Carbajal, Salud RSS Articles

Carbajal Secures $6 Million in Federal Funding for Santa Barbara Harbor Improvements

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced he secured $6.15 million for Santa Barbara Harbor’s dredging project. The funding was secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan, an annual civil works initiative focused on infrastructure improvements.

"The Santa Barbara Harbor serves an important role in our local economy and emergency response services,” said Rep. Carbajal. “This federal funding will ensure our harbor is deep enough to continue handling maritime commerce and tourism while providing the U.S. Coast Guard with the reliable channels for public safety and national security missions.”

“Santa Barbara Harbor is the pulse of our community. Without regular federal maintenance dredging, the consequences for public safety, our local economy, and our way of life are severe. Securing $6.15 million in federal funding for dredging is an essential step toward ensuring that the harbor remains safe and navigable for everyone who depends on it. We are grateful to Congressman Carbajal for his tireless advocacy on behalf of Santa Barbara, and to the Army Corps of Engineers for delivering on this critical funding,” said Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse.

Santa Barbara Harbor serves as a critical hub for maritime commerce, tourism, and public safety operations. The dredging project will help keep the harbor at appropriate depths so that commercial vessels, recreational users, and emergency response ships can operate safely.

Carbajal Announces Significant Federal Funding for Santa Barbara County Projects

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced he secured significant federal funding for a series of public projects in Santa Barbara County. Projects include improvements to local infrastructure, emergency response services, and criminal justice programs.

“Delivering these federal investments is about strengthening the public resources that Santa Barbara County residents rely on every day,” said Rep. Carbajal. “From safer roads and modernized emergency response facilities to compassionate animal care and survivor‑centered support services, this funding will strengthen the essential services and shared spaces that make Santa Barbara County a healthier, safer, and more connected place to live.”

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments has been awarded $1,500,000 to fund the Cabrillo Project. The Cabrillo Project will replace two railroad bridges and improve the U.S. 101 highway underpass in the City of Santa Barbara and as a result improve safety for a number of users that travel through this area to access destinations along the Santa Barbara waterfront while providing a key connection across U.S. 101. The Project will replace bridges at two locations: Cabrillo Boulevard and at Los Patos Way, each of which are over 100-years old and have exceeded their design life. At Cabrillo Boulevard, the existing 29’ span will be widened and lengthened.

“Congressman Carbajal’s support helps keep the City of Santa Barbara’s Cabrillo project on track as construction begins on the final segment of Highway 101 Carpinteria to Santa Barbara corridor,” said SBCAG Executive Director Marjie KIRN. “Improvements at Cabrillo are what will allow residents and visitors to safely and efficiently access the waterfront and surrounding neighborhoods—delivering the full benefit of the highway investments to the public.”

The City of Santa Maria has been awarded $1,200,000 to expand the space at the downtown fire station to accommodate a third fire vehicle and associated fire personnel. The downtown station was built in 2002, at the time serving a population of 79,000. Since then, the population of Santa Maria has grown almost 40 percent to approximately 110,000. The City of Santa Maria anticipates the population to grow by another 30 percent, or an additional 34,000 people by 2050.

“On behalf of the City of Santa Maria and our 110,000 residents, I want to extend our deepest thanks to Representative Carbajal for securing $1.2 million for the Fire Station 1 Expansion Project. This funding brings us significantly closer to completing a project that will strengthen emergency response in our downtown core and serve our community for the next 25 years. We appreciate that we have such a dedicated partner in Washington,” said Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino.

“We are incredibly grateful to Representative Carbajal for securing $1.2 million for the expansion of Fire Station 1. This funding is a critical investment in the safety of our community. Station 1 is our busiest station, and this project will allow us to house a third fire vehicle and additional personnel needed to serve Santa Maria's growing population. Representative Carbajal's commitment to our city is making a real difference,” said Fire Chief Bradley J. Dandridge.

Santa Barbara County has been awarded $850,000 for the rebuilding of the Lompoc Animal Shelter. The shelter needs facility improvements in order to continue to supply the community with quality Animal Services support, and to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the animals in the region.

“This $850,000 secured by Congressman Carabajal is transformational for our shelter. Modernized kennels mean healthier, less stressed animals, improved conditions for our staff and volunteers, and a facility that truly reflects the compassion of the Lompoc community. From families in Lompoc to the service members at Vandenberg Space Force Base, so many people rely on the work of the shelter — and now we have the resources to do it even better,” said Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Third District Santa Barbara County.

The City of Santa Barbara has been awarded $850,000 for the Eastside Library Improvements Project to upgrade interior spaces to better serve community members and to the two outdoor patios with outside reading spaces and play and sensory areas for children.

“The City of Santa Barbara greatly appreciates Congressman Carbajal’s advocacy to help fund a community asset as important as our Eastside Library. The improvements at that facility are critical as it is more than just a branch of our library system, but it is a highly-used educational facility and community meeting location. My colleagues and I use that location frequently for neighborhood gatherings and outreach, as well as community celebrations. The Congressman clearly recognizes the role that the Eastside Library plays in forming and maintaining the social fabric of the Santa Barbara community,” said Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse.

The City of Carpinteria has been awarded $850,000 to establish a community center. Carpinteria is currently the only incorporated city in Santa Barbara County that does not have a dedicated community center to host programming for senior citizens and other community groups.

“The City of Carpinteria is extremely grateful to Congressman Carbajal for helping bring this funding to Carpinteria. These funds will allow us to remain focused on critical infrastructure without sacrificing support for the programs and spaces that serve our residents,” said Michael Ramirez, City Manager for City of Carpinteria.

The Santa Barbara District Attorney has been awarded $236,375 to renovate commercial office space at 235 W. Pueblo Street. This construction project is designed to meet the current needs of the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Program/Exam site and more adequately serve sexual assault survivors and child victims of crime in Santa Barbara County.

“The Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office is immensely grateful to Congressman Salud Carbajal for his advocacy in securing a $236,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help complete our new Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and Child Advocacy Center (CAC) site in Santa Barbara and update our SART/CAC with advanced forensic and recording technology enhancing the quality of our services and strengthening the pursuit of justice,” said Megan Rheinschild, Victim-Witness Assistance Program Director at the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office.

The funding, which Carbajal championed over the course of the past year’s federal budget negotiations, was signed into law as part of the annual government appropriations process.

In the spring of 2025, Rep. Carbajal began to push for funding for these projects through formal requests to the House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2026.

The funding was secured through the Community Project Funding (CPF) initiative first launched in 2022. Projects must be in the public interest, be good uses of taxpayer dollars, and be certified to not conflict with the representative’s personal financial interests.

Carbajal, Bacon Reintroduce Bill to Expand Benefits for Veteran Survivors of Sexual Assault

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) are reintroducing bipartisan legislation to expand benefits for veterans who experienced sexual trauma during their service.

The Moral Injury Recognition and Restitution Act would change the effective date of a veteran’s claim to allow veterans who experience sexual trauma during their service to receive retroactive disability benefits, starting from the date after their discharge from service rather than the claim file date.

“Sexual assault in our military is a grave injustice, and it is long past time for the VA to expand benefits for those who carried this trauma back home,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The Moral Injury Recognition and Restitution Act was inspired by a Central Coast veteran who faced the same inexcusable hurdles that far too many survivors encounter when seeking help from the VA. I’m proud to join my friend and fellow veteran, Congressman Bacon, in introducing this bill to close the gaps in our system and finally deliver the justice our veterans deserve.”

“One sexual assault in the military is one too many. Sexual assault in the military leaves behind a wake of trauma, anxiety, and depression,” said Rep. Bacon. “As Wing Commander at Ramstein, I established the best sexual assault prevention program in the Air Force because I recognize the importance of keeping our service members safe from this kind of violence. For those service members who do, tragically, experience sexual assault, we should ensure that they receive payment for treatments to help them recover. Changing the effective date from when veterans receive payments is the right thing to do.”

Currently, most benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are calculated using the day the claim was filed.

But with survivors of military sexual traumas (including unwanted sexual contact or advances), there is a historical trend of stigma and underreporting, meaning veterans may wait years before filing a VA claim.

Congressman Carbajal and his team worked with one such case: a female veteran from the Central Coast of California who was granted benefits related to PTSD caused by a sexual trauma during her service but filed a claim more than 25 years after the injury, diminishing the total benefit that she qualified to receive.

The bill has earned the endorsement of Veterans of Foreign Wars, the largest and oldest war veterans service organization in the U.S.

The VA estimates that 1 in 3 female veterans and 1 in 50 male veterans experienced sexual trauma in some form during their service.

In certain cases, like exposure to Agent Orange or other toxic chemicals, the VA has granted retroactive benefits. But no such retroactivity exists for claims related to sexual trauma, despite the enduring effects these injuries can have on a veteran.

The full text of the Moral Injury Recognition and Restitution Act can be found here.

Congressman Carbajal served eight years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, including active duty service during the Gulf War in 1992, where he was mobilized to Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Congressman Bacon served in the U.S. Air Force for nearly 30 years, retiring as a Brigadier General in 2014.

The two lawmakers are part of the For Country Caucus, a non-partisan group of military veterans serving in Congress who are dedicated to working together in a nonpartisan way to create a more productive government.

Carbajal Statement on César Chávez Revelations

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the following statement in response to the New York Times article detailing allegations of sexual assault against César Chávez.

“I’m deeply shocked and saddened to learn of these disturbing allegations. I stand firmly with the victims and their loved ones as investigations move forward. I believe we cannot celebrate a man, regardless of his accomplishments, if he harmed women and children in such evil ways. This March 31, I urge our community to unite around celebrating the contributions and essential work of farmworkers, rather than celebrating César Chávez. In addition, we must continue to move forward in our shared opposition to ICE’s violations of civil rights and demand an end to their brutal immigration enforcement.”

Carbajal Statement on Trump Invoking Defense Production Act to Restart Offshore Oil Production in Santa Barbara County

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) issued the statement below following the Trump administration’s announcement that they are invoking the Defense Production Act to advance Sable Offshore’s plans to restart offshore oil production at the Santa Ynez Unit.

“President Trump is using the war in Iran as a pretext to override the will of Santa Barbara County residents and the state of California. The reality is that restarting the Sable project would produce nowhere near enough oil to lower the skyrocketing gas prices families are facing. His reckless war is causing immense damage, and jamming the Sable project through is a hollow solution. Once again, the President is prioritizing Big Oil over the well-being of our community. I will continue to fight this federal overreach in Congress and stand with our local partners as they pursue legal challenges in court.”

Carbajal Announces Significant Federal Funding for San Luis Obispo County Infrastructure Projects

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced he secured significant federal funding for two infrastructure projects in San Luis Obispo County. Projects include improvements to the Shell Beach Road shared use path and City of Morro Bay’s stormwater system.

“Securing these federal investments is about strengthening the everyday safety and quality of life for residents across San Luis Obispo County,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Extending the Shell Beach shared use path will give residents and visitors a safer, more accessible way to move along our coastline, while Morro Bay’s storm‑drain upgrades will help protect homes and businesses from the kind of devastating flooding we’ve seen in recent years. These projects represent a step forward in ensuring San Luis Obispo County’s infrastructure is upgraded to meet the needs of the community.”

The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) has been awarded $2,000,000 to extend the shared use path 2-miles north to the intersection of Shell Beach Road and Avila Beach Drive. The Shell Beach Road shared use path extension will improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, enhance local and regional mobility, and increase access to retail and commercial services, coastal access points, and trailheads along the corridor.

“We’re thrilled this multimodal pathway will provide a key regional connection through one of the most congested areas in SLO county. It will link the new roundabout on the Avila Beach Drive & Hwy 101 intersection near the Bob Jones pathway to points south in Pismo Beach and beyond in South County,” said Pete Rodgers, Executive Director at SLOCOG.

The City of Morro Bay has been awarded $250,000 to repair and upsize storm drains, enhance resilience against floods by rerouting lines and constructing new drains. The City of Morro Bay experienced heavy flooding along its Main Street business and residential corridor on January 9, 2023, and March 10, 2023. During these storms, the City’s storm drain system failed to convey water out of the flood zone and other areas.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Congressman Salud Carbajal for his unwavering support and dedication to the city of Morro Bay. We are proud to announce that our city will receive $250,000 in funding aimed at crucial storm drain repairs and strengthening our resilience against future storms. This funding is vital for maintaining and improving our storm drainage system, which is essential to protecting our community from flooding and ensuring the safety of our residence. We are incredibly thankful for Congressman Carbajal‘s continued advocacy for Morro Bay. The funding underscores our commitment to building a safer and more resilient community. Thanks to his support, we can take significant steps towards safeguarding our city and improving the quality of life for all residents,” said Carla Wixom, Mayor of Morro Bay.

The funding, which Carbajal championed over the course of the past year’s federal budget negotiations, was signed into law as part of the annual government appropriations process.

Carbajal Announces Significant Federal Funding for Ventura County Projects

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced he secured significant federal funding for two public projects in Ventura County. Projects include developing a new park near Ojai and an interim shelter in Ventura.

“These federal investments will strengthen the well‑being of communities across Ventura County,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The new Meiners Oaks Botanical Park will give local kids and families a safe place to learn and play, while Ventura’s interim shelter will expand critical support for people experiencing homelessness. Together, these projects help build a more compassionate, resilient, and connected Ventura County.”

The County of Ventura has been awarded $850,000 to construct a nature-based park at 312 E. El Roblar Drive in Meiners Oaks, an unincorporated community adjacent to the City of Ojai. The Meiners Oaks Botanical Park will be a 2-acre “wild” park, designed for kids and families.

“The Meiners Oaks Park is the result of years of hard work, thoughtful community planning, and dedicated collaboration between residents and local leaders. It will provide lasting benefits to the Meiners Oaks community, from recreation and wellness to environmental sustainability, for generations to come. Because of the leadership of Congressman Carbajal and the funding he has secured, we are one step closer to turning a dilapidated lot into a beautiful community resource,” said Supervisor Matt LaVere, District 1.

The City of Ventura has been awarded $250,000 to develop an interim shelter that would serve individuals and families experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The City’s current congregate emergency shelter has limited capacity. This new shelter would provide case management, housing navigation, and other supportive services.

“This federal funding will help strengthen the City’s efforts to support residents experiencing homelessness in our community,” said Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sánchez-Palacios. “We are grateful to Representative Carbajal for advocating for Ventura. Investments like these expand access to services, housing navigation, and the support people need to move toward long-term stability.”

The funding, which Carbajal championed over the course of the past year’s federal budget negotiations, was signed into law as part of the annual government appropriations process.

In the spring of 2025, Rep. Carbajal began to push for funding for these projects through formal requests to the House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2026.

The funding was secured through the Community Project Funding (CPF) initiative first launched in 2022. Projects must be in the public interest, be good uses of taxpayer dollars, and be certified to not conflict with the representative’s personal financial interests.

Carbajal Announces 2026 Women of the Year Award Winners on International Women's Day

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced the six recipients of the 2026 Central Coast Women of the Year Award, recognizing extraordinary women whose leadership, compassion, and service have made a lasting impact across California’s Central Coast.

The six winners of this year’s award are: Hortensia “Tensie” Hernandez from Santa Maria, Dr. Mary Parker from San Luis Obispo, Sarah Aguilar from Oak View, Myra Paige from Santa Barbara, Sonia Behrman from Santa Barbara, and Linda Krop from Santa Barbara.

“Each year, I am inspired by the extraordinary women who dedicate their time and talents to strengthening our communities across the Central Coast,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The 2026 Women of the Year honorees represent the very best of our region — leaders, caregivers, advocates, and changemakers whose work touches countless lives. Their commitment to serving others reminds us that real change happens when people step up to support their neighbors and build a more compassionate community.”

The Central Coast Women of the Year Award honors exceptional women across California’s 24th Congressional District who have made a meaningful impact on their communities. The award recognizes women from diverse backgrounds and professions who are working every day to improve the quality of life throughout the Central Coast.

Congressman Carbajal will recognize the winners by permanently entering the accomplishments of each honoree into the official Congressional Record, preserving their stories and contributions for generations to come. An award ceremony will be held at a later date, where each honoree will also receive a special congressional pin.

Below are the biographies for this year’s honorees:

Hortensia “Tensie” Hernandez, Santa Maria

Hortensia “Tensie” Hernandez has dedicated her life to serving the poor and marginalized across the Central Coast. Growing up as the youngest daughter of an immigrant single mother of five, she developed a deep commitment to helping others at an early age. Through her leadership at Beatitude House and her decades of community service, Tensie has helped provide food, care, and dignity to thousands of families in need. Her lifelong mission to uplift the most vulnerable members of the community has made a lasting difference in Santa Maria and beyond.

Dr. Mary Parker, San Luis Obispo

Dr. Mary Parker is a beloved educator and community leader whose decades of service have helped shape the future of health care on the Central Coast. During her career at Cuesta College, she trained generations of nurses who went on to serve communities across California. Even in retirement, Dr. Parker continues her work to support those in need as President of People’s Kitchen, where she has helped provide tens of thousands of meals to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Her dedication to both education and service has left an enduring legacy in San Luis Obispo County.

Sarah Aguilar, Oak View

Sarah Aguilar serves as Director of Santa Barbara County Animal Services, where her innovative leadership has transformed animal welfare across the region. Under her direction, the department has strengthened partnerships with shelters, volunteers, and community organizations to improve outcomes for animals in need. Through collaboration, compassion, and forward-thinking policies, Sarah has helped build a more humane and responsive animal services system that benefits both animals and the communities that care for them.

Myra Paige, Santa Barbara

Myra Paige is a tireless civic leader who has mobilized hundreds of volunteers to strengthen democracy and expand civic engagement across the Central Coast. Through her organizing and advocacy, she has helped protect immigrant communities, encourage voter participation, and empower residents to become active participants in shaping their communities. Myra’s work has inspired countless individuals to raise their voices and contribute to a more inclusive and engaged civic life.

Sonia Behrman, Santa Barbara

Sonia Behrman’s life is a powerful story of resilience, compassion, and service. As a nurse and foster parent, she has devoted herself to caring for others and supporting vulnerable children and families. By opening her home and heart to those in need, Sonia has provided stability, love, and opportunity to young people during some of the most challenging moments in their lives. Her selfless dedication continues to strengthen families and communities throughout Santa Barbara.

Linda Krop, Santa Barbara

Linda Krop is a longtime environmental champion whose decades of legal advocacy have helped protect the Central Coast’s treasured coastline and natural resources. Through her work as an environmental attorney, she has played a critical role in preserving open space, safeguarding wildlife habitats, and defending the region’s coastal landscapes for future generations. Linda’s tireless commitment to environmental stewardship has made her one of the Central Coast’s most respected voices for conservation.

Carbajal Statement on House Committee Passage of Farm Bill

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, issued the statement below following the House Agriculture Committee’s passage of the farm bill.

“The Republican farm bill fails to address the urgent crises facing agricultural communities across the country, including on the Central Coast. Our farmers are being squeezed by both sides of Trump’s trade war. The tariffs are increasing farmers’ production costs while their customer base overseas shrinks as nations retaliate with their own trade barriers. Furthermore, this legislation ignores the devastating SNAP cuts included in the ‘Big Ugly Bill,’ which threaten food security for our most vulnerable citizens as grocery prices continue to skyrocket. This bill was a missed opportunity for bipartisan, commonsense solutions. Instead, this bill betrays our farmers, which is why I voted against it and will continue to stand up for our rural communities.”

Carbajal to Support Bill to Rein in Trump’s Military Powers

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

“The ongoing conflict in Iran was ordered with no credible justification and little regard for the men and women who are being asked to risk their lives. Trump’s war has already claimed the lives of six servicemembers, and sadly, more will be put in harm’s way,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The American people do not want another forever war in the Middle East. They do not want to see young Americans lose their lives. They do not want to see billions of taxpayer dollars being poured into this conflict. Families want solutions to the problems they face here at home, such as an end to the cost-of-living crisis. This administration is operating without restraint or reason; therefore, I will be voting in support of the war powers resolution to rein in their reckless and dangerous actions.”

Ventura/Santa Barbara County Telephone Town Hall

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 21:30:00 GMT

Residents of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties! – Join me on Wednesday, July 27th at 5:30 PM PDT for a live telephone town hall!

This is a chance for you to ask me questions, and get an updates from me on what I've been working on to help you and your family.

Sign up to be a part of this event at: https://carbajal.house.gov/live/

If you are a resident of San Luis Obispo County, I will be hosting a telephone townhall on July 20th to answer questions and address concerns for your region.

San Luis Obispo County Telephone Town Hall

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 21:30:00 GMT

San Luis Obispo County residents! – Join me on Wednesday, July 20th at 5:30 PM PDT for a live telephone town hall!

This is a chance for you to ask me questions, and get an updates from me on what I've been working on to help you and your family.

Sign up to be a part of this event at: https://carbajal.house.gov/live/

If you are a resident of Santa Barbara or Ventura County, I will be hosting a telephone townhall on July 27th to answer questions and address concerns for your region.