In 2024, SBCAN’s Assistant Director at the time, Nancy Avoce, struck up a conversation with a neighbor while walking through her Eastside Santa Barbara neighborhood. He shared concerns about how rising costs and displacement were changing the community and making it increasingly difficult for longtime residents and local families who have shaped the Eastside’s cultural identity to remain.

This conversation sparked a new SBCAN initiative focused on convening local community members and business owners to strengthen community connections, build political power on the Eastside, and support Milpas Street businesses.

Two years later, SBCAN is proud to convene the Vecinos del Eastside, a growing network of Eastside residents and business owners meeting to shape the future of the Eastside while preserving its cultural identity. Our group has engaged new members of the community and stakeholders including local elected officials, city staff, and members of the Chamber of Commerce. 

The current goals of the Vecinos del Eastside’s are to uplift the Eastside’s cultural identity, strengthen community pride, and support local restaurants in advocating for equitable investment on the Eastside. Through this work, Vecinos seeks to ensure that Milpas receives the visibility, resources, and investment afforded to other thriving commercial districts. 

This group also serves as an important community voice, helping inform SBCAN’s broader network on immigration, housing, and other issues impacting Eastside residents.

SBCAN’s renewed commitment to grassroots organizing reflects our dedication to supporting Eastside residents in shaping the future of their community. By increasing civic engagement and providing residents with the tools and training to advocate for their needs, we work to ensure that impacted community members have a seat at the table and can participate in crafting solutions.