Opening higher-risk workplaces, like gyms, nail and hair salons, movie theaters, sports without live audiences and churches.

Stage 4: End of the stay-at-home order; reopen highest-risk workplaces, like concerts, convention centers and live-audience sports.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Downward Trend

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2020 • Comments Off

At today’s Board of Supervisors hearing, the Board received updated information on the outbreak at the Federal Prison in Lompoc, graphical presentation of Santa Barbara County COVID-19 By the Numbers, and a look ahead regarding Economic Reopening Plan development. As you can see from the graph above, although there is variability day-to-day, we are seeing a downward trend in the increase in total cases per day. The goal is to see some consistency in the downward trend and it seems we are headed down that path.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Planning for the Future of COVID-19 & More Governmental Resources

by Community Contributor • April 17, 2020 • Comments Off

As the State evaluates ways to safely modify the statewide stay-at-home order, they have developed six key indicators that will be considered before such modification would take place: Expand our testing capabilities, contact tracing, and support for Californians who contract…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Now for Good News – The Curve Is Flattening

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2020 • Comments Off

The good news is that physical distancing is working. Our County Public Health Department and the hospitals have worked to increase hospital bed capacity to about 590 countywide, yet our hospitalizations are at 40 (confirmed patients). Lives have been saved by our combined efforts, so please keep it up as the State wrestles with how long the “Shelter in Place” order will last and we wrestle with what we will do if the order is lifted or modified.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Holiday Celebrations During COVID-19

by Community Contributor • April 10, 2020 • Comments Off

As we enter the weekend, many are feeling the disappointment of not being able to celebrate religiously significant holidays in close physical proximity to friends and loved ones. However, virtual hugs, decorated homes, recipe swaps, special meals and your best holiday attire can make Passover, Easter, and Ramadan feel special while practicing physical distancing. Here are some ways you can practice physical distancing during the Holidays:

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — County by County Covid Stats & Resources for Businesses Impacted by the Crisis

by Community Contributor • April 6, 2020 • Comments Off

Governor Newsom announced new help for small businesses & workers displaced by COVID-19. $50 million in loan guarantees is available for small businesses that may not be eligible for federal relief and the State is also allowing small businesses to…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — A Call to Take Responsibility & Updated Numbers

by Community Contributor • April 2, 2020 • Comments Off

We are together facing yet another time of crisis, and how we behave in it will define and test our community and our humanity. Many have lost jobs or income, seen their products rot without customers, their businesses close, and some are even now seeing their loved ones sick. We must be a community where individuals take it upon themselves to shorten the economic crisis and save lives, by practicing social distancing without the need for Big Brother government or well-meaning neighbors to tell you how to behave.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Staying Strong and Resilient in the Face of COVID-19

by Community Contributor • March 30, 2020 • Comments Off

As we head into a new week, we have increasingly detailed information to share and resources we hope will aid you during this time of continued uncertainty and stress, whether you are looking for ways to help, want to support…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — COVID-19 Updates and Community Safeguards

by Community Contributor • March 26, 2020 • Comments Off

As we conclude the first week of Governor Newsom’s “shelter in place” order, I am encouraged by our community’s resilience and determination to “flatten the curve” while also rapidly enacting safeguards for our vulnerable community members. At the County, we…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Keep Calm in the Face of a Deepening Crisis

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2020 • Comments Off

These are not the times for either panic or complacency. Please practice social distancing and respect Governor Newsome’s “shelter in place” order but also have compassion and understanding that many of our neighbors are still working and are required work for…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Governor Newsom Orders Shelter in Place

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2020 • Comments Off

California Governor Gavin Newsom just announced a statewide order for all California residents to shelter in place. The order goes into effect this evening. The following services will remain open through the order: Gas stations Pharmacies Food: Grocery stores, farmers…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Deliverance and Danger (COVID-19)

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2020 • Comments Off

I know that many of you have fear, anxiety, and additional, very real burdens from the Coronavirus outbreak. Some of you have lost work, some of you are in danger of losing your business and your dream, and some of you…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams: Evacuation Warning issued for Friday evening

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2019 • Comments Off

Greetings! , The weather advisory issued for FRIDAY night through SATURDAY morning has been upgraded to an evacuation warning. A storm is coming in that is expected to be exceed thresholds to require evacuation. This means that we are in the…