Government Watchdog
Government Watchdog Project
SB CAN closely monitors city and county government and speaks out on pertinent issues related to our mission, such as our core HOT issues: affordable and workforce housing, open space and agricultural lands, and alternative transportation.
We also speak out on other important environmental issues, such as energy conservation, protecting natural habitats and endangered species, reducing green-house gas omissions, and building “green.”
We are active advocates on social justice issues, such as worker rights and affordable healthcare, including access to mental health and substance abuse treatment. We believe that all work that is worth doing is worthy of a living wage, and helped pass a living wage ordinance in the city of Santa Barbara.
SB CAN also is a strong advocate for open and transparent public process and ensuring that all members of our community have the opportunity to help shape the future of their communities.
To this end, we analyze issues, form positions, and meet with elected representatives and their staff to discuss concerns and encourage support. We email ACTION ALERTS to our members and friends about the issues, encouraging them to speak out and participate in the public process.
We convene monthly Progressive Roundtables, bringing together individual activists and representatives from other progressive organizations to share information, discuss issues, and develop strategies to address common concerns.
SB CAN is recognized as a leader in the progressive community and as such are often sought out by the local media for commentary on breaking news. You can read articles that quote SB CAN on this page at "SB CAN IN THE NEWS."
For more information about the positions we’ve taken on important environmental and social justice issues, see POSITIONS ON ISSUES.