Policies and Initiatives

Proposed Key Projects 

Current Year (FY 08-09) Accomplishments:

• Customer Service:  Continued implementation of an extensive restructuring of the County’s culture to make customer service a major focus of County government.  Accomplishments during the fiscal year include - the unveiling of a redesigned County website, the clerical project that collapsed twenty eight pay classes into three, continued implementation of the pay for performance Leadership Project for managers and executives and continued Planning and Development process reform.   
• Children’s Health Initiative:  Maintained the current level of funding for the multi-year effort to provide health insurance to all uninsured children in Santa Barbara County.  661 children have received comprehensive health insurance coverage as a result of County funding of the Healthy Kids Initiative.
• Began construction on Phase 1 of Highway 101 widening from Milpas to Hot Springs and successfully advocated to continue the construction in the midst of the a possible shutdown due to the State budget crisis.  Advocated successfully for the renewal of our local transportation sales tax (Measure A) to fund local and regional transportation improvements.  Met with the Federal Transit Administration to discuss next steps in leveraging the $25 million rail funding included in Measure A to implement a commuter rail service between Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.  Worked within County government, with the Santa Barbara Region Chamber of Commerce, and with other public and private employers, to continue to implement the “Curb Your Commute” Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program.
• Transportaion:  Worked with SBCAG, Caltrans and First District municipalities to advance the planning and implementation of transportation projects that address road and highway safety congestion and infrastucture needs
• Summerland Parking and Circulations Plan: Completed construction of Phase 2A improvements and secured partial funding for Phase 2B improvements
• Greenwell Slide Repair Project:  Began design and environmental review of the project.
• Road Maintenance:  Continued implementation of corrective and preventive road maintenance program on First District roads.
• Partnered with Caltrans to begin construction of State Route 192 drainage and safety improvements in Mission Canyon.
• Public Safety:  Worked with County departments and partner agencies to respond to the Tea Fire and coordinate post disaster reconstruction including the establishment of an ombudsman to help fire victims to work through the recovery process.  In the aftermath of the Tea and Gap Fires, convened a media roundtable to focus on how the County can better work with media agencies to disseminate information in a disaster.  Worked with multiple jurisdictions and community stakeholders to address youth violence issues in our communities.  
• Mission Canyon Community Plan Update:  The Mission Canyon Planning Advisory Committee (MCPAC) completed work on the draft Community Plan update and the Board of Supervisors initiated environmental review of the proposed updated plan.  Secured funding and began work on the Mission Canyon Residential Parking Strategy.   
• Summerland Community Plan Update:  The Summerland Planning Advisory Committee (SunPAC) competed work on draft Commercial Design Guidelines and began work on an update of the Residential Design Guidelines. 
• Solid Waste:  As the Co-Chair of the Multi-Jurisdictional Solid Waste Task Force, worked with the City of Santa Barbara and other jurisdictions to continue to advance the conversion technology project including finalizing the RFP for release.  The County’s efforts in the Resource Recovery Division were recognized with the SWANA 2008 Gold Medal for overall Solid Waste Management.
• Water Quality/Watershed Planning:  Completed and organized a stakeholder tour of the modifications of the Gobernador Debris Basin and three additional low-flow crossings along Carpinteria Creek that have opened up 4 miles of habitat for endangered Steelhead Trout.  As Co-Chair of the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project (WRP) County Task Force took part in an effort to create a non-profit component of WRP.  Worked to update the South Coast Watershed Task Force project inventory.
• Child Care:  Championed the County’s lead role and $10,000 funding allocation toward conducting the Downtown Santa Barbara Employee Child Care Study to identify employees’ specific child care needs and impact on the workplace.  A total of 23 public and private employers participated with over 2,700 employees responding to the survey.  A report of the findings was presented to the Board of Supervisors and disseminated to the participating employers.
• Safe Routes to School: the County was awarded a Federal Safe Routes to School grant for the San Ysidro Pathway project which will provide safe pedestrian access down San Ysidro Rd. between North Jameson Lane and Montecito Union School.  Completed safety improvements near Summerland School.  
• Promoting Sustainability:  Successfully advocated for a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in our County through focusing on the County’s three roles as a producer of GHG emissions, a regulator of GHG emitting activities, and as an incentivizer of community enhancement programs to reduce GHG emissions.  Advanced solar permit streamlining initiative to encourage the incorporation of solar energy systems into private residences and commercial buildings.  
• Pesticide/Herbicide Use:  Continued leadership of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Working Group as it finalized a mission statement and prepared to launch a website focused on community education and the sharing of best practices amongst local jurisdictions and community residents.   
• Santa Claus Lane Beach Access: The Board of Supervisors took action to acquire two parcels to facilitate safe and legal beach access.  Continued negotiating an encroachment permit with Caltrans for use of staging area for beach parking.  Funded survey work for commercial design and streetscape improvements.   
• Senior Issues:  Cosponsored with the AARP & the Gildea Foundation the “Symposium on Aging: A Call for Collaboration” held on September 3, 2008 in Santa Barbara.  The more than 150 participants included representatives from public agencies, local non-profits, and foundations; elected officials and community residents.  Work groups focused on seven major areas of concern: health, housing, transportation, independent and assisted living, elder abuse, homelessness, and mental health/substance abuse.  A report of the findings was disseminated to all participants and stakeholders.  Appointed as co-chair of Aging and Long Term Care Network.
• Blue Ribbon Budget Task Force:  Continued to work to implement select recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Budget Task Force including information technology improvements, refinement of the performance management tracking system, and development of a County cost center performance plan.
• Flood Control Improvements:  Completed first element of construction of the Lower Mission Creek Project by constructing box culvert improvements under the Union Pacific Rail Road.   Completed construction/modification of Gobernador Debris Basin to allow improved flood control operation and allow for fish passage.  Responded to Tea Fire Watershed impacts by completing stream clearing of downstream areas, installation of mitigation projects, and installed enhanced flood warning/monitoring instrumentation following fire.
• Pet Overpopulation:  The Board of Supervisors created and appointed members to a task force to discuss and draft a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance to address pet overpopulation issues.
• Meth Prevention Network:  As co-chair of the Meth Prevention Network (MPN), worked with stakeholders to develop recommendations that the Board of Supervisors adopted to combat meth use.  This included, but was not limited to, developing a data system to more effectively track outcomes for individuals receiving County services, enhancing Drug Endangered Children protocols and procedures, and endorsing efforts to determine the feasibility of transitioning MPN to a Countywide Substance Coordinating Council.
• Social Host Ordinance:  Advocated for the enactment of a Social Host Ordinance to decrease underage drinking and enhance the safety of the youth in our community.
• Railroad Quiet Zones:  Held two stakeholder meetings to discuss and disseminate County analysis on the effectiveness and financial feasibility of a potential Quiet Zone from Carpinteria through Montecito.
• Enhancement of County Services Provided in Carpinteria Community:  Contributed funding to Carpinteria Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) program.  Secured funding for continuation of the Fun in the Sun program for at risk youth during the summertime.  Partnered with public agencies and community groups to improve County services in the Carpinteria Valley at the Main School collaborative, which includes a satellite First District Office.  
• Homeless Services:  Submitted annual McKinney-Vento Homeless Supportive Housing Program grant application to HUD to insure continued funding for supportive services provided to the Casa Esperanza homeless shelter.  Worked to continue implementation of the Ten Year Plan in conjunction with other local, state, and federal agencies.
• Worked with Commission staff and fellow commissioners to redesign First 5 Website, coordinate with Children’s Health Initiative, study Santa Barbara Downtown childcare needs, update fiscal strategic plan, expand differential response to support families in crisis and decrease of incidences of young children being placed in foster care, fund and coordinate a bilingual radio show in the Santa Maria Valley, oversee a longitudinal study focusing on school readiness, and focus on evaluation of programs and services provided.
• Gaviota Coast:  Established a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program that could be used to reduce development at Naples.  As Chair, agenized a Board workshop on Gaviota resources and preservation strategies.  Supported the funding and initiation of a Rural Regional Planning effort for the Gaviota Coast.
• Housing:  Advocated for local control of land use decisions.  Continued to work with the City of Carpinteria staff on strategic planning for potential funding and future development improvements at Carpinteria Camper Park as a companion  approach to development of Dahlia Court.  Continued to participate in the Cities/County Affordable Housing Task Force.

• Agriculture:  Participated in a dialogue with Carpinteria community and flower growers to discuss the long term viability of agriculture in the Carpinteria Valley.

• National Association of Counties (NACo):  Represented Santa Barbara County in Washington, D.C. at NACo and participated in the NACo Environment, Energy, and Land Use Committee.  Was appointed Co-Chair of the Air Quality Subcommittee and was successful is passing a resolution regarding the negative impact of marine vessel emissions on Santa Barbara and other Coastal Counties.  Worked to enhance our County’s federal legislative platform and priorities in service on the Legislative Program Committee.  Worked with the County’s federal lobbyist to advocate for County legislative priorities in Washington.

Proposed Key Projects 2009-2010 (Note: The projects and priorities listed below may be impacted by the impacts of the global financial downturn, the state budget crisis, related legislative actions, and local revenue shortfalls.)

• Customer Service:  Continue implementing an extensive restructuring of the County’s culture to make customer service a major focus of County government including the continued implementation of the Leadership Program for County executives and managers to promote enhanced accountability and performance.  Continue Planning and Development Department process reforms including improved noticing, further integration between departments in the permitting process, and enhancement of information available to the public. Continue to advocate for funding to provide language translation and TDD services to the public at Board of Supervisors hearings.
• Children’s Health Initiative:  Maintain the current level of funding for the multi-year effort to provide health insurance to all uninsured children in Santa Barbara County.  Advocate for additional funding for phase two of the program.
• Continue to work with all stakeholders regionally to address our transportation challenges by continuing to work to implement Measure A and fund the 101 In Motion recommendations of “a lane and a train.”  Continue construction on the first phase of Highway 101 widening.  Work to secure state and federal funding for the next phases of the widening and continue planning efforts for the projects,.  Work to plan, implement and secure additional funding for short and long term commuter rail service between Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.  Continue working within County government, with the Santa Barbara Region Chamber of Commerce, and with other public and private employers, to implement the “Curb Your Commute” Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program.
• Transportation Projects:  Continue to work with SBCAG, Caltrans and First District municipalities to advance the planning and implementation of transportation projects that address road and highway safety, congestion and infrastructure needs.
• Summerland Parking and Circulation Plan:  Finalize detail design for Phase 2B in preparation for receiving Surface Treatment Improvement Program funds in Fiscal Year 2010/11, while continuing to seek funding opportunities to continue the project limits to Greenwell Ave.  
• Greenwell Slide Repair Project:  Complete the detail design and environmental review for the project and begin construction of the repairs to Greenwell Ave. 
• Road Maintenance:  Continue implementation of corrective and preventive road maintenance program on First District roads.
• Partner with Caltrans to complete State Route 192 drainage and safety improvements in Mission Canyon.
• Public Safety:  Continue working with the Sheriff's Department to focus front line law enforcement services to address community concerns.  Continue to develop community partnerships and increased disaster preparedness planning countywide, including the continuation of Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) training.  Partner with other agencies, non profit organizations and the private sector to address the need for enhanced information communication during a disaster.  Continue to work with multiple jurisdictions and community stakeholders to address youth violence issues in our communities.  
• Youth Jobs Initiative:  Partner with the Workforce Investment Board to establish a summer jobs program for at risk youth which would introduce the youth to potential careers in public employment.
• Tea Fire Rebuilding Efforts:  Continue to provide support and permit streamlining to Tea Fire victims as they work to rebuild their homes and recover from other impacts of the fire.  
• Mission Canyon Community Plan Update:  Complete environmental review on draft Community Plan update and consider final adoption of the plan.  Work with the Mission Canyon Planning Advisory Committee (MCPAC) to continue work on Residential Parking Strategy effort to identify ways to address constrained traffic flow and improve emergency access and public safety.
• Summerland Community Plan Update:  Continue working with the Summerland Planning Advisory Committee (SunPAC) to develop finalize updated Residential Design Guidelines and begin updating of the Traffic and Circulation Chapter of the Summerland Community Plan. 
• Montecito Growth Management Ordinance:  Work with Long Range Planning and the Montecito community to analyze the current traffic, fire, and water constraints in the Montecito planning area.
• Promote Regional Planning and Collaboration:  Partner with elected officials from cities within the County to focus on regional planning and enhance communication and collaboration on a range of projects of mutual interest.
• Solid Waste:  As the Co-Chair of the Multi-Jurisdictional Solid Waste Task Force, continue to work to develop a comprehensive solid waste strategy for Santa Barbara County.  Continue partnership with the City of Santa Barbara  and other jurisdictions to release the RFP and solicit proposals form vendors for a conversion technology facility for the South Coast.  Enhance our recycling efforts.
• Flood Control Improvements:  Continue working with the Padaro Lane Association to address drainage problems along Padaro Lane.  Continue construction and work to secure additional funding for the Lower Mission Creek Flood Control Project.  Continue to seek modification of flood control facilities for the improvement of facility operation and to enhance fish passage.  Complete construction of storm drain improvements on Cheltenham Road in coordination with the Caltrans improvements on State Route 192 in Mission Canyon.
• Water Quality/Watershed Planning:  Continue to convene the South Coast Watershed Task Force to review the data collected from various stakeholders and identify potential opportunities to enhance delivery of services, increase efficiency, and improve water quality.  Continue to serve as co-chair of the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project.  Continue efforts to implement watershed plans in Carpinteria and Rincon Creeks and promote the development of Low Impact Development strategies.  Work with stakeholders and County staff to meet the requirements of Storm Water Management Plan clean water standards.
• Child Care:  The Downtown Child Care Partnership will utilize the data from the Child Care Study to help determine the most effective strategies for resolving workforce child care issues.  Options, feasibility issues, and economic impacts will be considered.  Establish a plan to distribute the survey in other areas of the County.  
• Safe Routes to School:  Continue partnership between County government, Montecito Union School District, Cold Springs School District, the Montecito Association, Summerland School, and parents to work to ensure safe access for children walking to school in the Montecito community. Begin the design, environmental review, and public outreach phases for the construction of a decomposed granite trail along San Ysidro Road leading to Montecito Union School.  
• Promoting Sustainability:  Continue efforts to streamline the permitting process for the installation of solar systems.  Continue to support the implementation of the Countywide Climate Action Strategy, and support the work of the Sustainability and Conservation Team to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in County operations and facilities.  
• Gaviota Coast:  Continue initiatives to secure the preservation of open space and agriculture on the Gaviota Coast.  Advocate for expansion of the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program to enable it to be used as a means of preserving open space on entire Gaviota Coast.
• Pesticide/Herbicide Use:  Continue leadership of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Working Group as it works to identify ways that we can further reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides in County Parks, Roads, and Flood Control facilities and the South Coast as a whole.   Launch website to share information on IPM programs with the broader community and model best practices.
• Santa Claus Lane Beach Access and Business District Improvements:  Continue working with stakeholders, including the Public Utilities Commission, to design a railroad crossing to facilitate safe and convenient beach access in the Santa Claus Lane area by securing funding to design the project.   Continue to negotiate an encroachment permit with Caltrans in order to use staging area for beach access parking lot.  Partner with business owners to design and fund parking, circulation, and streetscape improvements.
• Senior Issues:  The Symposium working groups will focus on the seven major areas addressed at the September 2008 Forum, and will continue to meet regularly and explore options for collaboration and future partnerships, raising awareness, and identifying ongoing needs and funding sources.  Continue service on Aging and Long Term Care Network.
• Blue Ribbon Budget Task Force:  Continue to work to implement select recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Budget Task Force including the improvement and consolidation of purchasing division functions and facilitating continuous improvement through performance management.
• Enhancement of County Services Provided in Carpinteria Community:  Improve constituent services through transitioning First District office hours to a new location at the Main School Collaborative.  Continue to advocate for Fun in the Sun summer program for at risk youth in the Carpinteria Valley.  Allocate $20,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to provide funding for human services projects in the City of Carpinteria.  
• Homeless Services:  Continue First District representation and involvement at Casa Esperanza, the South Coast Homeless Advisory Task Force and 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness meetings.  Participate in the continued discussion on the administration of homeless courts.  Support reauthorization and possible expansion of County Administration Building overnight RV parking program.
• Meth Prevention Network (MPN):  Continue working to fund and implement the recommendations of the MPN.
• In service on the Commission, continue the administration of three-year contracts through primary initiatives to address the comprehensive needs of children 0-5 years of age and their families. 
• Housing:  Continue to advocate for local control of land use decisions.  Continue to work with the City of Carpinteria to advance the Peoples’ Self Help Housing Dahlia Court Apartment expansion proposal.  Continue to participate in the Cities/County Affordable Housing Task Force.  Continue to work to promote community dialogue on how to balance the community priorities of housing, open space, and transportation.
• Pet Overpopulation:  Continue to work with Task Force and stakeholders to reduce the number of dogs and cats in our local animal shelters including consideration of a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance.
• Smoke Free Beaches and Parks:  Consider enactment of an ordinance to enhance the public health of our community through the establishment of smoke free beaches and parks.
• Agriculture:  Continue to explore opportunities to maintain agricultural viability throughout the County.
• Continue to represent Santa Barbara County in Washington, D.C. at NACo, participate in the NACo Environment, Energy, and Land Use Committee, and Co-Chair the Air Quality Subcommittee.  Continue to work on the Legislative Program Committee to enhance our County’s federal legislative platform and priorities.  Continue to work with the County’s federal lobbyist to advocate for County legislative priorities in Washington.

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