In this, the last part of the series, I wanted to focus on certain hopeful, albeit early, steps that the Council, our award-winning city Housing Authority, and downtown property owners have taken to build affordable housing and improve the downtown corridor. Together these folks believe in a soaring State Street future and are spending real […]

Everyone has a perspective and Peter Lewis, who completed our newest 82-unit complex, Soltara Apartments, is no exception. That said, Peter has lived here for 47 years and understands the complexity of creating new SB housing. So we chatted a bit and this is what I learned. In 2024, the state approved our Housing Element […]

There was recently a “Letter to the Editor” published about the sale of the Battistone properties that could be misunderstood. After reading it, I thought I should reach out to provide important information about the potential sale. For over 50 years, the Battistone Foundation has been dedicated to its charitable purpose of providing low-cost housing […]

President Trump, casting himself as the nation’s top investment guru and seeing opportunity in Intel, announced the government’s $8.9 billion investment in Intel for a ten percent stake in the company. The money comes from Biden’s Chips Act, the purpose of which was to create more onshore chip manufacturing. Intel had already received $2.2 billion […]

Those of us with even a modicum of “context” know that Santa Barbara is not unique. Prices continue to rise – as they do around the globe – and new housing stock, at least in SB-land, is as rare as shared martinis between Trump and Newsom. So, yes, I thought I would venture onto the […]

Recently, I’ve heard directly from youth in our schools – many carrying a weight far too heavy for their young shoulders. Some are afraid to leave their parents and family members, fearful that someone might swoop in and take them away. Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in and around Santa Barbara County is […]

The idea that many of my fellow citizens think favorably about socialism astounds me when I consider the sad tale of socialism’s history. I’m looking for reasons why that is. Here’s some background. I think most of it is because of what we teach our children. They are not taught to think critically. It starts […]

About 10 days ago, ICE was reportedly in Montecito and detained several hardworking gardeners on Hot Springs Road — individuals who are not criminals. This has raised serious concerns in the community. Separately, the ongoing construction, particularly with the new roundabouts, is creating significant safety issues. The traffic flow and congestion are becoming increasingly dangerous […]

Does your heart break for the children? Well, my heart breaks for ALL of them, including those who are exploited by a soulless industry that our county coddles, controls and licenses. America recently learned what those of us in the cannabis-know already knew: this industry preys on the most vulnerable, those who have no voice […]

New York City Democrats just nominated a very woke socialist, Zohran Mamdani, for mayor. They say he has a good shot at winning.  I’m not surprised. After all, NYC is a liberal/progressive bastion. They’ve already got AOC (Andrea Ocasio-Cortez), the Congresswoman representing much of the Bronx.  Most democratic socialists want free stuff like health care, […]