Alternative Transit Champion Barry Siegel Dies
Nick Welsh remembers him as someone dedicated to bettering Santa Barbara County.
Author: Nick Welsh
New Allies, Diminished Expectations for Commuter Rail
Normally restrained, reticent, and cautious to a fault, Santa Barbara City Councilmember Roger Horton was uncharacteristically jubilant about the prospects for commuter rail after last Friday’s meeting with his counterparts in Ventura County. “It was kind of a miracle,” Horton gushed. At first, the action taken by the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) seemed exceedingly modest.
Supporters Rally for Evicted Nuns
Ernie Salomon, Santa Barbara’s curmudgeonly crusader and outspoken public-access talk show host, has jumped into the fray to save the three Sisters of Bethany nuns from being evicted from their digs at 250 North Nopal Street, next to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
Walkin’ the Light Blue Line
Developer Jerry Beaver is seeking donations to help defray the $35,000 he said he spent fighting Light Blue Line, the global warming awareness project withdrawn by its proponents in the face of withering scorn in late August. Beaver dismissed as “so much horse manure” reports that he’d use the money collected to bankroll those running against incumbent city councilmembers Das Williams, Helene Schneider, and Brian Barnwell, noting that he knew only one of the challengers, Frank Hotchkiss, and would make a modest donation to his campaign.
Last Train to Dogville
GUT PILE BLUES: About two weeks ago, nearly 900,000 Barbie dolls were recalled by the manufacturer because lead-based paint had been used to achieve the dolls’ perfectly uniform tan pigmentation. Lead, when sucked, renders the suckee permanently stupid. It’s a known fact. And to own a Barbie is to suck a Barbie. That, too, is a known fact.
News-Press Takes the Offensive
While lawyers begin bargaining with the union, the paper is again seeking to cancel employers vote to unionize.
Who Will Succeed Firestone?
Following Brooks’ decision not to seek a second term, tongues wag about who will lead the county’s 3rd district.
City Firefighters Decline to Make Council Endorsements
Doing so would be inappropriate during contract talks, the union president said.
Conflict of Interest in Cottage Hospital Construction Bid?
Cottage CEO Ron Werft says no, that pains are being taken to keep Michael Towbes out of project talks.
Running Dogs Gather No Bones
ASK MR. BROOKS: I know that in some circles Supervisor Brooks Firestone couldn’t buy a friend. But I’ve always liked the guy. Admittedly, I’m a sucker for Brooks’s patrician enthusiasm, his congenial affability that masks a cold, steely will. How could I be expected to resist someone who informs you, as Brooks recently did me, “Despite your little, twisted mind, I enjoy speaking to you.”
