More Property Sucked Up
By Bonnie Donovan
More Property Sucked Up by SBHA
The Quality Inn at 3055 De La Vina is the latest acquisition by the Santa Barbara Housing Authority (SBHA), and it will be added to the many parcels that no longer support the property tax roll. This means less money via property taxes to help fund schools, police, fire, city streets, water infrastructure etc.
Remember, all non-profits pay no property taxes and SBHA happens to be one of Santa Barbara’s prime property holders. Oh, and it is subsidized by the government i.e., taxpayers. Another example of how this shell game plays out as an upside for non-profits yet yields a downside for tax-paying residents. While the city is looking for ways to generate revenue to pay for expenses, salaries, pensions, vacations, etc., residents are being charged more in fees and rates.
And, just as some citizens in the Samarkand area feel their objections to the Quality Inn deal were ignored – lack of ample notification and transparency – so also with the proposed changes to Leadbetter Beach restroom facilities, used by surfers and swimmers: the vast aquatic community of Santa Barbara.
The shower and restroom facilities are now being subject to renovation by demolishing two existing wind walls with six showers, and two foot-faucets. The changes would limit the present use of sixteen people down to six at a time (this proposal also removes unplumbed changing rooms). The central seating area beneath the palm tree that accommodates changing is also being eliminated.
Water Flows Down, but Water Rates Inevitably Rise
The City of Santa Barbara Water Commission announced in its latest meeting that because of deferred maintenance to the water infrastructure (sewer pipes, mains, etc.), water rates will be increased each year for the next five years or more.
Remember when the city campaigned to increase the sales tax by one cent per dollar for Measure C – with no sunset clause – for a new police station and other city “infrastructure?” Well… where is the money from Measure C to repair the infrastructure of the city's water system? Why isn’t this “deferred maintenance” being paid out of Measure C taxes, instead of raising residents’ water bills?
This rate increase proposal will go to the Finance Committee, which consists of three City Council members: Eric Friedman, Kristen Sneddon, and Alejandra Gutierrez. They most assuredly will raise their fists in victory and take the rate increase to City Council.
And we get the bill.
Ghosts in the Machine
The public commenters at the City Council meeting objected to the changes in the pathway but also recommended adding gates and anti-climbing devices to ensure safety. Will this be another blow-off of concerned citizens by the city?... another chipping away of our local traditions, turning a deaf ear to those who question these proposals?... Another example of the city asking for input and then completely disregarding that input entirely?...
When is the last time any appeal in this town has gained traction? An appeal in Santa Barbara is like a ghost in the machine. It's the same old story of inviting “the community's” voice, with the usual response of a blank stare. “Time's up (2 minutes), Thank you, next speaker.” ... Just attend or watch on television even one City Council meeting.
Speaking of the “Usual Response”
The Press Room lost its appeal, so 710-720 State St. is destined to become a 4-story 66-room hotel. Just try to figure out the crossword puzzle acquisition of lot mergers that have taken place next to and behind this hotel project that took out the Press Room building at 15 East Ortega St. Again, a well-loved tradition in a stately 19th-century building, along with an award-winning film documentary about saving the Press Room, and a 28-year established business, made no impression on our City Council. Again, be thinking about election November 2024, before this town (and its charm) becomes an unrecognizable, modern, over-built mess.
Meanwhile, when the City Council tried to pass a maximum rent increase of 2%, it failed only because the Latino population finally showed up in force to speak against it at City Council. Numerous Latino landowners are against the idea of a rent control cap, and they were heard by City Council. BTW, a maximum increase of 2% doesn’t cover the increases in property insurance, taxes, utility bills, and repairs. Plus, a landowner’s rent structure is not the government's business.
Look Out State Street!
The Housing Landmark Commission is at it again. Will they be promoting the charrette (charrette: a meeting in which all stakeholders in a project attempt to resolve conflicts and map solutions, Oxford Languages website) from several years ago? That was an exercise in "community outreach” with architects and developers and the stake-through-your heart-holders – all of whom stand to gain right out the chute.
That exercise was a fun event, like a “Where's Waldo?” “What unused land can we use for housing?” Oh, good-bye city parking lots. People won’t be driving cars, so we can turn all the parking lots into housing units!
See why the music died? It went out of fashion with the car radio, which is the best way to listen to a good song.
P.S. just wondering why the escalators and the elevators remain in disrepair in the Paseo Nuevo Parking Garage? How ‘bout some equity for the handicapped?
We wish to acknowledge the passing of former City Councilmember Roger Horton, one of the few fiscally responsible Council members who honorably served under Mayor Marty Blum.
R.I.P
I think we have lived through the Camelot era of Santa Barbara. I envision a sad future where all the aging, charming bungalows are razed for cookie cutter apartments. A future where we will have to use public transpiration to get into downtown and all the parking lots will also be apartments. Breaks my heart because the charm is disappearing quickly...
As usual, Bonnie shines a light on the questions that most residents of Santa Barbara want to know. The lack of common sense, planning and consideration of the quality of life that makes Santa Barbara such a desirable place to live is all but non-existent by those who ‘rule’ us. Every Council member, every City Planner should be given a vote of ‘No Confidence’ and removed from their tax payer funded positions. The will of the community is being hijacked by the ‘Build Back Better’ motives of the DCC and our town is being destroyed before our eyes. They are ‘breaking’ our town so that it can be rebuilt in their twisted vision. Wake up Santa Barbara before we reach a point of no return.