Posted on May 23 at 8:18 a.m.

Part 2: The community plan that Lansing is referring to was not a popular one. That is when hundred of citizens including myself became aware of what was planned for our community. For one, the plan was going to devalue agricultural land by changing zoning from 100 acre to much larger parcels like 300 and 600. They were also going to put some very high density housing projects in areas that many residents did not agree with. Lansing does not mention that a couple of years later with a new VPAC chair the community did agree on a revised plan that was sent for EIR a couple of years ago.

I was also at the VPAC meeting a couple of years ago when Dr. Herthel gave his presentation on the Montanaro property that his family purchased when POLO could not raise enough money to buy the property for a town park. (Investec had the backup offer on this property if POLO or Herthel were not able to purchase it) He has requested that the property be re-zoned along with the current community plan from the current residential zoning that would allow around 30 homes to 5 acre agricultural zoning, which would allow only a few if it was ever build on. I can tell you the room of 150 people was pretty happy with this voluntary devaluing of ones property.

In that same VPAC meeting a POLO member updated us on the park. I believe that they did not like some of potential uses allowed with the recreation zoning such as a PARKING Lot. Since our park is about 1/4 to 1/2 acre the membership did not want the county to ever get their hands on that property for a parking lot for the town. Instead they put deed restrictions on the property so that it would remain a Park in perpetuity.

I have to say that being a citizen who takes the time to show up at meetings in our county these people are legit. They are truly honest people that are working their butts off as private citizens. If Steve's face is Red in the ads it is probably from working so hard. The majority of the people in the know in this community are behind them as we have seen from their actions over the past 6 or 7 years that they are truly looking out for us.

As for Lansing, ..... to be expected.

Could your hit piece possibly be a ploy to discredit Steve Pappas to the benefit of your candidate Mrs. Farr?

On Pappas Ads Bunk

Posted on May 23 at 8:17 a.m.

Part 1: As a citizen in the valley that has been to many of the GPAC and VPAC meetings over the years and has followed many of our local issues I would say that Lansing has left out a few details. Lansing, it was your style of leadership as the GPAC chair that got me interested in what was going on in the town that I live in. I have to thank you for that.

I attended those community landfill meetings, and I too like Steve Pappas did not agree with the county's plan to dig up years of contaminated waste and truck it in over 5,000 loads past my sons elementary school to deposit it on the hillside of the closed foxen canyon landfill just a couple of miles up stream from Los Olivos, Ballard, Solvang, and Buellton. I am glad that our local citizens got involved in that one.

I was also at the Board of Supervisors Meetings several years ago when dozens of concerned citizens showed up to beg our supervisors to oppose the tribe from removing more off reservation land in Santa Ynez from local control for casino expansion. The tribe said that they wanted to build a museum and commercial park on the land, but they don't have to annex the land to do that. Lets not forget their plans to partner with Fess Parker several years ago to annex over 500 acres for a new casino and 500 homes. When our board of supervisors ignored the public it was Steve Pappas and POLO that filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government (still pending). That lawsuit is the only thing that has stopped the tribe from annexing more land for casino expansion. By the way have you seen the video on UTube of tribal Chairman Vince Armenta saying that he wants congress to help him reclaim his lands which extend from Malibu to Morro Bay. He currently has his attorneys using a well meaning cultural resources law to gain control of over 50 private properties in our county. Santa Barbara, Montecito and Goleta residents. This is not just a Santa Ynez Valley issue. The tribe can buy land where you live too and petition the federal government to put up a casino in your neighborhood. And by the way, if that happens no local zoning or environmental laws apply. In case you are not familiar with the effects of this casino on our community, I can tell you that the entertainment factor of the major bands that they bring in does not offset the major increase in traffic, crime, drugs, and political corruption. At somewhere around $1 Million in daily profits it has some clout with the local officials.

On Pappas Ads Bunk