Central Coast roundup
By El Latino Newsroom
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Last week Congresswoman Julia Brownley and Congressman Salud Carbajal presented a check for $12 million to advance equitable mobility and energy resiliency in Ventura County.
According to Supervisor Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, the funds, which were awarded as part of a grant opportunity through the Department of Transportation, will go to support the “Powering Progress” project.
“The receipt of these funds is monumental for Ventura County and will go far toward the expansion of sustainable energy infrastructure in the county,” stated Supervisor Long.
Long also said the $15 million initiative, the project implements the Ventura County Regional EV Blueprint and supports the larger sustainability goals set forward by the state of California to achieve 100 percent zero emission vehicle sales.
“We’re delighted to have the support from Congresswoman Brownley and Congressman Carbajal which helped secure this funding,” said Long.
The funding for the “Powering Progress” initiative will create several unique investments in sustainability that will serve as a model for EV infrastructure in the state.
Natalie Hernández, spokeswoman for the County, stated the grant will provide funds to invest in E-bike integration to support multi-modal opportunities for those who rely on bikes as their primary mode of transportation.
Hernández stated as well, the funds will allow for the creation and expansion of workforce development programs to train workers in the installation, maintenance, and operation of the expanding EV charging infrastructure.
“The promise of greener, healthier communities holds great weight in the work that I do in Congress. Alongside advocating for environmental sustainability efforts and taking action to address the climate crisis with the urgency this existential issue demands, I am working to ensure that Ventura County residents have safe and reliable modes of transportation and transit to travel to and from their destinations,” said Congresswoman Brownley.
The “Powering Progress” project addresses the need in the local EV infrastructure by proposing the creation of off-grid EV charging combined with large-scale and small-scale solar battery storage.
This element of the project supports both the residents of Ventura County and first responders by enabling a reliable power supply during emergency outages as well as Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events.
The “Powering Progress” projects will be administered by the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance– a regional energy office overseen by the County of Ventura.
Hernández said the grant represents the largest sustainability funding award received by VCREA.
NEW CONTRUCTION IN SB
Construction for the Cabrillo-Los Patos Roundabout Project (Project) will begin in late February. The Project is the first phase of a larger project on East Cabrillo Boulevard between Los Patos Way and the Cabrillo Interchange which includes the construction of a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of East Cabrillo Boulevard and Los Patos Way.
The existing two-way, stop-controlled intersection at East Cabrillo and Los Patos Way is heavily traveled by many motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
The new roundabout will bring much-needed improvements and provide safer travel for all modes of transportation along East Cabrillo Boulevard.
New features include updated crosswalks with traffic islands and a landscaped center island. A striped pedestrian and bicycle lane will be installed along northbound Channel Drive as well as installation of a new left turn lane from southbound Cabrillo Boulevard to Channel Drive.
Utility relocations are the first order of work that will begin across Cabrillo Boulevard from Los Patos Way to Channel Drive and take approximately two to three months to complete.
Construction is anticipated between 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays with occasional night work. Traffic delays and minor detours are to be expected.
Construction completion is estimated in spring 2025.
Project virtual and in-person public meetings were held in November 2023.
To learn more about the Project and to view previous English and Spanish webinar public meetings regarding the Project, please visit: SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CabrilloRoundabout
GOLETA CELEBRATED ITS BIRTHDAY
Close to 40 residents gathered at Brandon School in western Goleta last Saturday morning, February 3, for a Coffee & Community (Café y Comunidad) event to celebrate the City’s 22nd birthday.
This was the fourth in a series of quarterly gatherings of its kind held in different parts of the City. The attendees enjoyed coffee and birthday cake in honor of the City’s birthday (February 2). Children who attended with their parents participated in the celebration by making birthday cards for the City.
Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember Kyle Richards, City Manager Robert Nisbet and a group of City staff from a variety of departments were in attendance as were Santa Barbara County Supervisors Laura Capps and Joan Hartmann, where Spanish interpretation was provided.
“Our staff and I were so pleased for this opportunity to learn from and respond to Goleta residents’ comments and questions regarding our city’s operations and strategies,” Siad Mayor Perotte.
Meanwhile, councilmember Kyle Richards said, «I am always glad to hear from our residents regarding their concerns about the City and their neighborhoods. Saturday’s ‘Coffee & Community’ at Brandon School was a great opportunity to engage with neighbors and share information about how our Council and staff are working on their behalf.»
Also, during the event, City staff answered questions about housing, road conditions, parks and open space, upcoming projects and other topics of interest to the neighborhood.
VTA C. GETS MILLIONS FOR EV INFRAESTRUCTURE
“That is why I am proud to have joined the County of Ventura and its community partners in securing funding for this transformational project. Because of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and more specifically this grant funding for EV charging infrastructure, the County of Ventura will make critical investments so that residents, businesses, and visitors to the region are able to utilize a cleaner, safer, and more accessible transportation network, while creating jobs and strengthening our economy.”
“When Rep. Brownley and I were helping to move the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law forward through our roles on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, we understood that our goals of expanding use of zero-emission vehicles and cutting carbon pollution were only possible if we also approve investments in public charging infrastructure,» said Congressman Salud Carbajal. «I’m proud to see mine and Rep. Brownley’s work helping to write and pass that landmark law now delivering our community such a robust return on that investment. I look forward to seeing this grant helping to create new charging availability across Ventura County.»
For 20 years, VCREA has been developing and implementing durable, sustainable energy initiatives that support sensible growth, healthy environment and economy, enhanced quality of life, and greater self-reliance for the region.
By increasing energy efficiency and advancing the use of clean, efficient and renewable local resources, VCREA is making sure Ventura County and its residents are sustainable well into the future.
MORE AFFORDABLE HUSING IN SB
The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) turns “low-income housing” preconceived bias on its head with beautiful architecture and stringent qualifications and rules for their tenants.
Since 1969, the HACSB has been working to provide affordable housing to the city’s lower-income residents. These residents include seniors, veterans, disabled, those with mental health or drug and alcohol issues, or simply trying to create better lives for their families. Over the years, HACSB has helped thousands of people become housed, allowing them the space and opportunity to turn their lives around.
Expanding from its humble beginnings 55 years ago, today HACSB owns or manages over 1,400 units and annually administers more than 3,000 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.
Last month, the Santa Barbara City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance finalizing a $6 million loan agreement with the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara for the purchase of Quality Inn at 3055 De La Vina Street. The HACSB held a recent forum via Zoom for public comment and questions from neighbors of the project. The project was generally well received based, primarily, on a thorough presentation that included specific reassurances and examples of other similar successful HACSB developments over the years.
“Our successful developments in the City of Santa Barbara are based on our commitment to being a good neighbor while creating beautiful housing and landscaping that fits seamlessly into the surrounding communities–all while answering the need for affordable housing,” said Rob Fredericks, HACSB CEO, at a recent community meeting.
These developments include a variety of properties, from a single-family home on Placido Avenue which houses Project Recovery’s detox program to El Carrillo Studios, a development with 61 studios for previously unhoused individuals to Eleanor Apartments, an independent living location for families that have at least one member living with a mental illness to Johnson Court, a development with 17 studios allocated for veterans without a home. Regardless of their intended use. HACSB properties are designed to offer more than just functionality. They also beautify and improve the neighborhoods where they are located, winning multiple awards in design and landscape over the years.
VTA DA
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced this week its partnership with Childhood Matters, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the mental health and well-being of children and youth.
According to the County’s District Attorney, Erik Nasarenko, the new partnership will include on-site services at the Ventura County Family Justice Center, and marks a significant step forward in addressing the mental health needs of children and families in the local community.
“We are thrilled to be joining forces with Childhood Matters. This partnership aligns with the Ventura County Family Justice Center and Childhood Matters’ commitment to creating a healthier, more supportive community for families facing challenging circumstances,” said Nasarenko.
The partnership will see Childhood Matters establishing a dedicated space at 2982 Martha Drive in the City of Ventura, where they will offer a comprehensive range of services to enhance mental health support for children and youth.
Key services provided by Childhood Matters at the new space include workshops for mental health and wellness, mental health counseling, parenting support groups and forums and community events.
“We firmly believe that every child deserves to blossom in a supportive and nurturing environment. Through our collaboration with the Ventura County Family Justice Center, Childhood Matters is dedicated to fostering a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of the children and youth in our community,” said Shaleena Tareen, Founder of Childhood Matters.
Tareen also stated that Childhood Matters is in the early stages of discussions with the California Lutheran University to provide practicum opportunities for marriage and family therapist students.
