Photo: Alissa Hummer

Why I Support TPL: Motivated to Make a Big Difference

"Moving to a town with only 35,000 people was culture shock, but I soon learned that one can make a big difference in a small community." --Susan Rose

I grew up in New York City. Although I loved urban living, spending time in Prospect Park or Central Park was a highlight of my childhood years. Even then, I knew open space mattered. In my early 20s, I moved to California to raise my children and settled in a small town on the Central Coast. Motivated by wanting to maintain my children's quality of life, I soon joined an activist organization dedicated to preserving the environment. Our first victory resulted in saving steelhead trout in the Ventura River.

For the last 25 years, I have worked in local government. One of the greatest challenges that government officials face today is balancing the need for preservation with community growth. In 1999, I was elected to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. TPL was already at work in our area, and over the years I watched as the organization protected several properties. Through their efforts and those of community members, more than 3,000 acres have been preserved throughout the county. I became a TPL fan!

For six years, I worked with TPL staff to protect the San Marcos Foothills, about 200 acres of unique habitat, natural resources, and amazing views, just half a mile northeast of Santa Barbara. Just recently we closed the deal, permanently dedicating the San Marcos Foothills to open space. With funds from Santa Barbara County, we will begin planning hiking trails and other passive uses of the land.

This year, TPL will celebrate ten years of working to protect open space on the Central Coast. I recently retired from the board of supervisors, and have joined TPL's California Advisory Board. I am delighted to be a member of this active board, and am committed to ensuring that Californians have plenty of breathing room. With TPL leading the effort, I know we can make it happen.

Creek, Meadow, Lake, Forest: Waddle Ranch is Key to Conserving Martis Valley   Article by Angela Ballard	The Quiet Majesty of O'Melveny Park TPL's first-ever land conservation project   By Deborah K. Swanson Patrick	TPL Celebrates Decade of Conservation Work in Santa Barbara
Photo: Elizabeth Carmel	Photo: Sam Roberts	Photo: San Marcos Foothills Coalition

 

Susan Rose, Santa Barbara, CA, served two terms as Santa Barbara County Supervisor (1999-2006). She has thirty years of experience in the public sector, education, community service and business. Susan has held management positions in city and county government, directed a local non-profit, and served as a commissioner for the Fair Employment and Housing Commission, California's civil rights agency. Susan has dedicated her energy to working for families and children, for environmental quality, planned growth, education, and the arts. During her years in county office, Susan initiated a Natural Resources Advisory Committee, a unique program dedicated to actively preserving natural resources in her district. Susan received her B.A. from Connecticut College and holds two Masters Degrees, an MS in American History, from Connecticut State College and an MPA in Public Administration, from the University of Southern California. She is a graduate of the Coro Foundation Public Policy Training Program.  Susan serves on the Trust for Public Land California Advisory Board.