Who We Are

First 5 Santa Barbara County

Californians believe children are a top priority in our state. That’s why in 1998 voters passed State Proposition 10, the California Children and Families Act, adding a 50-cent tax to each pack of cigarettes sold.  With this revenue source, the Act created First 5 California, also known as the California Children and Families Commission. First 5 California is dedicated to improving the lives of California’s young children and their families through a comprehensive system of education, health services, childcare, and other crucial programs.

First 5 California distributes funds to local communities through the state’s 58 individual counties, all of which have created their own local First 5 County Commissions.  Eighty percent of the total annual revenues are allocated to the 58 County Commissions, while the remaining 20 percent fund the state’s overall programs and administrative costs.

First 5 Santa Barbara County receives roughly $5 million annually from the act via First 5 California.  The amount of funding provided to each First 5 County Commission is based upon the area’s birth rate, among other factors.  Funds are used to address the local needs of our communities.

Since its creation nearly a decade ago, First 5 California, with its county partners like First 5 Santa Barbara County, has brought critical services to millions of parents, caregivers and children ages 0 to 5, and we’re striving to reach thousands more every day.