Residents really have no say
On Aug. 13, 2018, I wrote a article to the News-Press addressing City Council issues that have gone unresolved (and are still unresolved). I addressed letting the people who pay City Council salaries and yearly budget decide how that money was spent. Finally, I suggested letting the people in Santa Barbara vote for what the council’s goals are for each year, and basic issues that involve changing our city and the people who pay taxes.
If you watched KEYT a few weeks ago, the city of Lompoc does all of this via the internet and more. Their City Council members want public feedback on all issues above.
However, the Santa Barbara City Council is only loyal to the police and fire departments that endorse their election into office. Why not be honest and say so right from the start? Why put people through so much hard work and heartache getting petitions, having rallies, and taking time off work to try to explain to a City Council that has already made up its mind?
The bottom line is only you (City Council members) think you’re doing a great job controlling the city, not accomplishing anything but receiving a great salary and benefits.
The real truth is the rest of the community think you don’t care about Santa Barbara and its taxpayers, and you just proved it again by moving our beloved farmers market, which is the heart and soul of our community. You have torn a hole so big into this community that it will never be forgotten.
A. Russell
Santa Barbara
Location and convenience
For months we have known that Santa Barbara needs a new and safe police station for our men and women in blue. I can’t believe the selfish, self-centered comments that I continue to hear.
You talk of convenience for the farmers. What about the citizens’ convenience? If help is needed, I’d prefer having help there faster because they are centrally located.
Do you really think that if you move the farmers market, people won’t shop there? The “farmers” have had months to look for other options, just like the Police Department. Why have they not?
Have they looked at the La Cumbre area? The shopping center is almost vacant. Have they spoken to mall management? There are huge lots all around the center. There is parking for all, and it’s free. I see that they have local car shows there on Sunday mornings.
This area may be a win-win situation for all.
Carolyn Boeddeker
Santa Barbara
A sad life for elephants
It breaks my heart that Little Mac, like Suzi, could not enjoy life as an elephant journeying across open fields and wooded hillsides, grazing on natural grasses and enjoying the companionship of friends. Elephants in the wild, or in large sanctuaries or safari park-like settings, live between 40 and 70 years. Little Mac and Suzi are dead at 48. They both spent their lives in what is the equivalent of one of us living in our home, never in our lifetime to leave the front door.
How sad.
S. Kantanen
Santa Barbara
What’s wrong with City College?
The Sept. 25 front-page article about unhappiness at Santa Barbara City College was not unexpected, but while I’m sad that there is so much dissatisfaction, another question should be explored: Why is the community unhappy with its community college? There is a connection, and the whole situation, employee dissatisfaction and community distrust, might be worth some discussion.
Remember when any mention of SBCC would be something along the lines of “Gee, what a great school”? Now the response is “What in the world is wrong there?”
Ranked No. 1 nationally? Not anymore. Considered one of the best boards of trustees in the California Community College system by the California Community College Accreditation Council in 2009? Certainly not now.
Des O’Neill
former SBCC trustee
Santa Barbara
Public schools and critical thinking
This is not a criticism of those working for public schools, but rather the institution itself.
If public schools really taught critical thinking, their students (and parents) would ask themselves why government had a monopoly on education. They would ask themselves why attendance was compulsory. They would ask why they couldn’t go somewhere else or learn about something of their choosing. They would challenge the curriculum and scheduling. They would ask why they should trust total strangers with custody of their children. They would ask if it’s healthy to confine their children for hours a day, or drug them if they are restless. They know stealing is illegal, so they would ask why other people are robbed to pay for their child’s schooling. They would ask themselves why children were segregated by age. They would wonder about regimentation. They would finally wonder if they were in fact being indoctrinated.
After sober inquiry, critical thinkers would get the hell out of there.
Steve King
Carpinteria
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VOICE TO SANTA BARBARA
The Salika Family
Sept. 2, Labor Day, started quietly this year for our family, but by midmorning had turned into the worst day of our lives. We learned three of our family members had been aboard the Conception dive boat and were, at that time, listed as missing. Our family gathered and awaited confirmation of the worst and, sadly, we got it. We lost a brother, Steve, my mother’s younger son. We lost our sister-in-law Diana, and we lost my niece, Tia, who died on her 17th birthday with her best friend, Berenice.
On Tuesday, we drove down to Santa Barbara to await the recovery and identification, which took several days, during which time we met some extraordinarily kind people. We’d like to thank the city of Santa Barbara as a whole. Everyone offered hugs, a shoulder to cry on, their sincere sympathy, and a lovely memorial service on Friday night.
Our family would like to send our special thanks to some who went out of their way to help our family during those first difficult days:
Love’s Towing, who managed to open and tow Steve’s truck from the harbor for us without our having the keys. Justin Shores, and the staff and ownership of Toyota of Santa Barbara, who dropped everything to provide us with new keys. Debbie Neer and the wonderful staff of the Franciscan Inn, who provided us with not only a place to stay but with a “home” for those long days. David Moorman and Sambo’s restaurant, who offered hugs, killer mimosas, and a bit of laughter when it was needed most. Champ’s Barber Shop, who
provided sympathy and a perfect haircut. Tracy Lehr at KEYT, who befriended us and shared her local knowledge and connections when we needed help. Jenny Stafford, the sweet lady who took over the maintenance of the memorial at the dock, and made sure the candles stayed lit and the flowers kept tidy. The Santa Barbara County sheriff and coroner who, although completely professional, were also unfailingly kind and helpful during the recovery process and beyond; and all of the responders: Coast Guard, firefighters, divers, and rescue personnel involved in the recovery of our family members. We can’t thank you enough for all you did.
We’ve always believed people are kind and decent, just needing a way to show it. Santa Barbara, you definitely proved us right.
Thank you.
