Public asked to provide feedback by Dec. 2 on how bus systems, dial-a-ride and paratransit services can better serve their needs in Santa Barbara County. 

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) is holding an unmet transit needs hearing at Noon and 5:30 p.m. on December 2, 2020 via Zoom Webinar. The public is encouraged to participate in one of the two hearing options to share comments or concerns about bus systems, dial-a-ride and paratransit services in Santa Barbara County or express needs for new or expanded services in the county. Spanish language interpretation services will be available at both public hearing options.
 
Those unable to participate in the virtual hearing opportunities can take an online survey in English and Spanish until December 2, 2020. The public can also submit comments in writing to SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, or by email to comment@sbcag.org. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations to participate in the December 2, 2020 hearing should contact SBCAG at least three working days prior to the meeting at (805) 961-8900.
 
WHAT:              Unmet Transit Needs Hearing

WHEN:              Noon and 5:30 p.m. on December 2, 2020 (attend one of the two options)

WHERE:            Zoom Webinar:*
                           Manually join: Webinar ID: 829 1767 1869; Passcode: 221523; OR
                           Telephone: (669) 900-9128; Webinar ID: 829 1767 1869; Passcode: 221523.
                          *Spanish-language interpretation services available

DETAILS:         SBCAG will conduct the public hearing to receive comments on transit needs in Santa
                         Barbara County, as required under Section 99401.5 of the Public Utilities Code.

Spanish-Language release available via this link,  Audiencia Publica Virtual de Necesidades de Transito No Satisfechas

Focus of committee is to ensure accountability for high priority transportation projects throughout Santa Barbara county 

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments is seeking civic-minded, interested individuals to serve on a committee of community leaders, a part of the Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee. The committee oversees the ongoing investment of Measure A sales tax funds for high priority transportation projects and programs that address the current and future needs of Santa Barbara county. The Committee is comprised of 11 members, including four from North County, four from South County and three “at-large.” Applicants will be considered to fill three open positions on the committee for an “at-large” member, and two North County members who can represent transportation interests in the county.
 
On November 4, 2008, Measure A was approved in Santa Barbara county with 79% voter support, a one-half of one percent (1/2%) sales tax for transportation projects and programs over 30 years. Measure A is administered by Santa Barbara County Association of Governments and it is estimated to provide more than $1 billion of local investment in transportation projects through 2040. Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors appointed a Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee to help ensure accountability to voters regarding the expenditure of funds.
 
The Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee is made up of a balance of transportation users that represent geographic, social, cultural and economic interests in the county. Appointed members serve four-year terms and can be reappointed for additional terms at the discretion of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors. As determined by the committee, they meet as needed or one to three times a year. The committee is responsible for annually submitting comments to the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors on whether the provisions, requirements and voter mandates as outlined by Measure A’s Investment Plan and Ordinance have been properly carried out.
 
Three positions are open for consideration of an appointment by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors. To apply, applicants are encouraged to complete a application by July 29, 2020. The application is available upon request to Lauren Bianchi Klemann, Government Affairs and Public Information Manager by email at lbianchiklemann@sbcag.org or telephone at: (805) 961-8900.
 
More information about Measure A is available on the measure’s website at www.measurea.net. 

Results from public input and analysis of traffic circulation and safety improvements will be presented at the virtual meeting. The public is encouraged to join in the discussion online.

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians are hosting a Traffic Circulation and Safety virtual (online) community meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, to discuss potential improvements to key traffic corridors in Santa Ynez Valley. This virtual meeting is the culmination of the 18-month long Traffic Circulation and Safety Study that will feature results from public input and technical analysis on various improvements being considered. The Study report can be viewed on the Santa Ynez Projects website.
 
The meeting will be available for viewing live and on demand through May 26  online at publicinput.com/t728 and will also be available on-demand on the Santa Ynez Project's website within two days after the May 19 meeting. Questions and public comments on the project may be submitted before, during, and after the meeting through May 26 at publicinput.com/t728. 
 
The Santa Ynez Traffic Circulation and Safety Study is intended to comprehensively assess and identify needed current and future circulation and safety improvements.  The overarching goal is to achieve a better quality of life for the community and those who use the roadways – pedestrians, motorists, cyclists. 
 
“My vision for the Traffic Safety and Circulation Study is one where improvements are shaped by local Santa Ynez Valley residents who understand the issues first-hand,” said Supervisor Joan Hartmann, SBCAG Director who represents Valley residents.  “We received suggestions from over 100 participants who took the time to attend the bus tour in spring 2019, and the community meeting last fall. We encourage all community members to attend the online community meeting from the comfort and safety of your home and share your views. Engaging our local stakeholders is at the heart of this process. While we can’t come together in person, we look forward to broad community participation online.”
 
Discussion about potential improvements to be considered will include:

• Installation of either a roundabout, traffic signal, or all-way stop-control at the Roblar Avenue/SR-154 intersection as a traffic calming/speed reduction measure, to replace the current two-way stop-controlled operation.
• Addition of a pedestrian scramble crosswalk operation at the Alisal Drive/SR-246 (Mission Drive) intersection, which would allow pedestrians to cross in all directions (including diagonally) within an exclusive phase (vehicle traffic would stop in all directions for that phase).

 
The Santa Ynez Valley is primarily served by a series of state highways: SR 154, SR 246 and US 101. These state highways handle an increased demand of regional, tourist, and local trips, and also serve as a “main street” for several of the cities and communities in the Santa Ynez Valley. As such, there are competing demands on the highway network from passenger vehicles, transit, trucks, cyclists, and pedestrians. Santa Ynez Valley Traffic Circulation & Safety Study kicked off with a bus tour of the study area in February 2019 and a public workshop in September 2019. The May 19, 2020 community meeting will be the final public workshop before the study is completed in June 2020. 
 
Public input throughout the process has been essential to establish a vision for traffic and safety projects. The public is encouraged to join this important discussion online. 
 
What: Santa Ynez Valley Traffic Circulation & Safety Study Virtual Community Meeting
When: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Where: Join us live online at publicinput.com/t728; or view the meeting on-demand at publicinput.com/t728 or at www.sbcag.org/syvprojects within two days after the May 19 meeting
 
Agenda and presentation materials will be posted on the virtual community meeting at publicinput.com/t728. Questions and public comments on the project may be submitted on the public input website before, during, and after the meeting through May 26. The study is made possible through a Caltrans Sustainable Communities Planning grant, as well as funding from the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments.
 
For more information or questions about the upcoming virtual community meeting, the public can contact Katherine Padilla, Community Relations Consultant, at kpadilla@katherinepadilla.com.

Attachment: Santa Ynez Valley Traffic Circulation & Safety Study Community Meeting Flyer

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) in partnership with the  Community Environmental Council (CEC) seeks the public’s input on Connected2050 Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP-SCS). Public is asked to share experiences in midst of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

SBCAG announces the public process launch of Connected 2050, an update to Santa Barbara County’s long-range regional transportation plan and sustainable communities strategy. Connected 2050 RTP-SCS will help guide future planning efforts and policy decisions that affect transportation and its relationship with housing, jobs, and land use to reduce greenhouse gas gases from light-duty vehicles that contribute to climate change. SBCAG is expected to adopt Connected 2050 in August 2021. 
 
“The recommendations of Connected 2050 will influence Santa Barbara County’s long-term growth and development for the next 30 years,” said Marjie Kirn, Executive Director of SBCAG. “We cannot deny the impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency on our daily lives for the foreseeable future, we need the public’s participation in this process as it will have tremendous influence on how to build a better and more sustainable community in the future. We will be asking residents and businesses about safe and affordable housing, how essential goods like medicine and food are transported, and how far we travel to reach our jobs or schools.”
 
The public is encouraged to get involved with Connected 2050 by texting “CONNECT” to (833) 956-0921 or sign up for updates at Connected 2050 website, or the Conectados 2050 website for a Spanish-language version. There will be multiple opportunities for residents and businesses to share experiences and ideas on housing, jobs and transportation through October 2020. 
 
Connected 2050 RTP-SCS will help create communities where people can live, work, play and prosper. At its core, Connected 2050 RTP-SCS is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emission that contribute to climate change while helping achieve a number of important local and statewide goals. Connected 2050 will identify goals and objectives developed by public participation to guide the development of recommendations addressing five core topics like such as the environment, mobility & system reliability, equity, health & safety, and a prosperous economy.
 
SBCAG updates the Sustainable Communities Strategy with their Regional Transportation Plan every 4 years. The last RTP-SCS update was completed in 2017. Between now and early October 2020, SBCAG will use technical analysis and community input to create several different future scenarios. Each of the scenarios that SBCAG develops will represent a different vision for future development, growth, and transportation in the Santa Barbara. CEC is supporting SBCAG’s outreach goals for Connected 2050 by helping to connect with a wider range of stakeholders who can share their vision for their community’s future. Just Communities is working with SBCAG and CEC to create a multilingual community outreach process for Connected 2050, using best practices from their Language Justice Initiative to ensure that everyone’s voices are truly heard and included in the final Connected 2050 plan.
 
A final version of Connected 2050 RTP-SCS will be adopted by August 2021.

California Transportation Commission allocation provides a significant investment in the local economy. New funding benefits high-priority, multimodal transportation opportunities such as the Highway 101 Carpinteria project, coastal access improvements, and multi-use trails. 

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated $107.54 million to SBCAG at their March CTC meeting which was originally scheduled to be held in Santa Barbara, California. The CTC meeting was held via teleconference in response to Governor Newsom’s March 17, 2020 Executive Order N-29-20 related to COVID-19. The funding supports high-priority multimodal transportation projects in Santa Barbara County to relieve congestion in the U.S. 101 Corridor. A significant portion of the state funding comes from Senate Bill 1, known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. SBCAG, in partnership with Caltrans, was able to leverage this state funding due to Measure A, Santa Barbara County’s local transportation sales tax to support local government partners in the construction of five projects benefiting the public and local economy. 

“We are very grateful to receive this funding from the California Transportation Commission,” said Gregg Hart, Chair of SBCAG Board of Directors. “Now, more than ever, as we are faced with impacts on health and the economy as a result of COVID-19, we recognize the critical role transportation projects will provide in creating jobs and in helping to foster economic growth.”

The following is a list of the CTC funded projects for Santa Barbara County: 

Highway 101: Carpinteria 
$105.5 million 
The project will add a peak-period carpool lane to the freeway in each direction within the City of Carpinteria between Bailard Avenue and the southbound Highway 101 on-ramp at Santa Claus Lane. The new lanes will tie into recently added third lanes to the south and upcoming projects to the north. New bridges will be built over Franklin and Santa Monica Creeks. There will be freeway on- and off-ramp improvements at Santa Monica Road, Carpinteria Avenue, and Reynolds Avenue. Six new sound walls will be constructed to reduce freeway noise for neighbors. On local streets, there will be improvements to the intersections at Santa Monica Road and Via Real, Reynolds and Carpinteria Avenues; and Bailard Avenue and the freeway ramps. $96 million is designated for capital costs, highway and landscaping. Construction starts April 5, more information avaiable via the SBROADS.com website. 

Santa Claus Lane Class I Bike Path 
$410,000
The project will construct a Class I Bike Path adjacent to the southbound lanes of US 101 between Estero Street, near Carpinteria Avenue off-ramp in the City of Carpinteria, and Sand Point Road in the County of Santa Barbara.

Rincon Multi-use Trail 
$802,000
The Project will construct a multi-use pedestrian and bicycle Class I path connecting Carpinteria Avenue to Rincon County Beach Park

Summerland Area Coastal Access Improvements 
$600,000
The project is located in the County of Santa Barbara, near the community of Summerland. This project will construct 0.4 miles of sidewalk and add coastal access parking along Wallace Avenue. This project will also construct 0.4 miles of sidewalk to complete a gap in California Coastal Trail between Greenwell Drive and North Padaro Lane and add a Class I multi-purpose path.

North Padaro Lane Coastal Access Improvements 
$180,000
The project will construct 0.2 miles of sidewalk to complete a gap in California Coastal Trail between Highway 101 and Loon Point Beach Parking area where coastal access exists. This project will also add coastal trail signage along North Padaro Lane and for vertical access to beach.

                                                                                   ###

About the California Transportation Commission
The California Transportation Commission is an independent public agency responsible for programming and allocating state and federal transportation funds used in the construction of highway, intercity passenger rail, active transportation, transit, and aeronautic improvements throughout California. 

Highway 101 Ribbon Cutting & Groundbreaking, Santa Ynez Valley Traffic Circulation and Traffic Study Community Meeting, Open Streets Santa Maria, and  Santa Ynez River Trail Alignment Study Community Meeting among the public events postponed.

SBCAG in coordination with City partners, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Caltrans, and the California Transportation Commission has postponed community meetings and special events through the end of March and early April per the latest health order from the County of Santa Barbara, guidelines from Governor Newsom and the California Department of Public Health in response to COVID-19.
 
While no cases have been officially reported yet in Santa Barbara County, SBCAG recognizes the importance of taking necessary actions to ensure that all members of the public have the opportunity to fully participate in these community gatherings. SBCAG acknowledges the significance of California Department of Public Health’s guidance on implementing aggressive strategies that create social distance and those that reduce close contact of people not regularly together, including limiting gatherings, that have proven effective in prior pandemics at delaying rates of transmission and reducing illness and death.
 
Thoughtful planning and coordination has gone into organizing these community meetings and events for the benefit of communities and residents of Santa Barbara County. SBCAG looks forward to rescheduling these events when attendance of all members of the community is possible.
 
Listed below are the following public events that have been postponed:

• March 25-16: California Transportation Commission will no longer be holding their March 25 and 26 meeting in Santa Barbara. The regular meeting agenda and information on how to participate will be posted on Friday, March 13 on their website. SBCAG is working closely with the California Transportation Commission on scheduling a future meeting in Santa Barbara. In consultation with the Commission, Caltrans, and the City of Carpinteria. The corresponding special events related to the Commission’s visit will be postponed.

• March 26: Ribbon Cutting / Groundbreaking for the U.S. 101 Linden and Casitas Project & U.S. 101: Carpinteria.

• March 26: Santa Ynez Valley Traffic Circulation and Safety Study Community Meeting in Solvang (rescheduled to May).

• March 29: Open Streets Santa Maria (rescheduled to October 25).

• April 7: Santa Ynez River Trail Alignment Study in Buellton (rescheduled to May).

 
While SBCAG has postponed all upcoming non-essential community meetings and special events through April, the SBCAG Board of Directors will conduct their regular scheduled meeting on March 19 as an essential meeting of the legislative body. The agenda is available on the SBCAG website. Consistent with the Governors Executive Order N 25-20 related to COVID-19, SBCAG is required to notice at least one publicly accessible location from which members of the public shall have the right to observe and offer public comment at the public meeting. The meeting location is the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room at 105 E. Anapamu St, 4th floor in Santa Barbara, or the public can participate using the remote video testimony system located at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 511 E. Lakeside Parkway in Santa Maria. The County of Santa Barbara has implemented social distancing requirements in their board hearing rooms that will be applied to the SBCAG’s regularly scheduled meeting. Additionally, the public can submit written public comment to 260 N. San Antonia Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, or electronically via email at sbcaginfo@sbcag.org prior to the meeting. SBCAG Board of Directors meetings are televised live on County of Santa Barbara Television (CSBTV) Channel 20. Rebroadcast of this SBCAG meeting will be at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 21 and 5 p.m. on Monday, March 23.
 
The public is reminded to stay informed and follow the guidance of the Santa Barbara Public Health Department that has been working to urge the community of taking steps to take to protect their health and the health of those around them, including:

• Wash your hands with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough
• Get vaccinated for the flu every year

 
For more information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), please visit the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department website or call the Public Health Department information line at 805-681-4373 (recorded information in English and Spanish). For the most up to date information regarding the novel coronavirus on the national level, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

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Lori La Riva of Traffic Solutions, a division of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, was recognized as a 2019, 40 Under 40, emerging leader in transportation demand management by the Association for Commuter Transportation. The association recognizes professionals who are leaders in their field in developing programs that shift behavior and create long-lasting change for commuters and increase the livability of their communities. La Riva was recognized among an impressive group of international leaders who are changing the way communities address transportation and mobility challenges.

“This is a tremendous honor for our organization by recognizing an inspiring leader who is working on creative solutions to help move people in a sustainable way for the benefit our community and economy,” remarked Kent Epperson, Director of Traffic Solutions.  “Lori is the kind of person who wins commuters over with her big smile, approachable demeanor, humble nature, and her impeccable professionalism.  Over the years, she has helped build a large community of commuters and employer partners that feel like family to us and are our most active champions for sustainable transportation in Santa Barbara County.”

La Riva remarks that she enjoys collaborating with local employers to build commuter programs from the ground up and takes pride in resolving situations that are challenging for commuters or employers. She also loves working with community members during CycleMAYnia Bike Month to bring their creative, inspiring, and fun ideas to life.

Traffic Solutions works to connect people and destinations by offering programs and incentives that help commuters travel smarter. A division of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, Traffic Solutions focuses on transit use, bicycling, carpooling, vanpooling, telecommuting, compressed workweeks, and flexible schedules. Traffic Solutions develops programs and relationships with local employers, government agencies, and individuals to expand commuter options that reduce traffic congestion and vehicle miles driven and encourage sustainable transportation. Employers in Santa Barbara County who wish to develop their commuter programs can contact Traffic Solutions at (805) 963-7283 or info@trafficsolutions.org.

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) elected their 2020 leadership and approved the Board of Directors regular meeting schedule through December 2020. The Board of Directors selected Gregg Hart, County Supervisor Second District to serve as Chair and Holly Sierra, Mayor of Buellton to serve as Vice-Chair. The Board also extended their appreciation to outgoing Chair Alice Patino, Mayor of Santa Maria.
 
"As a former Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Deputy Director, I understand transportation and housing issues facing our region,” said director Gregg Hart. “I will work hard with my Board colleagues, SBCAG staff and our partners to secure full funding to complete the 101 widening project, expand rail service, increase funding for transit, bike, and pedestrian improvements and create new opportunities for affordable housing."
 
In 2020, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, in partnership with Caltrans, will be focused on the Santa Barbara U.S. 101 Multimodal Corridor Project, which is the priority project of Measure A, the transportation measure passed overwhelmingly by voters in 2008. Measure A funding helped leverage $184 million in competitive Senate Bill 1 funding for the project from Carpinteria to Summerland with construction starting in 2020. In the new year, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments will seek to leverage additional Senate Bill 1 funding to secure the remaining investment needed for the entirety of the project to Santa Barbara. The funding also supports improving local connections for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit and rail users. The public can stay informed on the progress by signing up to receive updates at www.sbroads.com.
 
Santa Barbara County Association of Governments will also be engaged in Connected 2050, Santa Barbara County’s next Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP-SCS).  The RTP-SCS is the long-range transportation plan that is updated every four years and helps guide future planning efforts and policy decisions that affect transportation, including its relationship with housing and land use.  The current RTP-SCS, Fast Forward 2040, as its name suggests, plans out to the year 2040.  Connected 2050 will plan out to 2050.  Connected 2050 will also align with the Regional Housing Needs Allocation process as directed by the State of California to support how Santa Barbara communities can adequately plan to meet the housing needs for our region. Public participation will be vital to the development of Connected 2050 and Santa Barbara County Association of Governments will conduct public meetings and surveys in advance of a draft release of Connected 2050 anticipated in June 2021.
 
Regular meetings of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors occur on the 3rd Thursday of each month, convening at 10:00 a.m. Listed below is the 2020 Meeting schedule and locations. Santa Barbara meetings are held in the Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Hearing Room at 105 East Anapamu Street, 4th Floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Santa Maria meetings are held in the Santa Maria Board of Supervisors Hearing Room at 511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria, CA 93455
 
2020 Regular Meeting Dates/Locations

• January 16, Santa Barbara
• February 20, Santa Maria
• March 19, Santa Barbara
• April 16, Santa Maria
• May 21, Santa Barbara
• June 18, Santa Maria
• July 16, Santa Barbara
• August 20, Santa Maria
• September 17, Santa Barbara
• October 15, Santa Maria
• November 19, Santa Barbara
• December 17, Santa Maria

First meeting of the Highway 154 Safety Committee to take place on December 16, 2019

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Highway 154 Safety Committee is hosting a Town Hall on December 16, 2019, at Solvang Veterans Memorial Building, 1745 Mission Drive in Solvang. The town hall will feature the latest information on Highway 154 traffic safety and efforts to improve safety. The public will have an opportunity to meet and ask questions of representatives from Caltrans, California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, and local/state elected officials. Childcare will be provided by the Santa Ynez YMCA at the Solvang Library, and Spanish language interpretation services will be available.
 
At 6:30 p.m., there will be an open house with state and local agencies, followed by the first meeting of the Highway 154 Safety Committee at 7:00 p.m. A committee agenda will be available on the Santa Barbara County Association of Government’s Board Committee Meeting website in advance of the meeting and will include presentations from State and local agencies. The public is encouraged, not required, to register to attend the town hall. Registration can be done online, or by phone to Santa Barbara County Association of Governments at (805) 961-8900.
 
WHAT: Highway 154 Safety Town Hall

WHEN: December 16, 2019, 6:30 p.m. – Open house with state and local agencies; 7:00 p.m. – Highway 154 Safety Committee meeting

WHERE: Solvang Veterans Memorial Building, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang
​
DETAILS: Register to attend online at www.hwy154.eventbrite.com, or by phone to Santa Barbara County Association of Governments at (805) 961-8900. The Town Hall is FREE to attend, registering helps meeting organizers plan the logistics for the event. Childcare will be provided by Santa Ynez YMCA at the Solvang Library, and Spanish language interpretation services will be available.