The Santa Barbara City Council on 12/16 voted to replace outgoing Planning Commission member George Myers with longtime slow-growth proponent and former Santa Barbara mayor Sheila Lodge. Incumbent member Stella Larson faced some competition for her seat from Michael Jordan, an insurance agent who previously served on the city’s Creeks Commission, but Larson ultimately proved victorious.
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The City Council also voted to appoint bicycle advocate Ed France-of bike collective Bici Centro fame-to the city’s Transportation and Circulation Committee. The decision to elect France indicated to some a preference for alternative transportation over more traditional means of people-moving, as France’s rival for the position was Michael Self, an active traffic traditionalist. Incumbent Mike Bradley and Dave Tabor were reappointed.
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Habitat for Humanity unveiled its plans to build a four-unit housing project on San Pascual Street on 12/10. The structures’ future inhabitants were chosen from a pool of candidates who met Habitat’s financial and citizenship requirements and who are obligated to put in 250 hours of labor during construction. The project marks Habitat for Humanity’s second ever in Santa Barbara County. (/habitat1218)