Central Coast roundup

By El Latino Newsroom
[email protected]

The City of Santa Barbara, in partnership with the Santa Barbara Alliance for Community Transformation (SB ACT), has announced the opening of the Fostering Access, Resilience, and Opportunity (FARO) Center.

Named «Faro,» which means lighthouse in Spanish, the center aims to serve as a beacon of hope for individuals experiencing homelessness in the community.

The FARO Center builds on the success of the Neighborhood Navigation Centers (NNCs) by providing “one-stop-shop” services. 

Located in a multi-story office building on the 600 block of Chapala Street, the Center eliminates the need for clients to navigate multiple service providers in various locations. 

The City has secured a three-year lease for the building, designating it as a Daytime Navigation & Workforce Development Center.

“The opening of the FARO Center is the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration among City staff, service provider partners, community members, and individuals affected by homelessness,” said City Administrator Kelly McAdoo. 

“This Center represents our collective commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible services to help individuals secure interim and permanent housing and improve their quality of life.”

The Center will provide comprehensive support services, including case management, documentation readiness (such as acquiring birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and Social Security cards), workforce development, life skills building, job search assistance, housing referrals, health care, and mental health support. 

Also the authorities stated services will be offered in a safe and welcoming environment with consistent hours five days a week, aiming to help individuals find and maintain stable housing.

According to the 2024 Point-in-Time Count, there are approximately 987 people experiencing homelessness in Santa Barbara, marking an increase for the first time in three years. 

This underscores the critical need for day-to-day basic needs and supportive services for the unhoused population. 

The FARO Center addresses this need by providing a daytime refuge where individuals can access essential services, aiding in their transition from street-level homelessness to stable living situations.

“Homelessness impacts everyone. The Center will bring dignity to people experiencing homelessness and lessen the impacts on businesses and the neighborhood,” said McAdoo. 

The FARO Center is open for walk-ins Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with plans to extend these hours to 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Additional client meetings will be available by appointment until 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.

MORE SECURITY ON JULY 4^th

With the Fourth of July approaching, the Ventura Police Department reminds community members that all fireworks are illegal within city limits. 

This year, the department is implementing new technology to enhance community safety and enforce the fireworks ban.

Drones will be deployed to survey areas where complaints of fireworks activity have been received. This innovative approach will document the use of illegal fireworks, allowing for better detection and enforcement. The drones represent a significant advancement in protecting residents and reducing the risks associated with fireworks.

“While fireworks are a cherished part of Independence Day, they pose a significant threat to public safety. “By utilizing drone technology, we can more effectively deter illegal activity and ensure the safety of our residents,” said Assistant Chief Rick Murray.

“Fireworks are not only illegal and unpredictable, but they also deeply affect individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and sensory issues. This new approach helps us protect everyone in our community.”

Residents can look forward to safe, public fireworks displays hosted by trained professionals. 

The City’s annual Fourth of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade will be held in Downtown Ventura from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

For more information, visit CityofVentura.ca.gov/StreetFair. The Ventura Rotary Club will also present a fireworks show on July 4 at 9:00 p.m. Details can be found at VenturaFireworks.com.

In addition to drone surveillance, the Ventura Police Department will increase the number of officers on patrol to respond to and enforce reports of illegal fireworks. Community members are urged to report any fireworks activity by calling 9-1-1 if it is in progress. If there is no immediate threat, residents should call the 24/7 non-emergency line at 805-650-8010 and be prepared to provide the location of the activity and a description of those involved.

MORE INCENTIVES FOR EVS

Santa Barbara Clean Energy (SBCE) has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to promote sustainable transportation. The SBCE Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program has issued 100 rebates to community members, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to fostering a cleaner, greener Santa Barbara through the adoption of electric vehicles.

«This achievement highlights our dedication to encouraging sustainable transportation options,» said a spokesperson for SBCE. «We are thrilled to see so many community members taking advantage of this program.»

SBCE customers considering the purchase of an electric vehicle, or those who have recently bought one, are encouraged to apply for the rebate. «Now is the perfect time to secure your rebate before program funds are exhausted,» the spokesperson added.

For more information and to apply for the rebate, visit the SBCE website.

GOLETA REPAIRING DAMAGED INFRAESTRUCTURE

Repairs already started on Goleta’s infrastructure damaged by the atmospheric river storm that struck on February 4, which caused extensive damage in the city, including flooding on public streets and open spaces, damage to public rights-of-way and storm drain system, downed trees blocking sidewalks and streets, road closures, and disruption of public services.

Five public infrastructure repair projects will be undertaken between the end of June and August.

The Ellwood Mesa Emergency Access Road project is started this week and will take approximately one month to complete. The project, located along the trail to Ellwood Mesa off Santa Barbara Shores Drive, involves replacing the culvert and access road across Devereux Creek. Ellwood Mesa Open Space will remain open, with detour signs posted to guide visitors around the construction area. 

The Newport Drive Culvert Repair project is anticipated to begin in early July and will take approximately one month to complete. 

This project, located between the 7500 and 7600 blocks of Newport Drive, involves repairing the southern end of a box culvert with new piles, foundation, and wingwalls, as well as replacing the adjacent sidewalk undermined by storm flows. 

Work will primarily occur within the creek, with minor traffic and pedestrian impacts expected on Newport Drive. 

The Evergreen Park Drainage Repair project is expected to start in early July and will take approximately one month to complete. 

Located along Padova Drive near the southern entrance of Evergreen Park, the project involves replacing a catch basin and storm drain pipe, installing a new junction and outlet structure, and repairing the eroded bank. 

Work will occur on the south end of Evergreen Park, which will remain open with detour signs posted around the construction area. 

SB REPORTS ON AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY

The Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office released its 2023 Agricultural Crop and Livestock Report this week, which provides a statistical summary of the acreage, production, and gross production value of the county’s agriculture.

Agriculture remains Santa Barbara County’s largest industry, with a gross production value of $1.88 billion, this marks a 2.8% decrease compared to 2022.

At the same time, livestock production values saw a 14% increase from 2022, it was due to ranchers retaining more pasture and range from the rainy season, along with higher sales driven by inflation and beef demand.

The values in this report represent the gross value of agricultural commodities grown in Santa Barbara County, not accounting for costs associated with labor, planting, irrigation, and distribution.

Strawberries continued to be the county’s top crop, maintaining the No. 1 spot since 2002, with a gross value of $775.3 million, a 4.4% decrease from 2022. 

The 2023 atmospheric rivers led to reduced production, significantly impacting the crop’s economic value.

“We saw a decrease in our fruit values from berries to avocados this year primarily because of the January 2023 storms, which brought significant rainfall to our area. New countries entering a very competitive market also led to price reductions in avocados,” said Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer Jose Chang.

Meanwhile, nursery products moved to the second spot, with a value of $122.3 million, representing a 28% increase. 

This group primarily includes cut flowers and potted plants. 

Product stabilization, market demand, and increased production contributed to the overall increase.

Wine grapes remained in the third spot with a value of $98.6 million, a 2.3% increase. 

The 2023 growing season’s weather conditions, including a long blooming period and better soil conditions, led to higher yields and quality. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc were the top harvested varieties with the highest gross value.

Broccoli climbed to the fourth spot with a value of $86.7 million, cauliflower dropped to fifth with a total value of $84.1 million, a 13% decrease due to reduced production and market value.