Vote Greene and Other Letters to the Editor

Most people don’t know how important the office of Clerk-Recorder-Assessor is. We vote for that person because they oversee our records, property taxes, and perhaps most importantly, our elections.

That’s why we need someone who shows up and knows the work. That person is Melinda Greene.

Melinda has been the Chief Deputy Clerk-Recorder-Assessor for 12 years, so she knows all aspects of the department. She’s very proactive about ensuring that we are protected from fraud in every area that she oversees. She’s gone the extra mile to get certified in all the areas covered by the job and keeps up with the latest developments in the field.

By contrast, the incumbent, Joe Holland, hasn’t been in the office in more than 18 months. When asked to present to the Board of Supervisors about election safety, he was a no-show, sending his deputy. He was first elected in 2002 – that’s 24 years ago. Whether it’s burnout or arrogance, he’s clearly not interested in doing the job we elected him to do.

Melinda offers the perfect balance of expertise and freshness. She will hit the ground running, with energy and commitment.

Please vote Melinda Greene for Clerk-Recorder-Assessor.

Sincerely,
Laura Selken, Santa Maria

Cars on State

I agree a thousand percent with Jeff Harding’s assessment of State Street (4/30-5/7, 2026). When I wrote my concerns to my councilman, Oscar Gutierrez, over a year ago, he assured me a survey had been taken and most citizens agreed keeping the promenade was a fabulous idea. I said no one asked me. I worked near State Street for many years. I saw the vacant storefronts on a daily basis. No one ever suggested the answer was to close the street to cars, but I remember rumblings to that effect. I rode my bike from the Westside to work on Figueroa for years. I like bikes and envisioned the safe cycling in European countries. This is not Europe. This is the USA where cars are supreme. The City thoughtfully built numerous parking lots to park said cars, and then go shop. This latest effort is silly and expensive and will finish off local retail.

Thanks, Mayor Rowse, for being the unpopular voice in opposition.

Cheryl Niccoli

Steyer for Governor

For me, the only choice for governor is Tom Steyer. Many worrisome issues plague California but eclipsing them all is climate change. Through my work as a natural history filmmaker showcasing animals and the environment for places like National Geographic, the BBC and PBS, it’s clear our rapidly warming world is becoming inhospitable to us all. Steyer has been focused on climate change since 2012. To those who say, “But he is a billionaire!” – I say it is true that early on he invested in oil and gas and other things that weren’t great but he broke with his company in 2012 when they wouldn’t divest from the fossil fuels. He genuinely wants to make amends. He will stand up to the fossil fuel industry and will fight for the renewals industry with equal vigor. I went to college with Tom and while I didn’t know him that well nor have I stayed in touch, I’ve watched him over the years, and he is the same Tom he was in college: whip smart, fiercely determined, and a good guy. When I heard him recently in Santa Barbara I felt he sincerely wants to make California the best it can be for his children and their children. Climate activist Bill McKibben said this about Steyer: “I can’t think of a more knowledgeable and committed climate champion in political life in America today.” Steyer has my vote, and for our kids and their future, I hope he has yours too.

Mimi deGruy

Absence Is Not Leadership

I was stunned watching Santa Barbara County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor Joe Holland’s budget presentation before the Board of Supervisors.

Mr. Holland was unprepared, confused, and not present in the room. When pressed, he acknowledged that he has not been to a County facility in 18 months. 

When asked how he manages his department, he emphasized that he is available by phone. This is not leadership.

The Clerk-Recorder-Assessor’s Office oversees vital records, property assessments, and elections. We deserve a department head who is present, paying attention, and accountable.

Equally concerning is that Mr. Holland is collecting his full public pension while also receiving a full government salary. While this “double-dipping” may be legal, it raises ethical questions about stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

The voters choose the Clerk-Recorder-Assessor. With an election approaching, we deserve more from someone entrusted with essential public responsibilities. That person is Holland’s deputy, Melinda Greene.

Even a glance at Ms. Greene’s website tells you how qualified she is, and how committed. Visit www.melindagreene.org and you’ll read all about her 12 years of experience as chief deputy, accumulating the credentials to be an expert: she’s a CPA, a CPFO CERA, Advanced Appraiser, and a Housing Finance Professional! She has experience in systems innovation, capital finance, and election integrity. And she’s an innovator who is committed to combatting fraud, elder abuse, and domestic violence.

Who do we want for the next four years in this job? Someone who has been there for 24 years and phones it in? Or an energetic experienced professional who shows up every day, keeps expanding her qualifications to do a better job, and is committed to providing the highest level of service?

Pick the person who has been showing up and doing the work, not the one staying home and collecting two salaries. Choose Melinda Greene.  

Lee Heller
Santa Barbara, CA