Santa Barbara County Supports Humanitarian Services Before Voting On Jail Expansion Project
Jarrod Zinn
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Barbara County Board Of Supervisors is issuing a $10,000 donation to 805 Undocufund.
It’s a goodwill gesture in the face of criticism from the public.
Sourced from discretionary funds held by District 2, a $10,000 donation from Santa Barbara County to 805 Undocufund will provide short-term emergency relief for undocumented and mixed-status families.
“I’m here on behalf of nearly 200 people representing different sectors, from the faith-based community to some elected officials to advocacy and also grassroots organizations that have been working on the ground on a daily basis,” says Primitiva Hernandez, executive director of 805 Undocufund.
This donation came at the same meeting that Primitiva Hernandez of 805 Undocufund and other community members expressed opposition to the expansion project of the northern branch jail, especially in light of the county’s budget difficulties.
“I have a brother that’s been in jail multiple times, started with substance abuse, and then that led to a life of crime,” says Hernandez. “So if treatment had been available, I think people would take those alternatives.”
Much of the community is strongly advocating for more support services designed to help people with addictions or mental health challenges, as opposed to sending more people to jail.
“The proposed expansion threatens to increase the county’s legal risk, just the opposite of what the county says it wants,” says Larry Barrett, with Indivisible Santa Barbara.
Community members say it would be better to help people stay out of jail, as opposed to increasing the capacity for prisoner population.
“When you are expanding a jail, you’re going to have to fill up that jail,” says Hernandez. “And, we know, you’re going to need to be making difficult decisions around budget items. You’re going to need to make difficult decisions on behalf of everyone in Santa Barbara County.”
Supervisor Capps says she hopes the donation to 805 Undocufund can be seen as an action step in the right direction.
She sent us the following statement:
“Today the Board of Supervisors underscored our commitment to our immigrant community who are an integral part of the fabric of Santa Barbara County. I was proud to secure funding to support the vital work of 805 Undocufund and am grateful to my colleagues for their unanimous support. Thank you to so many in the community who have volunteered and supported.”
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