Selma Rubin: A Force for Change

Selma Rubin holds a special place among environmentalists and social activists in Santa Barbara. She touched many lives, influenced many important issues in our community, and left a lasting legacy.

Selma moved to Santa Barbara in 1964 and quickly became an established and forceful member of the community. During her long and active life, she was a catalyst for change in local politics and environmental issues. She played an integral role in establishing The January 28 Committee that formed in response to the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and subsequently became the Community Environmental Council. On March 16, 1970, when CEC became a legal non-profit, Selma immediately jumped in to serve as Treasurer and remained active on the Board and numerous other CEC committees through 2006.

In 1970, she was also essential in halting proposed large-scale residential development on the pristine Gaviota Coast. Selma has been honored with numerous prestigious environmental awards over the years, including the esteemed 1995 Santa Barbara Independent Local Hero Award.

In addition to her active role in CEC, she was a founder and/or Board member of at least 42 organizations supporting Santa Barbara's social and environmental well-being, including: the Environmental Defense Center, Fairview Gardens, the American Civil Liberties Union, Santa Barbara County Action Network, People United for Economic Justice Building, Santa Barbara Women's Political Committee and many more.

Selma had a deep passion for our mission and left CEC a generous bequest that became the nucleus of a small but pivotal endowment. The testamentary gift cemented her legacy in the Santa Barbara environmental community, allowing her stewardship to endure.