Caruso’s Commitment to Compliance
By Montecito Journal   |   October 8, 2024

I was dismayed to see the Journal’s front-page headline stating that the Miramar “short circuits local process and heads to county,” accompanied by a fabricated image of the project. The Miramar has done nothing except recognize, along with the County, that the law leaves the jurisdiction of this matter with the County rather than with […]

A Message to MBAR
By Montecito Journal   |   September 24, 2024

I’m writing to express my deep concern regarding the sudden and dramatic change in the appearance of our neighborhood, which seems to have unfolded in the last few weeks on your watch. As I’m sure you have noticed, there are now copious amounts of enormous fiber optic wires, apparently installed by someone with an enthusiasm […]

 

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Major Political Issue No.1: Trade
By Jeff Harding   |   September 17, 2024

I, who get my tirades published every other week, have five articles to write before the November 2 election, starting now.  These articles will give context to the issues that you will hear from our presidential candidates. Readers who have suffered through my policy critiques understand that I try to explain what works and what […]

The Way it Was
By Montecito Journal   |   September 10, 2024

Historian Hattie Beresford’s most recent The Way It Was column, about Andrew Carnegie’s 1910 visit to Santa Barbara and the civic good works of his associates, Charles Lewis Taylor and Henry Smith Pritchett, was a winner. Ms. Beresford’s work is consistently educational and enjoyable — a reliable, welcome gem among the din of real estate […]

Not a Pogrom
By Montecito Journal   |   September 3, 2024

Gwyn Lurie makes statements about anti-war protesters yet leaves out valuable information in her claims. She states that protesting outside of a synagogue is antisemitic while leaving out the very important substance of the protests. This is incredibly misleading. No one inside the synagogue was practicing their religion; there was an illegal sale of Palestinian […]

Harris or Trump?
By Jeff Harding   |   August 27, 2024

In my last two articles I reviewed the policies of candidates Harris and Trump. Here’s my take on the two. Just so you know, the standards through which I analyze politics and policy are things that have worked best over the years to make us the most prosperous country in the world: individual liberty, freedom […]

Reclaiming Our Power: A Feminist Manifesto for the 2024 Election
By Delaney Smith   |   August 20, 2024

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon in Santa Barbara. My fiancée and I were strolling down the street, hand in hand, on our way to pick up Mexican food. We were in high spirits, enjoying our day off, when two UCSB students approached us with an unusual request. They were hosting a podcast on modern […]

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  • It’s Donald!
    By Jeff Harding   |   August 13, 2024

    My last article (“It’s Kamala!”) was about Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president. This one is about Donald Trump as nominee for the Republicans. I’ve written a lot about Trump over the years, most of it critical of him and his policies. Like my article on Kamala, I try to rely on facts, […]

    Blessings from Blessings
    By Montecito Journal   |   July 30, 2024

    Dear Montecito Journal,  Thank you. Woof woof! My dog friends saw me in the paper and now they all want to be Top Dogs too! Blessings The Need for Affordable Housing Montecito needs affordable housing. The Miramar is doing it the right way. Hard-working employees deserve the chance to live near their jobs. That basic […]

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    The Thing You Can’t Unsee
    By Jeff Harding   |   July 16, 2024

    It would be remiss of me to ignore our current political turmoil.  One thing is obvious: You can’t unsee what happened to Biden in the first presidential debate. No matter what he does from that moment on, that performance will be forefront in the minds of voters.  Another obvious thing: Trump isn’t going away. Republicans […]

    Lead Or Get Out of The Way
    By Gwyn Lurie   |   July 16, 2024

    I hope you enjoyed your July 4th holiday, celebrating America’s hard-won freedom from the imperious whims of a despot, as symbolized by the signing of the Declaration of Independence almost 250 years ago, on July 4, 1776. It’s also interesting to note that several distinguished historians have stated that democracies last for only 250 years.  […]

    Embracing Miramar’s Plan for Employee Housing
    By Montecito Journal   |   July 16, 2024

    Having moved to Montecito in 1973, I well remember the many memorable activities at the Miramar. To me, the Miramar was the “Gateway” to Montecito/Santa Barbara coming in from the 101 Highway. It was then, as it is today, a magical location for both locals as well as the guests to spend rewarding time with […]

    Should I Stay or Should I Go? How to Live in California Without Paying for It
    By Jeff Harding   |   July 9, 2024

    I thought the Clash song would be a good title. It rather succinctly states the dilemma faced by those wishing to immigrate to California. Here’s my premise: You are a wealthy couple from a place where you made your money, but you wish for the California lifestyle and climate in your latter years. Home is […]

    Local Observations
    By Montecito Journal   |   July 9, 2024

    I support both Russel Ruiz and Cliff Gherson’s thoughtful and on-point letters to the editor in opposition to the glitz shopping center about to be dropped from the Trojan horse of “affordable housing.” I’ve known both of these good fellows for probably 50 years as a resident and small business owner here in this wonderful […]

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