Public Safety

Kristen’s Record of Action as Councilmember

Kristen Sneddon has:
 

• Advanced Community Wildfire Protection Planning
  Active in the development of the City’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan, strengthening prevention, preparedness, and neighborhood-level mitigation throughout the City.
   

• Expanded Disaster Response With Language Access
  Sworn in on the day of the Montecito Debris Flow following the Thomas Fire, and immediately expanded disaster response to include Spanish-language access and greater communication with all our residents and visitors
   

• Built Neighborhood Resilience Infrastructure
  Initiated neighborhood Resilience Hubs focused on vulnerable communities, including seniors, connecting preparedness, services, and community-based support in times of need
   

• Advanced Proactive Risk Mitigation
  Directed City efforts toward proactive mitigation of wildfire, flood, earthquake, and debris-flow risks, including securing additional funding for vegetation clearing in wildfire-prone areas including the Westside, the Mesa, Las Positas, the Riviera and foothills.
   

• Strengthened Emergency Coordination and Dispatch
  Supported creation of a regional dispatch and greater emergency coordination, so the closest responders can get there first, including co-hosting a Fire Safety Town Hall with Supervisor Roy Lee
   

• Strengthened Wildfire Mitigation Partnerships
  Represents the City on the Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council to support regional wildfire mitigation and community resilience efforts
  
   

As Mayor, Kristen Will Get Things Done:
 

• Fully Implement Community Wildfire Protection Strategies
  Strengthen wildfire resilience through vegetation management, defensible space support, evacuation planning, and sustained implementation of Community Wildfire Protection priorities
   

• Neighborhood-Level Mitigation and Preparedness
  Expand community readiness with matching funds for neighborhood-led mitigation projects, including Firewise-style efforts, home hardening, and fuel reduction
   

• Fast, Coordinated Emergency Response Citywide
  Strengthen coordination across City departments and regional partners to ensure rapid response, clear communications, and resilient operations during emergencies
   

• Replace Outdated Fire Stations Responsibly
  Deliver a safe, modern, and fiscally responsible plan to replace aging fire stations throughout the city, with clear project phasing and transparent costs
   

• Long-Range Flood Mitigation Plan
  Develop and fund a comprehensive strategy for chronic flooding in low-lying areas, prioritizing high-risk neighborhoods and critical routes
   

• Accessible Parks and Public Facilities
  Modernize parks, restrooms, and public buildings so they are clean, safe, and fully accessible for all ages and abilities
   

• Street Safety in Every Neighborhood
  Implement proven traffic-safety improvements citywide, focusing on high-injury corridors, safer crossings, and routes to schools
   

• Expand Stormwater Infrastructure
  Upgrade storm drains, catch basins, and green infrastructure to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and protect the coastline
   

• Transparency and Accountability in Public Safety
  Maintain clear performance metrics, public reporting, language access, and community oversight to build trust and ensure resources are used effectively
   

• Access to City Services Without Fear
  Protect access to City services by maintaining policies that keep residents safe seeking help, reporting issues, and engaging with City programs