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1977-2012:
Thirty five years protecting our local environment and quality of life.
Contributions are tax deductible.
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Voters Reject
Measure Y - Arroyo Burro Creek Spared
On June 5, Santa Barbara voters overwhelmingly rejected Measure Y which would have authorized giving City parkland to the Veronica Meadows developer to build an environmentally-damaging bridge over Arroyo Burro Creek. The 66% to 34% vote stops the luxury creek-side estate development in its tracks. EDC has been working to protect this open space for years and participated in the "No on Y" campaign. Congratulations to the "No on Y" Committee, the Urban Creeks Council and project neighbors!
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Voters Reject Raid on Creek Restoration and Clean Water Funds Averted
After the Santa Barbara City Council hinted at using the City's Creek Fund for projects which could pollute creeks and damage wetlands, EDC and friends rallied the troops. On June 6, 15 citizens from 10 community groups descended upon City Hall to oppose the misuse of these funds - earmarked by voters for clean water and creek restoration. Ina major victory for our watersheds, City Council backed down and voted 5-1 against misusing the funds.
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California Coastal Commission hearing on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Service proposal to finally declare the "no otter zone" a failure
WHEN: Thursday, June 14
WHERE: Huntington Beach City Council Chambers
2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
BACKGROUND: In response to a successful EDC lawsuit and subsequent settlement on behalf of itself and The Otter Project, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) must make a final decision on whether to terminate the failed southern sea otter translocation program and associated "no otter zone" by December 2012. Termination of the "no otter zone" will allow otters to once again inhabit waters south of Pt. Conception; this action is critical to the recovery of the otters under the Endangered Species Act. FWS issued its proposed rule declaring the program the failure and abolishing the no otter zone in August 2011. Because the proposal will affect California's coastal zone, FWS must demonstrate that it is consistent with policies of the California Coastal Act, and have its action approved by the California Coastal Commission (CCC). CCC Staff has issued a staff report strongly supporting the termination of the no otter zone, and recommending that the Commissioners concur with FWS' action.
TAKE ACTION>>
Please take a moment to send an email to CCC staff at Mark.Delaplaine@coastal.ca.gov supporting sea otters and the termination of the failed program, or come to the Huntington Beach hearing on Thursday to voice your support in person.
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Weigh in on Important Santa Barbara County
Budget Hearings
WHAT: Planning and Development Department funding for Climate Action Plan and Gaviota Coast Plan
WHEN: June 11 at 3:30 pm
WHERE: Santa Barbara County Administration Building
105 E. Anapamu, Santa Barbara
Several important budget items will be discussed by the Board of Supervisors, starting on Monday, June 11th. One of the most important is the continued funding for the Climate Action Strategy (CAS) (Phase 2), which may be cut from the budget unless there is a strong constituency present to urge the County to complete this effort. The CAS is a two phase project consisting of a Climate Action Study (Phase 1) and an Energy and Climate Action Plan (Phase 2). The County completed the Phase 1 Study, which included an inventory of GHG emissions, and provided a set of recommended emission reduction measures, as well as suggested GHG reduction targets. However, without the next Phase of this project, no implementation plan will be realized. Please support continued funding to complete the Climate Action Plan.
Additionally, please urge the County to continue funding for the ongoing Gaviota Coast Plan effort, which is nearly completed. The Gaviota Coast Planning Advisory Committee has been hard at work since November 2009 to develop a policy framework for the Plan, and this effort must receive continued financial support to its completion. The long-term preservation of the Gaviota Coast is of paramount importance to the community! For additional information, please visit the County's website.
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A good time had by all at
Celebrating Paradise Saved!
Hundreds joined us on Sunday, June 3rd in the gardens of Rancho La Patera & Stow House for an exquisite afternoon of fine food & wine, amazing entertainment, silent and live auctions, and the presentation of EDC's 2012 ENVI Awards to Scott Bull and Deckers Outdoor Corporation. Celebrating Paradise Saved is EDC's annual benefit that raises much needed funds to support our critical work protecting the people and unique natural resources of the tri-county region. Thanks to all who helped support this event and came joined us for one of our most enjoyable events ever!
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