Posted on October 12 at 4:42 p.m.

I was there. Most of the people who were at the Planning Commission were supporting the shelter. You could tell by the purple ribbons and stickers they were wearing. We all want to see less homeless. But the way to do that is to get people in touch with the mental health, public health and social services they need. Getting rid of the shelter won't help the neighbors. Outreach teams to bring people inside would help.

On Casa Keeps Catching Flack

Posted on August 10 at 8:35 a.m.

You can't say Chic-Fil-A has been denied "due process." No doubt they 1. have a right to appeal/have their review and 2. will be successful. That sounds like process to me. Also, abstaining isn't the same as voting "no." I wish there had been a third option to this poll: "The ABR’s abstention from voting on Chick-fil-A’s project was a laudable gesture but they are not appointed to be making such gestures."

On The ABR's abstention from voting on Chick-fil-A's project

Posted on April 13 at 5:45 p.m.

It is very frightening for people on fixed income to receive this type of notice. A friend of mine went through this and was very worried she would become homeless. With the stress her mental health declined. I was there to help her find a new place but it wasn't easy. She doesn't have a car and I don't know how she would have done it on her own.

On The Unlucky Ladera 13

Posted on April 8 at 10:15 p.m.

@Validated, The Mayor has said that the initiatives apply to future contracts. By the way public school teachers are required to pay their full employee contribution. So I am guessing these initiatives will standup in court.

On Mayor Gets Mixed Messages on Initiative Package

Posted on March 31 at 10:09 a.m.

"...the same woman who recently joined the Board majority and refused to take the lead role in fixing ADMHS? Kicking it back to staff after staff came to them asking for their help in solving the $3,000,000 gap?..."

Actually the Board asked ADMHS staff to come back with cuts that don't impact direct services. Good for them. Year after year we have seen cuts to direct services. When you cut direct services to the mentally ill it impacts the entire community. We've seen enough cuts to direct services. If you follow that department you know there are some mid-level bureaucrats we could do with out.

On Pappas Raises More Cash Than Farr

Posted on March 29 at 9:33 a.m.

My guess is Ken was fine when the Board fired Mike Brown.

On Longtime Homeless Advocate Retires

Posted on February 13 at 12:30 p.m.

I disagree with Eckermann. There are non-profit housing providers that do this very well. This is an example of a public/private partnership gone very bad.

On Stupid, Inept, or Corrupt?

Posted on January 24 at 5:25 p.m.

I wouldn't dismiss the claims of the homeless or advocates so quickly. If you follow this issue at all you know that cities and counties have ended up on the loosing end of a lawsuit for the destruction of homeless property. The homeless have the same rights as everyone else. Not only is this a property issue it can also amount to unreasonable search and seizure and violate constitutional rights. It's good these deputies are being investigated. I don't want my tax dollars paying to defend those who violate the rights of our most vulnerable residents.

On Sheriff's Office Investigates Two Deputies

Posted on January 14 at 10:30 a.m.

These affordable rental units will have a positive impact on the community. The property will be improved and well maintained by the Housing Authority. ("Why Affordable Housing Does Not Lower Property Values" at http://www.habitat.org/how/propertyva...). These units will also help numerous individuals.This type of affordable housing is critical to vulnerable people who are disabled (physically or mentally) and the elderly. And I DO feel good about helping disabled and elderly people off the streets and in to housing. Permanent Supportive Housing is an evidence-based practice. This determination includes resident stability, evidence of greater impacts over alternatives and evidence of cost benefits. For more information about Permanent Supportive Housing and evidence-based and promising practices, visit
http://www.samhsa.gov

On City Breaks Ground on New Affordable Housing

Posted on September 2 at 4:07 p.m.

Lack of housing (density) also equals more cars on the road --in the form of commuters from Ventura and Lompoc. An insufficient number housing units brings all sorts of other problems too. It is clear that housing can be designed that is attractive and helps meets our communities needs.

On I Yap, Therefore I Yam