Vote for Campbell and Dominguez
In the race to succeed Randy Rowse in the Mesa City Council District, one candidate stands out: Brian Campbell. As Brian says on his campaign website, he is “not a politician.” He is not a part of a political machine — he is running for his children, neighbors and community to make Santa Barbara an even better place.
It is rare to have a candidate with the ability and background of Brian Campbell seek election to the City Council. By way of contrast, some of the other candidates for this council seat are part of the local political machine. It is terrible that City Council races have become so political. What happened to nonpartisan local office races?
On the Eastside, incumbent Jason Dominguez has a towering record of accomplishment. Only his reelection will ensure continued political diversity and a proven record of ability.
Although they are not on this November’s ballot, Oscar Gutierrez and Meagan Harmon symbolize the diversity district elections are bringing the City Council. They are the first millennials on Council. Similarly, Kristen Sneddon and Eric Friedman, although not up for reelection until 2021, represent their districts and the city well.
Brian Campbell and Jason Dominguez are the best candidates for the Santa Barbara City Council this November. Our community is fortunate they are running for this important office.
Lanny Ebenstein
Santa Barbara
Actions have consequences
The recent closure of High Sierra restaurant (News-Press, Sept. 6) is another example of how our government officials’ zeal to maximize revenue is counterproductive.
According to the article, the owner could not afford the price of rent demanded by the city. How long will the place stay vacant, generating zero income, before a new tenant willing to pay the high rent is found? What about the inconvenience to patrons and organizations who are accustomed to eating and meeting there? It was the same situation with the East Beach Grill, the iconic, beloved restaurant which will not be returning due to the high rents charged by the city. Why can’t our officials charge rent based on the establishments’ revenues, like many other places do, instead of arbitrary, unaffordable amounts?
The other egregious example of government trying to maximize revenues and having serious negative effects is the taxing of marijuana. The various taxes and fees have made the price so high that it is cheaper on the illegal black market. Legalizing marijuana should have eliminated the illegal marijuana trade, but taxing it so highly just keeps criminal drug cartels in business.
Our government officials need to take into consideration the total effect and consequences of their decisions, not just how much money they can generate.
George Bajor
Santa Barbara
Animal shelters missed out
I was disappointed by the focus of your recent story about the Clear the Shelters event at Santa Barbara Humane Society. The story never mentioned the fact that several other shelters, including all three Santa Barbara County Animal Services facilities, were also holding free adoption days that weekend, with several hundred cats and dogs needing homes.
In fact, free adoptions were first initiated in our area by ASAP, the cat group at the Goleta shelter, 10 years ago. This was a strategic solution to the fact that ASAP gets very full each summer, as kitten season distracts people from adopting adult cats. The free adoption weekend encourages people to adopt adult cats and helps to keep the shelter from becoming overcrowded.
This year, your paper only informed its readers of what was going on at the Humane Society, and far fewer people came to the other shelters this year. The Humane Society was adopting out animals they had imported from other areas, and animals in local facilities were left unrepresented and in want. There are currently over 100 cats and kittens crowding the ASAP shelter and needing homes, so I hope this knowledge will encourage more people to open their hearts and homes.
Tina Panteleakos
Santa Barbara
City streets are not a speedway
The city of Santa Barbara and the Police Department have allowed North Hope Avenue and San Remo Drive to become a speedway for autos, trucks and motorcycles. Many of the drivers show a total disregard for the speed limits, as well as the safety, welfare and enjoyment of residents. The speeding and exhaust noise laws must be enforced. The situation is intolerable and dangerous. Is it too much to ask the city and police to enforce the laws? How serious does it have to become before action is taken?
H.T. Bryan
Santa Barbara
Remembering September 11
On Wednesday, Santa Barbara honored the victims of 9/11. Once again, a 9/11 memorial event took place at West Beach. Flags were displayed and everyone was encouraged to come.
As I attended the event, I gratefully remembered and applauded Heather Bryden for designing, building and starting the first 9/11 Memorial event at West Beach. She made sure politics and speeches were not allowed, and included the playing of “Amazing Grace” by a sole bagpiper to open the event and Taps by a bugler at the end. Thankfully, the tradition has continued through the years.
Diana Thorn
Carpinteria
