Highway 101 repaired through new funding source

Caltrans has replaced concrete slabs, repaved shoulders and ramps, and restriped pavement along a two-mile section of Highway 101 through Buellton, the first Central Coast project completed with funding from Senate Bill 1.

“Caltrans is quickly moving ahead with improving major infrastructure across the state as a result of this new funding source. Over the next year, motorists throughout the state will benefit from more efficiency, not only on the state highways but on local surface streets as well due to SB 1,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty.

“I am very pleased that our first project under SB 1 has been completed. This is the first of several projects that will repair our highway bridges, pavement and drainage systems in many locations, improving travel for everyone,” said Caltrans District 5 Director Tim Gubbins.

The contractor for the $4 million project was Papich Construction of Grover Beach. For more information, visit rebuildingca.ca.gov.

Volunteers sought for county boards

County Supervisor Joan Hartmann is seeking residents in Santa Barbara County’s 3^rd District to volunteer for the county’s Behavioral Wellness Commission (two openings), Central County Board of Architecture Review, Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Human Services Commission, Civil Service Commission and Veteran’s Services Advisory Committee.

“Volunteer service on a commission or board is a great opportunity to learn about county government while also providing public service by advising the Board of Supervisors on important policy issues affecting our communities,” Hartmann said.

The Third District includes UCSB, Isla Vista, western Goleta and the Gaviota Coast; the Santa Ynez Valley; the unincorporated parts of Lompoc; and Vandenberg Village, Casmalia, Tanglewood and the city of Guadalupe.

For some positions, volunteers may need to meet specific eligibility requirements to serve. The following is a brief description of these boards and committees:

To apply online or learn more about boards and commissions, go to countyofsb.org/ceo/boards-commissions/apply.sbc.

Application forms are also available at the Office of the Clerk of the Board at 105 E. Anapamu St., Room 407, on the fourth floor of the county administration building in Santa Barbara. For more information or assistance with submitting an application, contact Gina Fischer at 805-568-2192 or gfischer@countyofsb.org.

Part of Surf, other beaches closed for plover breeding

Vandenberg Air Force Base closed parts of Surf, Wall and Minuteman beaches on March 1 as part of its annual program to protect the Western snowy plover and its habitat during the breeding season.

Only Surf Beach, at the end of Highway 246 west of Lompoc, is available to the general public. Base personnel have access to Wall and Minuteman beaches.

Restrictions are enforced on all three Vandenberg beaches from March 1 through Sept. 30 to protect the plover, which is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

“We protect the snowy plover by closing specific areas of the beaches, managing predators and restoring plover habitat to compensate for the effects of recreational beach use during the breeding season,” said Samantha Kaisersatt, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron biological scientist. “Beach closures also include a prohibition on dogs, horses and kites,” in addition to the complete closure of certain sections.

Beach restriction violators can be fined up to $5,000 in federal court. People who destroy eggs or chicks can face fines up to $50,000 in federal court and imprisonment for up to a year.

Each entry into posted closed beach areas counts as a violation. If violations exceed 50 for Surf Beach, 10 for Wall Beach, and 10 for Minuteman Beach, that entire beach will be closed for the remainder of the nesting season.

During plover season, the public has access to the designated portion of Surf Beach from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.