What would Pearl Chase do?

by Bonnie Donovan

Portrait of Pearl Chase. Courtesy: Wikimedia/Babbage

She (Pearl) made it her business to speak out... As good stewards, it is left for us to do the same...  With her Three C's: Communicate, Coordinate, and Cooperate... per Cheri Rae, in her recent biography of Pearl Chase.

Throughout the last six or seven years of writing this column, I have consistently aimed to highlight at least one positive aspect each month. However, it has been quite challenging to get one in while staying updated with all the ongoing events.

But after I do another update on tree loss due to City projects, I will end with something positive. However, we have recently discovered three additional city projects that need to be included in our overall loss count. Our previous total was 216, and with the new additions this week, the count will increase to 229.

Last week, when concerned citizens spoke during open public comment at Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC), the commission was told by staff that they had sat down with this group of three to update them on what they are doing regarding the landmarked Doremus pine trees.  

HLC told these citizens to contact their council members, which they did with a letter and their extensive citizen's report. HLC made it clear to staff that they want the stone pines agendized and a report from the head of the Parks Dept first meeting in May, not to wait until summer, as they had planned.

Staff failed to let them know the following day they would be removing another one of these historical pines.

But a concerned citizen sent me an email with this picture, and I forwarded it to these three same concerned citizens, and they spoke to the city worker, who told them that his supervisor (Nathan Slack) had told him the tree had to come down because, “it was diseased.”

“Diseased” tree. Photo: Concerned Citizen.

They told me, “That had never been discussed, although we did discuss the dead trees in front of the high school. Those have yet to be removed and no comprehensive discussion of replacement trees (as required by the City historic designation) has ever occurred.”

The HLC meeting progressed with two Commissioners presenting their lists on the State Street Promenade plan AKA State Master Plan. But they were reminded again that they have no authority over the (SSAC), despite State Street being in El Pueblo Viejo (EPV). Your input is also not considered in this matter.  But in next week's column we will share their lists.

Tree being loaded into dumpster. Photo: DYK Photographer

Note cone on tree stumps. Photo: DYK Photographer

During a walk, the sound of saws led me to discover four additional trees being removed for a bike path. AKA the 11-million-dollar State Street undercrossing.

Trees removed from Library Plaza Project. Photo: DYK Photographer

Then I received a call informing me about tree removal at the City's Main Library. When talking to a guy over there he said he thinks it was maybe eight or more trees.

Now let's have some good reports… Oh, wait… I just finished the City Council meeting. 

Current condition of crosswalk. Notice the saw cut for road dieting. Photo: DYK Photographer

Taking away a lane of traffic. Photo: DYK Photographer

The Transportation Department proposed changes to improve Haley Street to Castillo and including the Castillo underpass to the waterfront. 

Specifically, they plan to convert the 400 block of Bath Street into a one-way street and remove a portion (75 feet) of the far-right lane on Haley that leads to the northbound 101 on-ramp. They will also be removing some parking along Haley Street. Wonder where they expect these residents to park?

Like we said before, the only way you get your sidewalks or streets repaired is if a bike path is put in. 

Furthermore, it's soon to be announced that the Saturday Farmers Market will be relocated to the 0 West and 0 East block of Carrillo Street starting in September.

It is worth considering that Carrillo Street is considered a main thoroughfare, and the relocation of the market may impact traffic flow.

As we approach the 100th anniversary of the 1925 earthquake, it is advisable to plan ahead and familiarize oneself with alternative routes, as both State Street is closed and on Saturdays, Carrillo Street will be blocked, and Haley will be affected, potentially limiting escape routes. 

 Finally, the positive 

I recently received a call from a reader who was upset with the city (Community Development and Public Works Departments). Instead of simply writing about the issue, I suggested getting a meeting in person to address his concerns.

We managed to gather everyone involved at one table and talk about it; there will be a follow-up meeting very soon. It was refreshing to witness the professionalism, attentiveness, and problem-solving attitude displayed by everyone involved. Thank you to all those who participated.

Bonus Positive

Upon my return home, another city employee was following up on a separate issue that the former mayor and council member had attempted to handle but never followed through on. We will see if this new approach yields better results.

To all our dedicated city employees, I want to express my gratitude for your professionalism, proactive attitude, and willingness to listen. Your efforts are truly appreciated, and I encourage you to continue the good work. Thank you for your commitment to serving our community.

And your final bonus: SB Current was launched five months ago (November 15, 2023) and we now have had over 1.7 million views; our average daily views are over 22,000. Thank you to all our subscribers!

Something Cool you might want to do

Old Mission Santa Barbara will be hosting the Old Mission Motor Show for the first time ever. It will be held July 13 (9 am to 2 pm) on the front lawn, and against the backdrop of this historic national landmark. For more information, please click here.

Wouldn't you want the opportunity for the picture that no one else would have: your car in front of the "Queen of the Missions?"