Know your
Government A guide to city and county government
City of Carpinteria Carpinteria Valley & Summerland
OF SANTA BARBARA, INC.
Government in the Carpinteria Valley Carpinteria information compiled by League member Donna Jordan Santa Barbara County information compiled by Eric Friedman, Aide to First District Supervisor Salud Carbajal Thanks to Marie Ofria and Sunburst Printers staff for their valuable time, patience and professional advice.
Thanks for community support from: Berkenmeier & Sugiyama Bright & Powell Office of Supervisor Salud Carbajal Carpinteria Woman’s Club Chase City of Carpinteria Curious Cup Bookstore Friends of Carpinteria Library Thomas E. Higgins, CPA Accountancy, Inc. Craig E. Meister, CPA
Montecito Bank & Trust MurphyKing Real Estate S.B. County Commission for Women Seascape Realty Summerland Citizens Association Ruthie Tremmel Alain Welty, Allstate Insurance Ed Van Wingerden, Ever~Bloom, Inc. Winfred Van Wingerden, Maximum Nursery, Inc. Venoco, Inc.
LWV member support includes generous members of the League of Women Voters: Robert and Kathy Henry, Donna Jordan, Phyllis Beato, Dorothy Campbell, Barbara Godley, Kathi Heaslet, Jane Benefield, Ghita Ginberg and Sheila Kamhi.
Water map courtesy of Montecito Water District Copyright 2013 by the League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara
Government in the Carpinteria Valley A guide to city and county government Table of Contents History of the Carpinteria Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 The City of Carpinteria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Municipal Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Special Districts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Unincorporated Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 County Government. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Water Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-16 Other Governmental Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 City, County & Summerland Assoc. contact information . . . . . . . . 30 Special District contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
History of the Carpinteria Valley Long before California was discovered by Spanish explorers the Chumash Indians inhabited the Central Coast. They thrived in the mild climate and the abundance of fresh water, fish, game, and native plants. In 1542 Juan Cabrillo sailed past the coast and claimed all of California for the King of Spain. But it was not until 1769 that an expedition led by Gaspar de Portola explored the land. They came upon a village where the Chumash were constructing plank canoes and caulking the seams with asphaltum. The Spaniards named the village “La Carpinteria” (the carpenter shop). Many years later asphaltum mining became a major industry in the valley. Spain held California until 1822 when Mexico successfully revolted against Spanish rule and claimed California as its own. Trading ships from all over the world found their way to California ports and gradually Americans came here to settle. In 1846 the United States declared war on Mexico, and California became a territory of the United States. In 1850 it became the thirtyfirst state. Americans continued to migrate to the area and some discovered the rich soil of the Carpinteria Valley, established homesteads, and began to farm. One of the early crops was lima beans and new varieties were developed. Agriculture continues to be a major part of the Valley’s economic base, but avocados, lemons, cherimoyas, and flowers have replaced the earlier crops. In the 1880’s asphalt mining operations began on a large scale, tapping into the pits near the ocean bluffs. Two hundred men worked around-the-clock shifts in the open-pit Las Conchas mine. It had the highest grade and purity of all known deposits worldwide. Las Conchas closed in 1903, but the demand for the asphalt grew and in 1912 Santa Barbara County leased the Higgins ranch east of the first mine and was able to produce paving material for the next 25 years. The bluffs at the east end of Carpinteria State Beach still ooze the liquid asphaltum. In recent years several high-tech companies have located along Highway 101 on the east side of the city, providing employment and contributing to the tax base.
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The City of Carpinteria www.carpinteria.ca.us Carpinteria incorporated as a city in 1965. As of the 2010 census, approximately 13,000 people reside within the city limits. Carpinteria has a Council/Manager form of government. The Council is elected by the voters and it appoints a City Manager who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the city.
City Council The City Council is responsible to the electorate, sets policy and has legislative power. The offices of the five Council members are non-partisan. Members are elected at large in November of even-numbered years (three members at one election and two at the next) for four-year terms. The Council chooses a Mayor and Vice-Mayor from its members following each election. Council members receive a small salary. They meet twice each month, on the second and fourth Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The meetings are televised live on Channel 21 and rebroadcast the following Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 5:00 p.m.
Advisory Boards Appointments to the boards are made by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the Council. (All Advisory Boards have five members unless otherwise indicated.) The Planning Commission is responsible for land use issues, updating and maintaining the General Plan and Local Coastal Plan, zoning issues and development review. Meetings are on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Special meetings are held as needed. All meetings are televised live on Channel 21. The Architectural Review Board reviews architectural and landscape plans for new residential and commercial buildings, and for major additions and remodels of existing buildings. It reviews commercial signage and advises on community design issues. Meetings are held twice each month. The Tree Advisory Board advises the Council and assists City staff in the development, review and amendment of the City’s street tree management plan and an annual street tree inventory. It also makes recommendations for the street tree work program and budget, sets guidelines for tree removals and replacements and hears appeals from citizens. The board meets on a quarterly basis as needed. 2
The Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Board sets and adjusts the rent schedules and maximum rents for mobile homes in accordance with the City’s Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Ordinance. It meets as needed. The Bluffs Management Advisory Board is a seven member board that provides input related to the Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve and other public coastal open spaces and trails. The Parking and Business Improvement Area Advisory Board (PBIAAB) advises the City Council on parking and business improvement matters within the Downtown retail business area. The Board also files an annual report with the City Council making recommendations on the expenditure of revenues derived from the levy of assessments on downtown businesses and any contributions made from other sources. The Carpinteria First Committee is a nine-member committee consisting of four members from the Chamber of Commerce, four at-large members, and one member appointed by the PBIAAB. The Committee makes recommendations to staff and the City Council on community-wide marketing, promotion and economic vitality efforts.
City Staff The City Manager is responsible for implementing Council policy and for day-to-day management of the City. In addition, he oversees the following programs and departments: City Clerk: Responsible for records, Council agendas and elections. Finance: Handles budgeting, investment, purchasing, payroll, financial reporting and data processing. Economic Vitality Program: Assesses local business needs and develops strategies to attract and retain businesses that are appropriate for the community and which are capable of stimulating the local economy by creation of area employment opportunities, new development or investment, and new tax revenues. Human Resources: Includes staff recruitment, retention and training and overseeing risk management. Community Development: Responsible for advanced planning, development review and building inspection, housing, code compliance and animal care & control.
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Parks and Recreation: Includes the community pool services, ocean and beach services, parks and facility improvement and maintenance and special events. Public Works: Responsible for capital improvements, transportation, parking and lighting, solid waste and watershed management, and street and right-of-way maintenance. Emergency Preparedness and Volunteer Services: Interfaces with Fire Department and County agencies on preparing the community for a disaster and developing the City’s disaster response plans; oversees volunteer programs such as the Host Program. Contract Management: Carpinteria delivers a number of city services through contracts with outside service providers. The City contracts with the County Sheriff’s Department for police services. (The Department’s south coast substation is located in the City Hall complex.) The City also retains a full service law firm for legal services, while contracting to firms in the private sector for solid waste handling and a portion of park maintenance.
The Municipal Budget The Municipal Budget is made up of the General Fund and a number of restricted Special Funds.
General Fund Revenues The General Fund, used for the day-to-day operation of the city, comes from a variety of revenue sources and accounts for about 60% of the overall budget. The principal sources of revenue are sales tax, property tax, and the transient occupancy tax. The current sales tax is 8%, of which 1% goes to the City. Sales tax accounts for about 24% of the total General Fund revenue. The largest percentage of the sales tax comes from business-to-business sales when the point of sale is recorded within the city. Other major sales tax generators include grocery and liquor stores (even though food is not taxed), service stations and restaurants. Property tax makes up about 33% of the total General Fund revenue. Since most of the property tax goes to fund schools, county government and special districts, only about 9% of the property tax paid by Carpinterians goes to city government. 4
Transient Occupancy Tax, also called the hotel bed tax, is a 12% surcharge paid by overnight visitors. Revenues from this tax make up around 18% of General Fund income.
General Fund Expenditures On the expenditure side, the General Fund revenues pay for police services, city management, planning, administration of parks and recreation, social services, youth activities, financial management, legal services and facilities management. The largest expenditures are for personnel, with the Sheriff’s contract making up approximately 42% of the outlay. City staffing levels remain fairly constant at about 30 full time employees.
General Fund Revenue 2012-13 $7,940,905
Sales Taxes 23%
Transient Occupancy 18.2%
Franchise Taxes 7%
Transfers In 5.9% Use of Reserves 3.5% Changes for Services 2.8% 6 Others 6.3%
Property Taxes 33.1%
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General Fund Expenditures 2012-13 $7,940,905 Non-Operating Exp. 3.0% Subsidies 5.2%
Others 5.9% Sheriff Contract 41.7%
Contract Services 9.3%
Total Benefits 10.9%
Total Wages 23.9%
All Fund Revenues 2012-13 $12,619,065 Franchise Taxes 4.4% Use of Reserves 4.7%
Others 7.3% Intergov Grants 26.3%
Charges for Services 8.3%
Transient Occupancy Taxes 11.4%
Property Taxes 23% Sales Taxes 14.6% 6
All Fund Expenditures 2012-13 $12,619,065 Other Operating Exp. 4.1%
Others 6.4% Sheriff Contract 26.4%
Total Benefits 8.4%
Contract Services 9.3%
Major Capital 22.6%
Total Wages 19.9%
Special Funds Most of the city’s major capital projects are paid for out of special funds. The following city funds fall into this category and are restricted as to use: the Right-of-Way fund, an assessment collected on residential parcels is used for the maintenance of sidewalks, curbs, gutters and street trees. Park Maintenance and Street Lighting each have their own funds. The Gas Tax and Measure A funds (a special ½% sales tax approved by county voters) are used for road maintenance and transportation. The Tidelands Trust Fund provides for beach maintenance and beach-related recreation programs. The total budget for the city runs around $12 million, depending on the receipt of grants and state or federal subventions. Of that total, the General Fund accounts for approximately 60%. The City Council adopts a fiscal year (July-June) budget each June. Copies are available at City Hall, the local library and on the city’s web page.: www.carpinteria.ca.us.
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Special Districts Special Districts are classified as either independent or dependent, according to the type of governing bodies under which they operate. Independent districts have fully elected, independent boards of directors. Dependent districts operate under the control of a county board of supervisors or a city council. Funding is by property tax and/or user charges. The special districts in the Carpinteria Valley are independent, with the exceptions of the Carpinteria Cemetery District and the Library. They provide municipal-type services to to both the City and the unincorporated areas. The following Districts have five-member Boards of Directors and hold elections in even-numbered years unless otherwise specified.
Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District This district was established in 1935 to provide fire protection, rescue services and advanced life support to the entire Carpinteria Valley. Its territory stretches from the Santa Barbara/Ventura county line on the east to the boundary with the Montecito Fire District on the west along Ortega Ridge. The northern boundary is the Santa Ynez mountains and the southern is the Pacific Ocean. The Board of Directors is elected by the voters within its jurisdiction. The district maintains two fire stations, one at 911 Walnut Avenue in Carpinteria and the other on Lillie Avenue in Summerland. Fire Administration, Planning and Prevention are located at the Administrative Offices at 1140 Eugenia Place in Carpinteria. 9-1-1 Dispatch service is provided through a joint powers agreement with Montecito Fire Protection District. All firefighters have Emergency Medical Technician Certification and a staff of at least nine certified Firefighter/Paramedics staffs each engine company at each station. The Fire District is a participating member of the South Coast Hazardous Materials Response Team and the California Regional Task Force & Urban Search and Rescue Team. The Fire District also offers a special “Surf Rescue� Team daily to the beaches of the District and the Montecito Fire District. The district recalls off-duty personnel to structure fires and other major incidents when necessary. An automatic aid agreement with the Montecito Fire District and the Ventura County Fire Department provides assistance for first alarm fires throughout the Santa Barbara South Coast Mutual Aid Response Area. The District provides emergency operations, fire prevention and inspections, and assists the County Planning and Development Department to ensure safe buildings and safe access to structures. Fire fighters train constantly for disaster and emergency readiness and train community members in disaster preparedness and CPR. 8
The Carpinteria Valley Water District The District was incorporated in 1941. Its Board of Directors is elected by the voters within its borders: the Ventura County line on the east to the Sentar Road area on the west. It provides water to the City of Carpinteria and to unincorporated areas north and west of the City. The District is funded entirely by its customers through water service rates, fees and charges. It receives no tax revenue. The District strives to maintain four wells to extract water from the Carpinteria groundwater basin. Water pumped from the basin is blended with water from Lake Cachuma. The District’s share of State Water is pumped into Lake Cachuma. The District owns a 3.5 million gallon reservoir (Foothill), a 400,000 gallon reservoir (Gobernador), and a 50,000 gallon storage tank (Shepard Mesa). It utilizes two large federally owned balancing reservoirs, the Carpinteria Reservoir, with a capacity of about 40 acre feet, located in the eastern foothills of the District, and the Ortega Reservoir, with a capacity of about 60 acre feet, located in Summerland. About half of the District’s annual water sales of about 4,000 acre feet are to agricultural users and the other half to residential, commercial, industrial and public authority users. Directors represent the District on two regional joint power authorities: The Central Coast Water Authority (CCWA) which operates the pipeline bringing State Water to Lake Cachuma, and the Cachuma Operation and Maintenance Board (COMB) which maintains and operates the federally owned Cachuma system, including the South Coast Conduit stretching from Goleta to Carpinteria. [See map pp 15-16]
The Carpinteria Sanitary District The Carpinteria Sanitary District is an independent special district that provides wastewater collection, treatment and disposal services to residents and businesses of the City of Carpinteria and surrounding unincorporated areas in the Carpinteria Valley. It was formed in 1928 pursuant to the Sanitary District Act of 1923 (California Health & Safety Code Section 6400 et. seq.) and is governed by a five-member board of directors, elected at large by its constituents. The District provides service to approximately 16,500 people and has approximately 4,300 user accounts. District infrastructure consists of approximately 40 linear miles of sewer pipelines, ranging from 6" to 24" in diameter, seven wastewater pump stations, and a wastewater treatment facility rated to treat up to 2.5 million gallons of 9
wastewater each day. The District conducts daily sampling and analyses in its State certified laboratory to ensure that treated effluent meets all regulatory requirements prior to discharge to the Pacific Ocean. Solids from the facility are composted with green waste at an off-site facility in Santa Maria and the finished product is sold as a high quality soil amendment.
Carpinteria Cemetery District Formed in 1914, this district owns and maintains a public cemetery and provides burial services for the entire valley as far west as Montecito. It is a dependent district since its five-member Board of Directors is appointed by the County Board of Supervisors.
Carpinteria Library The library began as a literary club in the 1890’s and then became the Carpinteria Woman’s Club. Book donations were checked out at the old town hall on Linden Avenue. In 1909 the state legislature passed a bill providing library service to rural districts. Carpinteria was ready and was established as the first branch library in the state. Currently the library is a branch of the Santa Barbara City Public Library and is housed in the Veterans Memorial Building on Carpinteria Avenue. The City of Carpinteria operates the building. (See page 28 for more about library operations).
Summerland Sanitary District Summerland’s Sanitary District is located on Wallace Avenue. It serves the area from near Lambert Road on the east to Ortega Ridge Road on the west, and from the ocean north through the Ortega Ranch development. Its five-member Board is elected by the voters within its boundaries in evennumbered years.
Montecito Water District The Summerland Water District and the Montecito Water District (MWD) merged in 1995. Montecito now provides water to Summerland and the surrounding unincorporated area, including the Toro Canyon corridor. A fivemember Board is elected by the voters within its service area in even-numbered years.
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MWD obtains water from Lake Cachuma (70%), Jameson Lake (25%), local groundwater basins and the State Water Project (5%). 64% of the District’s potable water is stored in the Ortega Reservoir. Ortega, which holds 21 million gallons when full, is part of the Cachuma Project constructed in 1954 and acts as a balancing reservoir. It serves both Montecito and Carpinteria Water Districts, which share its operation and maintenance expenses.
Carpinteria Unified School District The school district serves all of Carpinteria Valley as far west as Ortega Ridge Road. The five-member Board of Trustees is elected in even-numbered years for staggered terms. The district operates Carpinteria High School, Carpinteria Middle School, and four elementary schools: Aliso, Canalino, Carpinteria Family, and Summerland. It also operates Rincon Continuation High School and Foothill Alternative School. Its playing fields and buildings are available to community non-profit groups after school hours. The district has an average daily attendance of approximately 2350 students and employs approximately 300 certified and classified staff (2012 figures). It is one of the largest employers in the valley. School districts are independent special districts, governed by elected boards of trustees. They operate under the provisions of the state education code. Property taxes are the primary source of revenues for operation. These are supplemented by state and federal funding for specific programs. Bonds, which must be approved by the voters, are used only for capital improvements.
California Coastal Commission The California Coastal Commission was established by voter initiative in 1972 (Proposition 20) and made permanent by the Legislature in 1976 (The Coastal Act). The primary mission of the Commission, as the lead agency responsible for carrying out California’s federally approved coastal management program, is to plan for and regulate land and water uses in the coastal zone consistent with the policies of the Coastal Act. Much of the Carpinteria Valley is in the coastal zone where land use matters are subject to Local Coastal Plans; one for the City of Carpinteria and one for the unincorporated area, done by the county.
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The Unincorporated Area Summerland The small community of Summerland is situated at the western end of the valley. Its hillside location provides ocean views to most of its residents. The town was founded in 1889, adjacent to the railroad being built northward from Los Angeles. Founder Henry Lafayette Williams owned the Ortega Ranch and set aside 100 acres for a Spiritualist colony. He terraced narrow streets up the hillsides and began to sell small lots. In 1894 Williams and others found oil on the beach and in other areas. A boom followed and the original residents were overwhelmed by newcomers seeking their fortunes. Piers were built out into the ocean, allowing wells to pump in the water, and Summerland had the first offshore oil field in the western hemisphere. Gradually the oil dwindled, storms destroyed most of the rigs, and the town became a quiet enclave once again. Summerland never incorporated and so is governed by the County Board of Supervisors. In 1955 the Summerland Citizens Association was formed to represent the community’s interests and acts as an advisory group to the county. Standing committees include a Board of Architectural Review, Summerland Beautiful, and the Summerland-Greenwell Preserve.
County Government The unincorporated area outside the city limits of Carpinteria is governed by the County Board of Supervisors and county ordinances. Each of the five Supervisors, elected in staggered even-numbered years, represents an area of the County. Carpinteria Valley lies within the First Supervisorial District. Municipal services are provided by special districts. The County Sheriff provides police protection in the area. The rural areas not served by sanitary districts have private septic systems. Two areas have community plans administered by the County. Summerland’s was completed in 1992, and the inland portion of the Toro Canyon plan in 2003.
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Santa Barbara is one of the original 27 counties created when California became a state in 1850, and operates as a “general law� county. In contrast to charter counties, the government of general law counties is largely defined by state legislation. Over the years, however, they have been given considerable autonomy. All residents of the county, no matter where they live, are affected by the actions of county government and encouraged to participate in it.
The Budget Process Each June, the supervisors adopt a budget for the next fiscal year, which starts on July 1. There is a capital budget covering long-lasting purchases such as office space or major equipment. The much larger operating budget includes items such as salaries and supplies. During June the supervisors hold public hearings and go over the proposed budget submitted by the CEO, department by department. The final proposed budget is a collaborative effort of the CEO, the Auditor-Controller, and the individual departments. Members of citizen advisory commissions also present their recommendations for programs and expenditures, and any citizen may speak on any item, or on the budget as a whole. Copies of the budget are available at public libraries or on the County website at countyofsb.org. Approval requires a majority of the Board (three votes). Any significant change in the budget later in the fiscal year requires four votes.
Revenues and Expenditures State and federal government provide a major portion of county revenue in payments and grants for mandated ongoing programs (such as public assistance or public health) or for special programs and capital improvements. The largest local tax source is the county’s share of the property tax. Distribution of the property tax is determined by the state legislature. Other local sources are the retail sales tax, the motor vehicle tax, interest on investments, the transient occupancy tax, also known as the hotel bed tax and a variety of other sources. The third largest source of revenue is charges for services such as building permits, inspection of food establishments, care at county clinics, and document recording. Revenues which have not been earmarked go into the General Fund and may be used for any legal function of the County.
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Policy and Executive The Board of Supervisors has legislative, executive, and quasi-judicial authority (e.g. deciding a zoning appeal). All ordinances governing the county are enacted by the supervisors. They adopt the annual budget, set salaries for county officials (except for judges whose salaries are set by the state) and establish policy and direction for all county employees. The supervisors also serve as directors of certain special districts and as members of intergovernmental agencies. The Board of Supervisors generally meets on the first 3 Tuesdays of the month at 9 a.m. Public comment on non-agenda items is welcome at the beginning of the meeting, and comment on agenda items is taken as the items are discussed. Agendas, minutes, and video of Board meetings are available on the County website at www.countyofsb.org. The meetings are televised live on Channel 20 and rebroadcast on Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. The Executive Office serves the supervisors by coordinating administration of all areas of county government and ensuring that the policy decisions are fulfilled. The County Executive Officer (CEO) is appointed by the Supervisors. This office prepares the draft budget for the Board. The Clerk of the Board keeps the board’s records, and prepares its agendas and minutes. The Executive Office also oversees Human Resources which includes staff recruitment, retention and training. The County Counsel, along with a staff of lawyers and paralegal personnel, provides legal advice to the Board of Supervisors, county officials, county commissions, and special districts administered by the board. On request, the Counsel’s office also gives legal advice to school districts (for which they are billed). Members of the staff prepare resolutions, ordinances, contracts, and other legal documents. This office represents and defends the county in civil suits. The Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works with cities and local agencies to respond in a coordinated manner to major emergencies or disasters. Each city has an emergency manager who coordinates that city’s emergency preparedness and planning. OEM works with State and Federal officials to bring support into the county for residents and local governments during emergencies. OEM is based out of the County Emergency Operations Center which has been operational since 2011.
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Law and Justice Counties serve as the basis for court districts in California. In 1998 a statewide ballot initiative, with subsequent local ratification by the judges of Santa Barbara County, unified the municipal and superior courts with the county into a single superior court. The jurisdiction of the court may be civil, criminal (felony or misdemeanor), family and juvenile, probate, mental health, infraction cases, traffic, or small claims. Santa Barbara’s court has twenty judges who are elected for six year terms. Mid-term vacancies are usually filled by governor’s appointment. The court also has four commissioners, appointed by the judges, who handle minor problems such as traffic, family law, and juvenile cases. Administrative operations of the court are overseen by an executive officer appointed by the court and who also acts as Jury Commissioner and Clerk of the Court. South Coast facilities are located at the Santa Barbara Courthouse and in Goleta where juvenile and family law cases are conducted. Funding for the court, the salaries for judges and funding for the jury commissioner are the state’s responsibility.
Grand Jury The civil grand jury is a citizen watchdog group that investigates the operations of county government, any city in the county, school district, special district, or any entity receiving funds from the county. It is part of the Superior Court and serves for one year. By law each grand jury must investigate county finances as well as prison facilities in the county. Other topics for investigation can be suggested by letters from concerned citizens. Applicants for the grand jury must have been residents of the county for at least one year. Applications are submitted to the jury commissioner in March/April each year and are followed by group interviews. A panel of 30 nominees are then picked unanimously by court judges who select a group of 19 jurors. A drawing is held on July 1 to choose 17 jurors who join two holdovers from the previous grand jury. Jurors are paid a per diem and are reimbursed for mileage driven on grand jury work. A criminal grand jury is randomly selected from a list of trial jurors upon request of the District Attorney.
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District Attorney The District Attorney’s office investigates and prosecutes criminal and civil violations of the law. The department also has programs and public outreach projects designed to deter criminal activity. The District Attorney is elected for a four-year term. The DA may appoint assistants for north and south county.
Public Defender Courts are required by state law to provide legal services to indigent persons accused of felonies or misdemeanors. The office also defends people in cases involving conservatorships of their persons or estates, or wardships where child custody may have been improperly established. The Public Defender is appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
Support Services County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor The County Clerk, an elected official, is also the Registrar of Voters. This office is responsible for conducting elections, keeping records, and assessing properties. The Election Division maintains voter registration lists and determines precinct and district boundaries. Cities are responsible for their own elections, but frequently contract with the county for services. The Recorder Division records and archives official records and vital statistics , including all real property transactions, marriage licenses, fictitious business name statements and notary bond applications. It also serves as a U.S. Passport Agent. The Assessor Division’s task is the valuation of business and mineral property taxable by the state. This office defends property valuations under appeal to the Assessment Appeals Board.
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General Services The General Services Department provides basic operational support to all county departments, including property management, facilities, maintenance and capital projects, vehicles and equipment, technical services, purchasing, mail, insurance and risk management, printing and reproductive services, Government Access TV and video productions.
Financial Officers The county has two elected financial officers whose terms are four years. The Auditor-Controller provides and maintains the accounts and records of the financial transactions for all offices and departments. This office also computes property tax bills using information from the assessment division of the County-Clerk-Recorder-Assessor’s office, provides data for budget preparation, performs audits and in conjunction with the CEO’s office issues regular financial reports. The emphasis of the Treasurer-Tax-Collector-Public Administrator Department is the continuation and enhancement of the following services: tax collection; banking services; investing public funds with the primary objective of preservation of principal; administering the County’s debt program; administering the County’s deferred compensation plan; administering decedent estates and conservatorships; and assisting County veterans in obtaining State and Federal benefits.
Public Safety Fire Department The Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District operates and maintains 16 fire stations and provides services that include structural and wildland fire suppression and prevention, emergency medical response and transport, heavy rescue, hazardous material response, urban search and rescue, water rescue and other emergency response. The fire district covers the unincorporated areas of the county including the Los Padres National Forest and UCSB, as well as, the cities of Goleta, Solvang and Buellton. It is financed in large part by means of property taxes designated for and levied on the properties within the fire district. The department has mutual aid agreements with a number of local state and federal fire agencies.
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Sheriff/Coroner The Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services in the unincorporated areas of the county and is headed by the Sheriff/Coroner, an elected official. The Sheriff's Office contracts for law enforcement services with the Cities of Buellton, Carpinteria, Goleta and Solvang. Headquarters is located in the Goleta Valley. The Sheriff's Office operates the Main Jail located next to their headquarters. Along with financial assistance from the State of California, the County is working to build a new jail in the North County to relieve chronic jail overcrowding at the existing jail. The Main Jail campus has a medium security facility that houses both men and women. The Sheriff's Office administers courses in drug and alcohol counseling, parenting, and job training skills. The Santa Barbara County Public Safety Dispatch Center answers 911 calls and provides dispatch services for the Sheriff's Office, County Fire Department, City of Guadalupe Police and Fire Departments, and American Medical Response. In Santa Barbara County, the Sheriff also serves as the Coroner and investigates all deaths resulting from unexpected, sudden, or violent injury.
Probation Department Their mission is to protect and serve the community by providing information and recommendations to the Courts; also to provide safe, secure and effective juvenile detention and treatment programs; and to enforce court orders, require offender responsibility and accountability, and support rehabilitation. They also provide victim services that include facilitating reparation and restitution to victims. The Chief Probation Officer is appointed by the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court.
Public Assistance and Health County government administers the federal-state welfare programs. There is also a local general relief program for needy persons who do not qualify for federal-state assistance.
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Department of Social Services (DSS) This department dispenses more money than any other single county department. However, the federal and state governments reimburse the county for most of the department’s expenditures. The department has offices in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. DSS determines eligibility for various assistance programs and a number of more specialized services. Child Welfare Service arranges foster homes, institutional care or home supervision. Adult Protective Services administers a homemaker service for low-income disabled and older persons. The County Adoption Agency provides professional services to children, natural parents, and adoptive parents. DSS staff inspects and licenses foster homes.
Department of Child Support Services The County administers this service according to state policies. CSS may establish paternity, attempt to locate absent parents, and administers court support orders.
Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services This department provides mental health services for adults and children. Diagnosis and treatment services are available throughout the county in both the incorporated and unincorporated areas. There are adult and child clinics in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, Santa Maria and Goleta, and a psychiatric hospital is located in the South Coast. ADMHS is funded primarily from Federal and State funding streams and service charges.
Public Health The Public Health Department mission is to improve the health of the community by preventing disease, promoting wellness, and ensuring access to needed health care. To do this, the department works with many individuals and organizations to meet the health needs of our community with a focus on: • Preventing epidemics and the spread of disease • Protecting against environmental hazards • Preventing injuries • Encouraging healthy behaviors • Ensuring that health services are available for those who need them 21
The Public Health Department investigates disease outbreaks, inspects food establishments, works with high risk mothers and children, operates county health care centers, conducts health education campaigns, and cares for the county’s four legged friends through their animal control program. For more information on the programs and services of the public health department, visit their website at www.sbcphd.org or call 805/681-5100.
Community Resources and Public Facilities Planning and Development State law requires each county to have a comprehensive long-term plan to guide physical development in areas not covered by municipal plans. The plan indicates the general locations to be used for various purposes, based on anticipated population densities and the general location and size of streets, sewerage, water supplies, schools, and recreation areas. The plan must contain seven elements laying out general policies in the areas of land use, circulation, housing, conservation, noise, open space, and safety. Santa Barbara County’s plan also contains a number of optional elements such as agriculture and energy. The zoning district in which a parcel lies (e.g. residential, commercial or agricultural) dictates the use of property, minimum lot size, parking stipulations, etc. Property near the coast is subject to coastal zone ordinances in the Local Coastal Program. All projects must satisfy the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and its provisions for disclosure of potential environmental impacts, mitigation, and follow-up monitoring. Planning in Santa Barbara County involves a large department: Two Planning Commissions, Four Boards of Architectural Review, and an Agricultural Preserve Advisory Committee. The Board of Supervisors normally forms General Plan Advisory Committees when Community Plans are created or substantial updates occur. The Planning and Development Department’s responsibilities range from updates of the Comprehensive Plan to assuring permit compliance by oil and gas producers to checking building plans. Five divisions handle these assignments: Long Range Planning, Development Review, Building and Safety, Administration and Energy. The department is headed by the Planning Director. Financial support for the Department comes from permitting fees general fund revenues and grants. 22
The Planning Commission advises the Board of Supervisors on the content of the Comprehensive Plan as well as the zoning and subdivision ordinances which implement it. It holds public hearings on requests for major conditional use permits, zone changes, and major projects such as subdivisions. It also hears appeals on projects approved by The Planning Department. The commission’s decisions can be appealed to the Board of Supervisors. The five members of the Planning Commission are appointed by the Board of Supervisors, one for each supervisorial district. The term of a commissioner is two years. In addition to the County Planning Commission the Montecito Planning Commission oversees land use and comprehensive planning in the Montecito Community Plan Area. Boards of Architectural Review: The County has four Boards of Architectural Review that serve district areas of the County. These Boards are the North BAR, Central BAR, South BAR and Montecito BAR. The unincorporated areas of the Carpinteria Valley are served by the South BAR. The BAR’s review and approve plans for commercial, industrial, residential, and some multi-unit construction in the unincorporated areas of the county. Standards for appropriateness and good design are set by ordinance. Decisions can be appealed to the Planning Commission and then to the Board of Supervisors.
Public Works This is one of the larger county departments and includes divisions of Solid Waste and Utilities, Transportation, Surveyor, and Water Resources. Solid Waste and Utilities operates county landfills and waste transfer stations which receive materials collected by private haulers licensed by the County. It gives administrative and engineering support to the county underground utilities program and to various water and street lighting districts. The Transportation Division’s main functions are planning, constructing, and maintaining county roads, bridges, and bikeways. Funds come primarily from Measure A, a local sales tax, and an allocation of state tax revenues supplemented by federal grants and developer fees. The Surveyor Division checks subdivision maps, lot line adjustments, voluntary mergers and certificates of compliance with the requirements for legal lots. It surveys for county projects and maps the boundaries of governmental jurisdictions within the county, including supervisorial districts after redistricting. The Water Resources Division has two dependent special districts, the Flood Control and Water Conservation District and the County Water 23
Agency, under its umbrella. The Board of Supervisors, acting as the board for each district, approves their projects.
County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures The Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights and Measures promotes and protects the agriculture industry, the environment, and the public. These goals are accomplished through the management of programs designed to achieve their mission through public outreach and numerous enforcement tools. Appointed by the County Board of Supervisors and licensed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures carries out the laws and regulations of the state under the program direction of the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. The department works to maintain a balance between regulatory requirements and commerce to meet the challenges and demands of our dynamic food and agriculture industry and to protect our environment. The department provides the first line of defense against the introduction of injurious plant and animal pests through their pest exclusion programs. The pesticide use enforcement program ensures the proper, safe, and efficient use of pesticides essential for the production of food and fiber in order to protect public health and the environment. The department serves all consumers as the local regulatory agency authorized to enforce the California Business & Professions Code and the California Code of Regulations pertaining to issues of “Equity in the Marketplace.� This enforcement efficiently and effectively protects local commerce, thus encouraging stability in the local economy while ensuring that the consumer gets what they pay for. The department’s main offices are located in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria, with branch offices in Lompoc, Solvang, and Carpinteria. The department funds the Cooperative Extension Service in a partnership of the University of California and the County. The Farm, Home, and Marine Advisors are University staff members who perform research and provide information on agriculture, natural resources, and consumer and family interests. The Advisors are also active with 4-H clubs in the county. The department chairs the Agriculture Preserve Advisory Committee (APAC), which administers Williamson Act contracts, a means of easing property 24
taxes on lands committed to agriculture or open space for periods of either ten or twenty years. The committee is composed of representatives from the offices of the Ag Commissioner, the Assessor, Planning and Development, the Surveyor’s office, and Cooperative Extension. The department also provides administrative support for the Agriculture Advisory Committee (AAC). This group of agriculturalists advises the Board of Supervisors on issues important to agriculture.
Community Services The County Community Services Department was formed when the Board of Supervisors merged the Parks and Housing and Community Development Departments along with the County Arts Commission, Human Services Commission and Library services. The County Parks Division provides outdoor recreation opportunities in the unincorporated area by offering a full range of activities with day use parks, beaches, pools, group areas, trails, on & off leash dog parks, open spaces, campgrounds and the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. The Housing and Community Development Division receives a majority of its funding from federal sources including Community Development Block Grants, HOME Funds and Emergency Solutions Grants that are used to address housing issues including affordable housing and homeless services. The department also promotes environmentally sustainable programs and outreach.
Advisory Commissions Citizen commissions, some mandated by state and federal law, and others established by the Board of Supervisors, provide advice to the county on a wide variety of topics. These groups are important for the successful operation of county government and offer an opportunity for public service. Information about the commissions, including how to apply for appointments, may be obtained from the Clerk of the Board or from the office of your representative on the Board of Supervisors. In Carpinteria this is the First District Supervisor.
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Other Government Agencies In addition to the county and the cities, a number of other local government agencies also operate in Santa Barbara County. The most common form is the special district, formed when an area needs an urban type of service which cannot be provided by an existing unit of local government. Sometimes, when two or more governmental units have a responsibility in common, a joint powers agency (JPA) is used. Exact powers and functions are determined by each JPA agreement.
Water Agencies The water used in southern Santa Barbara County comes from several sources including local groundwater, the Santa Ynez River watershed, and the California State Water Project. The communities of Goleta and the Carpinteria Valley rely on groundwater used in conjunction with surface waters from the Santa Ynez River watershed. The City of Santa Barbara, Montecito and Summerland areas are served primarily by surface water supplies from the Santa Ynez Rivershed. Water from the Santa Ynez River watershed flows into Lake Cachuma, themain reservoir of the Cachuma Project, constructed in the early 1950’s. Lake Cachuma was created by Bradbury Dam, which was constructed by and is owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Two smaller reservoirs upstream of Lake Cachuma are also supplied by the Santa Ynez River. They include Gibralter Lake, owned by the City of Santa Barbara, and Jameson Lake, owned by the Montecito Water District. Three major water transmission facilities (Tecolote, Mission, and Doulton Tunnels) link each of these reservoirs to various local water treatment facilities before the water is delivered to South Coast consumers. The City of Santa Barbara’s Cater Water Treatment plant treats water which is delivered to the City, Montecito Water District, and Carpinteria Valley Water District. (See map in centerfold; page 15-16) The Goleta Water District and the Montecito Water District also have individual water treatment facilities. A major regional pipeline, called the South Coast Conduit, stretches from Goleta to the Carpinteria Valley and transports Lake Cachuma water to South Coast communities.
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The South Coast Conduit is owned and maintained by a joint powers authority known as Cachuma Operation and Maintenance Board (COMB). COMB’s members are selected by the elected water boards: Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District, Improvement District #1, Goleta Water District, Montecito Water District, the Carpinteria Valley Water District, and the City Council of the City of Santa Barbara.. It is a JPA established to carry out the terms of the contract by which the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation transferred responsibility for operation and management to local water agencies. County Water Agency (See page 23, Public Works) Central Coast Water Authority (CCWA) is a joint powers agency responsible for developing and maintaining the local facilities needed to import State Water Project water from the main aqueduct in Kern County to Santa Barbara. The members of the authority are: Guadalupe, Santa Maria, Buellton, and Santa Barbara; Carpinteria Valley, Montecito, and Goleta Water Districts and the Santa Ynez Water Conservation District, Improvement District #1. Each entity appoints an individual (usually a member of its board) to serve on the CCWA Board of Directors. Funding is provided by these eight members and 16 other “project participants” in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties in proportion to their state water (SWP) entitlement.
Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) The APCD is an Independent special district mandated by state law and charged with improving and protecting the quality of the air in Santa Barbara County. The state has given local governments the primary responsibility for controlling air pollution from all sources except motor vehicles. District activities include adopting measures to control local sources of pollution and maintaining an inventory of pollution sources. The Innovative Technologies Group works through public/private partnerships to implement a wide rangeof projects that focus on voluntary cost-effective emission reductions. The district board is composed of five county supervisors and one representative from each city in the county. Funding comes from fees paid by regulated businesses, motor vehicle registration fees, and federal and state grants.
Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) LAFCO is a county-wide regulatory body mandated by state law whose purpose is to discourage urban sprawl and encourage the orderly formation of local government agencies. 27
With few exceptions, LAFCO approval is required before proceedings can be initiated for any city or special district boundary change, formation, or reorganization. LAFCO decisions are final unless there is fraud or abuse of discretion. The commission consists of two members of the Board of Supervisors, two members of city councils chosen by the mayors of all the cities, two members of special district boards, and one public member chosen by the six official members. The Executive Officer is appointed by the commission.
Santa Barbara County Association of Government (SBCAG) SBCAG is a multi-jurisdictional entity designated under state and federal regulations to be responsible for planning and implementing certain county-wide programs. The five county supervisors and one representative from each of the cities within the county make up the governing board. SBCAG is responsible for planning, programming and fund allocation for roads and public transit projects which are paid for by the region’s share of state and federal fuel tax revenues. It manages Measure A funds, which come from a Countywide 1/2% sales tax that was approved by voters in 2008. A portion of Measure A funds were allocated toward Highway 101 widening, with the remainder of the funds equally allocated between North and South County regions and distributed according to a formula for each region. In the South County, which includes Carpinteria, Measure A funds are used toward road and infrastructure maintenance and alternative transportation. SBCAG is also responsible for roadside emergency call boxes and has other programs that focus on ride sharing and reducing traffic congestion. SBCAG conducts regional planning activities such as preparation of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation Plan and the development of growth forecasts for population, housing, and employment. The agency’s budget is funded from grants, subventions and reimbursements. No city or county general funds are used.
County Housing Authority This is a public non-profit agency authorized by California state law. The Board of Supervisors appoints its Board of Commissioners and contracts with the authority to perform various services in support of county affordable housing programs. It owns a few low-income rental units purchased with HUD money, but is more involved in counseling, managing Section 8 pro grams and serving as a community information resource. 28
Library Services Services in Santa Barbara County are delivered by the cities of Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. Each city is responsible for a certain zone, and the county contribution, determined annually, is based on the number of inhabitants in a zone. Library money also comes from the state, the cities, Friends of the Library groups, and county service area benefit assessments.
Mosquito and Vector Management District of Santa Barbara County The Mosquito and Vector Management District of Santa Barbara County (District) is an independent special district that controls and monitors disease-carrying insects, rodents, and other vectors such as mosquitoes. In addition, the District regularly tests for diseases carried by these vectors and educates the public in regard to protection from and reducing the probability of contracting such diseases. In addition to its mosquito abatement and vector control services, the District provides education programs on vectors and disease prevention at school and civic group meetings. The District maintains and distributes printed material and brochures that describe what citizens can do to keep their homes and property free of rats, yellow jackets, mosquitoes, and other pests. The District is funded by Ad Valorem property taxes and a benefit assess ment paid by the property owners in two specific areas of the southern county. The District operates as a Trustee-Manager form of local government, with an eight member Board of Trustees (Board). Three members are appointed by the cities located within the benefit assessment areas (Santa Barbara, Carpinteria and Goleta) and five members are appointed by the County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors.
County Office of Education The County Office of Education is a liaison between the State Department of Education and the twenty-three local school districts. The office operates educational programs such as court schools, regional occupational centers that provide job-related training, special education classes and schools for handicapped students. It provides administrative and support services to smaller school districts and distributes instructional materials to all districts. In this county the County Superintendent of Schools is elected every four years. The County Board of Education’s seven members are elected by district.
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Carpinteria City Hall Phone Numbers City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805-684-5405 City Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 400 Public Works Director . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 402 Administrative Services Dir. . . . . . . . . Ext. 448 Parks and Recreation Dir. . . . . . . . . . Ext. 449 Asst. to City Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 450 City Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 403 Building Inspector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 409 Public Works Supervisor. . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 443 Code Compliance Supervisor. . . . . . . Ext. 408 County Sheriff’s Department . . 805-684-4561 If an emergency, call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 911 City of Carpinteria Website: www.carpinteria.ca.us
County of Santa Barbara contacts County phone numbers are located in the government pages in the front of the telephone directory and on the County website. Santa Barbara County web site address is: www.countyofsb.org 1st District Supervisor’s Office 805-568-2186 Summerland Citizens Association PO Box 508 Summerland, CA 93067 Email: SummerlandCitizens@gmail.com
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Special Districts Carpinteria Sanitary District 5300 Sixth Street Carpinteria, CA 93013 805-684-7214 805-684-7213 Fax www.carpsan.com
Carpinteria Unified School District 1400 Linden Avenue Carpinteria, CA 93013 805-684-4511 805-684-0218 Fax www.cusd.net
Carpinteria Summerland Fire Protection District 805-684-4591 1140 Eugenia Place, Suite A Carpinteria, CA 93013 www.carpfire.com
Montecito Water District 583 San Ysidro Road Montecito, CA 93108 805-969-2271 www.montecitowater.com Summerland Sanitary District 2435 Wallace Avenue Summerland, CA 93067 805-969-4344 www.summerlandsd.org
Carpinteria Valley Water District 1301 Santa Ynez Carpinteria, CA 93013 805-684-2816 805-684-3170 Fax www.cvwd.net Carpinteria Cemetery District 1501 Cravens Lane Carpinteria, CA 93013 805-684-2466 805-684-0898 Fax www.carp.tombfinder.com
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The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that promotes informed, active participation in government. Membership is open to all citizens of voting age.
Contact:
League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara 328 A East Carrillo St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 email: league@lwvsantabarbara.org website: www.lwvsantabarbara.org