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Harbor Commission welcomes Spencer Jemez, first Chumash member, to the board
Summary
The Santa Barbara Harbor Commission unanimously welcomed Spencer Jemez to a four-year term, and Jemez emphasized cultural stewardship of the waterfront, support for commercial fishing, and balancing recreation, tourism and environmental protection.
Spencer Jemez took his seat on the Santa Barbara Harbor Commission on Jan. 22 as commissioners welcomed the new member whose term runs through Dec. 31, 2029. Jemez, who identified himself as a descendant of the coastal band of the Chumash nation, described growing up on local beaches and pledged to bring an indigenous perspective to waterfront stewardship.
At the meeting, Chair Adam Stanowick read the city’s recommendation for the appointment and waterfront staff extended a formal welcome. Jemez said the harbor is “more than infrastructure” and urged recognition of cultural continuity, saying the waterfront "is our livelihoods, it's our culture and it really is all of our futures." He added that he wants to balance support for commercial fishing, recreation and tourism with environmental protection and ways to acknowledge Chumash history that are “present and living.”
Commissioners praised Jemez’s background and noted the value of diverse experience on the commission. Staff said they had met with Jemez during the onboarding process and look forward to his participation in existing work groups, including commercial-fisheries discussions.
The commission did not take a formal vote on any policy in relation to the appointment during the meeting; the item served to formally welcome Jemez and introduce him to staff and the public.
