Thanks! Simply stated, our Universities and CC's need to learn the word "Budget." It's polite to say yes to P but someone has to be the adult in the room and say NO.
Justin, you blew it out of the ballpark! We, collectively, are grateful for your sacrifice of time and dedication. As we read this in-depth article, appreciate the many hours of dogged researching that supports this article. His is the face of invested citizenship.
The problem with the SB Taxpayers Association and COLAB is that they often seem more interested in feathering their own nests than directing resources toward getting good candidates elected or good legislation passed. I feel embarrassed for self described conservatives who shill for Leftist causes. They lose the respect of the America First voters they pretend to represent and are seen as suckers by the neo-Marxists.
There was a time when SBCTA appeared to be a legitimate organization. I attended a few meetings when they held board meetings at The Red Barn restaurant in Santa Ynez. That was at least 25 years ago. Any dedicated Directors are long gone. I’m curious about the median age of the current donors. This may border on elder abuse. The SBCTA now appears to be a revenue stream for a couple of guys posing as champions of the taxpayer.
I’ve been told Lanny Ebenstein and Tom Widroe’s Santa Barbara County Taxpayer Association (SBCTA) is defunct: no meetings in 6 years. SBCTA is a lawful shell to create an illusion that it represents SB County taxpayers when it actually only represents Ebenstein and Widroe, an elected delegate to the Santa Barbara Republican Central Committee (SBRCC). There’s a website; an annual filing with the CA Sec of State, and IRS. It’s a shell game they play to deceive voters, knowing that very few are aware lacking time or motivation to become informed. They’ve magically mastered wooing voters, with zero concern about their personal integrity because their ‘important community leaders’. What’s the payoff to them? Your trust and respect, and ????
Their deceptive shenanigans are unknown or unimportant to Santa Barbara County residents. They’re wolves in sheep clothing or what?
Great article and comments. As an average voter, admittedly, I knew very little about the Bond shenanigans going on. Have gained much insight from reading these and other like articles. I find Interesting the donor list. It seems Architect and Legal firms in support of this taxpayer bailout, all while eating from the same trough!
It is interesting that most cities in Orange County also have school bonds on the ballot. I do not think it is a coincidence that there is also a proposition (#2) that would result in the state “matching” the local bond funds so taxpayers statewide will be paying for projects that they do not directly benefit from.
246 school bonds on 11/5 CA ballot to circumvent Prop 13. The CA master plan from the school administrator & trustee training course: find the project list voters approved in a prior election. Every 4-8-12 years put same language before voters to fund again. Use the 50% property tax allocation to your school for salaries and pensions; no need to fund campus repairs and maintenance because emotional voters will approve your school’s bond request wanting the best for students. Bond proceeds can also be used to cover deficit spending under revised CA guidelines.
Sadly, throwing more money at schools has not improved student success. Tough love might so vote NO on every bond request. Tell others.
I just found out more about LPA, the architect for the PE building. As of December 31, 2022, SBCC’s local costs for architectural plans and working drawings by LPA for the PE Building were over budget by 44%. Cost overruns are paid with SBCC revenue or a local bond. The state does not increase its share.
Thanks! Simply stated, our Universities and CC's need to learn the word "Budget." It's polite to say yes to P but someone has to be the adult in the room and say NO.
Justin, you blew it out of the ballpark! We, collectively, are grateful for your sacrifice of time and dedication. As we read this in-depth article, appreciate the many hours of dogged researching that supports this article. His is the face of invested citizenship.
I already voted no on P
We already voted No on P. And nope to Carbajal, Schiff, Harris …
And a big YES to the country western song “The Outlaw and the Hillbilly”
https://tinyurl.com/4kb5tyan
PS - Justin, you are the best!
Hey Polly, we voted almost the same way. . . except for one biggie.
Is that a biggie in the Arnold Palmer sense?
Sch-WING!!!
The problem with the SB Taxpayers Association and COLAB is that they often seem more interested in feathering their own nests than directing resources toward getting good candidates elected or good legislation passed. I feel embarrassed for self described conservatives who shill for Leftist causes. They lose the respect of the America First voters they pretend to represent and are seen as suckers by the neo-Marxists.
There was a time when SBCTA appeared to be a legitimate organization. I attended a few meetings when they held board meetings at The Red Barn restaurant in Santa Ynez. That was at least 25 years ago. Any dedicated Directors are long gone. I’m curious about the median age of the current donors. This may border on elder abuse. The SBCTA now appears to be a revenue stream for a couple of guys posing as champions of the taxpayer.
I’ve been told Lanny Ebenstein and Tom Widroe’s Santa Barbara County Taxpayer Association (SBCTA) is defunct: no meetings in 6 years. SBCTA is a lawful shell to create an illusion that it represents SB County taxpayers when it actually only represents Ebenstein and Widroe, an elected delegate to the Santa Barbara Republican Central Committee (SBRCC). There’s a website; an annual filing with the CA Sec of State, and IRS. It’s a shell game they play to deceive voters, knowing that very few are aware lacking time or motivation to become informed. They’ve magically mastered wooing voters, with zero concern about their personal integrity because their ‘important community leaders’. What’s the payoff to them? Your trust and respect, and ????
Their deceptive shenanigans are unknown or unimportant to Santa Barbara County residents. They’re wolves in sheep clothing or what?
Great article and comments. As an average voter, admittedly, I knew very little about the Bond shenanigans going on. Have gained much insight from reading these and other like articles. I find Interesting the donor list. It seems Architect and Legal firms in support of this taxpayer bailout, all while eating from the same trough!
The Emperor Has No Cloths.....
If even half of this article is correct it is gross mis-management by the Board. A board that has had a majority of questionable abilities
It is interesting that most cities in Orange County also have school bonds on the ballot. I do not think it is a coincidence that there is also a proposition (#2) that would result in the state “matching” the local bond funds so taxpayers statewide will be paying for projects that they do not directly benefit from.
https://californiapolicycenter.org/ballot-o-rama-a-guide-to-californias-2024-ballot-propositions/
246 school bonds on 11/5 CA ballot to circumvent Prop 13. The CA master plan from the school administrator & trustee training course: find the project list voters approved in a prior election. Every 4-8-12 years put same language before voters to fund again. Use the 50% property tax allocation to your school for salaries and pensions; no need to fund campus repairs and maintenance because emotional voters will approve your school’s bond request wanting the best for students. Bond proceeds can also be used to cover deficit spending under revised CA guidelines.
Sadly, throwing more money at schools has not improved student success. Tough love might so vote NO on every bond request. Tell others.
Thank you for the link.
Good fact filled essay on the corruption running through this behemoth bureaucracy.
Another example of the results of one-party rule.
Great piece, Justin. You hit the nail on the head. Bravo!
I just found out more about LPA, the architect for the PE building. As of December 31, 2022, SBCC’s local costs for architectural plans and working drawings by LPA for the PE Building were over budget by 44%. Cost overruns are paid with SBCC revenue or a local bond. The state does not increase its share.
Loved you voting suggestions. But why so late. Many voted ASAP due to past counting issues.
Inkling8331