We just wanted to give a quick update about the Santa Barbara County/Chumash meeting Monday and provide you with 3 things you can do TODAY to engage in our effort to protect the Santa Ynez Valley. The meeting on Monday was certainly a case of good news/bad news.
First, the good news – the community showed up and articulately expressed ourselves and the politicians heard us. By some news accounts, there were over 200 people in attendance on a Monday night. As was mentioned numerous times throughout the meeting, we are a community of really talented and smart people with a lot to offer. You showed that on Monday. THANK YOU.
Now the not so good news – Santa Barbara County has yet to provide us with the specific agreement that has been negotiated with the Chumash but nonetheless have put it on a fast track for approval by the Board of Supervisors. Essentially, the Santa Ynez Valley is being told that there is not enough time to provide the public with adequate opportunity to meaningfully consider this issue that will affect our valley for generations to come, This is unacceptable.
It is now up to the community to stand up and let our politicians know that we won’t allow the product of this undemocratic backroom dealmaking to be pushed through on the fast track. Below are the specific tools of democracy that you can use TODAY to let politicians know how you feel on this issue. [Read more…] about Standing Room Only And Next Steps