April is National Poetry Month, and again this year, Santa Barbara offers a monthlong festival to celebrate. The following are the readings, workshops, and celebrations that shall entertain our literary minds for the next few weeks.
In a move signaling a significant change of heart, Democratic Congressmember Lois Capps voted against a $72 billion appropriations measure, most of which would be used to fund American military operations in Iraq. “In good conscience, I can’t continue to provide our administration a blank check when I believe they’ve failed in the handling of the war,” Capps said. Although she voted against giving President Bush authority to wage war on Iraq in 2002, Capps has supported most subsequent military appropriations measures, arguing that American troops should not suffer due to funding constraints. Although Capps previously opposed withdrawing our troops from Iraqcalling it cutting and runningshe has now joined the Out of Iraq caucus, arguing that our military presence may be fueling the insurgency. Capps was one of only 72 members of Congress to vote against supplemental appropriations.
A corrections officer at Santa Barbara County Jail faces criminal investigation by the District Attorney’s officeas well as an internal administrative investigationfollowing allegations by a female inmate that she and the officer had “inappropriate contact.” Sheriff’s spokesperson Erik Raney would not say whether the alleged contact was consensual, adding that the Sheriff’s Department could not legally comment. The officer was placed on paid administrative leave.
With activism, the environment, history, social change, selfhelp, and a bit of whimsy, this season of renewal in bookstores and lecture halls is filled with a plethora of exciting lectures and events. Whether your interest is understanding nearby nature, finding inner happiness, or seeking political justice, pack your notepad, budget for buying new books, and become educated, galvanized, and inspired.
Transit advocates assailed a draft plan for renewing the countywide sales tax that helps pay for roads and transportation. The draft calls for a renewed half-cent tax and an additional quarter-cent tax to appear on the November ballot as Measures A and B. At a public outreach meeting Thursday, several speakers pressed staff to either combine the two measures or shift more projects to Measure A, which has the best chance of passing, while bus advocates insisted that Metropolitan Transit District should control its fate rather than as a line item on other agencies’ budgets. The County Association of Governments’ staff will present the draft measures to its board on April 5, and again on April 20, before it is sent to the cities and county for their approval.
Still hurting from the high cost of running for office, members of the Santa Barbara City Council took a few baby steps toward campaign finance reform Tuesday afternoon. By a unanimous vote, the council approved the formation of a new committee to study how other cities have dealt with the issue and to what effect.
ROCKIN’ THE OLD WEST: With so many concert venues to choose from in Santa Barbara County, most locals may think they’ve seen it all. But even the most dedicated concert lover might not be familiar with the Pozo Saloon. Hidden off the beaten path of the major highways in rural San Luis Obispo County, it’s a long way to go for a show. But if you’re willing to make the trip, you’ll find the experience to be well worth your time. About a half-hour’s drive off the 101 on the way to, and past, Santa Margarita Lake, the Pozo Saloon is a quaint little venue that was part of the once-bustling old western town of Pozo. Since the rise of fast cars and freeways, the saloon is the only part of the town that managed to survive. Now considered a historical landmark and authentic relic of the Old West, the Pozo Saloon has occasionally played host to favorites like Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, and Los Lobos. Its rustic and low-profile surroundings make it a relaxing stage for both performers and fans.
Four years after Goleta’s incorporation, city staff has completed the draft of its general plan, which will guide Goleta’s future development. The working drafts of the Goleta General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan’s various elements have each been reviewed by the City Councilwhich in turn has taken public commentevery time the council met in its capacity as the Planning Agency. The quantity, affordability, and placement of new housing promises to be the most controversial issue during public hearings on the plan; the hearings will begin in mid-April, with final adoption slated for mid-September.
Although California high schools are increasingly promoting healthy snack choices for students, a new statewide study concluded the majority of campus marketing remained devoted to junk food and cola beverages. Of the 20 high schools studied by the Public Health Institute, one was in Santa Barbarathough the report’s authors declined to identify which one. The report found 60 percent of promotional posters found in high school halls extolling junk food, while less than 28 percent of promo materials pushed healthy snacks. The offending advertisements were most frequently found on the vending machines themselves, according to the study. With adolescent obesity on the rise, Californian public schools have come under increasing pressure to limit junk-food access; school officials argue that such marketing covers the costs of numerous extracurricular programs.
LATE-BREAKING ICON UPDATE: Sometimes nervous-making, last-minute replacement scenarios yield gold. Trumpeter/funny man Jack Sheldon‘s planned guest artist slot on Monday’s City College Jazz Ensemble concert was canceled on short notice. A well-placed call later, the spot was filled by none other than flugelhorn-trumpet master Clark Terry. All the better: Terry is one of those last-link legends through whom to connect historical dots. The humble and comedic jazz titan’s resume traces back to Charlie Barnett and Count Basie in the swing era, sweeps through bebop, a ’50s stint with Duke Ellington, work with Miles Davis, and beyond. At a concert appearance at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Idaho two years ago, Terry (1920-) played beautifully from his wheelchair and took the microphone to address the audience: “Ladies and gentlemen :” he paused for effect. “The golden years suck.” Maybe so, maybe not. But when Terry plays, life is beautiful.
