And the Screwing Continues
by Bonnie Donovan
The city put out a media release for artwork to hide the unsightly K-rails (better known as “Jersey Barriers” to East Coast transplants) at the entrance of State Street Promenade.
The city's decision to continue with its request for outsiders to participate in State Street is concerning. Despite our previous complaints about hiring outsiders to create State, they seem to be disregarding our feedback. What's even more frustrating is that this opportunity should be for the many thousands of talented artists living here.
The issue lies in the fact that it is open to residents of both Santa Barbara County and, surprisingly, Ventura County. Why is this the case?
Let Santa Barbara handle it, as we are the ones who truly know her best!
However, it's important to consider the potential consequences of these K-rails.
Getting From Here to There
Take a moment to look at the picture provided and imagine the scenario where you are involved in an accident with a speeding e-bike, a heart attack, or a fire breaks out in one of the buildings. In such situations, emergency services like fire, police, and ambulance would have to navigate a complex route to reach you. At this intersection (State and Haley), they would need to turn right, drive two blocks, turn left at Santa Barbara Street, go up one block to Cota, turn left again, and then travel two blocks to State Street. This convoluted path could significantly delay their response time.
The city must prioritize efficient emergency response routes. Instead of diverting emergency services through a lengthy detour, it would be more prudent to consider alternative solutions that ensure quick and direct access to those in need. By addressing this issue, the city can better protect its residents and provide timely assistance during emergencies.
While I was out taking pictures, I observed a cyclist navigating State Street. However, due to the presence of K-rails, (also parklet and clutter) the cyclist had no choice but to veer left and maneuver through the intersection, despite being in the incorrect lane for onward travel.
Blind Leading the Blind
I couldn't help but wonder how the blind man would have reacted while walking by the restaurant with its sandwich boards, dog dishes, tables, and hostess stand occupying the sidewalk at State and Haley.
When is safety going to be Priority Number One?
It’s On the House
The county, city, and state are imposing housing on us without considering the consequences. On one hand, they restrict access to water and then raise rates when it is conserved. Additionally, the Tijiguas landfill is already full, yet they plan to expand it against their own wishes. This expansion is projected to last until 2038.
What about the thousands of new units being considered that will further strain its capacity?
The lack of planning is evident in the inadequate infrastructure. The power grid, roads, schools, and other essential facilities are already struggling to meet current demands. By continuing to develop without addressing these issues, they are only exacerbating the problem. It is crucial to consider the long-term consequences and ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place before further development takes place.
Furthermore, the depletion of our groundwater is a pressing concern. With each new development, more land is covered, leading to a further decline in our already dwindling water resources. The authorities need to recognize the impact of their actions on the environment and take measures to protect our groundwater. Sustainable development practices and responsible land management are crucial to safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.
Homes for the Heartless
Meanwhile, UCSB gets away with depleting our housing stock. How and why are the City of Goleta and The County Board of Supervisors okay with just a three-million-dollar payoff? And that is just for the land without housing on it. Three million dollars won't even provide more emergency vehicles, let alone employees. How many students over their allotment are there now? Remember: a percentage of those students never go home again! Why did they okay this? Is that three million going to build any new units? Again, the people causing the housing “crisis” are getting away with it.
Two Things You Need to Know
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30 plus years ago June Pujo was hired to write the traffic circulation element for the City of Santa Barbara. This was at a time retail was seeing the long term outcomes of narrowing State St. from 4 lanes to 2 and removing parking.
The Pujo's (husband and wife) were dedicated anti car advocates.
The glowing terms of narrowing State St. were distilled by the following: Businesses that depend on traffic (autos) will leave State Street or go out of Business. This is an official document by the City of Santa Barbara.
Any one see what is called Death Valley (aka State St.) It took Dave Davis and the rest of the idiots that could not see the truth. Now this council wants to create more destruction that is spreading out to other districts in the city.
You elected them. You can recall them. If you do not see the outcomes of reality are you going to dig into your personal finances to pay the owners of failed business for your stupidity?
I was born and raised in SB when State St was a 4 lane st. when they made it into 2 lanes I'm sure it wasn't a local. When they closed off downtown St I was surely pissed off, we all used to have so much fun driving State St looking at the shoppers and stores that were on State st Now you have NO IDEA what stores are on State st. I personally will NEVER go downtown shopping on State St again. A lot of locals feel the same way as I do. Oh and there used to be parades and car shows on State St that used to bring thousands of people there for the events, I'm sure the restaurants and shopping stores aren't happy about that either .