Santa Barbara's Allure is No Coincidence

By Bonnie Donovan

Photo by Yifan Ma on Unsplash

Santa Barbara's beauty is not just a result of natural growth, but also due to the intentional efforts of Dr. Francheschi, who introduced over 800 species of flowers, plants, and trees to the area. Despite this, many may not be aware of his contributions to the city's aesthetics.

Following an earthquake 99 years ago (1925), the city underwent a rebuilding process that involved careful planning and discussions about its architecture and other defining characteristics. 

The oil spill of 1969 brought us Earth Day, which we will celebrate this weekend. We are losing the protection of Environmental Review (EIR).

The people of Santa Barbara have long stood up to protect and love their city, which is known worldwide for its charm and beauty.

However, the city is facing challenges from both newcomers and local entities who are pushing for excessive development that threatens to eliminate open spaces, parking, views, and single-family homes.

Various organizations are actively fighting against these changes, and residents are encouraged to join these groups to help preserve the unique character of Santa Barbara. 

How to learn what is happening

Readers of this column often ask, what can we do to stop what is happening to Santa Barbara.

To address the concerns about what is happening in Santa Barbara, a proactive step would be to start watching the city meetings on Channel 18 or through the city website. By subscribing to these meetings, you will receive an email with the meeting agenda and a link to watch it live or the recording later.  

Link: http://santabarbaraca.gov/subscribe

TEXT: santabarbaraca.gov/subscribe

Additionally, attending the meetings in person is always an option, and the email will provide you with the necessary details such as the date, time, and location.

If you choose to attend a meeting in person, there are speaker slips available to fill out if you wish to speak. However, if public speaking is not your preference, you can always write a letter and ensure it reaches the Council or committees well in advance of the meeting. 

By including your mailing address or email address on the speaker slip, you will receive notifications when the relevant project is discussed again.

Another way to get involved is by applying to be on one of the various boards. Interviews for these positions are currently underway, so you may consider applying next year.   A list of current vacancies can be found here.

If you are unsure about the process or what steps to take, you can join a group that has been actively working together for many years and is familiar with the process. Allied Neighborhoods, Citizen Planning Association (CPA), and Pearl Chase Society (PCS), are some of the groups you can join to contribute towards helping Santa Barbara. Working together as a group can often provide a more comfortable and supportive environment.

At City Council this week

Budget discussions began at City Council on Tuesday, April 23. If you missed it, there will be a replay tonight (Thursday, April 25) on Channel 18, at 7 pm, and on Saturday, April 27 at 8 am.

It seems like we might be looking at a potential deficit between 7.1 million to 10 million dollars. The council may need to start making cuts or consider increasing charges as proposed to address this issue. Parking already went up and now they want more with an additional increase for lots and to add street parking meters.

Just open State Street and the lots will be used again! 

It is crucial for the council to act promptly to avoid any financial crisis. Stay informed and participate in the upcoming discussions to help shape the city's budget decisions.

Your input and support are crucial in addressing this financial challenge. Budgets will be presented through May with final votes taken by City Council June 4, and 11, 2024, from 2 pm to 5 pm.

The City’s recommended budget for FY 2025 can be found by accessing the online budget tool at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Budget.

Community Priorities Survey

An online community survey is available in both English and Spanish to accommodate those who cannot attend the town halls. Visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/EssentialSB or additional details on City services, budget projections, and to access the survey.

What we are watching disappear

No more open space, no more parking, and build as high as you want; especially damaging is the removal of single-family homes with yards, and Environmental Review. It is due to the State of California, the governor, our senator, down to the city council. Our boards and commissions have lost their ability to stop or even comment on anything. Our City Charter is being eliminated by the State overriding us.

Architectural Board of Review (ABR), Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC), Planning Commission (PC), and Single-Family Design Board (SFDB) all once were able to say the Size, Bulk, and Scale, are too large, yet that has been taken away. Bully developers just sue if they don't get what they want. 

There are some great organizations right here fighting for us. I've asked three of these groups to introduce themselves and maybe you have a few hours a month to attend their meeting and participate in letter writing to City Council (CC), HLC, ABR and PC.   

Help us save Santa Barbara.

Let Me Introduce To You…   In alphabetical order

Allied Neighborhoods Association 

(Est. ca. 1972) is an alliance of neighborhood organizations and individual residents that exist within the city of Santa Barbara. Allied strives to preserve/protect the livability and charm of the city and its neighborhoods through conservation and good planning.

We regularly attend and/or monitor City Council, Architectural Review Board, Historic Landmarks Commission and Planning Commission Meetings to stay informed on housing, historical preservation, and zoning issues.  

We are interested in expanding participation by adding more Santa Barbara residents and neighborhood groups interested in good planning for neighborhoods.

Business is conducted by a Board of Directors, consisting of designees (and alternates) from the various member organizations.

Please contact Mary Turley, President 

email: sbmermaid1@gmail.com 

Cell: (805) 636-4671

Visit our website to find out more about our past and current advocacy:

Citizens Planning Association

Citizens Planning Association welcomes Santa Barbara residents who believe that we live in a special place that deserves – and needs – care and protection.

CPA, founded in the early 1960s, is a countywide non-profit with a strong focus on Santa Barbara city/county planning issues “in order to maintain sustainable communities and protect (our) heritage.” Our website features recent letters to government agencies and recordings of our 1st Monday Speakers Series. 

This weekend, visit us at SB Earth Day Booth #344 in the Public Square; we'll share with SBCAN.org and Keep the Funk. More info: CitizensPlanningSB@gmail.com.

 Pearl Chase Society

In 1995, the Pearl Chase Society was founded to continue the legacy of Pearl Chase (1888 – 1979) who dedicated her life to improving Santa Barbara. As she stated, “I hope that Santa Barbara will maintain its integrity and maintain its standards.” 

The Pearl Chase Society serves the community as an all-volunteer, not-for-profit conservancy dedicated to the preservation, education, and support of Santa Barbara’s historic architecture, landscapes, and cultural heritage. 

We encourage community members to attend our regularly scheduled Kellam de Forest Speaker Series and to learn more about our activities and the benefits of membership at our website. 

 By joining these groups and participating in advocacy efforts, we can all contribute to preserving the beauty of our beloved city.

See you at Earth Day!!