For the seventh consecutive year, the value of Santa Barbara County’s agricultural products grown during the past year surpassed the $1 billion mark, according to Agricultural Commissioner Cathy Fisher. The figures were released today by the Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office as part of the 2012 Agricultural Production Report. The 2012 report, as well as the reports since 1916, can be found online at the link for crop reports at www.agcommissioner.com.

Many Santa Barbara County residents have begun receiving a new bill in the mail from the State of California Board of Equalization.  The State Responsibility Fire Prevention Benefit Fee (SRA Benefit Fee) was a part of Assembly Bill x1 29 which was signed into law on July 7, 2011.

If you believe your bill contains an error, you may file a Petition for Redetermination of your SRA Benefit Fee with the State of California.  A Petition for Redetermination must be filed within 30 days from the date of the bill.  To obtain a Petition for Redetermination of your fees click here.  If you would like to access a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) click here.  For more information, please call the State Fire Prevention Fee Service Center at 1-888-310-6447 or visit the website at FirePreventionFee.org.  State staff is available Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, except state holidays.

Check out our Volunteer Opportunities page to find out how you can help the County to better serve the community.