County 10-8

Midland School in Los Olivos was recognized on 9/30 with a 2009 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership award, the only one given in California. A small private school, Midland was given the nod for its unique approach to education that combines rigorous academics with an unblinking commitment to self-reliance and stewardship of the land that includes students chopping their own firewood, growing their own produce, and building solar arrays.

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The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on 10/6 gave preliminary approval that would set parking fees at a new 45-spot lot in Isla Vista. While the ordinance must come before the board again for final approval, the supervisors gave initial approval to a fee of $1 for the first hour and $3 for two hours, as well as $12 for the whole day. Revenue from the charges -expected to raise $16,000 annually after costs -will go toward maintenance projects and programs in the college community.