Why not simply establish the name of the Santa Barbara Airport terminal building by means of a “naming opportunity” – essentially a philanthropic naming auction – such as many, many public and private institutions do? Let it be known that, for the appropriate contribution to the proper fund, the winner can designate the honoree (often him/herself).

There might be some tasteful ground rules which would make this politically palatable: for example, that the name would have to be that of an individual or family, rather than that of a corporation or other (ephemeral) commercial venture. So, Ted Turner Terminal would be acceptable, but CNN Terminal would not be. Or, Vito Corleone Family Terminal, but not Genco Pura Olive Oil Company Terminal (the name of the Godfather’s front company).

My suggestion might be received either with indignation or with sly chuckles, but I am dead serious. Think how a few million dollars would help the financial status either of the Santa Barbara Airport or of the City of Santa Barbara. Just make sure it is enough million dollars; don’t give it away.

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