Well said, Denise! The map of San Francisco identifying streets contaminated with human feces is a perfect image of what happens when voters elect, or allow by apathy, politicians like Newscum, Mamdani, Carbajal, Limon , Hart, Capps, Sneddon etc. This list encapsulates the malaise of our state, and their policies are what are sinking us as fast as the Titanic. People need to speak up against the folly of endorsing or allowing these politicians, with their sick socialist woke ideology. We need to support people like Bob Smith, Hilton or Bianco, or anyone with a chance to become governor, congressperson or city council member. San Francisco and NYC are just cautionary tales of what we can expect here in once idyllic Santa Barbara with these people staying in control.
The city needs to be placed under control. The current mode of spending money that doesn't exist in cash is insane. Rule 1: Don't spend what you don't have! Rule 2: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
"SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Governor Gavin Newsom announced his nomination of two Court of Appeal Justices as well as his appointment of 18 Superior Court Judges, including Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge: Stephen Dunkle."
Erosion of the Rule of Law begins with taking control of the entire legal system>
Until a way is found and employed to neutralize, neuter, or otherwise counter the tide of votes marshalled and provided by public service employee unions, encouragement for the red-pill world/city view is lost. The hive mentality of collective bargaining brings so many real and perceived financial benefits back to the hive that its political power is irresistible in this community we call the Santa Barbara South Coast. The ball to keep an eye on is another hive-supported shoe (boot?) about to drop on property owners in CA: the end of Proposition 13, or a replacement measure at a more local level that will have an equally destabilizing/deflationary effect on real property in what has become known as the "mansion tax." Watch & prepare for a lucrative, local version of this to be proposed in the next 1-2 yrs benefitting local public coffers.
The City & County of Santa Barbara are experiencing--and, absent some new, unforeseen source of revenue, will continue for many years to experience--a growing sea of red ink in their current accounts, spending far more than they presently receive. Adding in the long-term liability of unfunded pensions and benefits owed to members of the dominant hive only makes the ink redder and bolder. Not only do we need more conservative policy makers, we need better messaging and larger forums for those messages to be heard and supported by larger numbers of voter-residents. We need a better buzz. We need a bigger hive.
Nice article Denice. If taxpayers pay for city government, then the taxpayer should be able to control it. City government shouldn't be allowed to do anything they want. To control city government there should be a number of taxpayers overseeing with authority to stop the city attempting to perform changes, increasing their salaries and the size of city government, etc. Government should simply maintain existing functions, not create new ones without authorization from the taxpayer.
How do we actually accomplish something? Have an impact on city council elections. Also, I don't understand how mandating a zero% rent increase freeze for a year can be legal. Cost of living continues to increase rental maintenance costs. How can that possibly be a fair rate of return?
Is there a group of folks who are fiscally conservative, locally focused, not spewing Maga talking points. People like me who are appalled with the ICE invasion and tactics. But, who also very much want the local political sphere to be way, way better.
Well said!!! Wake UP Santa Barbara ….. keep our city safe from Trump deranged leadership
allowing Marxist Socialists elected officials to ruin our beautiful Santa Barbara! Fight with your vote!!! I would appreciate a list of good Republican leaders we can vote for….sometimes it is difficult to discover the best people for the position. Sitting through lies and impossible promises! Help us with the knowledge about which patriots to vote for! Thank you!!!Keep us informed! Please!
BH: Last night Congressional Candidate Bob Smith got statewide endorsement: it’s huge!There were NextDoor neighbors asking for information about him. I lifted Bob Smith’s response post (below). He’s stellar! We need to send Bob Smith to Washington.
“I believe in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I spent nearly 27 years defending those principles in uniform. I’m a problem-solver by trade, not a politician by habit. I’m running so that my two children will have a future here.
“I’m not running to build a political career or cash in on one. I do believe we are at a tipping point needing strong leaders that deliver results fast before it’s too late. I love my career and what I do and hopefully I can get back to it after fixing our district. I respect that our current Congressman is personally well-liked, but after five terms his legislative record speaks for itself. His only legislation is dedicating two post offices. Symbolic wins aren’t enough when families are falling behind.
“Our district is objectively near the bottom on the issues that matter most to everyday people: cost of living, housing affordability, energy costs, homelessness, and student outcomes - only about 35% of kids meet grade-level standards. Without Vandenberg, we’re in the bottom tier for federal discretionary funding, despite paying some of the highest taxes in the country.
“I support term limits and oppose career politicians who treat Congress like a pension plan. I’ve seen the swamp firsthand in D.C. while leading major defense programs, including how corporate PAC money distorts priorities. I won’t take pay-to-play money.
“I believe change matters. Voting for change says we won’t accept the status quo and it raises the bar for leadership in Santa Barbara and across the district.
“In my professional life, I surround myself with smart people, encourage disagreement, and lead teams to solve hard problems. That’s exactly how I’ll legislate: pragmatic, common-sense, and focused on results. We don’t have to accept politicians with constant rhetoric to divide us forever on issues they never solve so that they can campaign on it.
I pulled up a chair last night with a bottle of wine and tuned into the YouTube stream of last night’s CC meeting, which seemed to turn into a food fight and dumpster fire. I was glued to the TV for the next 3-4 hours and couldn’t help thinking I was watching an episode of Comedy Central!
What impressed me was the human stories about the difficulties of finding even the most modest accommodations. Some cases are truly tragic and sad. Yes, there are unscrupulous and greedy actors involved with housing, but also many stellar and responsible housing providers. It was interesting seeing our old HOA attorney, Jim Smith who called for the recusal of the 2 or 3 Council members who are presently renting.
A couple of the speakers became unhinged, yelling, screaming, total wack jobs. I was waiting for a “YouTube moment” and them being ejected from the meeting.
What I was really struck by was the amateurish demeanor of Santamaria, Sneddon and Harmon. It should be obvious they, (including Gutierrez) are all in for this “pause” and plan to support a comprehensive rent control ordinance, full speed ahead.
I guess property owners will have to “reimagine” the relationship they have with their own property?
LT: Radical lunatic SBCC DEI employed East Coast transplant Chelsea Lancaster was the screaming shouting finale. Popcorn landed all over the viewing room as she ranted. Beware: Those donating to ‘The Fund for SB’ enable warrior Chelsea’s community antagonism, character assassination of others, and anger to destroy. There’s no ‘off button’.
SJ: American women are known to make note of a leader’s Muslim religious affiliation, fearing Sharia Law.
My long answer: A person’s religious upbringing influences their political positions — right from wrong — although the strength and direction of influence varies by household, religion, culture, country, level of personal religiosity or buy-in, and individual experiences. Religious teachings shape core values — such as views on morality, family, authority, social justice, economic responsibility, and the role of government — which then translate into political attitudes, party affiliation, and how we vote. Studies in the US consistently show clear patterns in how different religious groups lean politically. Our SCOTUS is Catholic, several Justices were privately Catholic schooled/ some say indoctrinated.
In 2010, Oklahoma voters passed a law against Muslim imposed Sharia Law which was shot down by the courts in 2013. On 1/9/26, last weekend, Texas held a statewide conference on Sharia Law after Gov Abbott’s attempts to ban ShariaLaw or impose guardrails. Over a century ago, didn’t the Courts rule on Mormon faith based laws in Utah?
Religion Matters: A person’s religious upbringing and adult affiliation shape their adult mindset. Catholic Charities and a few others have certainly adversely impacted our country by aiding past administrations to bring in millions of individuals unlawfully.
CA public school teachers are to teach 10 minutes daily of patriotic lessons. Do they? And from what perspective? We’re a Judeo-Christian country.
I sincerely doubt this man's religious beliefs, sincerely observed or not have anything to do with Islam, though it is a false religion. Sounds like an issue with modernity, specifically the father of this man.
Also stop using terminology like "Judeo Christian", Jews and Christians have next to nothing in common, aside from Judaism having roots in the Second Temple period.
TA: my error - English Common Law except for Louisiana which is based on Napoleonic Law. Obviously I’m not adequately schooled in religion, like you, to know. I was exposed to comparative religion and denominations by my parents while affiliated with none. I was simply indoctrinated in The Ten Commandments, and US history. For what it’s worth to you: At Los Angeles City Schools, I took 2-years of comparative religion and Western Civilization coursework which included field trips to various places of worship. Later world travels, grad school and my career enabled me to learn a little more about all denominations including Eastern and Middle East religious teachings. The spread of Sharia law concerns me as a female.
Fair question......now what about the topic at hand? Any thoughts about local government seizing even more control over private property and the need to get non-Democrats on the City Council?
I do not vote based on a candidate's religion, nor party affiliation. Nor on professed positions. I vote based on track record. One problem: "none of the above" has not yet declared.
Perhaps you and Steve need to do a little homework on Muslims...people who practice Islam. Regarding Islam, I suggest reviewing a number of the YouTube videos featuring the late Christopher Hitchens. At a minimum it will help answer your question as to why Mamdani's name was prefaced with "Muslim" as it relates to socio-political issues. Not here to debate...just help answer your legitimate question.
I'm not sure about illegal alien voting...I don't remotely dismiss it, however I am unaware of tangible evidence to indicate that it's significant or game changing. I'm assuming most illegal aliens are hanging out in sanctuary communities where left-wing politics already predominate.
What is obvious however is the upward pressure on residential rents in communities that have a significant "migrant" population. Can you say "Santa Barbara" ?
Denice, I watched the debacle last night. The Tenants Commie Union outspoke those with property by a HUGE margin. Where were that owners of residential income property last night? The few that did speak did okay but they never delivered a compelling reason for not having rent control. They were focused on the financial aspects , higher insurance, taxes and costs continually increasing. The other side played the emotional side, living in a tent for $900 per month, having too move despite having been born and raised here. They played the emotional violin and they did it well, but then again that is what the Dems or in this case Socialists always due, reach for the emotions. I agree there needs to be a property owners group that can deliver succinct, compelling rebuttal to the crap we are hearing [excuse the language].
I could not believe the personal attacks on the mayor and council members opposed to the Tenants Union agenda. Interesting to that one of their comrades pointed out that there is no structure to these Tenant Unions across the USA. Isn't that the Antifa model also?
Wake up SB you are losing the City that you love to a bunch of wannabes socialists. Cheers
The property owners spoke in the afternoon, beginning at 1:26:40, and for a little more than an hour. Ending at 2:33. I thought they were compelling and very believable.
But the best, or the worst speaker. . . I mean worst and most crazy by far was the last at the 6:07 mark. Wow, this lunatic Chelsea Landcaster is worth watching, just so all the rest of us will feel normal.
Agree...except w/ the "wannabes"...they are here and they are in your face, bringing nothing to the party except irrational idealism on the backs of other people's money.
BH: Last night Congressional Candidate Bob Smith got statewide endorsement! This is significant: huge! There were NextDoor neighbors asking for information about him. I lifted Bob Smith’s response post. He’s stellar! We need to send Bob Smith to Washington.
“I believe in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I spent nearly 27 years defending those principles in uniform. I’m a problem-solver by trade, not a politician by habit. I’m running so that my two children will have a future here.
“I’m not running to build a political career or cash in on one. I do believe we are at a tipping point needing strong leaders that deliver results fast before it’s too late. I love my career and what I do and hopefully I can get back to it after fixing our district. I respect that our current Congressman is personally well-liked, but after five terms his legislative record speaks for itself. His only legislation is dedicating two post offices. Symbolic wins aren’t enough when families are falling behind.
“Our district is objectively near the bottom on the issues that matter most to everyday people: cost of living, housing affordability, energy costs, homelessness, and student outcomes - only about 35% of kids meet grade-level standards. Without Vandenberg, we’re in the bottom tier for federal discretionary funding, despite paying some of the highest taxes in the country.
“I support term limits and oppose career politicians who treat Congress like a pension plan. I’ve seen the swamp firsthand in D.C. while leading major defense programs, including how corporate PAC money distorts priorities. I won’t take pay-to-play money.
“I believe change matters. Voting for change says we won’t accept the status quo and it raises the bar for leadership in Santa Barbara and across the district.
“In my professional life, I surround myself with smart people, encourage disagreement, and lead teams to solve hard problems. That’s exactly how I’ll legislate: pragmatic, common-sense, and focused on results. We don’t have to accept politicians with constant rhetoric to divide us forever on issues they never solve so that they can campaign on it.
A change from partisan governance isn’t likely and not because it is good. Should we focus on thought leaders instead? I’ll share my experience in municipal governance. Rollback to the 1980s, Dallas, Texas became a model in City Management. It was a period of rapid growth. Local business leaders stepped forward to mentor city government. Stanley Marcus, Ross Perot and others met with and tutored city department directors on how to best serve the residents of the city. Professors from SMU worked with each department to establish a master plan. It was a great success. This idea to tap the talents of successful residents was the brilliant idea of assistant city manager (Camille Barnett) who was a graduate of UCSB.
During the 80 and 90s that type of collaborative brainstorming to best achieve shared goals was very effective. I am so happy I got to be a part of and learn from that. The Community Indicators annual report on Social. Environmental and Economic data was just one result of that. The world is a much safer and quite frankly more beautiful when people with diverse use can actually sit down and have civilized conversations. That is what has made Santa Barbara so unique over the years. There is (was?) a great sense of caring for others as much as yourself. Guess I am a perennial Pollyanna.
It is clear that with the closing of State St. and supported by now defunct business owners who stated "Opening State St. is "no solution crowd elected Socialists. As the saying goes they screwed themselves and the community with eyes wide open.
In South County, the issue is no longer Democrat or Republican.
It is government confiscation of private property and using all means from rent control, closing streets, and idiotic density demands. That means we will take from you, and in many instances make your business fail.
The sad thing is you have multiple examples just in the good old USA where the Socialists have failed. They were fee congregations of people. They did their best. Does anyone remember Plymouth and the conversion to a Capitalist based economy?
What is frightening with this latest crowd is they are willing to use the iron fist of government to force you to bend to their will. (we are right and you will never prevail dictatorship)
I was talking with a life long Democrat the other day (a close friend). I raised the issue of how radical LEFT his party had become. His answer was the economically well endowed, of the party, have for the most part figured out they are immune to the confiscation of property and rights.
Their attitude is they can buy themselves out of any problem or discomfort. Understand this is a very influential person who has family at some of the highest levels in government on the east coast. He no longer wishes to identify with Democrats or the radicalized left. The party has left him.
Looking to the people who elected this council .... you did it with eyes wide open.
Scott: Any thoughts on what happens to the rest of us whose home is our survival; all we’ve got? “Their attitude is they can buy themselves out of any problem or discomfort.”
No. Which is why it's such a hollow ideal. It's literally a proposed platform soley for property owners. That's never going to get anywhere because no one has an incentive to support it.
Well said, Denise! The map of San Francisco identifying streets contaminated with human feces is a perfect image of what happens when voters elect, or allow by apathy, politicians like Newscum, Mamdani, Carbajal, Limon , Hart, Capps, Sneddon etc. This list encapsulates the malaise of our state, and their policies are what are sinking us as fast as the Titanic. People need to speak up against the folly of endorsing or allowing these politicians, with their sick socialist woke ideology. We need to support people like Bob Smith, Hilton or Bianco, or anyone with a chance to become governor, congressperson or city council member. San Francisco and NYC are just cautionary tales of what we can expect here in once idyllic Santa Barbara with these people staying in control.
The city needs to be placed under control. The current mode of spending money that doesn't exist in cash is insane. Rule 1: Don't spend what you don't have! Rule 2: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
You have said it very clearly. It’s time we take our city back.
Rita it is ALOT more than JUST THE CITY it is the entire
state of California.
I read this article titled "Need For a Non-Democrat City Council"
By Denice Spangler Adams and I have another title "Stacking
the Deck for Complete Control of the CALI-LEGAL SYSTEM"
and I quote from Ms. Adams "Think of the last time you heard news
that made you mad enough to stop everything to sound the alarm."
I have been sounding the Alarm here at SB Current for the last 2 years
or I should say it all began with former FBI Executive Officer Thomas Parker's
Article in the SB Independent on 2/22/20 "Perceptions of Political Corruption
Too Often the Harbingers of Stark Reality" The Day Corruption was Uncovered
Take-A-Look at Governor Newson's 18 Judicial Appointments all Democrat here>
https://keyt.com/news/santa-barbara-s-county/2023/12/07/governor-newsom-announces-judicial-appointments-including-one-new-santa-barbara-county-superior-court-judge/
"SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Governor Gavin Newsom announced his nomination of two Court of Appeal Justices as well as his appointment of 18 Superior Court Judges, including Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge: Stephen Dunkle."
Erosion of the Rule of Law begins with taking control of the entire legal system>
https://lamag.com/news-and-politics/the-erosion-of-rule-of-law-executive-power-and-the-american-legal-order/
https://x.com/RodDMartin/status/1938637712640110932
"The Erosion of the Rule of Law: Executive Power and the American Legal Order"
Howard Walther, Member of a Military Family
Denice & all like-minded, similarly-hearted folk:
Until a way is found and employed to neutralize, neuter, or otherwise counter the tide of votes marshalled and provided by public service employee unions, encouragement for the red-pill world/city view is lost. The hive mentality of collective bargaining brings so many real and perceived financial benefits back to the hive that its political power is irresistible in this community we call the Santa Barbara South Coast. The ball to keep an eye on is another hive-supported shoe (boot?) about to drop on property owners in CA: the end of Proposition 13, or a replacement measure at a more local level that will have an equally destabilizing/deflationary effect on real property in what has become known as the "mansion tax." Watch & prepare for a lucrative, local version of this to be proposed in the next 1-2 yrs benefitting local public coffers.
https://calmatters.org/housing/2025/10/measure-ula-howard-jarvis-ballot-mansion/
The City & County of Santa Barbara are experiencing--and, absent some new, unforeseen source of revenue, will continue for many years to experience--a growing sea of red ink in their current accounts, spending far more than they presently receive. Adding in the long-term liability of unfunded pensions and benefits owed to members of the dominant hive only makes the ink redder and bolder. Not only do we need more conservative policy makers, we need better messaging and larger forums for those messages to be heard and supported by larger numbers of voter-residents. We need a better buzz. We need a bigger hive.
And how do you suppose you go about achieving this messaging? From where are you going to gather support from?
Nice article Denice. If taxpayers pay for city government, then the taxpayer should be able to control it. City government shouldn't be allowed to do anything they want. To control city government there should be a number of taxpayers overseeing with authority to stop the city attempting to perform changes, increasing their salaries and the size of city government, etc. Government should simply maintain existing functions, not create new ones without authorization from the taxpayer.
How do we actually accomplish something? Have an impact on city council elections. Also, I don't understand how mandating a zero% rent increase freeze for a year can be legal. Cost of living continues to increase rental maintenance costs. How can that possibly be a fair rate of return?
Is there a group of folks who are fiscally conservative, locally focused, not spewing Maga talking points. People like me who are appalled with the ICE invasion and tactics. But, who also very much want the local political sphere to be way, way better.
Well said!!! Wake UP Santa Barbara ….. keep our city safe from Trump deranged leadership
allowing Marxist Socialists elected officials to ruin our beautiful Santa Barbara! Fight with your vote!!! I would appreciate a list of good Republican leaders we can vote for….sometimes it is difficult to discover the best people for the position. Sitting through lies and impossible promises! Help us with the knowledge about which patriots to vote for! Thank you!!!Keep us informed! Please!
BH: Last night Congressional Candidate Bob Smith got statewide endorsement: it’s huge!There were NextDoor neighbors asking for information about him. I lifted Bob Smith’s response post (below). He’s stellar! We need to send Bob Smith to Washington.
“I believe in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I spent nearly 27 years defending those principles in uniform. I’m a problem-solver by trade, not a politician by habit. I’m running so that my two children will have a future here.
“I’m not running to build a political career or cash in on one. I do believe we are at a tipping point needing strong leaders that deliver results fast before it’s too late. I love my career and what I do and hopefully I can get back to it after fixing our district. I respect that our current Congressman is personally well-liked, but after five terms his legislative record speaks for itself. His only legislation is dedicating two post offices. Symbolic wins aren’t enough when families are falling behind.
“Our district is objectively near the bottom on the issues that matter most to everyday people: cost of living, housing affordability, energy costs, homelessness, and student outcomes - only about 35% of kids meet grade-level standards. Without Vandenberg, we’re in the bottom tier for federal discretionary funding, despite paying some of the highest taxes in the country.
“I support term limits and oppose career politicians who treat Congress like a pension plan. I’ve seen the swamp firsthand in D.C. while leading major defense programs, including how corporate PAC money distorts priorities. I won’t take pay-to-play money.
“I believe change matters. Voting for change says we won’t accept the status quo and it raises the bar for leadership in Santa Barbara and across the district.
“In my professional life, I surround myself with smart people, encourage disagreement, and lead teams to solve hard problems. That’s exactly how I’ll legislate: pragmatic, common-sense, and focused on results. We don’t have to accept politicians with constant rhetoric to divide us forever on issues they never solve so that they can campaign on it.
“If you want to learn more, I invite you to visit www.bobsmithforcongress.com”
I pulled up a chair last night with a bottle of wine and tuned into the YouTube stream of last night’s CC meeting, which seemed to turn into a food fight and dumpster fire. I was glued to the TV for the next 3-4 hours and couldn’t help thinking I was watching an episode of Comedy Central!
What impressed me was the human stories about the difficulties of finding even the most modest accommodations. Some cases are truly tragic and sad. Yes, there are unscrupulous and greedy actors involved with housing, but also many stellar and responsible housing providers. It was interesting seeing our old HOA attorney, Jim Smith who called for the recusal of the 2 or 3 Council members who are presently renting.
A couple of the speakers became unhinged, yelling, screaming, total wack jobs. I was waiting for a “YouTube moment” and them being ejected from the meeting.
What I was really struck by was the amateurish demeanor of Santamaria, Sneddon and Harmon. It should be obvious they, (including Gutierrez) are all in for this “pause” and plan to support a comprehensive rent control ordinance, full speed ahead.
I guess property owners will have to “reimagine” the relationship they have with their own property?
LT: Radical lunatic SBCC DEI employed East Coast transplant Chelsea Lancaster was the screaming shouting finale. Popcorn landed all over the viewing room as she ranted. Beware: Those donating to ‘The Fund for SB’ enable warrior Chelsea’s community antagonism, character assassination of others, and anger to destroy. There’s no ‘off button’.
What is the point in identifying Mayor Mamdani's religion?
SJ: American women are known to make note of a leader’s Muslim religious affiliation, fearing Sharia Law.
My long answer: A person’s religious upbringing influences their political positions — right from wrong — although the strength and direction of influence varies by household, religion, culture, country, level of personal religiosity or buy-in, and individual experiences. Religious teachings shape core values — such as views on morality, family, authority, social justice, economic responsibility, and the role of government — which then translate into political attitudes, party affiliation, and how we vote. Studies in the US consistently show clear patterns in how different religious groups lean politically. Our SCOTUS is Catholic, several Justices were privately Catholic schooled/ some say indoctrinated.
In 2010, Oklahoma voters passed a law against Muslim imposed Sharia Law which was shot down by the courts in 2013. On 1/9/26, last weekend, Texas held a statewide conference on Sharia Law after Gov Abbott’s attempts to ban ShariaLaw or impose guardrails. Over a century ago, didn’t the Courts rule on Mormon faith based laws in Utah?
Religion Matters: A person’s religious upbringing and adult affiliation shape their adult mindset. Catholic Charities and a few others have certainly adversely impacted our country by aiding past administrations to bring in millions of individuals unlawfully.
CA public school teachers are to teach 10 minutes daily of patriotic lessons. Do they? And from what perspective? We’re a Judeo-Christian country.
I sincerely doubt this man's religious beliefs, sincerely observed or not have anything to do with Islam, though it is a false religion. Sounds like an issue with modernity, specifically the father of this man.
Also stop using terminology like "Judeo Christian", Jews and Christians have next to nothing in common, aside from Judaism having roots in the Second Temple period.
TA: my error - English Common Law except for Louisiana which is based on Napoleonic Law. Obviously I’m not adequately schooled in religion, like you, to know. I was exposed to comparative religion and denominations by my parents while affiliated with none. I was simply indoctrinated in The Ten Commandments, and US history. For what it’s worth to you: At Los Angeles City Schools, I took 2-years of comparative religion and Western Civilization coursework which included field trips to various places of worship. Later world travels, grad school and my career enabled me to learn a little more about all denominations including Eastern and Middle East religious teachings. The spread of Sharia law concerns me as a female.
So perhaps each person posting to this substack should identify their own religion?
Fair question......now what about the topic at hand? Any thoughts about local government seizing even more control over private property and the need to get non-Democrats on the City Council?
I do not vote based on a candidate's religion, nor party affiliation. Nor on professed positions. I vote based on track record. One problem: "none of the above" has not yet declared.
Steve, I wondered the same thing. But, of course, it's mere dog-whistling.
Perhaps you and Steve need to do a little homework on Muslims...people who practice Islam. Regarding Islam, I suggest reviewing a number of the YouTube videos featuring the late Christopher Hitchens. At a minimum it will help answer your question as to why Mamdani's name was prefaced with "Muslim" as it relates to socio-political issues. Not here to debate...just help answer your legitimate question.
Why?
https://youtube.com/shorts/zy0LhjeGhcI?si=mEvqUfeO58bwOmiU
The way to stop this is to stop illegal aliens from voting in all elections. Period. No other solution. SIGN THE CA VOTER ID PETITION NOW https://www.reformcalifornia.org/cavoterid/home
I'm not sure about illegal alien voting...I don't remotely dismiss it, however I am unaware of tangible evidence to indicate that it's significant or game changing. I'm assuming most illegal aliens are hanging out in sanctuary communities where left-wing politics already predominate.
What is obvious however is the upward pressure on residential rents in communities that have a significant "migrant" population. Can you say "Santa Barbara" ?
Look up the 1% Rule.
Denice, I watched the debacle last night. The Tenants Commie Union outspoke those with property by a HUGE margin. Where were that owners of residential income property last night? The few that did speak did okay but they never delivered a compelling reason for not having rent control. They were focused on the financial aspects , higher insurance, taxes and costs continually increasing. The other side played the emotional side, living in a tent for $900 per month, having too move despite having been born and raised here. They played the emotional violin and they did it well, but then again that is what the Dems or in this case Socialists always due, reach for the emotions. I agree there needs to be a property owners group that can deliver succinct, compelling rebuttal to the crap we are hearing [excuse the language].
I could not believe the personal attacks on the mayor and council members opposed to the Tenants Union agenda. Interesting to that one of their comrades pointed out that there is no structure to these Tenant Unions across the USA. Isn't that the Antifa model also?
Wake up SB you are losing the City that you love to a bunch of wannabes socialists. Cheers
Hi Chuck, let me help you out, and for everyone else that wants to watch the good parts. Go to this address, the city of SB, You Tube page.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OMw43rEPbc
The property owners spoke in the afternoon, beginning at 1:26:40, and for a little more than an hour. Ending at 2:33. I thought they were compelling and very believable.
But the best, or the worst speaker. . . I mean worst and most crazy by far was the last at the 6:07 mark. Wow, this lunatic Chelsea Landcaster is worth watching, just so all the rest of us will feel normal.
https://fb.watch/EDR4RZCMrz/?mibextid=wwXIfr&fs=e
Agree...except w/ the "wannabes"...they are here and they are in your face, bringing nothing to the party except irrational idealism on the backs of other people's money.
BH: Last night Congressional Candidate Bob Smith got statewide endorsement! This is significant: huge! There were NextDoor neighbors asking for information about him. I lifted Bob Smith’s response post. He’s stellar! We need to send Bob Smith to Washington.
“I believe in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I spent nearly 27 years defending those principles in uniform. I’m a problem-solver by trade, not a politician by habit. I’m running so that my two children will have a future here.
“I’m not running to build a political career or cash in on one. I do believe we are at a tipping point needing strong leaders that deliver results fast before it’s too late. I love my career and what I do and hopefully I can get back to it after fixing our district. I respect that our current Congressman is personally well-liked, but after five terms his legislative record speaks for itself. His only legislation is dedicating two post offices. Symbolic wins aren’t enough when families are falling behind.
“Our district is objectively near the bottom on the issues that matter most to everyday people: cost of living, housing affordability, energy costs, homelessness, and student outcomes - only about 35% of kids meet grade-level standards. Without Vandenberg, we’re in the bottom tier for federal discretionary funding, despite paying some of the highest taxes in the country.
“I support term limits and oppose career politicians who treat Congress like a pension plan. I’ve seen the swamp firsthand in D.C. while leading major defense programs, including how corporate PAC money distorts priorities. I won’t take pay-to-play money.
“I believe change matters. Voting for change says we won’t accept the status quo and it raises the bar for leadership in Santa Barbara and across the district.
“In my professional life, I surround myself with smart people, encourage disagreement, and lead teams to solve hard problems. That’s exactly how I’ll legislate: pragmatic, common-sense, and focused on results. We don’t have to accept politicians with constant rhetoric to divide us forever on issues they never solve so that they can campaign on it.
“If you want to learn more, I invite you to visit www.bobsmithforcongress.com”
A change from partisan governance isn’t likely and not because it is good. Should we focus on thought leaders instead? I’ll share my experience in municipal governance. Rollback to the 1980s, Dallas, Texas became a model in City Management. It was a period of rapid growth. Local business leaders stepped forward to mentor city government. Stanley Marcus, Ross Perot and others met with and tutored city department directors on how to best serve the residents of the city. Professors from SMU worked with each department to establish a master plan. It was a great success. This idea to tap the talents of successful residents was the brilliant idea of assistant city manager (Camille Barnett) who was a graduate of UCSB.
During the 80 and 90s that type of collaborative brainstorming to best achieve shared goals was very effective. I am so happy I got to be a part of and learn from that. The Community Indicators annual report on Social. Environmental and Economic data was just one result of that. The world is a much safer and quite frankly more beautiful when people with diverse use can actually sit down and have civilized conversations. That is what has made Santa Barbara so unique over the years. There is (was?) a great sense of caring for others as much as yourself. Guess I am a perennial Pollyanna.
It is clear that with the closing of State St. and supported by now defunct business owners who stated "Opening State St. is "no solution crowd elected Socialists. As the saying goes they screwed themselves and the community with eyes wide open.
In South County, the issue is no longer Democrat or Republican.
It is government confiscation of private property and using all means from rent control, closing streets, and idiotic density demands. That means we will take from you, and in many instances make your business fail.
The sad thing is you have multiple examples just in the good old USA where the Socialists have failed. They were fee congregations of people. They did their best. Does anyone remember Plymouth and the conversion to a Capitalist based economy?
What is frightening with this latest crowd is they are willing to use the iron fist of government to force you to bend to their will. (we are right and you will never prevail dictatorship)
I was talking with a life long Democrat the other day (a close friend). I raised the issue of how radical LEFT his party had become. His answer was the economically well endowed, of the party, have for the most part figured out they are immune to the confiscation of property and rights.
Their attitude is they can buy themselves out of any problem or discomfort. Understand this is a very influential person who has family at some of the highest levels in government on the east coast. He no longer wishes to identify with Democrats or the radicalized left. The party has left him.
Looking to the people who elected this council .... you did it with eyes wide open.
Sorry to readers the auto spell made this difficult.
Scott: Any thoughts on what happens to the rest of us whose home is our survival; all we’ve got? “Their attitude is they can buy themselves out of any problem or discomfort.”
Where is the support for such candidates?
And who are these hypothetical candidates?
And what is the obsession with "property values"? Is this your god?
TA...do you you own property...real estate? Just trying to put your question in perspective.
No. Which is why it's such a hollow ideal. It's literally a proposed platform soley for property owners. That's never going to get anywhere because no one has an incentive to support it.