On eve of crucial City Council vote, a prominent local architect details the reasons why approval of the Master Plan would be a major policy blunder - and makes a plea for common sense.
Maybe it’s because I’m still living before 2015, as Jerry reminds me every time I comment. That’s okay. I’ll see his 2015 and raise him 1998, when I left for the Navy.
You know, back around that strange period in American history when Washington actually balanced the federal budget.
Some old-fashioned ideas might be worth bringing back - like cars on “Main” Street!
Or... instead of another career-politician path. We just send Bob to Congress for a few terms, and the Return on Representation goes up by orders of magnitude. Wouldn't it be nice not to be the forgotten coast and get some serious federal resources back here to help our cities and county?
It would be better for our district if one of the local politically savvy journalists *wink* *wink* actually let our community know just how mediocre our congressman is...
The Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) has his score well below average, while the rest of his freshman class, still in office, are above average: Fitzpatrick (R), Soto (D), Gottheimer (D), Khanna (D). How about an article about that to counter the glowing walk-on-water "best congressman ever" SBI endorsement article?
c'mon Jerry...I know you want to see him earn an election! :)
after he's predictably returned to congress, I hope you'll focus your intelligence, seriousness of purpose and communitarian caring on a more realistic political project. there are plenty of exceptions, sure, but in my experience voters rarely elect candidates who try to start at the top of the food chain -- hello Gov. Steyer! - without paying some dues first.
The only exception nationwide being career military service members. Voters are again increasingly choosing retired veterans right into Congress. People who focus on solving problems, not campaigning on their existence forever. And I’ve paid my dues professionally in D.C. for well over a decade (way more valuable than being a city council member that would need 10 years in D.C. to learn it). Down ballot elected positions teach you how to be a politician, not how to be effective in D.C.
This was the norm when our govt was functional. Military careers straight into federal office to name a few:
It is worth mentioning that the money now being diverted to State Street is from Measure C. As one of the advocates of that Measure I would like to remind people that Fire Station 7 replacement was a major feature presented to voters as part of Measure C. It seems to have disappeared from the goals of this City Council. We made a promise to voters that Public Safety was a primary priority of why they should support Measure C. We need to keep our promises. Especially since there are now two Fire Stations that are in critical need of being replaced. That was the promise of Measure C. It isn’t, nor was it ever intended, to be a “slush fund “ for the whims of Council members. Certainly not to the tune of 70 or 80 million dollars.
I forgot to mention that for the past 25 years, the foothill community has benefited from the presence of a US Forest Service Engine housed alongside City Fire Engine 7 at no cost to the citizens of Santa Barbara. Two Engines at the City Fire Station in the heart of the high Wildfire Zone. I really don’t care to hear about the value Council puts in Public Safety until they act to keep their promise to rebuild that Fire Station.
Common Sense. Businesses were active and restaurants were still available without being in the street. Traffic flow was moderate, but most important, State Street wasn't a raceway for bicycles, it was thriving business center. Open State Street.
I see pedestrians pretty much using the sidewalks - as pedestrians have always done. The street is now for bikes. Bring back cars if that's what the merchants think is needed. If the merchants like the closed street, then keep it closed. All I know is that pedestrians use the sidewalks.
I am dismayed at the amount of apartments that are now hotels and new hotels that should be apartments. Housing is going away rapidly in the downtown area.
Electing fiscal illiterates with little to no urban planning knowledge and experience has put the City in a dangerous position void of capable leadership. Like the entire County, the City’s a sinking ship needing a turn around. Spend earmarked money like Measure C as Council marketed to voters for passage. No more bait and switch. Cut payroll expenses, fix obsolete infrastructure, stop robbing the piggy bank, use tax revenues to benefit Santa Barbara business owners and citizens who pay the bills. No more spending on State Street or consultants. Restore our downtown business center.
if there was any merit to the idea that reopening state street to cars will result in some kind of commercial renaissance, then the 400 block would be the most bustling, in-demand block in the city.
Great article! Love seeing some common sense.
Maybe it’s because I’m still living before 2015, as Jerry reminds me every time I comment. That’s okay. I’ll see his 2015 and raise him 1998, when I left for the Navy.
You know, back around that strange period in American history when Washington actually balanced the federal budget.
Some old-fashioned ideas might be worth bringing back - like cars on “Main” Street!
Maybe you should run for City Council!
Or... instead of another career-politician path. We just send Bob to Congress for a few terms, and the Return on Representation goes up by orders of magnitude. Wouldn't it be nice not to be the forgotten coast and get some serious federal resources back here to help our cities and county?
It would be better for our district if one of the local politically savvy journalists *wink* *wink* actually let our community know just how mediocre our congressman is...
The Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) has his score well below average, while the rest of his freshman class, still in office, are above average: Fitzpatrick (R), Soto (D), Gottheimer (D), Khanna (D). How about an article about that to counter the glowing walk-on-water "best congressman ever" SBI endorsement article?
c'mon Jerry...I know you want to see him earn an election! :)
after he's predictably returned to congress, I hope you'll focus your intelligence, seriousness of purpose and communitarian caring on a more realistic political project. there are plenty of exceptions, sure, but in my experience voters rarely elect candidates who try to start at the top of the food chain -- hello Gov. Steyer! - without paying some dues first.
The only exception nationwide being career military service members. Voters are again increasingly choosing retired veterans right into Congress. People who focus on solving problems, not campaigning on their existence forever. And I’ve paid my dues professionally in D.C. for well over a decade (way more valuable than being a city council member that would need 10 years in D.C. to learn it). Down ballot elected positions teach you how to be a politician, not how to be effective in D.C.
This was the norm when our govt was functional. Military careers straight into federal office to name a few:
- George Washington
- JFK
- Eisenhauer
- John McCain
- James Stockdale
It is worth mentioning that the money now being diverted to State Street is from Measure C. As one of the advocates of that Measure I would like to remind people that Fire Station 7 replacement was a major feature presented to voters as part of Measure C. It seems to have disappeared from the goals of this City Council. We made a promise to voters that Public Safety was a primary priority of why they should support Measure C. We need to keep our promises. Especially since there are now two Fire Stations that are in critical need of being replaced. That was the promise of Measure C. It isn’t, nor was it ever intended, to be a “slush fund “ for the whims of Council members. Certainly not to the tune of 70 or 80 million dollars.
I forgot to mention that for the past 25 years, the foothill community has benefited from the presence of a US Forest Service Engine housed alongside City Fire Engine 7 at no cost to the citizens of Santa Barbara. Two Engines at the City Fire Station in the heart of the high Wildfire Zone. I really don’t care to hear about the value Council puts in Public Safety until they act to keep their promise to rebuild that Fire Station.
YES!
Common Sense. Businesses were active and restaurants were still available without being in the street. Traffic flow was moderate, but most important, State Street wasn't a raceway for bicycles, it was thriving business center. Open State Street.
Amen!! Wise words. I totally agree.
Judy Nilsen
I see pedestrians pretty much using the sidewalks - as pedestrians have always done. The street is now for bikes. Bring back cars if that's what the merchants think is needed. If the merchants like the closed street, then keep it closed. All I know is that pedestrians use the sidewalks.
I am dismayed at the amount of apartments that are now hotels and new hotels that should be apartments. Housing is going away rapidly in the downtown area.
Electing fiscal illiterates with little to no urban planning knowledge and experience has put the City in a dangerous position void of capable leadership. Like the entire County, the City’s a sinking ship needing a turn around. Spend earmarked money like Measure C as Council marketed to voters for passage. No more bait and switch. Cut payroll expenses, fix obsolete infrastructure, stop robbing the piggy bank, use tax revenues to benefit Santa Barbara business owners and citizens who pay the bills. No more spending on State Street or consultants. Restore our downtown business center.
The City (we the taxpayers) cannot afford the $7 million plus price tag to redesign the City’s major thoroughfare.
if there was any merit to the idea that reopening state street to cars will result in some kind of commercial renaissance, then the 400 block would be the most bustling, in-demand block in the city.