Transcription
Stakeholder Perception SummaryOf Community Values and NeedsJuly 2020www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/WaterVision
RECAP: Goals for StakeholderWorkshop #2: Community Valuesand Needs Document the water-related values that aremost important to Santa Barbara’s constituents. Document how Santa Barbara’s constituentsdefine “social, environmental, and economic”value.2 WATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDS
This virtual workshop was attended by members of the WaterVision Santa Barbara Stakeholder Group. The group participatedin two interactive exercises to surface the values and outcomesthat are most important to their constituents.First, in the Cover Story Exercise, the stakeholdersworked in one of three facilitated small groups to answer thequestion: “If we get Santa Barbara’s Water Vision right, what is thestory that gets published and what values does that storyexpress?”Following is a summary of each group’s exercise.3 WATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDS
BRAINSTORM HEADLINES.If we get Santa Barbara’s Water Vision right,what is the big story that gets published?Take 5 minutes to think of your headline anddrop it into the Zoom Chat—everyonecontributes, then we’ll record them below.Group 1Cover StoryExerciseSanta Barbara "Waters" the Entire South Coast20-year Record of Providing Water for theCommunity's Most VulnerableSanta Barbara Keeps the Cost of Water DownWhile the Need GrowsCONSIDER THIS TIMESanta Barbara's Citizens Group Plan for WaterSustainability in a Time of DroughtAllied NeighborhoodsAssociation, BonnieDonovan- Where is your story published? (alocal paper, CNN, NationalGeographic )- What’s the story headline?Finding Water in a Time ofDrought- What visual will bring your story tolife? (Add it to your cover)20 Years of Water for People and the Environmentin Santa Barbara20 years Providing Water for People and theEnvironment!Santa Barbara Chamber ofCommerce, StephanieArmstrongSanta Barbara RescueMission, Tim MolloyCan we create a shared story from our headlines? Whatare the common threads across the headlines, or wherecan we compromise or combine ideas? Build a magazinecover for your shared story in the space below.Santa Barbara leads in Water SustainabilityGROUP MEMBERSHeal the Ocean, HillaryHauserCREATE YOUR SHARED COVER STORYSanta Barbara Finds Regional Solutions to WaterNeeds on the Central Coast8.Santa Barbara Plan For Water Supply IncludesProtection of GroundwaterWHAT VALUES DOES YOUR STORYEXPRESSSanta Barbara Provides New Water Source9.BONUS: TWEET YOUR STORYWhat 2-3 values are driving your story?Access for all, including most vulnerableCitizen Planning Associationof Santa Barbara County,Betsy CramerSanta Barbara City College,Luz Reyes-Martin4 Santa Barbara's visionary water supplyfeatured in Time Magazine!Water sustainabilityReliable, safe, clean waterTWEETWATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDS4.Water security
CREATE YOUR SHARED COVER STORYBRAINSTORM HEADLINES.Group 2Cover StoryExerciseGROUP MEMBERSMission CanyonNeighborhood Association,Jason Saltoun-EbinSanta BarbaraChannelkeeper, KiraRedmondIf we get Santa Barbara’s Water Vision right,what is the big story that gets published?Take 5 minutes to think of your headline anddrop it into the Zoom Chat—everyonecontributes, then we’ll record them below.Santa Barbara Balances Water vs. Housing NeedsSanta Barbara Associationof Realtors, Krista PleiserAmerican Society ofLandscape Architects, SoCal, Susan Van Atta5 LOCAL PAPER,COMMUNITY-DRIVEN,COMMUNITY BUYINGINTO IT.Santa Barbara community leaders secure everyone’sright to clean, affordable and accessible waterSanta Barbara balances water supplies and useCONSIDER THIS - Where is your story published? (alocal paper, CNN, NationalGeographic )- What’s the story headline?- What visual will bring your story tolife? (Add it to your cover)Santa Barbara Water Usage: Finding the Right BalanceBalancing conservation, affordability and practicality.Santa Barbara Adopts Environmentally Sound WaterSupplyFood and Water Watch,Danyelle MasonCity of Santa Barbara Parksand Recreation Commission,Nicole ParmeleeCan we create a shared story from our headlines? Whatare the common threads across the headlines, or wherecan we compromise or combine ideas? Build a magazinecover for your shared story in the space below.Let's go behind theterms. What do wemean by "housingneeds"COMBINE IDEAS:Balancing demand for morehousing units with adequatewater supplySB WATER SUPPLY,FINDING THE ALLYHEALTHYsustainably meet theseneedsSB WATER SUPPLY,FINDING THE RIGHTBALANCE#4 shift "usage" to"supply"#4 feels over archingSanta Barbara WaterPlanning, Findingthe Right BalanceHow one coastal community issetting the bar forwater affordability, sustainability,and environmental protectionCompleting the circleRESILIENCE, DIVERSITYOF SOURCESBalanceWATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDSWHAT VALUES DOES YOUR STORYEXPRESSWhat 2-3 values are driving your story?AffordabilityEnvironmentally protectiveSustainable planning
BRAINSTORM HEADLINES.Group 3Cover StoryExerciseGROUP MEMBERSNeighborhood AdvisoryCouncil, Ann PenaIf we get Santa Barbara’s Water Vision right,what is the big story that gets published?Take 5 minutes to think of your headline anddrop it into the Zoom Chat—everyonecontributes, then we’ll record them below.Can we create a shared story from our headlines? Whatare the common threads across the headlines, or wherecan we compromise or combine ideas? Build amagazine cover for your shared story in the spacebelow.Santa Barbara Community establishesresilient water cycleCONSIDER THIS Resilient housing/development so that weare prepared for drought and other impacts- Where is your story published? (alocal paper, CNN, NationalGeographic )Water affordability for everyonein Santa Barbara- What’s the story headline?- What visual will bring your story tolife? (Add it to your cover)An informed public regardingwater decisions and needsKEYTSupplyNews0-NET Energy WaterAchievingInclusive DevelopmentLA TimesSanta Barbara RentalProperty Association, BettyJeppesenResiliency in wateravailable to thecommunityCommunity EnvironmentalCouncil, April PriceLa Casa de la Raza, AnaRosa Rizo-CentinoCREATE YOUR SHARED COVER STORYBONUS: TWEET YOUR STORYWHAT VALUES DOES YOUR STORYEXPRESSWhat 2-3 values are driving your story?ResiliencyAffordabilityInformed PublicTWEET6 WATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDS
Community Values SynthesisBelow is a summary of the combined values curated across the Cover Storyexercises and stakeholder group interviews. These will be used by the projectteam, Water Commission and City Council to inform Water Vision Santa Barbara.Access for all,including mostvulnerable.Wateraffordability.Reliable, safe,clean water.An informed andempoweredpublic.Transparentdecision making.Watersustainability.Local nable waterplanning.Diverse watersupplies.7 WATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDS
Second, in the Community Outcomes Exercise,the stakeholders worked in small groups to identify theeconomic, environmental and social outcomes they believeare most important to their constituents.Following is a summary of those exercises.8 WATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDS
What outcomes does our community value?Group 1 CommunityOutcomes ExerciseGROUP MEMBERSAllied NeighborhoodsAssociation, BonnieDonovanSanta Barbara Chamber ofCommerce, StephanieArmstrongHeal the Ocean, HillaryHauserSanta Barbara RescueMission, Tim MolloySanta Barbara City College,Luz Reyes-MartinIf we succeed, how will the Water Visionsupport environmental health?Healthy marine life, ing sedimentation in anenvironmentally sustainablewayProtect groundwater basinsfrom sea level rise andoverdraftPreserve localflora and faunaIf we succeed, how will it look to ratepayers?Affordability and access for entirecustomer baseFair rates based on usage andmeansLimit impact tocost of livingIdentisourc fy additiones ofreven alhelpue tooffsfor ra et water cos ttepsales ayers (e.g.to toneigh urists,bcomm oringunities)rdd rewavize anIncenti onservationcstwaterd of juinsteag moreinrgachSeparatewater billfrom WWand trashIf we succeed, how will the Water VisionBenefit the community?Appropriate use of potablesuppliesPreserve the aestheticof Santa BarbaraRecycled water for irrigation, firesuppression, industrial use, street cleaningKeep the landscaping, trees, outdoorlife of Santa BarbaraWider use of recycled water9 WATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDERPERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDSMaintaining SantaBarbara's quality of life,including our trees andlandscapeSupporting a diversecommunity
What outcomes does our community value?Group 2 CommunityOutcomes ExerciseGROUP MEMBERSIf we succeed, how will the Water Visionsupport environmental health?- Minimize energy intensity- Protect depletable resources and maximize use of renewable resources- Having a diversity of water sources help with not draining one particular source.- Not harm marine environment- Maximize reuse (recycled water, stormwater capture)- Protects and enhances soil health- Protects freshwater resources for habitatMaximize and incentivize conservation and water use efficiencyMission CanyonNeighborhood Association,Jason Saltoun-EbinSanta BarbaraChannelkeeper, KiraRedmondIf we succeed, how will it look to ratepayers?Conservation without sacrificeFood and Water Watch,Danyelle MasonCity of Santa Barbara Parksand Recreation Commission,Nicole ParmeleeSanta Barbara Associationof Realtors, Krista PleiserAmerican Society ofLandscape Architects, SoCal, Susan Van Atta10 WATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDERPERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDSRewards conservation/ lowest water users and is more expensive forhigh volume usersBeing able to look at current water usage and determine how much isbeing used up to that point in the cycleEmpower ratepayers within informationINCENTIVIZES conservationI concur with incentives!!!!Sustainable, Affordable and PredictableNotification to user that they are about to go into the next tierAffordable access to base level usage; more expensive for higher usagelevels. and transparency like others said aboveWhen considering "equitable" / cost by household is tough, somehouseholds have 2 people, some have 5 people or moreIf we succeed, how will the Water VisionBenefit the community?- Water will be treasured and enjoyed- We would hit the middle of spectrum — (below)- It will be cost effective and minimize environmental impacts- Peace of mind!- Water to take care of my landscaping as steps for fire suppression- Reliability- Have multiple water supplies so we don't have to rely on just one - leads toeven use of water and less depletion so we would survive a drought- Individuals and public resources will all have sufficient access to water(for example, irrigation levels in parks can improve if water is more plentifuland therefore more affordable)
What outcomes does our community value?Group 2 CommunityOutcomes ExerciseGROUP MEMBERSNeighborhood AdvisoryCouncil, Ann PenaSanta Barbara RentalProperty Association, BettyJeppesenCommunity EnvironmentalCouncil, April PriceCitizen Planning Associationof Santa Barbara County,Betsy CramerGreater Santa BarbaraHispanic Chamber ofCommerce, Miguel Avila11 WATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDERPERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDSIf we succeed, how will the Water Visionsupport environmental health?Pathogens in the water supplyCleanness of drinking waterDiversity of water resources so we aren't overdepleting one.Considering recycled water irrigation forwater, plants - trees.Reduce Greenhouse GasEmissionsIf we succeed, how will it look to ratepayers?Affordability is important; if notaffordable - there grants or means for thewater to pay for waterIf we succeed, how will the Water VisionBenefit the community?Incentive for high-users / tiered - so theyare incentivized to use less waterMaintain a constant way of educatingand advising people to not waste water &saving costsProperty owners supporting renters tosave/conserve waterEnsuring everyone's basic needs are metDrought-resilient water supply; get ahead of that forthe futureResilient to natural disastersPerceived as cost / pricing for all of communityWater is the truest way of supporting quality of life incommunity/ supportive of education in all languages
We incorporated the input provided by the stakeholdergroup from one-on-one interviews and the workshopexercises into the 5 PILLARS DRIVING WATER VISIONSANTA BARBARA, described on the pages that follow.All ideas and suggestions shared by the stakeholder groupmembers are listed within one or more of these pillars.Stakeholders had an opportunity to review these Pillars in apost-workshop review period.12 WATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDS
THE 5 PILLARSINFORMING WATER VISION SANTA BARBARAThe City aims to give equal consideration to all 5 PILLARS in informingSanta Barbara’s future water supply and water management plan.12THE COST OFWATER ISAFFORDABLE,EQUITABLEAND JUST.13 OUR WATERSUPPLY ISRELIABLE ANDRESILIENT,INCLUDING TOTHE EFFECTSOF CLIMATECHANGE.345OUR WATERDECISIONSRESPONSIBLYSUPPORTHUMAN ANDENVIRONMENTALHEALTH.THECOMMUNITY’SWATER ISVALUED ANDCONSERVED.OUR WATERDECISIONSRESPONSIBLYSUPPORTQUALITY OFLIFE.WATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDS
1THE COST OF WATERIS EQUITABLE, AFFORDABLEAND JUST.IDEAS/CONSIDERATIONS FROM THE STAKEHOLDER GROUP Plan is aligned to the City’s One Water Vision Water needs to be affordable for all (and utilities as a whole). Build fair ratesbased on usage and means Tiered pricing model based on use doesn’t work for renters because theprice is distributed across all renters in a building How is the cost of water playing into the idea of “affordability” for SantaBarbara? Rates should reward conservation/lowest water users Cost by household isn’t equitable, consider a change Identify additional sources of revenue to help offset water cost for ratepayers Empower ratepayers with information on their water use as well as theirwater and money saving opportunities (separate out bill, more education,notify when they are about to into next tier, etc.) Better education on options for water meters in high fire areas — e.g., Ratesare calculated based on size of water meter, education to more residentscould result in cheaper water bills14 It’s tough to support economic vitality in the area when cost of water is sohigh. Water cost is considered when businesses are trying to sell theirbusiness, or homeowners trying to sell their home Tourism is big part of local economy; cost of water is passed on to tourismcustomers which may affect industry Transparency in water decisions Water decisions support environmental and social justice outcomes Fairness in pricing so that the charge for the water reflects primarily the costof water Improve water education to water users (where it comes from, cost,importance of conservation, and their own use), including renters andbusinesses Consider grants to offset cost of water to ratepayers “Cost” of water reflects both the financial and environmental cost of waterWATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDS
2OUR WATER SUPPLY ISRELIABLE AND RESILIENT,INCLUDING TO THE EFFECTS OFCLIMATE CHANGE.IDEAS/CONSIDERATIONS FROM THE STAKEHOLDER GROUP Plan is aligned to the City’s One Water VisionEnsure reliable water access for all to meet all basic human needsResilient to drought and natural disasters; get ahead of that for the futureReliability via diverse water sources. Have multiple water supplies so we don'thave to rely on just one as this will lead to even use of water and less depletionso we would survive a droughtIndividuals and public resources will all have sufficient access to water (forexample, irrigation levels in parks can improve if water is more plentiful andtherefore more affordable)Expand appropriate use of potable suppliesExpand the use of recycled water, including for irrigation, fire suppression,industrial use, street cleaningEnsure adequate, reliable water pressure for fire suppression to protect homes,especially in high risk areasOptimize flexibility of water supply — some might be more expensive now butare more reliable long-term15 Adequate water pressure — ensure infrastructure can accommodate newsprinkler regulations in new building construction, particularly in wildfire The future of growth is increasing urban density (maybe double the density insome areas). Is the City’s water infrastructure ready for that? More transparency from City about anticipated population growth and anticipatedwater demand Expand and incentivize gray water use options for homeowners so they can useit on landscaping More flexible conservation and water use efficiency policy for the reality ofhomeowners. EX: rather than a policy that forces a homeowner to upgrade touse gray water, can we have more options with the same incentives? Encourage City to think about having a neighborhood-scale infiltration approachvs. building by building Look at the district-scale planning like a “Downtown area district” so solutions forthings like stormwater looks at the right scaleWATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDS
3OUR WATER DECISIONSRESPONSIBLY SUPPORTHUMAN AND ENVIRONMENTALHEALTH.IDEAS/CONSIDERATIONS FROM THE STAKEHOLDER GROUP Plan is aligned to the City’s One Water Vision Minimize energy intensity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associatedwith water sources Protect depletable resources and maximize use of renewable resources Don’t harm marine environment Maximize/prioritize reuse (recycled water, stormwater capture) Protect and enhance soil health Protect freshwater resources, creeks, marine life and ocean health Maximize and incentivize conservation and water use efficiency Clean drinking water; no pathogens in the water supply Optimize diversity of water resources so we aren't over depleting one Consider recycled water irrigation for water, plants and trees16 Support sustainable local agricultureProtect groundwater basins from sea level rise and overdraftManage sedimentation in an environmentally-sustainable wayPreserve local flora and faunaReduce the environmental impact of Desal, namely brine-waste dischargeUse current and sound environmental impact data to make decisions onwater sources or infrastructure Exhaust all other alternatives first before turning to desal; then use desal tofulfill remaining shortfall with best technology Reclaimed water in purple pipe irrigation has too high concentration of saltsWATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDS
4THE COMMUNITY’SWATER IS VALUEDAND CONSERVED.IDEAS/CONSIDERATIONS FROM THE STAKEHOLDER GROUP Plan is aligned to the City’s One Water VisionIncentivize and reward water conservation vs. simply charging moreEncourage property owners supporting renters to save/conserve waterEncourage conservation “without sacrifice”Maintain a constant way of educating and advising people to not wastewater and how save money Better education on options for water meters in high fire areas — e.g.,rates are calculated based on size of water meter, education to moreresidents could result in better conservation or water use efficiency Expand public education to make conservation and water efficiency a partof life and running a business in Santa Barbara, vs. just a reaction todrought Educate and/or incentive tourists/visitors on importance/value ofconservation17 In future, educate businesses on water use as well as water efficiency andconservation to save money Can City implement an ongoing water conservation task force vs. one thatforms every 15 years? Can City be less reactive and support “extreme conservation” as a way oflife Encourage/create more industry-specific opportunities for water efficiencyand conservation? (e.g., tourism businesses, tourists/travelers serviceindustry, etc.) Prioritize environmentally sensitive and water-sustainable urban planning Further incentivize conservation without having the jump through a lot ofhoops; such as loosen grey water regulationsWATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDS
5OUR WATER DECISIONSRESPONSIBLY SUPPORTQUALITY OF LIFE.IDEAS/CONSIDERATIONS FROM THE STAKEHOLDER GROUP Encourage conservation “without sacrifice” Preserve the aesthetic of Santa Barbara Maintain Santa Barbara's quality of life, including our trees, landscape,outdoor life Water is the truest way of supporting quality of life in community/supportive of education in all languages Water is treasured and enjoyed Water to take care of my landscaping as steps for fire suppression Maintain a constant way of educating and advising people to not wastewater and how save money Limit impact of cost of water to cost of living18 Quality of life — keeping trees/vegetation that supports fire suppression Balance conservation with quality of life and what draws tourists Consider more multi-use and livability factors in considering new growthwith increased urban density (e.g. instead of just changing theordinance, the City needs to lead in changing how development isapproached) Rather than turn fountains off during drought, how can you change theconversation and use them to celebrate the value of water to thecommunity? (like other communities are doing) Plan is aligned to the City’s One Water VisionWATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDS
Santa Barbara City College, Luz Reyes-Martin 4 WATER VISION SANTA BARBARA STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTION SUMMARY / COMMUNITY VALUES AND NEEDS BRAINSTORM HEADLINES. If we get Santa Barbara's Water Vision right, what is the big story that gets published? Take 5 minutes to think of your headline and drop it into the Zoom Chat—everyone
