Morale at the SB News-Press Goleta Printing Plant

Craig Smith is reporting that "Word is that out at the News-Press' state of the art printing plant in Goleta morale is low. It's July and the employees are still waiting to receive their annual raises."

SBNP Opinion: Who will watch the watchers?

Hersel Mikaelian has a letter to the esteemed City Council of Goleta in today's SB News-Press opinion section. (Subscription required to view.)

Congratulations on the good work you already have done. However, many of your supporters are curious about changes that are not being brought about...

Travis Armstrong vs. Kristen Amyx and the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce: Round 3

Round 3... Travis Armstrong's opinion column today: "S.B. public money goes for Goleta politicking?"

Travis Armstrong vs. Kristen Amyx and the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce: Round 2

Round 2... Travis Armstrong's opinion column today: "Goleta chamber going off course?"

Goleta Chamber: Response to News-Press Column

Dear Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce Members:

The Chamber Board of Directors and staff have been dealing with an issue recently that I now need to bring to your attention regarding our relationship with the Santa Barbara New-Press.

My husband and I read the News-Press at home each morning before going to work. Lately there has been fewer and fewer business in Goleta stories in this paper, so there was no reason to also receive the paper in our office. Although our office used to diligently clip business and Goleta news from the paper, without any stories to save I felt it prudent to not spend money on a subscription. It was an executive decision, not a public statement.

Travis Armstrong called Friday, June 8th to ask me about the cancellation Mr. Armstrong and I have had a very productive relationship; I always considered him someone I could talk to about local Goleta issues. When he called about the subscription, I was happy to hear from him, but sorry to give him the customer feedback about why I had canceled the subscription. He was angry and very threatening. I imagine there is enormous pressure at the News-Press these days and that Mr. Armstrong is under a great deal of stress.

On Friday, Mr. Armstrong wrote an editorial questioning our volunteer Chairman of the Board. This is an unwarranted criticism as it is common for businesses and individuals to join a Chamber in communities in which they live, work, volunteer or play.

The Chamber Board of Directors has responded to Mr. Armstrong's telephone call to me by reaffirming its support of the Chamber's actions, policies and professional staff.

I look forward to my next communication with you, our membership, and getting back to the important work that is going on in the Goleta Valley, at the Chamber and in our community.

In the mean time I have flown across the country to be with my sister, who is having her first baby. If you need any assistance, please contact Anna Thomas, my administrative assistant, at Anna@GoletaValley.com.

Sincerely,
Kristen Amyx

Travis Armstrong vs. Kristen Amyx and the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce: Round 1

Craig Smith has an update today on his story from Wednesday, June 13th, in which Travis Armstrong told Amyx "I will ruin you." Craig reports that in this morning's News-Press Armstrong appears to to be getting a start on making good on that threat.

Is Travis Armstrong of the SB News-Press out to ruin the Goleta Chamber?

Craig Smith has been reporting this week that News-Press editorial page editor Travis Armstrong was working the phones going after those who had cancelled their News-Press subscriptions.

More details continue to emerge regarding Travis Armstrong's recent phone calls to community organizations that have canceled their News-Press subscriptions.

At one point Armstrong told Kristen Amyx, President/CEO of the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce, "I will ruin you."

NO BLUFFIN' - After long process, Comstock Homes delivers luxury abodes on Ellwood Mesa

Santa Barbara News-Press: Comstock Homes of Manhattan Beach held a special gathering Saturday for invited guests to tour the five lavishly appointed model homes in the gated community called The Bluffs at Sandpiper. In the 7700 block of Hollister Ave., next to the Sandpiper Golf Course, the development comprises 62 luxury homes that start at around $2.1 million.

Click for the complete article. (Subscription required)

SB City Council to Vote On Final Funding for Airport Safety Project

From Scott Steepleton in the Santa Barbara News-Press today:

Nearly $16 million in construction, management and monitoring costs for the final phase in bringing Santa Barbara Municipal Airport into FAA safety compliance will be voted on Tuesday by the Santa Barbara City Council.

The bulk of the money, about $12.8 million, will go to Granite Construction to realign a taxiway and relocate the main runway.

For the complete article, click here to visit the News-Press (subscription required).

Goleta Residents May See Change in Water Rates

From a 'Staff Report' in the Santa Barbara News-Press today:

The cost of getting water could be going up sixfold for major water users in Goleta.

For those at the other end of the spectrum, the cost could be cut in half.

On May 22, the Goleta Water District will hold a public hearing on changes to what's called the water meter charge, listed on the bill as the Basic Service Charge.

The meeting will start at 7pm at the Goleta Union School District Office, located at 401 N. Fairview Avenue in Goleta.

For the complete article, click here to visit the News-Press (subscription required).

Goleta Valley Voice... New and Improved!?

When you wander down the driveway in the morning, and pick up your copy of the Goleta Valley Voice, you'll notice an "Extra! Coming next Friday, April 13 the all new and improved Goleta Valley Voice" flyer.

The flyer goes on to state:

"Your news for & about the Goleta good land!"

And the coming soon part:

• Goleta Neighborhood Forum
• Goleta School News Briefs
• Goleta Volunteer Close-ups

And there is even a "celebration" planned... you can meet the staff of the Valley Voice, pick up your copy of the "all NEW Valley Voice" and have coffee and donuts. At the bottom of the flyer, you'll notice a large space taken with "To advertise in the Valley Voice..."

One has to wonder, in light of the recent (lack of) local coverage by the SB News-Press (owned by Ampersand Publishing, LLC, which also owns the Goleta Valley Voice), if they will actually be able to accomplish local coverage of the Goleta Valley. Have they tapped out all the advertising dollars in Santa Barbara?

The 'news' they report on is no longer news when it hits the driveway, as other local media outlets have long since covered the Monday Council meetings, Tuesday Planning Agency meetings, etc.

Wonder what spurred this move...

Thoughts? Comments?

Third Time Is Not The Charm For Goleta's General Plan Housing Element

The Santa Barbara News-Press is reporting that the State Department of Housing and Community Development has rejected the City of Goleta's General Plan Housing Element for the third time in 18 months.

In a letter to City Manager Dan Singer on March 19, Cathy Creswell, the Housing Department's Deputy Directory, outlined six areas in which the City is out of compliance. They are: housing needs, resources and constraints, housing programs, general plan consistency, public participation and coastal zone localities.

The News-Press is reporting that Dan Singer said City Staff are in the process of preparing a General Plan Amendment for the Council's consideration, and it is expected to be on the April 16 agenda.

Santa Barbara News-Press Article (Must be a subscriber to view.)

In The Backyard: Surrender Ends Tense Standoff

The Santa Barbara News-Press is reporting this morning on a brief car chase and standoff with Sheriff's deputies that took place in Goleta, Friday about 4:15pm.

Undercover narcotics detectives tried to detain the person, but instead, he jumped into a car on Coronado Drive and sped off. He later returned to the neighborhood where the pursuit began and ditched the car on Ellwood Beach Drive and ran into an apartment.

"The apartment is known to us," [SBSO] Sgt. Raney said. "It's a place we get called to on occasion."

News-Press Letter: Noleta residents backed into corner

Also over at the Santa Barbara News-Press, March 9th edition, Mary and Ender Kunstal have written a letter to Goleta neighbors who live near ag-zoned parcels in the unincorporated area between Santa Barbara and Goleta, stating "you are between a rock and a hard place".

They go on to give two options for residents when a developer proposes to build on a parcel.

An interesting read, and kind of a slap since the authors referenced the recently approved "earth-toned, slightly scaled-down McMansions, such as the almost 6,000 square-foot homes in the 1100 block of North Patterson Avenue", "despite a united protest by 33 neighbors".

Click here to read the entire letter. (Must be a subscriber to view.)

News-Press Opinion: City (of SB) dissed on Noleta

In the March 8th edition of the Santa Barbara News-Press, the Opinion section has a recap of the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting about the sphere of influence for the Eastern Goleta Valley (aka Noleta).

Click here for the complete Opinion. (Must be a subscriber to view.)

Feb 26 City of Goleta Special Council Meeting - News-Press Coverage

The News-Press (must be a subscriber to view) is running a story by Leana Orsua about the special council meeting held yesterday. The following is a brief quote from the story:

It was a disappointing turnout Monday at a special open forum session of the Goleta City Council. The meeting, which took place at the council's chambers, was designed to help target specific long-term goals in a public forum setting. However, only a handful of community members turned out to give their input.

What is disappointing is that the Council would have a meeting like this scheduled during a Monday afternoon, rather than holding a special open forum session during the evening hours when more residents could attend and be sure their input is heard.

In The Backyard: 'Angel of Death' Visits Goleta News-Press Printing Plant

While trying to stay clear of the News-Press meltdown, and feeling that there is plenty of coverage on other various blogs, we are trying to keep an eye on Goleta. Thus, the following story:

As being reported by Craig Smith's Blog, the 'Angel of Death' has paid a visit to the News-Press Goleta plant on South Kellogg, and bestowed upon two pressman their termination letters.

Ramon J. Lopez had been with the paper for 15 years, and Carl Batchelder had been there for 26 years.

Update 02-22-2007:
Fired News-Press Printer Speaks Out - Story at the Independent

NP Tom Shultz Gone?! Who's on duty in Goleta now?

As reported by Craig Smith's Blog (and several other blogs and media organizations), several more News-Press firings took place Tuesday, one being Tom Shultz, who covered the Goleta beat. With Tom gone, and the AP Feeds stacking up in the News-Press, who will now keep an eye on our fair city?

Missed it on KEYT last night? Click Here for the Video