Positions on Issues

SB CAN monitors local governments, analyzes issues, and takes positions on issues that affect the quality of life in Santa Barbara County.  Below you will find a list of positions that we have taken on pertinent issues.

SB CAN Executive Director testifies at BOS hearing

 

September 30, 2008 - Lompoc Wind Energy Farm, County Planning Commission

Supported the development of a "wind farm" near Lompoc that could power up to 50,000 homes.  Advised additional monitoring of impacts on bird and bat migrations and the creation of a conservation easement.  The commission approved the project with additional monitoring of impacts on bird and bat populations.

September 16, 2008 - Mahoney Ranch South, Santa Maria City Council

Opposed the development of 1,430 residential units, for potentially 5,000 people, in a rural, isolated area on prime agricultural land at the furthermost boundary of the city of Santa Maria, miles away from the nearest public services and facilities. This plan is a prime example of leapfrog development and urban sprawl and is inconsistent with several of the city's General Plan Goals.  The city council approved the project with a 5/0 vote.

September 8, 2008 - Fair Fares for Santa Barbara MTD Bus Riders

Testified at the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transportation District hearing for ensuring that needed increases in fares to cover increased fuel costs did not put undue hardships on the transit dependent, including low-income families, students, and seniors.  SB CAN was part of a larger coalition of organizations inlcuding PUEBLO and COAST concerned about proposed rate hikes that had been meeting with MTD staff on this issue.  At the September 8 hearing, the MTD Board reached a compromise with the coalition on proposed increases that all agreed was fair. 

 

August 26, 2008 - BOS Hearing on the Energy Crisis and off-shore oil drilling

SB CAN urged the County Board of Supervisors to continue its long-time support for the ban on new off-shore oil drilling.  Supervisors Firestone and Centeno had drafted a letter to Governor Schwarzenegger asking him to lift the ban, citing misleading information on about how new oil drilling could help reduce fuel prices and natural oil seeps.  The Board voted 3/2 to send the letter.  Soon after, SB CAN joined 50 other national, international, and local environmental organizations in sending a letter the Governor commending his continued support for the moratorium on new off-shore oil drilling.  

 July 8 - Support for Agricultural Workers Van Pool Propram

SB CAN asked the Board of Supervisors to continue its support for the program that provides safe, affordable transportation to agricultural workers in northern Santa Barbara County.

July 3 - Oppose formation of the Santa Rita Hills Service District

Testified at LAFCO hearing opposing the formation of a service district that would encourage increased development of agricultural land.  The Santa Rita Hills is home to some of the most valuable vineyards in the county.  The Board voted to for the formation of the SD.

June 17, 2008 - Santa Barbara City Height Limit Initiative

SB CAN met with representatives from both sides of the issue to discuss the initiative's impacts on the community.  After much discussion, SB CAN resolved to oppose the Initiative should it come to ballor, but to support efforts that would formulate compromise or alternative measures that would provide for height limitations but with exceptions for projects of public benefit, including the provision of affordable housing.

March 20, 2008 - Regional Housing Assessment Needs (RHNA)

Testified at the Santa Barbara County Associated Governments (SBCAG) Board meeting on the importance of distributing the RHNA numbers in a way that would balance jobs and housing across the county, making sure that affordable and workforce housing are located near jobs and transportation centers.  SBCAG Board voted 10/3 to approve a plan that will distribute RHNA numbers in a way that will improve the housing/job ratio.

March 18, 2008 - Eastern Goleta Community Plan

Testified at the Board of Supervisors meeting on the need to allow projects that benefit the public to go through the planning process while the community is updating its community plan. Supervisors voted 4/1 in favor of the public benefit exemption.

March 4, 2008 - Campaign Finance Limiations

Testified at the Santa Maria City Council meeting, advocating that the City adopt an ordinance similar to San Luis Obispo's, limiting the amount of dollars that can be contributed by  individuals or organizations to a candidate running for city council or mayor.  Council voted 5/0 to oppose limiting campaign contributions.