Legislator Named to Coastal Conservancy

Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) has been appointed to the state Coastal Conservancy.

In addition, Jackson and Assembly colleagues who represent Ventura County have been appointed to specialized committees that will study particular areas of public policy and make recommendations to the Legislature.

Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa (D-Los Angeles) announced the appointments Tuesday.

The Coastal Conservancy has 13 members--from the public, Legislature and state offices--who serve four-year terms.

“The mandate is to purchase and protect, sometimes restore, and basically enhance coastal resources,” Jackson said. “Plus, an important part is to provide public access to the shore.”

Established by the Legislature in 1976, the conservancy works with public agencies, local governments, private landowners and nonprofit groups to protect California’s 1,100 miles of coastline. It has a $40-million annual budget and a 50-member staff, Jackson said.

Jackson, whose district includes Ojai, Ventura and Santa Paula, was also appointed Tuesday to the Select Committee on Gun Violence, the Select Committee on California Wine and the Select Committee on Entertainment and Arts. Assemblyman Tony Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks) will sit on the Select Committee on the Aerospace Industry and the Select Committee on California Ports. Villaraigosa chose Assemblyman Tom McClintock (R-Northridge) to the Select Committee on Indian Gaming.

Other Assembly select committees, which have seven to 17 members, deal with issues such as transportation, mental health and horse racing.