Independent Letters: Noleta, No Problem

Noleta, No Problem

The honorable members of the Santa Barbara City Council have only themselves to blame for their “defeat” by LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission) on March 1 [News of the Week, “New Developments,” Mar. 8]. In their push to expand the city’s sphere of influence (SOI) (a first step toward annexing “Noleta”), the council relied on a petition circulated by two groups: West Santa Barbara Committee and Committee For One. The connection between these two committees is not clear. Their petition, which asked the City of Santa Barbara to initiate an amendment to its SOI to include our area, allegedly obtained 4,000 signatures (from an area of 30,000). But unfortunately, this petition was deliberately misleading. It left signers only the choice between joining Santa Barbara or Goleta, omitting the option of maintaining the status quo — i.e., remaining with the county. The petitions were deficient in several other respects as well. Yet the city accepted them at face value without exercising due diligence, despite repeated warnings from residents such as myself who prefer the status quo.

My neighbors and I are quite content with the county’s governance, especially now that we have a more responsive supervisor in Janet Wolf. The petition sponsors never revealed the reasons behind their attempts to join the city. I can’t think of any reasons why we need another layer of government. Why fix something that is not broken? Or do they have a hidden agenda?

One thing is sure: It will cost the residents of our semi-rural area more in fees and taxes if the city should ever take over — with no tangible benefits.

I suggest the contentious matter finally be laid to rest, especially since it appears the city has lost interest. This conclusion is partly based on an email Mayor Blum sent me on March 6, in which she wrote, “Last Thursday’s vote [by LAFCO] to continue indefinitely told me that we are not coming back to a vote. I could be wrong, but I would think we are done.” I hope she’s right. 

— Herman Pfauter

Source: Independent - Letters - 3-15-2007