Regarding the Oct. 15 article, “Committee Rolls Ahead with Changes to Santa Barbara Bike Ordinance,” my wife and I love living downtown, and for years have been following all the talk about what to do on State Street.
We read with interest the proposed new bike ordinance as we have become very wary and cautious when walking down State Street.
While we would support the ordinance and effort to make things safer for all it seemed to us the obvious thing missing was controlling SPEED. No matter what rules get put in place, if bikes are going 30 mph in areas where people are meandering along (often with dogs on leashes), there will be serious accidents.
Tom Gorton
Santa Barbara
• • •
I applaud the City Council moving to restrict e-bikes in pedestrian areas.
I have had an encounter with a bike similar to that of Councilwoman Kristen Sneddon. I regularly walk at Shoreline Park and, over the years, the city has done a reasonably good job at posting “No Bike” signs there, although some of the signs have been partially scraped away.
I agree that offenders’ e-bikes should be confiscated, fines levied and parents involved. My experience is that most of the offenders are young male teens who are defiant and rude even when asked politely not to ride in a pedestrian area.
Is it possible to restrict e-bikes to ages 16 and up? The younger kids are simply too immature to ride responsibly.
Margaret Levine
Santa Barbara
• • •
Thank you to Noozhawk publisher Bill Macfadyen for asking, in his Oct. 18 column, why e-bikes are not classified as “electric motorcycles.” That’s essentially what they are so why are we treating them like bicycles?
Shane Morales
Santa Barbara
• • •
Regarding the Oct. 16 article, “SpaceX Sues Coastal Commission After Vote to Limit Vandenberg SFB Launches,” California, and especially Santa Barbara County, may regret the recent decision to deny SpaceX the ability to perform additional launches at VFSB each year.
Elon Musk has a thriving, and growing space launch facility at VFSB, and many of us have watched how he continually overcomes roadblocks thrown in his way.
Consider this: If Musk decides he needs the additional launch capability, it is not out of the question that he MIGHT simply build a new launch facility on the West Coast of Mexico, or Ecuador, or some other location outside the United States on land under control of Central American or South American countries. They would likely jump at the chance to support his operations.
And once that is done, he might next transfer his entire space operations in the Los Angeles area to be near his new launch site(s).
Musk has played outside the sandbox for years, and there is no reason to think he will suddenly decide to let his businesses slow.
Jim Vint
Santa Maria
• • •
So the California Coastal Commission has ruled that Elon Musk and SpaceX will have to slow down their launch rate at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Here are my 2 cents, or a little more:
- Musk knows how to fight and succeed, even if the Coastal Commission thinks it’s the ruling entity.
- Not sure what the rules and laws are, and the Coastal Commission’s authority on a federal military base. California always creates commissions to confuse the rules and create chaos. This is just another example.
- Jalama is a beach, in case you haven’t noticed; it runs all the way from top to bottom. Closing one for short periods of time isn’t the end of surfing. This isn’t rocket science.
- Keeping the beach open instead of launching is a no-brainer.
- In my opinion, space flight should be the world’s priority. Earth’s resources are finite and diminishing. The restoration of resources is in outer space.
Quit whining and find solutions. Start by dissolving worthless commissions that think they are the smartest ones in the room. Put the dunce cap on them and let’s make progress.
Bart Bader
Goleta
• • •
Regarding the Oct. 15 article, “Chumash Tribe Celebrates New Marine Sanctuary at Indigenous People’s Day Event,” the day was marked by an act of colonialism by a pseudo tribe, a federal agency and the local news media.
The Northern Chumash Tribal Council — promoted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Noozhawk as a Chumash “tribe,” responsible for “the first tribal-nominated national marine sanctuary” — is not a tribe or indigenous organization.
While creation of the sanctuary is laudable, NCTC’s founder lacked Chumash ancestry and was not adopted into any Chumash community. A California court found his claim of Chumash identity to be based on hearsay.
As the sanctuary proposal progressed, NOAA ignored complaints from actual tribes marginalized by the agency’s elevation of NCTC. NOAA was too eager to grease the wheels of the approval process by claiming to have a “tribal” nomination.
Ultimately, NOAA acknowledged that it does not vet who claims indigeneity, yet the agency continued to misinform the public.
Colonialism’s endgame for Native Americans — their replacement by neo-Indians — relies on this cahooting between those seeking to take Natives’ place and those intentionally or duped into helping them succeed.
Brian Haley
Oneonta, New York
• • •
Regarding Dan McCaslin’s Sept. 22 column, “Upper Manzana Creek Trail Offers Escape from Fire-Ravaged Backcountry,” this is personal recollection of some intensely healing walks into the Upper Sisquoc Valley in 1974.
I had been thrown out of my “home” of four beautiful children and a post-traumatic deaths of 21 shipmates from the loss of the USS Scorpion in 1968, and because of the pressures of work + school + domestic duties yada yada yada.
My escape was, instead of substance abuse or infidelity, solo backpacking (and serious group therapy). Getting off my brother’s couch in Orange County, I escaped to the Manzana trailhead and went over Manzana Pass, discovering the Upper Sisquoc near the small Condor Refuge.
Coming back down the trail one day, I was resting inside the branches of a fallen pine and saw a beautiful colored Lazuli Bunting. My first bird, which sometime later became a lifelong obsession.
Eventually I discovered the wonderful Potreros, and I wonder if McCaslin knows if there are folks or a group trying to save and study the oaks growing in those flat spots along the course of the Sisquoc.
I am 86 years old and woke up this morning thinking about the beauty of those oaks and their resiliency. Great trail walk with you to the Mormon Cabin.
P.S. I took some photos of the artifacts and a friend at work enhanced them and won a prize.
Charles Mitchell
Citrus Heights
• • •
Regarding the Oct. 16 article, “Santa Barbara Symphony’s Season of Surprises Starts This Weekend,” I’m very disappointed there was no mention of the special guest who will be accompanying the symphony on opening night, Pablo Sáinz Villegas.
He gave a wonderful interview on local radio earlier this week, and I was lucky enough to win tickets to this performance.
The Granada Theatre’s own description: Experience the greatest of all guitar concertos, Rodrigo’s haunting Concierto de Aranjuez with the greatest classical guitarist of our time: Pablo Sáinz Villegas. Billboard Magazine declares: “It’s safe to call him the global ambassador of Spanish guitar.”
Carrie Terzian
Goleta
• • •
Regarding Wayne Mellinger’s Oct. 12 commentary, “Proposed Encampment Policy Changes Will Harm, Not Help, Homeless Crisis,” thank you for the fine writing and truth about the unhomed. Keep up the good work.
Blake Lannon
Santa Barbara
• • •
Can ANYONE on the Santa Barbara City Council, the mayor, the Planning Commission, anybody in this city administration give a number of WHAT is AFFORDABLE HOUSING?
When I look at rents and a 400-square-foot studio rents for $2,000 a month, it’s not folks making $100,000 a year. So what’s sffordable?!
John Sween
Santa Barbara
• • •
I want to address recent misunderstandings about the Santa Maria Fire Department’s funding.
Some have claimed that three council members “defunded” the department, but this isn’t the case. The City Council has actually increased funding each year, from $20.1 million in 2020-2021 to a projected $25.7 million for 2024-2025.
This information is available in the city’s budget, and it highlights the commitment to maintaining and improving fire services.
We all value the hard work and dedication of our firefighters, and the city has made efforts to support them.
In February, nine new fire positions were approved, and the Prevention Bureau is now fully staffed, which helps keep our community safe. These are positive steps forward for everyone.
The city also offered Fire Fighters Local 2020 a two-year contract, which included a 5% pay increase each year and paid medical insurance. While the union chose not to accept this offer, it’s clear that the city aimed to reach a fair agreement.
Last year, 33 firefighters earned more than $200,000 in salary and benefits, with some earning more than $300,000 — compensation that reflects their vital role in our community.
It’s understandable that every worker deserves fair compensation, and our firefighters are no exception.
But it’s also important to balance this with what our community can afford. Granting additional pay raises might mean higher taxes, a burden that many residents cannot easily take on, especially during challenging times.
Let’s continue to value and respect our firefighters while having honest discussions about the city’s efforts to support them and the realities of our community’s budget.
It’s about finding the right balance so our first responders are well-supported, and our residents are not overburdened.
S. Elias
Santa Maria
• • •
According to Noozhawk’s own policy for letters to the editor, “Letters should be BRIEF — as in 200 words-BRIEF — and letters under 150 words are given priority.”
So why then do Noozhawk’s editors ignore their own policy? It’s especially annoying with political candidate endorsements that go on and on for three or four times as long as the policy.
Give your readers a break!
H. Wright
Goleta
• • •
As a 30-year resident of Lompoc, I am writing to support the re-election of Mayor Jennelle Osborne.
Osborne has turned the town around with her dedication to security and improved work conditions for all. She has balanced the budget and taken part in most city-related associations.
So let’s give Lompoc a continued bright future by re-electing her to another term as our mayor.
And, we support Patrick Wiemiller for District 1 city councilman. He has more experience at running cities than anyone since he was Lompoc’s city manager and a city manager elsewhere. We could not have a better candidate for the council than Patrick Wiemiller.
Justin Ruhge
Lompoc
• • •
Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte has a long history of supporting sound environmental policies, such as opposing trucks carrying huge, dangerous quantities of oil on our roads; restoring the Ellwood Preserve; and moving the city toward renewable energy. That’s why she’s endorsed by the Sierra Club.
She’s committed to public safety, has voted to provide needed resources for our first responders to keep us safe, and is endorsed by local firefighters and the Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association.
Her support for the needs of working people, from housing to jobs, has been recognized by the Central Coast Labor Council’s endorsement. And just last week, the Santa Barbara Independent endorsed her.
As the old saying goes, “You can tell a lot about a person by the company she keeps.” The long list of local and regional officials, community leaders and organizations supporting Perotte reflects how widely she is valued for her work on behalf of our community and the rest of the county.
Perotte has been a leader, working cooperatively with local, state and federal officials to get things done for Goleta residents. Please join me in voting for Paula Perotte!
Patricia Forrest
Goleta
• • •
Wendy Santamaria stands with working families, which is why they stand with her in this election for the Santa Barbara City Council.
Her unwavering commitment to advocating for affordable housing, fair wages and strong tenant protections has earned her the support of the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party, Santa Barbara Firefighters, SEIU Local 620, CAUSE Action Fund and the Planned Parenthood Central Coast Action Fund. These families know that Santamaria will fight for them, not for the interests of corporate landlords and wealthy developers.
In contrast, incumbent Councilwoman Alejandra Gutierrez has accepted thousands of dollars in donations from corporate real estate interests, raising serious concerns about whose priorities she really represents.
Can we trust a city councilwoman funded by developers to stand up for working families struggling with skyrocketing rents, to take bold action on affordable housing when the donors paying for her campaign profit from its scarcity?
Santamaria refuses to be swayed by the influence of big money. She understands that Santa Barbara’s future depends on ensuring that the people who work here can afford to live here.
Her campaign is powered by grassroots support, and her vision for the city is focused on creating affordable housing solutions, protecting renters, and uplifting our middle and working classes.
This election presents a clear choice: between a candidate beholden to wealthy donors, and one who will fight for the families who make up the fabric of our community.
Wendy Santamaria is the voice working families need on the City Council, and she will ensure Santa Barbara remains a place where everyone can thrive, not just the wealthy few.
Carlos Lopez
Santa Barbara
• • •
I’m writing to urge residents who care about our environment to re-elect Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte. She has been a consistent and persistent champion for protecting and restoring Goleta’s environment in the near and long terms.
Perotte helped secure funds for the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Plan at Ellwood, supported closing down Venoco’s oil facility at Haskell’s Beach, endorsed Goleta’s Creek and Watershed Management Plan, worked to ensure compliance with Goleta’s creek setback policies, and voted to fund additional staff for the management of the city’s open spaces and natural resources.
Perotte also has worked on long-term strategies for providing clean air and water, supporting Goleta’s environmental and recreational amenities, such as park facilities, and addressing climate change.
To reduce greenhouse emissions from vehicles, she has championed bike and train travel options. She voted for Goleta to be fossil fuel-free by 2030 and supported the installation of solar panels at City Hall.
Now more than ever we really need Perotte’s environmental leadership in the City of Goleta. Santa Barbara’s Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters agree.
Please vote to re-elect her.
Scott Cooper
UC Santa Barbara professor emeritus of Ecology
• • •
I have grave concerns regarding the failed leadership of Solvang mayoral candidate Denise El Amin as she served as president of our Santa Ynez Valley Union High School PTSA.
With her inability to lead in an organization as relatively uncomplicated as the PTSA, how can we expect her to be an effective leader as Solvang mayor with all of the complexities that it entails?
El Amin was informed that any organization that wishes to be connected to SYVUHS must submit an annual application form to the district for school board approval. This allows the organization to use the Santa Ynez High name and logo while representing the school.
During El Amin’s tenure as PTSA president, she refused to sign this application, thus making the PTSA unable to function and legally not allowed to interact with the school.
This resulted in any funds the PTSA had to not be able to be used for the school and students. And any funds they may have raised would have been a misrepresentation.
We must ask why did El Amin willfully not want to follow the stated rules?
If El Amin refused to follow both the SYVUHS and state PTSA rules as president of the PTSA, how can we expect her to follow the rules of law she would be required to follow as mayor?
It should also be noted that El Amin has publicly accused the current city council members, with whom she would be directly working, of being haters and racially biased. These accusations are both untrue and extremely divisive.
Although I am sure El Amin has a sincere interest in city government, she does not currently possess the skills or requirements necessary to be in leadership as mayor.
Joanne Clark
Solvang
• • •
The Santa Barbara County Board of Education is an important governing body for serving children.
Guy Walker is running for a seat on the board to continue a long passion of service to our community. His talent for divergent thinking, creating partnerships and common sense have guided his leadership as a former College School District board president and many other nonprofit boards.
Although most citizens know little about what the county Board of Education does, everyone who knows Walker knows that his center of gravity is doing good.
The county board serves some of our most vulnerable students by overseeing the county Education Office-run juvenile court and county community schools.
When serving on the board, Walker will also consider charter school petitions, interdistrict transfer and expulsion appeals, and approval of the county Education Office budget.
Nearly 30 years ago, Walker shook my hand when I walked across the graduation stage at Santa Ynez Elementary School, a school in the College School District.
Because of his mentorship I now serve as board president. When setting the board agenda, I often think “how would Guy handle this.” He has been a mentor to many others, particularly in his role as a Dunn School trustee.
Walker’s voice on the county Board of Education will not just empower student success in my district, his leadership will reach across all of Santa Barbara County.
Dr. Peter Wright
College School District board president, Santa Ynez
• • •
Sarah Anne Read, a current member of the Lompoc Unified School District Board of Trustees, has experience to bring to the Santa Barbara County Board of Education.
As a mom of five, she has insights into student-teacher relationships and the importance of supporting local schools and teachers. She knows that students learn when they feel seen and heard by their teachers, and believes they should see themselves in the curriculum.
She knows that a school board can have a significant impact on the opportunities provided for students and teachers to make meaningful connections to enhance the teaching and learning process.
She believes in providing SEL-Social-Emotional Learning counselors because research shows that students can’t learn when they are emotionally upset. She knows teachers need to vary teaching methods to reach all the different learning styles in a single classroom.
Read understands the importance of career and technical training programs to provide enhanced post-graduate opportunities for students after high school.
Read has the experience and understanding for the job. She also has the dedication and enthusiasm that will make her a great choice for the Santa Barbara County school board!
Vote for Sarah Anne Read!
Janet Blevins
Lompoc
• • •
We are facing such a difficult decision in Santa Barbara: Do we cut essential city services that would affect all of us, but especially those who truly depend on them for survival, or pay an increase of a ½% sales tax (which exempts services, rent, groceries, prescription medicine, utilities, diapers and feminine hygiene products)?
Remember that money collected under Measure I can only be used locally for the benefit of the City of Santa Barbara and its residents and businesses.
The city faces an operating deficit of $7 million in 2025. While we can speculate on why there’s such a deficit, complain and criticize, we can also acknowledge and understand some of the root causes: the cost of recruiting and maintaining qualified employees and professionals on whom we rely for essential services; inflation and the rising costs of materials and services to build and make repairs; the rising cost of insurance; supply chain challenges that delay projects and add costs due to unanticipated changes; the effects of wildfires, floods, rains and mudslides; the challenges of planning and managing projects and deliverables in uncertain times.
The fiscal year 2025 budget includes new costs, as well. It will be the first year that the city will contribute to the new Regional Fire Communications Facility that includes one fire dispatch center to serve all municipal fire and EMS units in Santa Barbara County, which will allow for the closest, most appropriate fire resource response regardless of jurisdiction.
Without Measure I, we all will face the outcomes of underfunding essential services: the Housing Trust Fund; assistance for the homeless, fire and police responsiveness; limited library services; and so much more.
Although Measure I is criticized as being regressive in nature, the alternative to its passage — that is, drastic cuts to our essential services — will hit hardest on those members of our community most in need.
We are seeing positive changes in our city management and progress being made. New City Administrator Kelly McAdoo has already displayed her open style of leadership, community engagement and communication, looking to offer practical solutions.
There is also greater transparency with the budget and budgeting process.
The proceeds and expenditures of Measure I are required to be audited annually by an independent accounting firm and results will be discussed by the City Council at open, public meetings.
The audit report must also be posted on the city’s website.
In addition, we need accountability and community engagement. We must ask the city to have an oversight process involving key community stakeholders to actively engage in ensuring that the priorities in Measure I are being addressed, and any changes are community driven, and there is community support for how the city spends our money.
Please vote YES for Measure I.
Cecilia Harris
Santa Barbara
• • •
I support Santa Barbara’s Measure I, a modest tax increase critical to maintaining essential services for the City of Santa Barbara: police, fire, water, parks and recreation, and the Santa Barbara Public Library.
I have served on the Library Advisory Board for almost four years although I do not write in my official capacity as board chairwoman.
Besides supporting the robust city services that maintain our health, safety and quality of life, Measure I’s passage is essential for keeping our library open seven days a week so that its contribution to Santa Barbara’s social infrastructure can continue.
In case anyone needs a reminder of the library’s role in our community, here are a few examples illustrating these contributions:
- Adult Print Books Borrowed: 172,389
- Children/Teen Print Books Borrowed: 308,743
- Adult eBooks Borrowed: 94,245
- Adult Audiobooks Borrowed: 106,528
- Programs Offered: 1,336
- Program Attendance, Adults: 18,046
- Program Attendance, Children/Teens: 18,973
- Library Van-on-the Go Stops: 355, with 12,000-plus children, teen and adult visitors
- Public Computer Use: 24,873 sessions
- Public WiFi Sessions: 155,809
- Reference Assistance/Research Transactions: 52,485 episodes
- Indoor Foot Traffic across Library Branches: 317,257
This list is just a sample of the library’s contributions to our civic and social well-being last year.
Likewise, the multiplier effect of the $532,676 spent on physical materials and $390,801 on digital materials in enhancing the capacity of our community to learn, grow and contribute to the economy cannot be underestimated.
Along with the other essential services of Santa Barbara, the library deserves a YES vote on Measure I so it can continue its extraordinary support for the quality of life in our fair city.
Margaret Crocco
Santa Barbara
• • •
The State of California does not have a permanent funding stream for modernizing or replacing outdated facilities on public school, college or university campuses.
Funds for school construction projects must come from local bond measures. State matching funds are accessible only if a community passes a bond measure.
SBCC is asking voters to approve the extension of a bond, Measure P, to complete critically needed repairs and infrastructure.
An investment in essential upgrades for SBCC will pay dividends for our community in the future — nurses, radiology technicians, first responders and other skilled workers who will have the advantage of up-to-date facilities.
Measure P is needed to modernize SBCC’s classrooms, labs and job-training facilities, ensuring that our community continues to benefit from high-quality, affordable education and career training without increasing tax rates beyond levels already approved by voters.
With strict oversight and accountability, Measure P guarantees that funds are used effectively and transparently.
For more than 100 years, SBCC has been a cornerstone of our community, offering affordable education and career training to countless students.
Let’s come together to support the future of Santa Barbara. Vote YES on Measure P.
Nancy Harter
Former Santa Barbara Unified School District trustee
• • •
It’s curious to me how many of the “community” heavies have spoken up for Measure P. Santa Barbara City College wants to float a mega-dollar tax bond again; the flood of advertising around the city is a bit overwhelming.
It’s as if the testimonials of support were written by the same people: the staff of P proponents? And signed by others?
If this bond measure of taxing the property owners was such a great idea, why all the extra super-celebrity support and advertising? It’s very suspicious and poses some questions for me.
They advertise “no new tax,” but everyone knows bonds are repaid with property taxes, so we will be taxed. That issue is untrue.
This tax will be a landlord’s valid excuse to raise rents: do you want more rent increases, tenants?
Didn’t we previously support the college approving bond Measure V that was dedicated to repair the infrastructure? What happened? Were these projects completed properly?
Some renovations of the stadium were nice, but what about the other items in that bond? Is the college prioritizing money for athletics instead of vocational education (the reason for SBCC’s existence)?
Is the college charging enough to operate and function efficiently? Local high school graduates can attend for free — books and classes. The school can’t make money doing this. Getting something for free makes it worth less, and I don’t agree.
I’ve heard that the SBCC Foundation is financing the Yes on P measure; perhaps that money could go toward fixing the school instead of politics.
Are the trustees spending the budget wisely? I’ve heard that one trustee is being railroaded for questioning the budget expenses and not receiving very good answers.
Is it true that the college trustees are refusing to cut deficit spending to balance the budget? Perhaps the leadership should be investigated; nine presidents in 15 years?
The current president of the SBCC Board of Trustees is also the general manager of the Isla Vista Community Services District, which smacks of political career ambitions.
I ask what is the purpose of the college? Promoting pensions and political ambitions of the leaders is certainly not benefitting the students.
At this point, SBCC’s Measure P sounds like good tax money chasing more of the same poor decisions. The economy is not that great yet. Let’s wait and see if the direction and vision of the SBCC leadership changes for the better.
Vote NO on Measure P.
Michael Schaumburg
Santa Barbara
• • •
I write in support of Measure P. It will provide a needed investment in SBCC, a vital resource to our community.
For the past six years I have served on the SBCC Board of Trustees. I have twice been elected to the board from SBCC Trustee Area 2 and twice elected as board president.
I have seen first-hand the deteriorating condition of our facilities. It has been my priority since 2019 to put forward to the voters a well thought out and narrowly focused bond proposal.
I believe we have done that with Measure P.
The painful reality is that SBCC, like all California community colleges, has inadequate funding sources to properly maintain and repair its facilities.
In some years, the state provides a modest amount of funds for facility maintenance, but it is never near enough. Thus, each year the college falls further behind and costs only go up.
The only available significant source of funds to protect the community’s investment is a local bond measure like Measure P.
The reality is that SBCC has only had one successful bond since 1973, for $77 million in 2008. This is not nearly enough to properly maintain an excellent community college like SBCC.
Measure P will provide $198 million for repairs, upgrades, improvements and modernization.
For a few facilites it will be more cost effective to replace rather than repair, especially when the facilities qualify for state matching funds.
We estimate that up to $100 million in state matching funds will be lost to other California community colleges if Measure P does not pass.
Measure P is a tax rate extension, which means it will not increase the tax rate above the $8.50 per $100,000 of assessed value approved in 2008. We chose this unique, uncommon option as a way to minimize costs to taxpayers while making an impactful investment in SBCC.
Each year half of all graduating high school students from Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria choose SBCC for their college education and job training. And with the Promise program, their tuition, books and supplies are free.
Many of them will graduate after two years and transfer to a college or university for their final two years toward a bachelor’s degree. Others will receive training and education that will qualify them for good paying jobs in our local economy.
I urge a YES vote on Measure in support of the thousands of local students who depend on SBCC for their education.
Robert Miller
Goleta
• • •
Thank you for publishing Lanny Ebenstein’s Oct. 9 commentary, “Measure P for SBCC Merits Yes Vote,” and Dale Francisco’s Oct. 8 commentary, “For Santa Barbara City College, But Not Measure P.”
I was more compelled by Francisco’s points and I do wonder why SBCC officials have said almost nothing about how the college plans to adapt to its changing demographics and enrollment. Also how that will affect use of the campus in general and its aging classrooms in particular.
Based on past performance, I do NOT believe that SBCC deserves more of my money right now and that it will spend it wisely. Come up with a community-centric campus master plan and then maybe we’ll talk.
George Crenshaw
Goleta
• • •
As a Santa Barbara homeowner and long-term SBCC associate, I enthusiastically support Measure P, which is aimed at funding high-quality and affordable academic and career education programs as well as a wide array of tuition-free adult education programs.
For more than 100 years, SBCC has played a critical role in providing accessible education and vocational training to local learners of all ages, and has continually adapted its course and program offerings to align with rapidly changing workforce demands and community interests.
Measure P will enable the college to expand its program offerings; to repair and enhance its aging facilities at the Cliff, Schott and Wake campuses; and to modernize classrooms, lab spaces and career education facilities, thereby ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that meets their educational goals and the demands of local employers.
In addition to offering credit and degree programs, SBCC has a long and rich history of offering adult education and noncredit programs, which are offered under the umbrella of the School of Extended Learning.
The SBCC School of Extended Learning plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life in our local community by providing access to a wide variety of free, noncredit educational and community programs that advance career and employability skills, provide opportunities for life enhancement and lifelong learning, and offer bridges to the credit program.
These programs aim to meet the diverse needs of our community by offering courses that allow adults to improve their skills, obtain their adult high school diploma, or explore new interests.
Course and program offerings include a robust list of lifelong learning courses, parenting skills courses, English language and basic secondary skills courses, courses taught at local retirement homes, memory care facilities, and parent child workshops, as well as more than 75 noncredit certificate programs, which prepare adult learners for the local job market.
Measure P is a sound investment in the future of our local community. I encourage you to vote in favor of Measure P to protect affordable higher education for our children and grandchildren, and to provide our local adult learners with the necessary skills to be productive, thriving and engaged members of the community for decades to come.
Carola Smith
Santa Barbara
• • •
Buellton residents, WE Watch, a Santa Ynez Valley land use organization, urges you to vote Yes on Measure C on Nov. 5.
Your Yes vote is needed to renew your Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) for the next 12 years (2024-2036) with modest changes to its north/northeast boundary.
The first citizen-initiated UGB was widely supported by voters in 2008 and has protected Buellton from unwanted growth beyond its coterminous UGB and city limits.
Renewing it assures no changes to your southern, western and eastern boundaries without a residents’ vote on any proposed development.
On the north and northeast boundaries, your “Yes” vote allows potential development of 122.77 acres outside current UGB boundaries. (Buellton’s size is 1013.12 acres.)
Site A — at the north end of McMurray Road (73.77 acres) — has no current proposal but could be rezoned for low-density housing and possible relocation of commercial shipping trucks from Buellton’s streets to a regular truck stop.
In addition, Santa Barbara County encouraged two landowners to request annexation to Buellton. Site C, the 47-acre Circle JB Polo Ranch off McMurray Road, has not submitted an application but wants to expand horse boarding and polo training facilities while adding employee housing and a resort hotel facility for polo players and other guests.
C2024 requires that Specific Plans be adopted for both Sites A and C before any annexation occurs.
Specific Plans are additional layers of planning control beyond that required by zoning rules. They uphold the General Plan’s goals and policies using detailed development standards and implementation. There are multiple opportunities for residents to critique.
The owner of Site B, a two-acre parcel behind the Hampton Inn, has not proposed any project. C2024 requires that this site have pre-zoning and resident input before any approval of a Final Development Plan and any annexation.
A “Yes” vote to renew the UGB allows potential reasonable expansion of the north and northeast boundaries with multiple opportunities for residents’ input. It also preserves your right to vote on any other development proposals outside the UGB.
Susan Bott
WE Watch president
• • •
If you’ve never experienced a rainy day interfering with a lesson because of water pouring into your classroom from the ceiling and/or walls, or if you’ve never had a ceiling tile interrupt class by falling on you or one of your students, or — worse yet — if you’ve never experienced an electrical fire break out in your classroom due to aging wiring, chances are that you don’t teach in the Lompoc Unified School District.
Lompoc’s schools were built in the 1960s, and they are in dire need of repairs and modernization. While most communities in California pass a school bond every 10 years or so, the same cannot be said for Lompoc, which last passed a school bond in 2002.
Our schools are aging and the needs to modernize them are enormous, which is why I will be voting YES on Measure M on Nov. 5.
Measure M will provide desperately needed funds that will specifically be used to repair and modernize our school facilities.
Our school district wants to offer the best education possible to the nearly 9,000 students we serve, but it’s hard to retain teachers when there are so many openings in other local districts that have nicer classrooms and other facilities than ours.
Research has also shown that facility disrepair can have a negative impact on student achievement, which makes sense. How can we expect students to work hard and try their best when the message they are sent by our falling apart facilities is that our community is not invested in their success?
By supporting Measure M, you can demonstrate that our students and their education are valued. Vote YES on Measure M!
Skyler Petersen
Lompoc
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