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James Joyce III announces run for mayor By GRAYCE MCCORMICK NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
RAFAEL MALDONADO/NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS
The mural pictured here is titled Cosmic Unity, and it was painted by Armando Rascon in 1979.
Future of Ortega Park murals up in the air
James Joyce III said he’s used to representing more than just himself. As a student-athlete, he represented his school and his team. As a journalist, he represented his publications and his editors. As an aide, he represented then-Assemblymember Das Williams, and then as a district director, he represented thenstate Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson. He even said as a black man going to school in America, he represented his family and the black community. Now he’s hoping to represent the city of Santa Barbara as its mayor. Mr. Joyce has announced his candidacy in the race with Mayor Cathy Murillo and Planning Commissioner Deborah Schwartz. Mr. Joyce, a Maryland native, ran track at and graduated from Ohio University with a degree in journalism. From Indiana to Yakima, Wa., to Toledo, Ohio, and finally to Oxnard and then Santa Barbara in 2012, Mr. Joyce worked both as a reporter and as a staff member for local politicians behind the scenes. On Monday, the entrepreneur announced he was ready to come to the front of them as a mayoral candidate.
Historic Landmarks Commission declines mural evaluation seeking alternative steps By GRAYCE MCCORMICK NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
The city’s Historic Landmarks Commission denied a mural evaluation report Wednesday that was part of the Ortega Park Master Plan that aims to implement a new skate park, turf field, wading pool and more. The report, prepared by Site & Studio Conservation, LLC., concluded that seven of the murals in Ortega Park are eligible to be designated structures of merit and listed treatment plans for them. The report recommended to destroy and replicate five of the murals and relocate two. This
was met with opposition from which says the structures do not many public commenters, such as represent an intact, unique or Mark Alvarado, who referred to particular style that’s important to destroying the murals as a “slap in the heritage of the city. the face to the Latino community.” “That statement is a full “I hope it’s clear to you that what disregard for our cultural has been presented and historical to you today is an contribution that is To see streaming video still very relevant attempt to cover up GO TO for the original intent today.” newspress.com to destroy every The piece of historic art commissioners in the park. What has quickly agreed that been presented to you has not more options were needed other been vetted with the community,” than destroying the murals. he said. “The insensitive and “The value of the murals is not discriminatory statement made questioned,” Commissioner Edwin in both the Ortega Park Master Lenvik said. “I think we’ve got to Plan and the evaluation report be more respectful of what the
community wants… I just don’t know that we have heard the last word from the community on the issue.” Added Commissioner Robert Ooley, “I find the report somewhat confusing and lacking. There’s a disjointed conversation about the treatment of the artwork.” Vice Chair Steve Hausz said he was interested in looking into the concept of preserving the park itself as a home for the murals. “It became evident that these murals could be considered historic or cultural resources and could be designated as structures Please see murals on A2
The Historic Landmarks Commission denied a mural evaluation report for the Ortega Park Master Plan that recommended to destroy and replicate five of the murals.
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“I found you can be effective as a staff member and get work done and don’t have to worry about some of the things elected officials do,” Mr. Joyce told the News-Press Wednesday. “But members of the community were reaching out to me saying, ‘Look, you have a great skill set, and we think that could be useful for the city.’ “Any reason that I came up with not to run was a selfish reason.” Back in July 2016, in light of Please see candidate on A8
No charges for Lompoc man holding 104 dogs By GRAYCE MCCORMICK NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
Santa Barbara authorities decided not to press charges against the Lompoc man who was found with 104 dogs in his two-bedroom apartment last October. The dogs, most of which were Chihuahua and Chihuahua mixes, were impounded by Santa Barbara County Animal Services staff after a concerned resident reached out. After Animal Services concluded its investigation into the situation, it recommended to the District Attorney not to press any charges. Animal Services Director Angela Yates told the NewsPress that the situation began as a Good Samaritan trying to help animals, but spiraled out of control. Due to the fact that the man, whose name has not yet been released, cooperated fully with Animal Services staff and surrendered the dogs, along with the fact that the dogs were all in good physical condition and didn’t show signs of neglect or abuse, staff felt it was unnecessary to pursue criminal
charges. The resident was in violation of the number of animals allowed without a kennel permit, but Animal Services recommended counseling and support, and Ms. Yates said Animal Control Officers are continuing to follow up with the individual to ensure the situation does not occur in the future. “This is one of those situations that, just a few years ago, could have resulted in tragedy for these dogs,” Ms. Yates told the News-Press. “But, because of a strong Animal Services team and amazing collaboration with rescue partners, every single one of these dogs has found a new loving home.” Within 12 hours of the initial report, all 104 dogs were safely housed for the night and rescue transports were scheduled for the morning, a feat Ms. Yates said she’s never seen before in her two decades of work in animal care. The dogs were placed at the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, Santa Barbara Humane Society, Ventura County Animal Services, Please see dogs on A7
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James Joyce III has announced that he will be running for Santa Barbara mayor.
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