County 7-24
It’s better to live in California’s 24th CongresÂ-sional District than the 23rd, according to the American Human Development Report, published 7/16 by the Social Science Research Council and Columbia University Press. Of 436 districts nationwide, the 24th ranked 38th while the 23rd fell short at 187th. The ranking is created from a compilation of government sources documenting standard of living, access to knowledge, general health, and longevity.
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Alternative transit and social justice organizations are lobbying the Metropolitan Transit District to spare riders a fare increase designed to offset the million-dollar budget deficit caused by rising fuel prices. They ask that the increase only affect people buying single fares (which now go for $1.25 a ride) so those who depend on the buses for transportation and buy bulk passes won’t be unduly burdened. MTD Boardmember Dave Davis said, however, that this scenario would only result in casual riders buying bulk passes. (/busfares)
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A 7/21 Naples hearing at the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission aimed to find consensus on the development project regarding several extraneous issues such as coastal access trails, the specifics of an Open Space Management Plan, and viewshed impacts of certain houses on the mountain side of Highway 101. In the end, the commission voted 3-2 that five of the most visible houses were not in violation of county code.
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Most county mental health clients in supportive housing will begin reassessment this week as Mental Health Services reorganizes around a budget slashed by almost a third. Department director Ann Detrick promised a net loss of zero beds, and no one would be kicked into homeless shelters. She has issued a Request for Proposals for a $1-million-per-year contract to provide residential services. (/mentalhealth724)
