About Us
Association Mission Statement
(SCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated as the voice of Summerland to lead in the enhancement, beautification, protection, and preservation of the best interests of the semi-rural, ocean-side community of Summerland residents, homeowners, businesses, and visitors.
The Voice of Summerland
Unlike any other Santa Barbara County coastal community, Summerland is the only entirely unincorporated community. While Carpinteria enjoys the support of the City of Carpinteria and Montecito’s has Coast Village Road which is part of Santa Barbara, Summerland relies on the Summerland Citizens’ Association to represent the needs of all residents and businesses, as well as the experiences of its visitors.
Committed to Summerland
Since 1955, the SCA has supported Summerland in many ways, aligning with the four key elements of its mission statement. Examples include leading the effort to transform a County Road Yard into the Summerland Greenwell Preserve, holding a 50-year lease for the Preserve, and advocating for cleaner and healthier beaches for 75 years by working closely with the CA State Lands Commission, County, and, more recently, Heal the Ocean. The SCA had the foresight three decades ago to secure the encroachment permit for the Edison lampposts, which it has decorated with flower baskets and American flags. Additionally, it led the design of the Evans underpass, created the garden at the Memorial Garden, and landscaped the fencing between Lillie and the 101. The organization has successfully campaigned for more and safer bike paths, sidewalks, stop signs, additional business parking, road and trail repairs throughout Summerland, and much more.
The SCA is engaged in regular community communications through e-blasts, various types of meetings, including relevant guest speakers, and hosting community events.
Your membership supports its ability to continue as well as help cover the costs of business such as insurance policies, website and e-blasts expenses, professional expenses, and more.
Additional
Bylaws
Click to download the Summerland Citizens' Association By Laws.
Your Summerland Voice by the Numbers
In terms of community input, Summerland is shaped and directed into its future by its community members who make their voices heard.
According to datacommon.org, the population of Summerland was 1,248 in 2023. Supervisor Town Halls, SCA virtual and online meetings, and community gatherings tend to attract between 12 and 70 Summerland residents, with community social events drawing the highest number of attendees. This average of 41 residents accounts for 3.28% of the above-reported 2023 Summerland population.
The SCA e-blasts and online surveys are reaching the highest number of Summerland residents. As of September 8, 2025, twenty-five e-blasts have been sent in 2025, with the number of recipients increasing from 272 in January to 392. That’s 6,325 total received, with a 59.4% open rate, a 0.15% unsubscribe rate, and a gain of 116 new subscribers—an average of 236 SCA email recipients currently open SCA e-blasts, which is 18.9% of the 2023 reported population of 1,248.
By joining the SCA, members will receive e-blasts, residents can vote, and everyone will have the option to choose their level of engagement or not; however, they will stay informed about what is shaping Summerland.
Past Directors
Past Directors
The following is a partial list of past association directors:
Jane Barton, Elizabeth Boltz, Suzi Cawthon, Fran Davis, Rick Deneault, Gary Robinson, Milt Duncan, Paul Franz, Barbara Godley, Sharon Hicks, David Hill, Mary Holzhauer, Carole Iverson, Mimi Lodahl, Barbara McLain, Jeff Melnick, Gordon Morrison, Dan O’Meara, Jeff O’Neill, Eric Panofsky, Jay Parker, Cindy Sapienza, John Sirois, Hank Weeden, Jerry White, Tom Williams, Elizabeth Winterhalter, Jim Witmer, Reeve Woolpert, Kat Wyman, Mary Jo Yaeger.