SBCAN In the News

By Sonia Fernandez, Noozhawk Staff Writer 

While official comments have not been made on the recirculated portions of the UCSB Long-Range Development Plan’s Environmental Impact Report, Goleta leaders have made it clear they are not satisfied with the university’s plans.

By Lara Cooper, Noozhawk Staff Writer

 The November election will see mail ballots, an extended drop-off voting period and fewer polling places

 Santa Barbara voters will get to mail in their votes in November after the City Council approved a vote-by-mail measure that could save the city nearly $50,000 in election costs. According to clerk services manager Cynthia Rodriguez, the city’s voting data from 1983 to 2007 shows that vote-by-mail has steadily increased each election. In fact, Rodriguez said the 2007 election had nearly 70 percent of the ballots cast by mail.

 In addition to saving money for the city, the new vote-by-mail system would extend voter opportunity. The vote-by-mail period would run from Oct. 5 to Nov. 3, and voters may also cast ballots at City Hall during during regular business hours in that period. The city’s plan also includes sending ballots with pre-paid postage.

In light of recent spills, the board considers its options for dealing with high-risk oil companies.

In light of the onshore and offshore oil spills that have occurred in the past year, Santa Barbara County has made efforts to become more aware and responsive to such incidents. But members of the Board of Supervisors’ new board majority still found themselves somewhat unsatisfied by their options Tuesday during a presentation on the state of oil and gas operations in the county, and the power they have to punish high-risk offenders.

By Sam Womack/Staff Writer

After four years on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, the oft-described “gentleman politician” Brooks Firestone said he has no regrets from his time in the elected office.

The 72-year-old businessman, winemaker and politician cast his last vote for the 3rd District and Santa Barbara County at a quickly convened meeting Tuesday in Santa Barbara.

After spending much of the past 13 years in public office, first as a state Assemblyman from 1994-1998, then as a county supervisor, Firestone is looking forward to writing a book of stories on animals, singing in the Santa Barbara Choral Society and being a “grandchild support mechanism,” he said.

He is retired from much of his family business ventures, but said he plans to continue working in the vineyard of the Curtis Winery, which produces Rh™ne-style wines in the Santa Ynez Valley.