In 2001, a group of community activists and leaders came together to discuss the future of Santa Barbara County. This group came to the consensus that although there were numerous local organizations and activists working on a wide range of progressive causes, efforts were often fragmented and sometimes working at cross purposes. There was a clear need for a countywide organization that could bridge the gap between environmental and social justice issues and help progressives find a united vision for the future of Santa Barbara County.
In January of 2002, SBCAN was created to serve this purpose. Since our inception, many of our board members have been elected to public office, including County Supervisor Das Williams, Congressman Salud Carbajal, former Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider, and Allan Hancock College Board Trustee Hilda Zacarias.
Over the years, SBCAN has played important roles in opposing urban development on agricultural lands and development of dangerous fossil-fuel projects. At the same time, SBCAN has supported development of alternative energy and affordable housing, advocated for immigrant rights, and sponsored programs to engage inner-city residents in community gardening and educational arts programs.
STRUCTURE
SBCAN is a membership-based organization that draws its strength from the active participation and support of people throughout the county who share our mission. We hold annual membership meetings to elect our board members who represent various regions across the county and a wide range of environmental and social justice interests.
SBCAN uses its organizational strength to advocate for progressive policies that are generated from within and by its allied organizations and enables efficient communication and coordination between local progressive groups.
We conduct our own programs and projects including monthly Roundtables, weekly Housing Brainstorm meetings, Santa Maria River Watershed projects, Eastside Santa Barbara program and Sustainable University Now. We also serve as a fiscal sponsor for projects such as Youth Arts Alive and the Mickey Flacks Journalism Fund.
We are active participants in a wide range of environmental and social justice coalitions across the county, including Community Environmental Council, CAUSE, MICOP, Environmental Defense Center, Creek Lands Conservation, Santa Maria-Lompoc Branch of NAACP, Los Padres ForestWatch, Watershed Alliance, Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition, Bici Santa Maria, and Safe Energy Now! North County.