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W E D N E S DAY, N OV E M B E R 2 , 2 0 2 2
Santa Barbara News-Press to launch new Weekend edition starting this Saturday
KENNETH SONG/NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS
A bicyclist and vehicle pass a row of trees along Modoc Road in the Santa Barbara area. The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to support Alignment B, which would mean the removal of a number of trees to make room for an expanded multi-use path.
County OKs Modoc declaration Opponents and supporters comment at hearing By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the mitigated negative declaration of the Modoc Multi-Use Path. The board directed staff to go with Alignment B. The vote Tuesday came during a hearing in which 53 public commenters expressed opposition to, or support of, Alignment B. Some of those attending wore T-shirts promoting the preservation of popular trees — a number of which would be removed for the multi-use path. Supervisor Gregg Hart made the motion to adopt the MND with the caveat that Alignment A “come back to the board if that is the only viable option in the future, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.” Supervisor Bob Nelson seconded the motion. The board’s vote Tuesday followed months of debates, which started in July two months after the initial MND was released by the county. After receiving feedback from the community, the county revised the MND and released the revised version on Sept. 13. During Tuesday’s public comments, the debate focused on two areas. First, people were concerned with the fate of the trees which would be cut down to move forward with Alignment B. The second point of contention is the Modoc Preserve, which some of the trees are encompassed in. “I represent over 5,200 petition signers opposed to the project and (who) want to save trees,” said Warren Thomas, co-founder of the Community Association for the Modoc Preserve, addressing the Please see TREES on A4
By NEIL HARTSTEIN
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The Santa Barbara City Council heard a report Tuesday about recently completed capital improvements and projects currently in design or construction, but their main concern seemed to be understaffing in the Department of Public Works. City Engineer Brian D’Amour told council members the DPW has a lot more vacancies than usual. “It’s one of the challenges we are facing,” Mr. Amour said. “Staffing has been a challenge. It’s harder to deliver the slate of projects on our sale.” And even when the DPW hires people to fill those vacancies, some of the new staffers don’t have much experience, he said. “It takes time to bring them up to speed,” he said. Several council members praised the DPW and its Engineering Division for doing a great job with the staff it has. “It’s great work that you’re doing,” Councilmember Eric Friedman said. “And it’s noticeable to city residents.” As for the staff shortage, he noted, “It is important to take steps to address it. Every city department is facing these types of challenges.” He asked Mr. D’Amour if
This is the current bike lane on Modoc Road.
Sunday News Report, which will feature highlights of Saturday’s News. Santa Barbara News-Press Weekend will be delivered Saturdays to all subscribers with their mail by the U.S. Postal Service and will be available on newsstands and news racks Saturdays and Sundays. NewsPress Sunday coupon holders can redeem their coupons at retail, convenience and grocery stores as well as leading hotels throughout Santa Barbara and wherever the Santa Barbara News-Press is sold. Full coverage of the weekend’s news will appear in our enhanced Monday edition. The holiday editions of the Santa Barbara News-Press will be delivered on the day before the holiday as a bonus to our subscribers. And check newspress.com for the most up-to-date listing for where you can purchase the Santa Barbara News-Press.
SB City Council concerned about understaffing in public works department NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
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A new chapter in local news coverage will begin this Saturday with Santa Barbara News-Press Weekend. This new publication will feature a new Business/Real Estate section, with columns by local experts; the Voices section, with op-ed pieces and letters to the editor; columnists Robert Eringer (“The Investigator”), therapist Barton Goldsmith and appraiser Elizabeth Stewart (“Ask the Gold Digger”). There will also be expanded news, sports, life and arts coverage as well as favorite Sunday features including puzzles and House & Home. Santa Barbara News-Press Weekend will also include both breaking news as well as indepth news stories. The News-Press will no longer publish on Sundays, but breaking news will appear at newspress.com. And every Sunday morning, you can turn to our website for the weekly
the DPW contracts out a lot to consultants to fill the gap, especially when it comes to design. “We do some in-house design work, but the vast majority of the (design) work we do is contracted out,” Mr. D’Amour said. The city, however, provides oversight on all projects. Councilmember Kristen Sneddon said DPW’s staff shortage must be addressed. “You’re doing more with less,” she said. “You’re spread increasingly thin … and it’s taking a toll on morale and staff. Just because you’ve been doing it doesn’t mean it can be continued.” Earlier, council members heard a presentation by Mr. D’Amour on various completed capital improvement projects, plus projects where work is ongoing or in the design phase. One project in particular drew councilmembers’ interest: the replacement of the Union Pacific Railroad bridge on Cabrillo Boulevard. Councilmember Sneddon asked about how much of the projected $35 million cost will be borne by the city. Mr. D’Amour said it won’t be city-funded, but paid for by the California Department of Transportation. Councilmember Oscar Please see COUNCIL on A4
INSIDE
L O T T E RY RESULTS
Classified................. B4 Life...................... B1-2 Obituaries............... A4
Saturday’s SUPER LOTTO: 6-12-19-24-28 Meganumber: 1
Tuesday’s DAILY 4: 3-6-2-1
Tuesday’s MEGA MILLIONS: N/A Meganumber: N/A
Tuesday’s FANTASY 5: 3-11-26-29-37
Tuesday’s DAILY DERBY: 08-05-06 Time: 1:47.26
Monday’s POWERBALL: 13-19-36-39-59 Meganumber: 13
Sudoku................... B3 Sports . .................... A3 Weather................. A4
Tuesday’s DAILY 3: 6-3-1 / Wednesday’s Midday 8-8-7