Did You Know?
By Bonnie Donovan
If you really want to make changes in your community, you’ve got to vote. The next chance you will have to express your wants, needs, and desires, will take place in Santa Barbara on March 5th.
County Board of Supervisor 1st District
With endorsements from Public Safety officials such as retired City Fire Chief Pat McElroy, former interim Police Chief Barney Melekian, former District Attorney Joyce Dudley, and former Santa Barbara mayor Sheila Lodge, Carpinteria City Councilman Roy Lee has a chance to unseat Das Williams.
Roy and his family have owned-and-operated Uncle Chen’s restaurant in Carpinteria (just a few steps away from two other popular locally owned eateries – The Food Liaison and Mollie’s Italian Deli – off 101 on Casitas Pass Rd.) since 1994, where at the age of fourteen he started out as a dishwasher for the previous owner.
Roy Lee is on his 2nd term on the Carpinteria City Council. When I ask him why he is running, his response is quick and simple: “We have no leadership,” he says, adding that “It’s my civic duty.” He seems genuinely interested in knowing what he can do to serve the public.
Roy also says that it isn’t just one issue that convinced him to run for First District Supervisor. “We have compounding issues,” he muses.
I like too that Roy Lee considers himself “a public servant.” He is certainly not a career politician.
What’s he stand for?
Well, if you go to his website, you can read what his priorities are, one of which is very close to my heart: that of preventing unsustainable development.
Here’s what he writes:
Across District 1, the charm and vitality of our community are deeply intertwined with our beautiful natural environment. As we look towards the future, it is crucial to balance development with sustainability. This is where my commitment lies: in ensuring that our growth is responsible, environmentally conscious, and in harmony with the needs of our community.
The threat of unsustainable development looms over our community. It risks disrupting our delicate ecosystems, overwhelming our infrastructure, and diminishing the quality of life that we cherish. We face the challenge of managing growth while preserving the natural beauty and character that make our district unique."
Go to -
https://www.royforsupervisor.com/
to read more.
Other Races
Other important positions, including Senate, Congress, and Assembly, are at stake in this election, offering a chance to address pressing issues such as housing, homelessness, border security, and education.
It is essential to carefully consider the candidates' stances on these critical matters, as their decisions will have an impact on the community. Make an informed choice and cast your vote to shape our future.
Santa Barbara Current will post its choices in an upcoming edition.
VOTE “NO” ON PROPOSITION 1
Have you carefully read Proposition 1? Do you realize that approval of this $6.4-billion boondoggle means handing over to the state the power to decide what and where to build?
This Proposition will give even more power to the individuals who have already taken control of our cities and counties in terms of housing. We firmly believe in assisting the homeless veterans and the mentally ill. However, the current approach we have been using for the past decade or so is not yielding the desired results. It's time to put an end to the expenses incurred by Homeless Inc. Annually, the City of Santa Barbara alone spends between 10 and 16 million dollars helping the homeless.
76th Santa Barbara International Orchid Show
There are only 15 days until the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show, have you bought your tickets?
Immerse yourself in yoga and a sound bath amongst the serenity of orchids at the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show. Join Emma, the founder of Santa Barbara Beach Yoga, and Danielle Elese, local sound healer, for this very special event. The evening begins with 45 minutes all levels peaceful yet invigorating yoga flow to harmonize body, breath, and soul. After yoga, the focus shifts to the Immersive Sound Bath with signature yoga headphones for a journey inward while connecting to the spirit and vibrancy of the orchids. Learn more at the Orchid Show website.
I personally am voting for Uncle Chen's Walnut Shrimp. If this is the mark of the man, there are no other things to consider. Future addiction problems, yes. But no aroma issues at all. Yum.
I’m sure the citizens of Carpinteria would prefer the smell of orchids to the smell of pot. Das Williams is largely the one to thank for making Carp the pot growing leader in the state. Roy Lee is a great alternative.
Vote Das out to send a message to the Democrat machine