Interactive Issues Hub
Explore the issues shaping Santa Barbara County. Open any topic to see SBWPC’s feminist policy lens, current legislation, local impact, related news, actions and trusted resources.
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RF
Reproductive Freedom
Bodily autonomy, abortion access, maternal care and equitable reproductive healthcare.
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SBWPC Position Apply an inclusive feminist lens that protects bodily autonomy, equal access to care and freedom from discrimination.
Current Legislation Search active California bills using terms such as reproductive health, abortion, contraception and maternal care.
Local Impact Access, affordability, transportation and provider availability can determine whether rights are meaningful in practice.
Take Action Follow legislation, contact representatives, attend public meetings and share verified local resources.
VR
Voting Rights
Fair access to the ballot, accurate elections, voter education and political participation.
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SBWPC Position Promote broad political participation and remove barriers that disproportionately silence women and marginalized communities.
Current Legislation Search active bills involving elections, voting access, campaign rules, redistricting and election administration.
Local Impact Registration, language access, district boundaries and reliable election information directly affect local representation.
Take Action Verify registration, use the SBWPC Voter Guide, become a poll worker or help distribute nonpartisan voter information.
CL
Climate
Climate resilience, clean energy, environmental health and accountable land-use policy.
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SBWPC Position Support public policy that protects health, advances equity and ensures climate burdens do not fall hardest on vulnerable communities.
Current Legislation Search California bills involving climate, emissions, energy, water, wildfire, oil and environmental justice.
Local Impact Wildfire, drought, coastal risk, air quality and energy development affect communities throughout Santa Barbara County.
Take Action Track County hearings, review environmental documents and comment on plans before decisions are finalized.
HO
Housing
Affordable homes, tenant stability, homelessness prevention and equitable development.
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SBWPC Position Evaluate housing through economic security, gender equity, family stability and fair access to opportunity.
Current Legislation Search California bills involving housing supply, affordability, tenant protections, homelessness and land use.
Local Impact High housing costs shape workforce retention, family stability, commuting patterns and access to schools and services.
Take Action Follow housing-element updates, Planning Commission meetings and Board of Supervisors decisions.
ED
Education
Strong public schools, equitable opportunity, safe campuses and support for students and educators.
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SBWPC Position Support inclusive, well-resourced education and leadership that protects students from discrimination.
Current Legislation Search active bills involving schools, higher education, childcare, student rights, curriculum and teacher support.
Local Impact School-board decisions influence budgets, curriculum, safety, student services, facilities and educational opportunity.
Take Action Attend school-board meetings, study trustee races and support transparent public education governance.
IM
Immigration
Due process, family unity, community safety and dignity for immigrant residents.
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SBWPC Position Apply the organization’s commitment to social action against discrimination and to equal dignity under public policy.
Current Legislation Search California bills involving immigration services, detention, legal access, labor protections and state-local cooperation.
Local Impact Enforcement activity can affect family stability, schools, workplaces, public health and trust in local institutions.
Take Action Share verified resources, support due-process protections and follow official County responses and public meetings.
ER
Equal Rights
Gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, disability access and freedom from discrimination.
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SBWPC Position SBWPC’s mission expressly opposes discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age or ability.
Current Legislation Search active bills involving civil rights, equal pay, discrimination, accessibility, LGBTQ+ protections and gender equity.
Local Impact Equal-rights policy affects employment, schools, housing, public accommodations, healthcare and civic participation.
Take Action Track public policy, report discrimination through appropriate channels and support inclusive local leadership.
DM
Democracy
Accountable government, transparent decision-making, civic participation and the rule of law.
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SBWPC Position Advance political participation and public leadership that reflect feminist values, inclusion and accountable governance.
Current Legislation Search active bills involving public records, open meetings, elections, ethics, campaign finance and governmental accountability.
Local Impact Transparent agendas, accessible meetings, fair elections and trustworthy public information shape confidence in local government.
Take Action Read agendas, attend meetings, submit public comment and use reliable election and public-record resources.
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