Yes on Measure Z

They save lives, our firefighters. That’s a fact. We as a community and nation highly value our fire fighters who do so much more than fight fires. Possibly your life and certainly a loved one or friend has had an encounter with the professionals from our local fire department.

On April 6, ballots will be mailed to all registered voters within the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire District boundaries. Ballot Measure Z when approved will allow the building and renovation of fire stations in Summerland and Carpinteria. Facilities and equipment space will be modernized which will allow proper space and safety features. Moreover, this will allow firefighters to remain in our own community to receive mandatory training thus reducing costs.

Measure Z, a $10.65 million bond, spread out over 30 years, will be assessed only as upgrades occur. Measure Z requires a two-thirds “yes” vote. A “yes” vote will build a new fire station on Lillie Avenue, near the existing 100-year-old fire station. The tiny Summerland fire station has outgrown its humble beginnings.

Minor controversy over the scope of the fire station replacement has been alleviated by the inclusion of continued community input, compromise, and agreement that a new station that looks professional and works economically will serve our community for decades to come.

The Carpinteria fire station has stood proudly for 50 years but needs to remain standing and functioning should the “Big One” hit. A 2012 structural engineering report by Kanda Tso Structural Engineers stated that the building could not withstand a significant earthquake and was not in compliance with the California Essential Service Seismic Safety Act. Measure Z will correct these deficiencies.

We hope we count on your yes support …. Remember to mail your ballot by May 5, the deadline.

Signed by the YES on Measure Z SAVES Committee: Suzy Cawthon, Fran Davis, Reeve Woolpert, Lisa Guravitz, Mary Jo Yaeger, Jane Benefield, Doug Qualls, and Ben Miller