On April 5, 2024, the Leadership Santa Maria Valley class had the opportunity to learn about various and vital systems and efforts around the topic of Sustainability and Natural Resources in Santa Maria.

Starting with a tour of the Santa Maria Wastewater Treatment Plant, led by Water Resources Manager, Alexandra Griffith, the group learned about the city’s water distribution system, sewer system, and wastewater treatment. With an annual operating budget of $52M, this division supports over 20,000 residential and business customers in Santa Maria with a blend of local groundwater and imported State water, supporting a thriving community.

In a natural flow, mirroring the treatment process, we continued our day at Engel & Gray, Inc., the 40-acre regional compost facility, adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant. In a tour led by Bob Engel, Engel & Gray President, we learned that the treatment plant’s recycled solids and organic material diverted from landfills are combined with soil to produce quality Harvest Blend Compost, uniquely identified by the grape seeds you will find mixed in thanks to the inclusion of organic matter from local wineries. 

The group followed up the outdoor tours with a couple of presentations. First, Jessa Brooks, Vice President of Philanthropy at Marian Regional Medical Center Foundation, gave a useful leadership presentation on how to use public relations skills to connect with the community.

Then, the group heard from Meredith Hendricks, Executive Director of The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County about the important work of the Land Trust with landowners, public and private agencies, and community organizations in protecting, restoring, and managing open space, wildlife habitat and agricultural in the County. Local Land Trust managed preserves provide community residents with access to open space and trails and support local endangered species.

Finally, Ramon Elias, Vice President of Technology and Co-Founder of Pacific AgriTec, gave a fascinating presentation on the company’s innovative answer to decarbonizing energy from manufacturing and industry with a plant right outside Santa Maria in the Solomon Hills. The group learned about how the proprietary Pacific AgriTec process uses optimal amounts of CO₂, light, and nutrients to make high-grade marketable algae.

The group then headed to Presqu’ile Winery for one last tour. Andrew Heilbrun, Vineyard Manager, shared about Presqu’ile’s sustainability practices in the vineyard including an overview of their Sustainability In Practice (SIP) Certification. The group learned that SIP Certification addresses the 3 P’s of Sustainability – people, planet, prosperity – ensuring that both natural and human resources are protected.

Overall, the Sustainability and Natural Resources topic day highlighted the various resources, systems and innovations taking place right in our own little part of the world that are having an impact today and for the future. 

A special thanks to our sponsors Engel & Gray and Celest Coelho-Hudson, to our topic day advisors Lee-Volker Cox, Celeste Coelho-Hudson, and JD Scroggin, and to all of our presenters!