Week of June 14, 2013. 17th ed.

 
SB Independent: Teachers Trade Department Chairs For Pay Bonuses

With all the controversy over Brown’s Local Control Funding Program and Prop. 30 money,  it is not surprising that teachers in Santa Barbara have decided to do away with department chairs in exchange for a 2% bonus. With the funding uncertainty, teachers and other school employees decided to do away with the role of Department Chairs and implement “Professional Learning Community leaders”. The role of a department chair is to lead the development of policies, recommend teacher appointments, promotions, and tenure, and teacher evaluations. Handing this role to a community leader might have a significant impact on the school’s operation and create a vacuum of leadership and of the role of a liaison between teachers and the school administrators. And what about the children?

LA Times: L.A. County sheriff to hold gun buyback Saturday in East L.A.

The effectiveness of gun buyback programs is controversial. Some argue that it takes dangerous guns off the streets and out of the hands of criminals. Others argue that the guns rendered are old, the programs don’t attract people who are likely to commit crimes, and they don’t effectively reduce gun violence. It becomes more of an educational program, and a good photo op to increase gun awareness. Recently, Strobridge Elementary in Hayward, CA announced that they would have a gun buyback program of their own; one aiming at toy guns instead. Opponents claim that this is just a media stunt and doesn’t even educate children about guns or gun safety.

VC Star: Judge approves vote on Ojai water company takeover

On Monday, a Ventura County Superior Court Judge ruled that the special election for the water takeover will take place on August 27th. Golden State Water Co. argued the legality of a Mello-Roos community facilities district (CFD) taking over a privately-held water company that was not for sale. The Judge ruled that the election must take place, and the issue approved before its legality can be question; the arguments presented by Golden State could only be litigated after the fact. The bond measure would have to be approved by two-thirds to pass. In that case, Golden State would have 30 days after the election to challenge the use of the Mello-Roos CFD. After all, voters could possibly reject the bond.

Other Articles to Read:
LA Times:

Casino plan for Central Valley land spurs fight

California ranks 25th in college degrees, report says

VCStar:

Oxnard council meeting, with gavel clash, shows new dynamics in play

Fillmore hires city manager

Camarillo residents vote to join landscaping assessment district

SB Independent:

Hannah-Beth Jackson Breaks Down Jerry Brown

Group in Escrow to Buy Naples

La Goleta Gas Storage Approved

Week of June 7, 2013. 16th ed.

LA Times/ VC Star: Californians uneasy about fracking’s safety, lack of oversight / Moorpark to send letter backing Pavley ‘fracking’ bill

In a survey released today, it seems that energy companies are facing a branding and imaging crisis in need of intervention. According to the poll, 70% of Californians either want a moratorium on fracking or think that stricter regulations are needed to prevent an impact to the environment. Interestingly enough, when the topic of the economy and jobs was tested in the poll, respondents changed their views on fracking when told of jobs potential that fracking practices would create for California. In other news, the City of Moorpark voted to send a letter supporting State Senator Pavely’s S.B. 4, which would require companies to provide public notice, permits, disclosure on chemicals used, and an independent scientific study. Such provisions would be a blow to energy companies, requiring them to take a financial hit through extensive regulation or abandon their infrastructure and close up shop.

The Acorn: Endangered fish found in Conejo Creek

Unfortunately for the Conejo Creek development project in Camarillo, the steelhead trout have potentially put the project to rest. The proposed development, a master-planned community, would include 2,500 homes and apartments, an elementary school, retail shops, office buildings, and 218 acres of parks and open space. The discovery of the one steelhead trout raises questions and other trout have not been found. The planning commission was supposed to review the final environmental report this summer, but due to the endangered species classification of the steelhead trout, more environmental impact analysis will most likely be required before the planning commission can make a decision.

SB Independent: No Child Left Behind … Again?

The future of school districts is unclear with regards to Governor Jerry Brown’s Local Control Funding Formula. Projections of this formula show many local school districts taking a hit because of the way the formula reallocates funds. Schools that would qualify for the 35% supplement grant, but are located in districts that do not qualify would not necessarily benefit form the plan. Details are still murky, but representatives from the consulting firm Capitol Advisors Group are making their rounds throughout California to explain the impacts of the formula to each individual district. The plan received pushback from Democrats in the State Senate last month, and more changes are to come as the legislature attempts to make revisions.

Other Articles to Read:

 
LA Times:

Edison will shut down the San Onofre nuclear plant for good

VCStar:

Fillmore City Council to consider hiring new city manager next week

Library transition smooth, Simi Valley council told

Perello wins Oxnard special election

Simi school district reorganizes to address Common Core changes

The Acorn:

Homeless count shows big drop

Camarillo can no longer ignore state law

SB Independent:

County Denies TTT Winery Appeal

Effort to Tap Clean Creek Coffers Shot Down

Week of May 31, 2013. 15th ed.

VC Star: Oil company wins round in battle for Upper Ojai drilling

The Ventura County Planning Commission voted to deny appeals against an approved modification to a conditional-use permit issued to Mirada Petroleum Co. after 9 hours of public comment from appelants and residents. The appeal by Citizens for Responsible Oil and Gas cited concerns about the impact to the environment, abuse of the permitted modification, and illegal use of U.S Forest Service property for transportation. Under the modification, Mirada cannot use fracking techniques and they have to follow 49 conditions for approval with regards to the modifications.

Daily News: Los Angeles’ $7.7 billion spending plan approved 

For the first time in a several years, the City of Los Angeles’ new budget shows an increase in revenue. The $7.7 billion budget will restore many city services, including more firefighters and maintaining the city’s 10,000 strong police force. Other elements in the budget include graffiti abatement, street repaving, and an additional 35,000 trees to be trimmed. In addition, the council approved a study to look into consolidating the building and planning departments, a plan pushed by Councilman Mitch Englander.

SB Independent: Williams Defends Controversial Bill 

Citing his past opportunities he had at community college, Assemblyman Das Williams is fighting for ‘non-state-supported full-cost’ extension courses during winter and summer sessions for community colleges in California. The bill, AB 955, would change the fee from $46 per unit to the out of state cost at $200 per unit. Proponents argue that this will create a two-tiered system in the community colleges, allowing students who have more monetary means a better opportunity. This bill would essentially charge any student taking winter or summer courses the ‘out of state’ fee and offset subsidized fees to the students. A three credit course during the shorter sessions would go from $138 to $600.

Other Articles to Read:
Daily News:

Business climate in Los Angeles County seen as unfriendly, according to survey

L.A. election turnout is 23.7 — higher than March primary 

VCStar:

Ojai council declines to relax ban on chain stores

Changes might feel familiar for Fillmore council

Conejo Valley school board accepts $10.1 million bid for Kelley Road property

The Acorn:

Westlake Village officials see stable budget in the year ahead

Council not sold on swap meet

N.P. post office fate is sealed

Landscaping a drain on city’s budget

Santa Maria Times:

‘Urban Village’ design for downtown questioned

Week of May 24, 2013. 14th ed.

VC Star: Supervisors OK ‘fracking’ rules for Ventura County

To frack, or not to frack, that is the question. Ventura County Supervisors voted 4-1 on Tuesday to change its land-use process to regulate fracking. In a practice that has been going on for more than 60 years within Ventura County, many still fear the environmental consequences of fracking. If fracking were something new, one could understand activists’ concern with effects on the surrounding environment due in part by fracking, but there is little to no proof that the process and materials involved have an adverse affect in Ventura County. Ventura County relies on the oil industry and the supporting industries that are involved. To limit or regulate fracking would endanger jobs and tax income that Ventura County direly needs.

LA Times: Are unions losing influence in L.A. politics?

Tuesday’s municipal election in Los Angeles is yet another example of the public employee unions’ diminishing political power and persuasion. Between the DWP’s IBEW 18 and the county Federation of Labor, unions lost millions of dollars attempting to elect Wendy Greuel and newcomer candidates for City Council and school board. With Measure A failing to pass in March, public employee unions in Los Angeles have taken a huge blow this year. Odds are they will keep throwing money around until their interests are best “represented”, but it will be interesting to see how they re-strategize from here on out.
SB Independent: Expanding Goleta’s Natural Gas Cellar

In a 511-page environmental report on the proposed 2 billion cubic foot expansion of the La Goleta Storage Field, operated by Southern California Gas Company, the only significant environmental impact would be a 172 foot drilling rig that will be present for a few months, which won’t even be the tallest structure on the property. The La Goleta Storage Field has been in operation since 1941, and most people don’t know it’s there. The project is in the final review stage with the County of Santa Barbara. With the project being completely underground, residents are still concerned with the expansion and the “rights of the community” being infringed upon.

Other Articles to Read:
LATimes:

New L.A. law on medical marijuana shops face hazy future

Two veteran Sacramento lawmakers win L.A. City Council seats

VCStar:

County food bank selected for national advertising campaign

Ventura County plan picked for state health insurance exchange

Conejo school board opens bids for property, discusses outdoor program

The Acorn:

Cities may partner to improve bus service in East County

Metrolink looking for feedback on fare increases

Thousand Oaks may add chapter on terrorism to safety element

Westlake Village makes clear its stand on business permits

SB Independent:

Unemployment Rate Takes Sizable Dip

Lompoc Wind Farm Receives Permit Extension

Week of May 17, 2013. 13th ed.

VC Star: Fillmore council names Diane McCall to vacant seat, then another councilman resigns

Just as the Fillmore City Council was full again, Brian Sipes announced his resignation. In a very bizarre show of political ”musical chairs,” Fillmore would now have 5 freshman council members since the election in 2012. The newest vacancy will be up for election in November 2014. It will be interesting to see how the new council members work with each other to get Fillmore back on track. Either way, the lack of veterans on the city council might make for some interesting waves in the near future.

LA Times: Where have L.A.’s voters gone?

With 2 million voters in L.A., only 400,000 are expected to turn out for the Mayoral election next week. Why? For one, the timing of the election, May, has historically shown very low turnout. Others blame the politicians ignoring the poor districts with low voter turnout. The highest turnout was 33% in Pacific Palisades and the lowest was 7% in Watts. I don’t believe there will be anything shocking about the low turnout for next week’s election due in part of the identical ideological views of both Greuel and Garcetti. Many residents in Los Angeles don’t feel motivated to get out an vote; a problem that will need to be addressed at some point.

SB Independent: Heated Debate Over Gang Injunction

A public safety issue that has laid low for 2 years is in the spotlight as local activists fight over a gang injunction. Over 50 people spoke against the gang injunction at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. The proposed gang injunction is currently under review in the Superior Court. The scope of the proposed injunction is well justified, naming 30 known gang members, and would allow Santa Barbara police to combat the gang problems from the top down. Opposition to the proposal voiced their concerns that police would use the injunction as a “blank check” because of language that would allow up to 300 names to be added to the list. This is a public safety issue that only targets known gang members who have committed multiple felonies.

Other Articles to Read:

LATimes:

Labor group says Wendy Greuel will minimum wage to $15

Using the homeless to bash Abercrombie & Fitch not cool

Pro-Garcetti ‘super PAC’ attacks Greuel for once being Republican

VCStar:

Oxnard council makes potholes a top priority

Ojai officials expect tourism revenue to balance budget

County Supervisors OK changes to campaign finance law

The Acorn:

Council faces tough choices when awarding grant funds

SB Independent:

UCSB Police Officer Running for Sheriff

Isla Vista Properties in Limbo

Santa Barbara’s Billion-Dollar Tourism Industry

Week of May 10, 2013. 12th ed.

The Acorn: State of the air in Ventura County is bad, but getting better

Some might be surprised on how Ventura County ranked in the recent 2013 State of the Air Report, published by the American Lung Association. Los Angeles County, along with many of the counties in central California, are notorious for their poor air quality. With regards to particle matter, Ventura County was actually in the list of “Cleanest Counties” for short term particle pollution. However, Ventura County is the 16th worst county in the Country with regards to ozone pollution. Believe it or not, it’s not Port Hueneme that is to blame, it’s Ojai, and the eastern edges of the county. The high temperatures speed up the formation of ozone, and the mountains trap all the pollutants.

LA Times: Eric Garcetti woos female voters 

With the mayoral race in Los Angeles nearing the final stretch, the polling numbers have shifted dramatically. A poll conducted last month showed Garcetti leading Greuel by 10 points. Just three weeks later, the two candidates are in a dead heat overall, with Greuel leading 15 points among female voters, and a substantial 32 points among African American voters. Garcetti, however, has amassed quite a war chest for the showdown, approximately 10 times more than Greuel, with a total of 2.3 million in his campaign account. With just 10 days to go, we will find out how far that money will take Garcetti.

SB Independent: Adam Tries, Fails to Shrink Energy Division

Unfortunately for Peter Adam, not everyone agrees with his “honest talk”. Adam is now 0-2 on trying to make change as a Supervisor, and it seems like he might getting discouraged. After getting shot down on his idea to reduce redundancy in oversight of oil and gas regulations, he stated that if the Board couldn’t help themselves, then he would ‘just sit here and be quiet”. I’m not sure if that’s what the voters in the 4th district had in mind when they elected Adam in November. His campaign touted that Adam was a “Real Leader,” but it seems that the “South Coast politicians” don’t feel that way at all.

Other Articles to Read:
LATimes:

Transit officials find $42.6 million that ‘fell through the cracks’

Simi Valley councilman defends sharing beheading video on Facebook

Unions, lawmakers line up against Koch brothers

O.C. owes state $150 million, judge says in tentative ruling

VCStar:

County transportation panel to reconsider funding private railroad

Partnerships may be key to future of state parks

Santa Paula trustees looking to replace ousted librarian

Oxnard council asks staff members to redo food truck proposal

The Acorn:

County applies to become drone test site

SB Independent:

Sergeant Sandra Brown Looks to Unseat Sheriff Bill Brown

Jackson’s Fracking Bill Clears Committee

Week of May 3, 2013. 11th ed.

VC Star: Oxnard campaign finance reports show special interests mostly on sidelines

Unfortunately for the 13 candidates vying for the open city council seat in Oxnard, special interests aren’t really that interested. As of April 20th, the top two contenders have raised only $22,000. Flashback to the November 2012 election, special interests, mostly a mix of developers, funneled in approximately $146,000 into Independent Expenditure Committees. On a positive note however, it doesn’t take all that much to win; recently elected Council Member Dorina Padilla won one of two seats with only $600 of her own money.

LA Times: San Bernardino police officers criticize city officials on billboard

Not happy with your City Council? Police officers in San Bernardino sure aren’t. Apparently running the city into a $46 million budget deficit ticked off the wrong people. The police officer’s union paid for a billboard advertisement congratulating the council members for making San Bernardino “the WORST run city in America.” It seems the police officers aren’t the only ones upset. San Bernardino Residents For Responsible Government have launched a “total recall” campaign against every single one of the 7 members of the city council.

SB Independent: Goleta’s $18 Million Problem

The city of Goleta was a little behind the Redevelopment Agency “gold rush” in California, and a large project that was in the works when the RDAs were dissolved might put them in a very serious budget problem. The San Jose Creek Project was started in March of 2011, almost 15 years after it’s inception. In June 2011, RDAs were eliminated. The State required all RDAs to void contracts 6 months prior to June 2011, and return all funds. Goleta had already begun construction, and couldn’t just stop. In July 2012, the State asked for their $18.5 million back from the RDA funds used for the project. The city claims that the funds in question are theirs because the funds were related to “preexisting conditions”. Somehow I don’t think the State is going to agree.

Other Articles to Read:

 
LATimes:

L.A. bans large capacity gun magazines, draws lawsuit threat

DWP pay drives debate in mayor’s race

DWP lawsuit over Owens Lake dust dismissed by federal judge

VCStar:

Oxnard council floats big ideas, again, at special meeting

Assembly committee passes three bills to impose fracking moratorium 

High street project stalled, Moorpark officials told

The Acorn:

Moorpark schools want more money from developers

City opposes tax exemption cap for municipal bonds

T.O. renegotiating contracts with local trash haulers

Capital spending to hit 10-year low

SB Independent:

Sgt. Sandra Brown to Run for Sheriff

City Council Finally Addressing Gang Injunction

Targeting Goleta Target

Week of April 26, 2013. 10th ed.

VC Star: New CSU Channel Islands provost will focus on innovation, partnerships and access

In an attempt to become more connected to their community, and focus on public-private partnerships to bring a heavier focus on science to the curriculum, CSUCI has hired Gayle Hutchinson as their new provost. With experience at bringing inovation and change, previously as the Dean of CSU Chico, she will help CSUCI form more partnerships within its community, and help draw in more resources; all while being less reliant on the troublesome CSU system funding.

LA Times: Toll lane transponder fee suspended for L.A. County residents

In a response to complaints over the conceptual failure of the toll Lanes on the 110 and 10 freeways in Los Angeles, LA Metro has decided to suspend the $3 monthly “regular maintenance fee”. This move will cost the MTA $60,000 a month, but will hopefully promote an increase usage of the lanes and the purchasing of FasTrak transponders. This is still overshadowed by the debate of how effective the toll lanes actually are. There are few proponents of the the toll lanes, and initial usage reports are cumbersome; leaving other commuters with longer commutes to and from the city.

Santa Maria Times: SB Planning Commission can’t decide on oil project 

When all seemed ok for Santa Maria Energy with their proposed oil drilling proposal, opponents brought up an interesting aspect that has stalled the Santa Barbara Planning Commission. Greenhouse emissions have become the new battle with regards to oil drilling in northern county. The Commission voted 4-0-1 to postone talks till the next meeting, requesting staff to provide more information on the issue. Santa Maria Energy has been a great community partner, and have seem to covered themselves against all objections, but activists still seemed concerned about the effect that this proposal will have on the environment.

Other Articles to Read:

 
LATimes:

Mayoral wannabe’s spar over ads 

VCStar:

Fillmore to appoint someone to fill vacancy

New Moorpark library depends on land, money

Complaints aired at Santa Paula library board meeting

Brown asserts his school-funding plan is ‘a matter of civil rights’

New leases reveal an oil land rush in Ventura County

The Acorn:

Conejo school district weighing future bond measure

Evaporation of redevelopment money money leaves projects high and dry

Week of April 19, 2013. 9th ed.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and all affected by  the senseless tragedy  that took place in Boston last week. If it’s one message that prevailed after the events, it is that of courage, heroism, and justice. Stay strong Boston!

     -Team Rincon

VC Star: Fillmore Council Eduardo Gonzalez resigns for health reasons

Just 5 months after the 2012 election, it seems Fillmore will have yet another new Council member join its ranks. The 3 newly elected Council members will be joined by yet another new face as Councilman Eduardo Gonzalez has stepped down. The residents of Fillmore, unhappy with the direction of the City, elected 3 new members to change the future of their beloved town. Now the question is how the vacancy will be filled. Due to the timing, it is more likely that a Council member will be appointed, rather than having a costly special election.

The Acorn: Park employees to unionize

Facing budget issues and dealing with the stresses of maintaining service levels, the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District is now facing the possible unionization of it’s employees. Citing ongoing cuts to their benefits, employees of PVRPD are planning to join SEIU Local 721 to help be “a part of the process” in negotiating with management. By joining SEIU, employees will have to contribute 1.5% of their salary as dues. A big price to pay when you’re facing such cuts in benefits that may be unavoidable.

SB Independent: Lompoc cuts ties to EEG

Financial woes seem to have plagued a once inspirational project to bring private space contractors to Lompoc, right outside of Vandenberg Air Force Base. The project, the California Space Enterprise Center, received an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement last year, was supposed to bring private space enterprise and foster S.T.E.M. Education. The non-profit, Educational Education Group, had missed several deadlines to reply to the ENA, which prompted the city to terminate the ENA. The city had requested proof of funding for the project, but had not received replies.

Other Articles to Read:
LATimes:

Greuel trying to turn the tables on Garcetti and DWP union

Measure passes to speed up probes of accused L.A. teachers

VCStar:

Chancellor eyes growth, salary increases for CSU system

Naval Base Ventura County cancels September air show

Assembly votes to direct Brown to get engaged in bid for drone test site

Santa Maria Times:

SB County’s ag crop value tops $1B, again

Supervisors agree on immigration reform, Guadalupe help

The Acorn:

County pleased with SVUSD budget fixes

Future of local mountains hot topic for park service

Week of April 12, 2013. 8th ed.

Something you’d like to see? A local issue that deserves some attention?  Email media@rinconstrategies.com before Thursday morning each week.  Enjoy, and we’ll see you next week.

     -Team Rincon

VC Star: Buck McKeon denies blogger’s report that his retirement is eminent

Earlier this week, a California political blog, Flashreport.org, published an article that supposedly shed light on talks of Rep. Buck McKeon ,R-Santa Clarita, speaking with prominent political leaders about him retiring from Congress after the completion of his 11th term. Currently, McKeon is chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, but would have to relinquish his chairmanship at the end of next year. Although the 25th District is a safe Republican district, there were mentions of several prominent Republicans interested in running if McKeon retires. This could create a very interesting Primary in June 2014 if the field of candidates doesn’t get along pending McKeon’s potential retirement.

LA Times: Brown wants China aboard California’s high speed rail project

California’s high speed rail project is becoming more controversial by the day. With potentially inadequate funding/over budgeting, a drawn out completion date, and questions about the actual speed, the high speed rail project has been the topic of much conversation in California. With Governor Brown’s recent trade mission to China, he is taking any possible means to see his legacy through; including hopes for China to become investors. China spent over $77.6 billion on overseas investments last year, and Brown is looking for some money to flow his way. However, with all the doubt on the train’s effectiveness, how long will California be on the hook for China’s potential investment; especially if income from the high speed rail is far less than expected?

SB Independent: Vintners Fight Over Terrior-itory

As the headline suggests, this is a very interesting battle between insiders and outsiders of the well renowned Sta. Rita Hills Appellation. This article brings up an interesting question of whether or not the boundaries of the current appellation should be extended to include vintners outside of the current geographical boundaries. The vintner mentioned in this article bought land outside the appellation, but is finding it cumbersome that he’s making much less for his grapes than he would be if the boundaries were slightly expanded. His argument about the climate and geography being similar seems legitimate, but is it fair? Opponents argue that its not fair because he was able to get cheaper land outside of the appellation, one that has taken quite a bit of time and money to establish.

 
Other Articles to Read:

LATimes:

No charges filed over West Hollywood councilmen’s spending

Garcetti, Grueul are positive and specific in first debate of runoff

Details about new plan for San Gabriel Mountains raise questions

VCStar:

Consultant tells Fillmore it spends more than it brings in

Ojai Council supports paying $20,000 for open space north of city

Divided Ojai council moves forward on affordable-housing plan

Santa Maria Times:

Pappas-Farr Case headed to the U.S. Supreme Court

Forward thinking on energy

SB Independent:

GavPac Presents Plan to Coastal Commission

Tax Hike Dead in Cradle 

Hollister Ranch Showdown