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About the Riviera Association

About the Riviera Association

Founded in 1930, the Association is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) organization that works to maintain and enhance the distinctive character of the Riviera and quality of life of its members. We educate and engage with our members on ways we can collectively improve our neighborhoods and increase public safety, focusing on areas such as zoning, density, policing, roadways, utilities, traffic safety, fire protection and land use.

The Association is primarily focused on addressing Riviera-specific needs and issues, but in some cases, we also work to educate our elected officials and advocate for Riviera interests at the City level. Following are examples of some of our recent accomplishments:

  • Worked with SB City Parks and Public Works to arrange for clean-up at Franceschi Park and for clean-up and beautification of the medians on APS.
  • With the help of our District 4 councilmember Kristen Sneddon, educated SB City Council and City Fire on the need for increased fire mitigation efforts on the Riviera, which led to decisions and additional resource commitments that were adopted and formalized in the updated Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
  • Gathered and disseminated to our members important information on home hardening and other opportunities to reduce wildfire risks, including the benefits of forming Firewise Communities to better protect our neighborhoods.
  • Along with Councilmember Sneddon, worked to educate City leadership about the wildfire-related risks of allowing State Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) lot splits and duplexes on the Riviera, which helped to influence the Council to prohibit SB 9 in our district.
  • Organized and moderated a City Council District 4 candidates forum.
  • Host in-person Spring and Fall meetings each year, and held virtual meetings during the pandemic. Recent speakers have included Jill Zachary of SB Parks and SBIFF executive director Roger Durling.
  • Surveyed association members on key issues facing the Riviera and our city, drawing on the 140+ responses in our discussion with City leaders to advocate for improved fire safety, more affordable workforce housing, and preservation of our downtown character and aesthetic.
  • Continue to monitor Riviera parks and other public spaces for graffiti, and follow up with the City as needed to effect removal (usually within 1-2 days).
  • Recruited 8 members to serve 3-6 year terms on the Association’s Board. If you are interested in serving on the Board or its associated committees, please contact our president Shelley Bookspan at shelley@rivieraassociation.org.

 

February 2023 Winter Storm Photos

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.” — John Muir

If you have any great photos of the Riviera from the recent storms worth sharing on our website please send them to me at merickson@rivieraassociation.org

FIREWISE COMMUNITY INFORMATION

The Firewise USA Program involves homeowners in taking individual responsibility for preparing their homes for the risk of wildfire.  It encourages and empowers neighbors to work together to prevent community losses. Join the network of over 1,500 recognized Firewise communities across the nation who are taking action to protect their homes and their neighbors’ against the threat of wildfire.

A Firewise community can be as small as eight homes, depending on certain factors.  A Firewise representative can help you determine a logical boundary, if you would like to explore participation in this program.  GREAT NEWS IS> Members of a Firewise community receive homeowner’s insurance discounts from USAA, California Fair Plan and some other insurance companies, in addition to the other benefits of improving their chance of withstanding a wildfire

Click this link for more info: https://sbfiresafecouncil.org/firewise-usa/