Supervisor Gregg Hart
Representing Santa Barbara County's Second District
Hello
I'm Gregg Hart, your County Supervisor. I'm writing today to update you on some of the efforts of my office over the past month. As always, please feel free to contact my office if we can be of assistance to you. You're more than welcome to call my office at (805) 568-2195, email me at ghart@countyofsb.org, or visit my website: www.countyofsb.org/bos/hart.sbc .
Investing in Our Community: Fiscal Year 2019-20 Budget
On June 11th, the Board of Supervisors adopted the County's Fiscal Year 2019-20 Budget. This budget invests in programs that will continue to provide residents with a high level of service, while also investing in our County's future. For the first time in 12 years, there are no reductions in service levels. Many of this year's budget expansions invest in public safety, mental health, environmental sustainability, and more, including:
  • $344,200 for the Public Defender's holistic defense program
  • $160,000 for the Sheriff's Behavioral Sciences Unit
  • $324,00 for the Regional Climate Action Plan
  • $391,100 for Community Choice Energy (CCE)
  • $135,000 for libraries
  • $350,000 for a countywide recreation master plan

For more information on the County's Fiscal Year 2019-20 Budget, please click here.
Second District Highlights
Prop 47 Funding
Last week, the County was selected to receive $6M over three years to fund mental health/law enforcement co-response, a sobering center, and expanded crisis services. This funding will be critical in advancing the County's continued efforts to divert people with mental illness from the criminal justice system. As the Supervisor who serves on the Behavioral Wellness Commission and Community Corrections Partnership, I'm proud to support this important work. To learn more, please click here.
Health Safety Net Tour
On June 12th, I joined a diverse group of healthcare, human services, and public safety professionals on the Health Safety Net Tour, organized by Dr. Jason Prystowsky of Cottage Hospital. We visited the Bridge Clinic, Rescue Mission, PATH, Crisis Stabilization Unit, Psychiatric Health Facility, County Health Clinic, County Jail, and the Isla Vista Neighborhood Clinic. This tour provided great insight into many of the resources and services available for some of our most vulnerable community members, including people experiencing homelessness and people suffering from mental illness.
Animal Services
On May 31st, I visited Santa Barbara County Animal Services' Santa Barbara Animal Shelter. I also visited ASAP and DAWG. After meeting with Animal Services staff, I successfully requested that Animal Services be given $25,000 to make facility improvements that will enhance the shelter for animals, visitors, volunteers, and staff. To learn more about Animal Services, please click here.
See and Smile Day in Old Town Goleta
On May 31st, I also stopped by See and Smile Day, which was put on by the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, SEE International, Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Society, and the Rotary Club. This event provided uninsured community members with free dental/vision exams and care.
Goleta Beach Bridge Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
On May 30th, I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Goleta Beach Park Bridge Replacement project. The new bridge features a boardwalk-style pedestrian walk way, protected bike lane, and a reduction in environmental impacts to the Goleta Slough. For more information, please click here.
Improvements for the Santa Barbara Veterans' Memorial Building
After meeting with local veterans and attending the annual Memorial Day Luncheon at the Veterans' Memorial Building, I was able to secure funding for much needed flooring and window improvements. Additionally, I'm working with County staff to ensure that the building's flag poles are replaced this summer.
Cycling Around Old Town Goleta
On May 10th, I joined Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember Kyle Richards, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), and the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition for a bike ride around Old Town. This event took place as part of the CycleMAYnia series, a program put on by SBCAG's Traffic Solutions division, which works to promote alternative transportation options. To learn more about the work of Traffic Solutions, please click here.
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