My Nonprofit Reviews

When I came to Santa Barbara 47 years ago there was a building moratorium. And I thought this place knew how to preserve its resources and pristine land. However, as time went by things changed and building went crazy I guess under different criteria. I was seriously concerned that the magnificent and sacred Gaviota coast was going to be the continuation of this sprawling urbanization.

Since I was too young to do anything about my rural home town that was turning into a suburban landscape, I thought that maybe as an adult here in Santa Barbara I could help in my small way in preserving the Gaviota coast. That was when I joined the Gaviota Coast Conservancy (GCC) and found out just how much they had done then, and are still doing today to preserve this precious landscape of pure nature and just how significant they are to California and the coast.

They have worked countless hours and years fighting to keep this land as is with a powerhouse of volunteers and professionals that have withstood some of the toughest prospective buyers. Their efforts have been successful with many challenges and are still being challenged today.

My contribution through the years has been by selling my paintings where a portion of the proceeds were given to GCC through SCAPE. And I have also given my graphic art services for many years.

GCC presence is so much more important than we realize, but do visit their website to see just how much has been preserved by their efforts and make a donation in any way you can to the this significant organization, the Gaviota Coast Conservancy.
With the support of us all as stewards to this land we need to keep the Gaviota coast an everlasting jewel for generations to come.

Cheryl Fontana