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District 2
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ast week’s cover story,“The Battle for nd District” [independent.com/second], left me with several questions for Roger Aceves. If he calls himself a “lifelong Democrat,” then why is he trying to unseat an incumbent Democrat? And the party’s decision not to support him “provided a lot of motivation”? And now I read that he accepts money from oil companies and developers. Sure, politicians change parties, but I have a problem with those who do not admit that their affiliation has changed. And exactly how has Janet Wolf left the county needing better financial management? The county has a budget surplus and enjoys an AA+ bond rating, thanks in large part to strong fiscal management led by Wolf. If Aceves thinks he’ll do a better job with Measure M in place, I’d like to know how. Last, why does Aceves lack endorsements from his Goleta City Council colleagues? Three support Wolf loud and clear. And why are there no supporters listed on his campaign mailings? What is he afraid of? — Ruth Johnson, S.B.
Sheriff Bill Brown, Yes
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learly, after April 16’s League of Women Voters candidates’ forum, the voters of Santa Barbara County have only one choice — to reelect Bill Brown for County Sheriff. When asked about department morale, Bill Brown said morale, like a stream, ebbs and flows depending on current staffing levels, budget allocations, and workload. Can he do a better job at improving staff morale? Absolutely, and he will. With all that Bill Brown has accomplished in the last seven and a half years, is now the time to elect a candidate with no executive leadership skills, very limited experience with no formal education, and whose response to a question about the county’s Measure M was to “let the voters figure it out”? I don’t think so. Bill Brown has been tempered by major wildfires, has shown levelheaded courage during unprecedented bud-
get cuts and staff reductions, continues to work hard to solve our county’s jail inmate problems, and is ready to make the tough decisions. His “no frills” approach and proven commitment makes him our best and only choice to lead the men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff ’s department. — Richard Rojas Sr., Goleta
Trains, Trains, Trains
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ith Highway construction likely to last for over a decade, the obvious solution is waiting at the station. Ventura to Goleta commuter rail is needed NOW! Trains contribute far fewer greenhouse gases than auto and air travel; train travel per passenger mile is 30 percent more efficient than by auto. And Santa Barbarans find road and rail to be of equal value: During the campaign for Measure A — a transportation measure — a commuter rail solution polled equally with widening. Union Pacific (UP) has been reluctant to permit additional passenger trains on the corridor between Oxnard and Goleta; however, a Draft EIR is ongoing for oil trains UP wants to run from the north to Nipomo. That’s within the Los Angeles/San Diego/San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Corridor. County representatives to LOSSAN should ask that if UP would like to operate oil trains within our region, then it should also allow commuter trains to operate between Oxnard and Goleta. Besides, trains are fun to ride! In fact, National Train Day takes place this Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m.-noon, at Santa Barbara’s Amtrak station. The Surfliner boards at 9:20 — with Fresco cookie-decorating for kids — and returns from Carpinteria to S.B. at 10:15. At 10:30, a press conference on transportation commences with elected officials on hand. Hope to see you there! — Dennis Story, Director, Rail Passenger Assoc. of CA
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Join Ridgewood Farm at the historic Rancho Asoleado in Santa Barbara for fun in the sun with horses. Specializing in teaching children 6 & up the fundamentals of hunter/jumper riding, horsemanship as well as horse related arts & crafts.
Two Sessions – August 5-9 and August 19-23 Tuesday-Saturday 9am-2pm Application Deadline: June 1, 2014 $600 per session
Camp Location: 250 Nogal Drive, Santa Barbara 93110
for camp applications and more information: Contact Courtney Cochran 805-886-2087 courtney@ridgewoodfarm.org
Aviation Youth Academy Beginner: July 21-25 | Intermediate/Advanced: August 4-8
Times: 10am-2pm Cost: $650 Ages: 13-18 Location: Santa Barbara Airport, 1523 Cook Place, Goleta, CA 93117 Santa Barbara’s Premier Flight School presents its 4th Annual Aviation Youth Academy. Fly every day, tour the air traffic control tower, fly-in to nearby airports, experience field trips, conduct aviation science experiments, and more... Above All Aviation was named a Top 50 Flight School in the U.S. by AOPA in 2012 & 2013. Two of AAA’s instructors were also named amongst the Top 50 in the nation.
805-683-7575 or 805-455-3575 ssullivan@aboveallsba.com www.aaasba.com may 8, 2014
THE INDEPENDENt
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