County 10-9
The candidates for 3rd District Supervisor, Doreen Farr and Steve Pappas, engaged in a friendly debate on 10/1. During the 45-minute event, Farr identified her priorities as improving health and safety, protecting the environment, and looking out for the Gaviota Coast, while Pappas also cited Gaviota as a priority, expressing disappointment at how the transfer of development rights proposal had played out. (/3rddebate)
•
According to the most recent campaign statements, 3rd District supervisor candidate Doreen Farr still leads Steve Pappas in contributions. With the powerful backing of the South Coast political machine, Farr brought in $169,593 since July 1. Pappas has brought in $67,105. In total, Farr has raised about $543,403, while Pappas has taken in roughly $342,601.
•
A Chumash blessing kicked off the County Parks Department’s grand opening of the 200-acre San Marcos Foothills Preserve, located east of Highway 154. The land was the focus of a land-use battle, with developer Jeff Bermant ultimately ceding 200 of his 377 acres into the preserve in exchange for approval to build 15 new homes on one of the bigger chunks of undeveloped land in the South Coast’s urban envelope.
•
The Computers for Families Program is fast approaching its $4 million fundraising mark, thanks to a $125,000 challenge by Bacara resort. The program-spawned from the County Education Office-gives computers and provides computer literacy training to 600 low-income families annually. It also trains public school teachers in how to incorporate technology in classroom curriculum. Bacara had previously donated another $100,000 to the program.
