GOLETA VALLEY
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE -

The second step towards the new Community Plan
is underway. Check back bi-weekly for updates.

Next GVPAC meeting:
Tuesday, October 26, 2010 6pm at 105 E. Anapamu St.
* GVPAC Draft Plan Review: Review and comment on Section I: Introduction

This is the committee that is guiding the county as they refer to the GVC20/20 Visioning Document to create the new General Plan.

GVPAC member Kenan Ezal emailed out some of his notes after the first meeting on October 1, 2008. He intends to make notes for each meeting and has given us permission to reprint them here. So check back regularly for updates. Thanks Kenan!

Meeting notes from Kenan Ezal:
October 1, 2008
October 15, 2008
November 6, 2008
November 19, 2008
December 2, 2008
December 17, 2008
January 21, 2009
January 24, 2009 *site tour
February 3, 2009
February 18, 2009
March 3, 2009
March 18, 2009
April 7, 2009
April 22, 2009
May 5, 2009
May 20, 2009
June 2, 2009
August 4, 2009
August 19, 2009
September 3, 2009
October 8, 2009 and October 21, 2009
November 5, 2009 and November 18, 2009
December 3, 2009

Information from County website:
Tentative Long-term Schedule
GVPAC Information, Agendas & Minutes

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT -

Public needs to be aware of proposed changes
for North Turnpike area

In an area that already contains plenty of affordable housing, even more is being proposed--in massive density. The land parcel being considered is currently zoned for agriculture and sits along Calle Real, a road that already sees extensive commuter traffic. Under the GVC20/20 Vision document, this project fails to meet several criteria.

Furthermore, there's been news of other proposals, including a 24 hour fast food facility.

Concerned residents have drafted a flyer to get others tuned in to what's happening in the North Turpike area. Spread the word!

GOLETA VALLEY PLAN UPDATE -

Residents are needed to move the vision forward!

Unincorporated Goleta Valley is at critical crossroads now that the formalized visioning document is about to be translated into the official updated plan.

Santa Barbara County is currently taking applications for members of the group that will finalize that plan. Supervisor Wolf has vowed that the GVC 20/20 Visioning Document will serve as the blueprint for the updated plan, but residents need to remain involved to see that promise through.

The county is holding an information meeting on Tuesday April 29th. They should have copies of the GVC 20/20 Document available, but you can also read or download it here.

Detailed information:
Final GVC 20/20 Vision Document
History of the GVC 20/20 Document
Supervisor Wolf's promise
Residents Application for Plan Update Committee aka GVPAC

MTD CALLE REAL PROPERTY

Presentation by Tom Elliot

Tom Elliot, a resident of the Forte Ranch neighborhood has gathered loads of facts on the property, and compiled it into a concise presentation. Getting the facts straight takes hours of research and work. Tom has put in the time and made it easy for others to get up to speed. Thanks Tom!

SOME OF OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Neighbors Supporting Neighbors is the Key!

Through years of dedicated activism, CSP has helped local neighborhoods gain some control of development and planning. Longtime supporter and astute activist Patti Close sat down recently to list some of CSP's past accomplishments. Thanks Patti!

THE WATER ISSUE ROLLS ON:

Development Interests are trying to weaken the protection of The 1991 S.A.F.E. Ordinance...again!

This summer, the voters were pleased to see the water board vote in favor of upholding the rules designated by the 1991 and 1994 S.A.F.E. Ordinance. However, the issue has quickly returned to front and center. Once again, the community is called to action to remind all water board members that it is their duty to protect the interests of the voters above the interests of big money development.

Neighborhood activist, attorney and writer Charles A. Kent gives us pertinent background information and insights on the meddlesome attempts to alter voter-approved safety measures for our water supply. As a fellow customer of the Goleta Water District and an avid follower of Goleta Valley land use issues, Chuck knows what he is writing about. You can read Chuck's article here and attend the GWD special meeting on Tuesday, October 30, 2007. Visit our new calendar for more information.

THE WATER ISSUE:

Following the 1991 S.A.F.E. Ordinance

In 1991, after 4 years of extremely dry conditions, local voters approved a ballot measure to allow access to State Water, for the sake of health and safety in the event of future drought. To ensure that this safety measure would NOT invite a surge of development, annual limitations were designated. The result was the S.A.F.E. ordinance.

Over the years, the Goleta Water District (GWD) has modified their codes to allow rollover of the S.A.F.E. annual limitations. This detail has spawned the misleading impression of a lavish supply of water available for new development.

This was a clear departure from the intention of the original 1991 ballot measure, which was in the spirit of health and safety. The measure was designed to address a limited supply -- not to perpetuate a greater demand.

Recently however, three current GWD board members voted to correct the errant codes. The local citizens took it upon themselves to seek counsel and insist that our voices be heard. Thankfully, the GWD board responded. But the issue is not closed. The GWD is holding a public workshop at the end of the month to address this issue. Please stay tuned by signing onto our support and mailing list if you wish to participate.

In a letter printed in the Goleta Valley Voice, CSP President Ann Crosby sums it up and encourages people to plan on attending the August 30th public workshop.

EXPERTS AMONG US

Reading between the lines on government policies can send your mind spinning! Politicians tend to paint a rosy picture, but people need to know the whole story; the pros and cons.

It's been said that a person needs a sophisticated background in real estate to understand the shell game that the development industry is playing with the people. Gary Earle has that background, and clears the fog for us with his recently published commentary. read it here

Former prosecutor Kim Seefeld brings to light some of the peculiarities and contradictions of the state housing mandate in her op-ed article. read it here