HOT Roast of Dick and Mickey Flacks celebrating SB CAN's 10th Anniversary
By Joyce Howerton, Executive Director
Santa Barbara County Action Network is celebrating its 10th anniversary. It was started by a group of 30 activists who met in Dick and Mickey Flacks’ living room in 2001 for the first discussions.
SB CAN is a countywide, grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting social justice and preserving our environment and agriculture through an integrated, regional approach.
SB CAN is focused on monitoring the actions of the county Board of Supervisors/city councils, and alerting the public when testimony is needed; expanding democracy by training leaders and organizing to increase participation among North County residents; and advocating for linking housing, open space and transportation (HOT) issues with planning to ensure a sustainable community. It seeks adoption of policies to improve housing and transportation, and to preserve vital open spaces.
SB CAN has had numerous accomplishments over the years.
On housing and planning issues, SB CAN repeatedly challenged the gentrification process in the city of Santa Barbara, and engaged the community to plan for affordable housing while protecting open space, urban agriculture and the environment.
The group urged the Board of Supervisors to expeditiously complete the Housing Element to appropriately site, plan for and provide workforce housing.
SB CAN supported efforts to preserve the Gaviota Coast, save rare oaks from clear cutting, and environmental protections in Goleta.
It opposed creation of villages outside the urban limit line and led the effort opposing Lompoc General Plan changes that would have converted agricultural land to development. The group opposed slant drilling, expansion of the casino and taking more land in fee to trust.
On transportation issues, the group worked with the Coalition for Sustainable Transportation and others to ensure that transportation funds be used for public transit, and opposed proposed MTD fare increases. We organized transit riders and testified before the Association of Governments on the need for expanded transit systems between/among communities.
SB CAN also advocated for a strong alternative — transit/rail — component of the Highway 101 implementation plan and supported Measures A and D.
Last year, SB CAN led the SUN Coalition in negotiating a long-term agreement with UCSB so its development benefits the region with respect to housing, public transit, traffic, energy and conservation.
SB CAN opposed the attempted county split as well as efforts to recall Supervisor Gail Marshall; supported legislation to improve tenants’ rights and increase compensation for evictions; supported Santa Barbara Living Wage Coalition; conducted forums for numerous supervisor, council and ballot measure races; conducted candidate and leadership skills training for local elections; and sponsored strategic planning meetings in the North County.
SB CAN also believes in having fun. It hosts an annual North County awards dinner recognizing individuals and organizations making a difference; brings together activists on housing, open space and transportation topics; and holds networking and other social events such as Oscar parties, Fall Harvest picnics and Movies with a Message.
An active board of directors represents a wide spectrum of community interests countywide. Our members come from throughout Santa Barbara County.
As SB CAN enters its second decade, it will continue to advocate countywide to preserve and enhance our quality of life through advocacy, education and active participation in our democratic processes.
On Oct. 23, SB CAN will celebrate its decennial with a HOT Roast of Dick and Mickey Flacks. Anyone interested can find more information at sbcan.org, or email joyce@sbcan.org, or call 563-0463.
Joyce Howerton is executive director of SB CAN. She can be reached at joyce@sbcan.org. Looking Forward runs every Friday, providing a progressive viewpoint on local issues.
Read printed editorial:
Date:
14 Oct 2011 - 2:00am