Let us save Carpinteria while growing responsibly

By Chuck McQuary

Transportation; Oil Drilling and Urban Boundaries -- What Can be Done?

ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS

Skyrocketing gas prices are changing the way we meet our transportation needs: we are driving less; taking the bus more, commuting by bicycle or simply walking further. Despite that, we are still facing congestion on our city streets, delays from the freeway construction and parking shortages.

While finding viable alternatives will be a challenge, I have experience in finding solutions. Ten years ago, while serving as Transit Development Director at MTD, I was the principle architect of the South Coast Transit Plan resulting in eight new routes fueled by environmentally friendly electric and hybrid buses. With the approval of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, federal funding was provided and the routes are now in service.

During freeway construction, bridge and street closures, detours and other impediments will cause traffic delays and congestion. The City must work closely with SBCAG, Caltrans, the Sheriff Department, CHP and MTD to assure that timely notification will allow our residents to make convenient alternate travel plans.

Parking will become more of an issue as the downtown becomes built out. The City, business owners and residents must collectively work to find the space and financial resources to increase our parking inventory.

VENOCO OIL COMPANY'S PAREDON PROJECT

It is no mystery that the Paredon Project is one of the most controversial issues facing this community.

Some are against the project because of safety concerns, its impact on our environment and damage to the aesthetic beauty of our small beach town. Others support the project for its possible financial benefit to the city and to lessen our dependence on foreign oil.

The Preliminary Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has identified significant impacts to the community which include oil spills, risk of upset (explosions or fatal vapor clouds), ruptures that could degrade surface and ground water quality, the adverse impact of the drilling rig and its visual impact on viewsheds, and incompatibility of the project with the surrounding environment. The EIR identifies these and others for a total of 11 Class I Impacts that may not be mitigated to less than significant levels.

My evaluation of the final project review will be thorough and fair. However, I will never comprise the health, safety, environment and quality of life for the citizens of Carpinteria. If the project cannot resolve those impacts, I will not vote for the Paredon Project to go forward.

SUSTAIN CARPINTERIA'S UNIQUE SMALL TOWN WAY OF LIFE

I will vote to keep our urban boundaries intact and will guard against losing our open space to "creeping annexation". Growth must be kept to a scale that will benefit our community's needs.

Carpinteria is fortunate to have a vibrant downtown. We should promote the interests of our local entrepreneurs and help them by discouraging major chains or retailers from putting our local businesses at a competitive disadvantage.

Addressing the concerns of our seniors, providing services to our youth and supporting local cultural events are high on my list of priorities. The recent purchase by the City of the Cavelli property next to the Library provides an excellent first step towards a long-needed community center. I will work hard to make that a near-term reality.

The young families in our community will need room to grow and we need them to sustain our small but vibrant city. I will support moderate residential development where it is needed.

As a Council Member, I will ensure that we continue to respect the democratic process and our tradition of listening to all Carpinterian's in resolving current issues and those affecting our future.