Santa Barbara Foundation hosted the Santa Barbara County Digital Equity Coalition (DEC) on April 30 to discuss progress and ongoing challenges in closing the gap in digital access. Last year, the DEC held more than 60 Digital Literacy Trainings and distributed more than 1,000 digital devices.
At the third DEC Summit, researchers presented the latest digital access and usage data in Santa Barbara County to guide future actions. Dr. Jamshid Damooei of California Lutheran University examined the state of the digital divide down to the ZIP code and census tract level, while Dr. Elizabeth Belding of UC Santa Barbara analyzed mobile phone data coverage across the county. Both researchers found that access and coverage vary widely when data is examined at the neighborhood level — revealing inequities that disproportionately affect lower-income communities and rural areas.
Speakers framed digital access as inseparable from opportunity, presenting both the challenges and potential solutions to barriers around internet infrastructure and affordability. Sunne Wright McPeak, President and CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund, encouraged attendees with a hopeful message: digital equity is an achievable goal in Santa Barbara County. Fred Luna, Broadband Project Director at the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) Joint Powers Authority, provided an update on ongoing efforts to bring high-speed internet to rural areas.
A panel discussion on “Digital Navigator Best Practices” provided attendees with a close look at the key role digital navigators play in helping community members access technology, resources, and opportunities. The panel featured Patricia Bibby, California Emerging Technology Fund; Lisa Brabo, Family Service Agency; Abner Fuentes, American GI Forum; and Erika Terrazas, Partners in Education, and moderated by Lyiam Galo, Northern Santa Barbara County United Way; and Amy Gonzales, UCSB.
The 2026 Summit underscored what’s possible when partners across Santa Barbara County work toward a shared goal. A State of the Digital Divide Report will be released later this year, along with a virtual discussion. Visit sbcdec.org for more information and to get involved or contact Rigo Hernandez, DEC Co-Chair and Nube Educational Foundation Executive Director, at rigohernandez2007@gmail.com, and Shelby Arthur, DEC Consultant at SArthur@SBFoundation.org.
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