On March 10, 2026, the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing in Santa Maria to consider the adoption of the Environmental Justice (EJ) Element. The EJ Element supports disadvantaged communities to have access to a healthy environment, equitable access to decision-making processes, and protection from environmental and health hazards. The public is invited to review the Draft EJ Element and provide comments to the Board of Supervisors in advance of, or during the hearing.
The EJ Element is a new state-mandated general plan element that focuses on addressing the needs of EJ Communities (EJCs). California law defines EJ as “the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies” [Government Code Section 65040.12(e)]. The EJCs in Santa Barbara County include Casmalia, Cuyama, New Cuyama, Ventucopa, Garey, Sisquoc, Los Alamos, and Isla Vista. The EJ team completed engagement in each of these eight EJCs in partnership with the Children and Family Resource Services, also known as Health Linkages. Engagement included administration of a survey, co-facilitation of public meetings, and direct engagement at community events. The proposed EJ Element includes numerous policies, objectives, and actions designed to address the EJ-related needs of EJCs.
In accordance with state law, the proposed EJ Element is designed to:
- Reduce unique or compounded health risks in EJCs by means that include the reduction of pollution exposure and improvement of air quality;
- Promote access to public facilities, healthy foods, safe and sanitary homes, and physical activity;
- Promote civic engagement in the public decision-making process; and,
- Prioritize improvements and programs that address the needs of EJCs.
On November 5, 2025, the County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors adopt the Environmental Justice Element (EJE).
The Board of Supervisors hearing will take place at 9:00 A.M. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at:
Board of Supervisors Hearing Room
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building,
511 East Lakeside Parkway,
Santa Maria, CA 93454
For additional information about public participation for the Board of Supervisors hearing, please see the posted agenda here.
For additional information including the Draft EJ Element, please visit the project webpage: https://www.countyofsb.org/794/Environmental-Justice-Element or contact the project manager, Zoë Carlson at carlsonz@countyofsb.org or 805-568-3532.