Highway 101 widening to new trails and bridges

If you have something you think Montecito should know about, or wish to respond to something you read in the Journal, we want to hear from you. Please send all such correspondence to: Montecito Journal, Letters to the Editor, 1206 Coast Village Circle, Suite H, Montecito, CA. 93108. You can also FAX such mail to: (805) 969-6654, or E-mail to letters@montecitojournal.net

Has Summerland ‘Spoken’?

The front-page “hook” for the supporter of reasonable governSummerland cannabis disment regulation but to conduct busipensary article repeats a stateness development in this manner is ment from a Summerland Citizens absurd. Association email regarding the surSecondly, with only 25 percent of vey results (which I reject outright). the residents responding, I don’t think While eye catching, it is not a fair pre(without further statistical analysis) sentation of the facts and could lead a that entire community has “spoken.” reader to infer that Summerland has There could be many contributing “spoken” (another exaggerated claim factors that affected who chose or by those who conducted the survey). was willing or available to respond There are several problems with their to the survey. In my mind those who claims. conducted the survey had an agenda

The first is the statement that 97 and were looking for a way to bolster percent of the business owners in their position at the expense of a true Summerland don’t support a cancommunity response. nabis dispensary in Summerland. While I am not a customer of canHow do we know how the survey nabis shops nor do I smoke it, I was conducted and by who? Was have visited several. If done propthere undue influence? I suspect that erly and responsibly, they are very business owners would prefer to innocuous and low key. In fact, two avoid taking any controversial stancI visited in Aspen and Telluride had es and remain in good favor with all a very exclusive air about them and Summerland residents particularly the interiors were more akin to a those residents who are influential fine jewelry or clothing store than a and active in Summerland affairs. seedy “drug outlet.” The implication Frankly, I don’t care much about that a cannabis outlet will have an what Summerland business owners outsize influence on the commercial think about a cannabis dispensary. areas of Summerland is patently false Were they surveyed for the Rusty’s if strict guidelines and regulations Pizza location or the Summerland are in place. Parking and traffic will Winery tasting room? What about not suddenly become a nightmare Red Kettle? If a future wine tasting because of one (hopefully successful) room were to be proposed, would new business in town. We need more all the businesses be surveyed as businesses in Summerland! And, to allow it or not? I am a strong additional commercial activity will help everyone, despite the dire statements made in the survey. And fear not, the moral integrity and spiritual purity of Summerland will not be the least affected by a single responsibly run cannabis store.

Regards to you,

James T. McClintock Jr.

More Blackouts

We seem to be able to land men on the moon but are unable to deliver electricity consistently. Our neighborhood in Montecito experienced a blackout on Sunday for about ten hours, compliments of Southern California Edison. If we dig deeper as to why these blackouts are occurring all over Southern California, we may find a probable cause. The emphasis on very expensive windmills and solar systems, prompted by our Governor and legislators, may be the reason. And what will be next to make our life miserable?

Frank McGinity

The Dangers of Eucalyptus

Yet another eucalyptus branch down. Different tree, same street. This one missed us and other tourists by seconds.

Jane Walker Wood Orfalea

All Candidates Welcome

The Coalition for Neighborhood Schools will host a forum for Santa Barbara Board of Education candidates on Thursday, September 17, from 7 pm to 8:30 pm via Zoom. All candidates have been invited. The forum will be moderated by former School Board Member Lanny Ebenstein.

The Coalition for Neighborhood Schools has been active for 20 years and focuses on creating broad-based support for neighborhood elementary and secondary school improvement. LETTERS Page 244

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