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Good work, Santa Barbara!
As our second issue of the Santa Barbara Green Guide comes out, we are concerned about efforts at the national level to unravel climate resilience projects across the country. Yet we take heart in the powerful movement of citizens and local leadership everywhere who for years have worked tirelessly to build healthier, safer communities.
In February, the County Board of Supervisors’ hearing about the resumption of oil drilling in Santa Barbara was packed. Over 100 people testified and at least 50% were students. The vote was 2 to 2, which by county rules meant no action was taken. For several months, the Santa Barbara Independent and Bluedot Living have been working to let our community know about the potential transfer of rights from ExxonMobil to Sable Offshore. It’s likely not the end of the road, but this was a big victory for citizen engagement.
This magazine (both in print and online) is another successful collaboration between the Santa Barbara Independent and Bluedot Living. As owners, we care deeply about the Central Coast and want to highlight the good work being done in the region and ways that every individual living in and visiting this beautiful area can take action — in support of the community and the planet.
You will find stories about people working together in our community to support environmental efforts — from school children to retirees. You’ll discover new ways of thinking, like how deconstructing buildings needs to replace the common practice of demolishing them. We’re bringing you sustainable wines and foods to support local growers and the regional fishing community.
We also celebrate successes, like no-longer-endangered animals and the sheep working to reduce wildfire risk. We hope you are inspired in your daily life to find ways to make changes, both small and big, to lessen your footprint and stand more firmly in support of the planet.
The Santa Barbara Independent and Bluedot Living are committed to helping build a sustainable future for all of us. We are grateful for the several sponsors of this issue who have joined us. The year 2025 marks the 55th anniversary since the founding of Earth Day, right here in Santa Barbara. Today it is celebrated by a billion people in more than 193 countries. Good work, Santa Barbara!
– Marianne Partridge, Editor in Chief and Co-Founder, Santa Barbara Independent and Victoria Riskin, President and Founder, Bluedot Living
See all the magazine stories at SantaBarbaraGreenGuide.com
We hope you enjoy the Santa Barbara Green Guide, and we welcome your thoughts and ideas.
