69 Comments

Thanks, Pat - great column and love the photo of you. The destruction of California and our once glorious city could be stopped if only the voting block of Democratic Party people here would finally wake up. The loyalty I see to the Democratic Party among too many Santa Barbarans is sick. It's like watching someone make excuses for the black eyes their spouse constantly gives them - “they only beat me up to save me from Donald Trump.” It was okay that Newsom and his statewide minions wrecked CA businesses during their Covid lockdowns because they saved lives. And if you say that there's no proof they did any such thing it's because you believe Right Wing lies. And if they need to shut down anything fun and community enhancing in a 100 year old parade it's for your own good. But they aren't interested in our well-being. The Democratic Party is only interested in increasing their power. As a community, we need to come together over saving Santa Barbara. My mom's generation here in Santa Barbara came together when this city was threatened. I don't remember any divisiveness over who belonged to what party - I never knew which party which friend of my mother's belonged to. It didn't matter. But now if you dare criticize policies of a Santa Barbara Democratic elected official to a Democrat, you'll get a lecture about why they need to stay in office (to save CA from the Right Wing). We need to get back to the power and strength that comes with fighting for what's really best for Santa Barbara - and that's not voting to keep the Democratic Party tyranny.

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The government (taxpayers) is the largest employer in Santa Barbara, with health services second which also supported by government (taxpayers) supported benefit plans.

Of course this will remain a solidly Democrat town because they have the corner on government(taxpayer) benefits and services. Until it bankrupts itself out of existence.

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No Spanish Stallions? WTH is wrong with these people? In all my years watching the “biggest equestrian parade west of the Mississippi” locals and tourists alike relished the magnificent stallions and the dedication of the charros who shared their fiery steeds with us for one magical day. The magic is slowly being drained from every Santa Barbara tradition I grew up with since 1958. Another example: the giant Christmas trees on State St. where a slow (car) cruise revealed storefronts festooned for the season. Final rant: if you can’t respect the horses and riders (and have a safe, efficient return route planned out) you should be ashamed of yourselves! Spend a week in a barn, feeding, cleaning, exercising such glorious animals. You need some horse sense knocked into you. I’m totally disgusted with our local officials! 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

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'WTH'? I think you mean WTF

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That too!

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So let's look at Fish's article in the light of open Council Statements over the past years since COVID ended.

"Mexican horse riders .... not going to be allowed .... also told they are not welcome." Well who made a public statement 3 years ago that she did not want to see horses on State St. and backed no 4th of July Parade? None other then Councilwoman Sneddon, the same woman who stated she was for a car-less downtown and has promoted every street destruction plan before her. Forget the now clear destruction of businesses on State St. and massive loss of income to the city.

"Specter of Mass Shootings...." Put the tail on the donkey..... Councilman Mikie Jordan made that comment in early 2023. A the Police Lt. at Council in direct response to that allegation, shot (like that wording) down quickly. Jordan is so out of control that even the Democrats who elected him continue to ask "What did we elect?"

"parades are not on State Street any longer is because “inside sources” think some sniper nut job is going to pick off participants....." Fish is being kind by not naming the publication that printed this. Irresponsible is a complete understatement, and part of the intent to destroy what makes the city unique in the entire State.

The City is faced with $7 Million deficit. Downtown Old Town is being torn apart with terrible street design and anti car plans. Where were statements of fact by Harmon and Friedman at the City Finance Committee meeting pointing out this fact? The destruction is spreading like a cancer to outer State St.

This article is spot on.

"And now Santa Barbara is losing much of what makes it special."

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I suspect it is also council woman Kristen Sneddon (Area 4- San Roque-Riviera-Upper East) who is also behind the demand that any State Street renovations be required to include these $10 million dollar per block water run off filtration systems, since this was her first commitment when newly elected to the city council - that every street in town be reconfigured to include a central run-off water filtration system instead of the current gutters and run-offs we now have.

Yet for eight years she allowed vagrant camps remain uncleared along our creeks, causing direct and immediate health bio-hazards flowing into our waterways. Worse than the current one-party domination of our election process, is the ideological hostage-taking of our city priorities that leave us now only with civic stagnation and deficit budgets.

Voters, we must do better.

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I want to take some credit for the water issues in future State street designs. Not from a filter standpoint but I post several times on other local media that the curbs and drains keep water from backing up and flooding businesses. I witnessed this same type of flooding at two of the clients I work for. One on State and the other on Anacapa. It was the first big storm of the past rain season. "Flat & Flexible," should be flat and flooded. . .

On more thing, I live a block from JJ's Liquor's on Castillo. Some years ago I was watching the return parade going by and Pat and her mule passed me. Holy Smokes! I thought she was the coolest entry I've ever seen. Then a few minutes later Brooks Firestone walked by. I got photos of both, even took a 15 second video talking with Brooks. Those really were better days.

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Alejandra G. is no better. I was once admonished at a City Council meeting for suggesting that cars be returned to State Street so that hispanics and whites could participate jointly in continuing the tradition of cruising state street - TOGETHER - united by a common interest. Apparently I did not know what I was talking about and used the incorrect terminology, according to the woke playbook. This from a council member who is supposed to represent the east side! There are about 2 or 3 people worth their salt on CC. One is our mayor. The other ones need to go and be replaced by people who are competent and who have some common sense, rather than political aspirations!

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Hispanics can also be white though, it doesn't somehow mean a person is non white.

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Under CVRA rules, I believe "Spanish language speakers" are the protected class.

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Understood. Again. I am not versed on all of the nuances of race and color identity. I suppose by "white", I mean non-latino or non-hispanic. But that probably isn't correct either. LOL!

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Spanish people and indeed, any person with Spanish heritage to my knowledge is Hispanic. Latino refers to people in Latin America which would include Brazillians and not just Spanish speaking countries.

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It’s tragic that our citizenry continues to vote these people into office. I hadn’t heard about the potential security threat of a sniper. It’s typical though when they want to shut something down, they say it poses a safety threat. A great American once said “a population that gives up its liberty for security deserves neither”. And my favorite, “a government powerful enoughto give you everything is powerful enough to take everything from you”.

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Woke douchebags in charge. We gotta get them out. Somehow.

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Tell 'em looking like a freak from outer space ain't gonna get 'em laid - that'll do it! :)

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I believe it was Councilman Mike Jordan who started the “shooter” mime. When the SBPD was called to Council to testify they didn’t think that was a concern.

Taking them at their word it appears our Historic Downtown should be a neighborhood not a commercial center, ergo you make policies to eliminate retail, restaurants okay.

Please remember the damage they’re doing to our dear city when you vote.

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Look up the Soltera website to see how this new residential high-rise apartment complex in the former Staples parking lot portrays State Street, our downtown and city of Santa Barbara itself when selling their market-price rental units.

Are they selling fumes or fundamentals that we are failing to appreciate? Can you bring life back to State Street living with no car, when there is not even a grocery store close by?

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All I can say is that I am glad that while I was growing up here in S.B. ,the Fiesta parade and all the festivities that came along with it "seemed" to be fairly free of political complications. Of course, I never knew what went on behind the scenes but none the less, the citizens of S.B., as well as the tourists, enjoyed the celebrations. Taking the parade off State Street was, to me, a kind of killer to the parade and after reading Pat's summary of the political garbage that surrounds the Fiesta, I am not sure what the future will hold for this once great part of Santa Barbara history. Very sad.!

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Our city leadership is devoted to the proposition that misery is not just for members of the Democrat party but should be shared equitably by all. I picture a fiesta bicycle parade celebrating cultural, ethnic and sexual orientation diversity. Pedaling for environmental justice under a rainbow flag the future woke fiesta parade represents a vision of the future of our city and country that most people don't want.

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My thoughts exactly when I first read Mr. Fish’s article…as a lover of horses (Great Spirits), sad to learn of the current state of affairs with Our Parade, a festive event that my children participated in…our society seems to be under constant abuse by feckless leaders, resulting in the slow degradation of culture, with the direction towards a broken and Godless society. Anyone happen to watch the Olympic Opening Ceremony? Its replete will Satanic underpinnings & illusions.

https://x.com/mercedesschlapp/status/1817005716466516384?s=61

https://x.com/brittrooted/status/1816961499585462534?s=61

What is happening to Our World?

Symbolism will be their downfall… https://x.com/matttttt187/status/1817218455822635191?s=61

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The Grinch has branched out. What kind of children grow up to want to cancel joy?

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WSJ informs us that young people love being "brats" today - their joy comes from being free-spirited, edgy and irresponsible.

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"free-spirited, edgy and irresponsible"? How 'bout a PITA!

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DL DAWSON---- Just to be accurate, I Pat Fish am female and that's me riding my mule Tobe in a nun's habit; not in drag, just religious.

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DL gave me a lol.

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My mistake…my apologies Ma’am…love the pic, displays a Happy Soul! God Bless…

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The parade has always had soldiers and monks and, yes, lots of white people dressed up as Dignitarios..... so many years ago I decided my mule and I needed to represent the nuns who helped to keep the faith alive. They have always been dedicated to the education of children, I say we need them now more than ever to make up for the woke indoctrination that is poisoning the next generation.

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100% agree, would love to take today’s children back to the “Good Old Days” … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMocpMWfUm0

Looks kinda like Pat Fish at 3:15 mark?

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Sorry to say I wasn't alive in the 1940's, and that comely lass with the flower baskets is on a white donkey. What a great archival video, what a wonderful parade it was !!!

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I don't go quite that far back, but what a great video experience seeing an early Fiesta Day parade down State St. Not sure if the lady at 3:15 is Pat Fish, but I'm sure she's just as beautiful today :)

Btw - click on the little box in the lower right corner to get a full-sized screen view!

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This is exactly what I’m talking about!! What a dam shame. No one knows what they are doing. The boulevard is not long enough to have a beautiful equestrian parade!!! OPEN UP State Street!! Plus you never turn down an entry. This is ruined.

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It was not the valiant Old Spanish Days large volunteer operation that asked to have their parade moved to this new location. That belongs to the past and present city council majorities forcing them to find this new location.

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Charlene I’m afraid that they know exactly what they are doing.

This is well thought out. They have a different vision than many here.

Do you take visitors downtown?

Tourism is down compared to last year.

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I work In the industry. Sadly SB is changing in my opinion the wrong way. This is completely sad. We need people to come to SB to for good reasons. The largest equestrian parade is a huge reason. Makes me sad to learn no one is responding and or telling people not to come.

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Spot on Pat !

Something is definitely not right, pretty darn disorganized this year, who is responsible?

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Fiesta has always been a large civic volunteer operation, so I guess all of us are responsible, if we did not volunteer to help.

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SOMBREROS off to SBC for bringing this article to our awareness! Any idea who, or what, is to replace the only real traditional riders in this year's centennial Desfile? The Constitution guarantees all of us the right to assemble and protest. Can this be done by citizens while on horseback carrying signs like "Charro Lives Matter," "My Horse is My Therapy Animal," or "SBCC: This is a MULE, you are the JACKASS"?

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The Fiesta Parade featuring horses and riders has been a tradition as long as I can remember! It is still a very critical part of Santa Barbara County’s income and products to buy for everyday use. Huge mistake to discount our heritage including trying to destroy those who provide these things to keep us all healthy and useful. Think again SBC before making this mistake again!!

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The last Fiesta Parade on State Street was so overtaken by aggressive egg-sellers with blankets spread across the sidewalks selling gaudy Chinese-made junk it made it impossible to even get near the curb to see the parade. Instead we got chased away by the street sellers who did not want us blocking access to their tawdry rows of very non-Fiesta, non-local junk they were selling - un-permitted, untaxed, and from out of town.

Slowly Fiesta lost its home town vibe while community volunteer events and engagement precipitously dwindled. The rapid proliferation of the out of town egg sellers taking fund-raising away from local organizations and leaving piles of non-biodegradable litter behind was when the former spirit of Fiesta was lost. This was long before Fiesta was required to radically adapt around the loss of State Street itself. Yet we were officially scolded by the SB Police Dept public spokesperson at the time to not complain because we were attacking free-for-all "micro-businesses"

When local booster Silvio deLoreto flipped his last pancake for the annual Fiesta Breakfasts in Alameda Park is when we lost the last truly local civic booster appeal of this event. Thanks to the Old Spanish Days volunteers who are still struggling to bring life back into this event, but I sadly think it is over. The Independent's predictable snark I am sure will celebate its demise.

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The Independent recently promoted an paper which spoke of a native revolt, but I thought violent uprising were insurrections and to be condemned, totally.

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Good post, J. SBPD PR grinding us for objecting to - 'micro-businesses'. Did they all have a business permit?

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J., yes, and sadly this is one of your best comments. In fact I'm agreeing with most of what people are saying.

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Agree - it's mostly and out of town carnival. I think this is upcoming first Fiesta weekend will be the first one in a decade we weren't clever enough to get out of town.

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People do not realize that SB is a testing ground for Dem policies. CRT was here & the subject of lawsuits years before it became national news

Earth Day

Etc

What is the Dem party goal? To instill fear & chaos. To ruin the core family & friends & friendly neighbors.

To control people. They are the party of slave holders. And yes we are slaves/surfs to them.

To go to mail in ballots to make cheating easier.

Democrat Voters are mostly people who believe in helping neighbors & unfortunately bought into the lies of the Dem Party.

Hopefully they wake up to the fear mongering & manipulation.

Some will not. Like the woman at at an outdoor restaurant sitting 6’ away who asked me after I coughed several times if I had Covid.

The snarky response would have been, aren’t you up to date on your death jabs? Aren’t you protected from Covid?

I thought about saying no it’s the regular flu.

I ignored her instead. When she persisted I kindly suggested to her she should leave if she is uncomfortable being outside in a public place over 6’ away from me.

I have allergies Between the lake fire smoke, dust & pollen I cough sometimes.

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Alan Porter

It appears a guy named Bolton is

in charge of everything Fiesta now and

for the foreseeable future. Apparently he and his followers make most of the

decisions. I miss the old guard.

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Years ago, our daughter rode near the front of the Fiesta parade. She was playing the role of the De la Guerra bride. Planning and executing a parade with so many horses takes lots of coordination to get the horses, riders, trailers and their support staff in place and then circle back to pick them up. Our adventure started with my hosing off the massive diarrhea, by the anxious horse, on the bride’s white dress. Then we had to convince a Long Beach Mounted Police rider to loan us his extra white shirt, as the “ groom” riding with our daughter showed up without one. We promised to pick him up with our trailer at the end of the parade, and take him with his horse back to where he had parked at the beginning of the parade. All of this to say that the logistics of getting that many costumed horses, riders, trailers and supporting family and friends in place is a massive logistical feat. The issues raised in this article make me glad that I am not trying to help a rider do this parade.

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