A Brief History

The Coalition for Sustainable Transportation (COAST) promotes convenient transportation alternatives for everyone including the one-third of the population who, by choice or necessity, does not drive. We survey community members about their transportation needs and communicate with government officials and planners to ensure the needs are addressed in the transportation funding process. Our outreach is diverse. We represent farm workers in North County; children in our local schools and commuters desperate for alternatives to driving.

COAST began in 1993 as a group of volunteers active in alternative transportation issues. Our group was interested in practical alternatives to the widening of Highway 101 being considered at that time. In the process, we helped redefine the project area as a “corridor” including all modes of transportation along and across 101 rather than within the narrow strip of mainline freeway.

COAST was influential in developing the City of Santa Barbara’s updated Circulation Element that is recognized as a turning point in local transportation policies. We have been engaged in many transportation related projects including the South Coast Transit Plan, Highway 101 Design Guidelines, North County Unmet Transit Needs, Highway 101 Operational Improvements, 101 in Motion, Safe Routes to School (SR2S) and South Coast Commuter Rail (www.CoastalRailNow.org). COAST incorporated in 2001 as a 501c3 organization to continue a broad range of educational activities.

COAST Officers and Board of Directors

Eva Inbar, President; Safe Routes to School Coordinator
Retired Professor
(805) 964-0472

Dennis Story, Vice President; Chair, CoastalRailNow.org
Retired Architect
(805) 968-4431

Alex Pujo, Secretary
Architect
(805) 962-3578
Fax (805) 965-1371

Mark Bradley, Treasurer
Transportation Analyst
(805) 564-3908

Grant House, Director
Businessman and Santa Barbara City Councilmember
(805) 965-2785

Lee Moldaver, Director
Technology Executive
(805) 964-6477

Richard Axilrod, Treasurer
Investor/Property Manager
(805) 687-5296

Advisory Board

Steve Maas
Manager of Strategic Planning & Compliance, MTD

Matt Dobberteen
Alternative Transportation Manager, County of Santa Barbara

Ed France
Director, BiciCentro

Rick Margolin
Managing Director, Innovo Energy Solutions Group
Associate Director, Energy Independence Now

Helene Schneider
Santa Barbara City Council Member

Jan Atkins
Hotel Real Estate Advisor

Staff

Courtney Dietz, Project Director and Administrator