Beekeeping ordinance changes in Santa Barbara County

Dear Supervisor Capps, The upcoming hearing on September 22, 2026, regarding agenda item 26-00863, which involves recommendations for ordinance changes to permit beekeeping in unincorporated Santa Barbara County, raises significant implications for local beekeeping practices. It’s crucial that we have regulations that support sustainable practices while ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. Beekeeping is not only essential for local agriculture but also plays a vital role in maintaining the health of our ecosystems. As a resident of Santa Barbara and a taxpayer, I’m particularly concerned about how these regulatory changes might affect both the beekeeping community and local agricultural productivity. Beekeepers contribute to pollination, which is fundamental for many crops, and any changes should be made with careful consideration of their impacts. We need to ensure that our local policies support these important practices rather than hinder them. Can you please share your position on this ordinance change and what steps you plan to take to support responsible beekeeping in our county? It’s important for constituents like myself to understand where our representatives stand on these matters that directly impact our environment and economy. Thanks, Eric Rosenfeld