Candidate for
Councilmember; City of Santa Barbara

"I envision a Santa Barbara that can retain her special character while providing a place for youth to realize their potential, a place to raise a family, a place to age, a place for tourists to enjoy, and a place for business to thrive" -Dianne Channing

Dear Friends,

Let me introduce myself as a candidate for Santa Barbara City Council.

Santa Barbara is a very special place that needs strong stewardship to keep her vibrant and in balance with her finite resources. These resources touch every aspect of the community including growth, budgetary concerns and public safety. We need leaders who are committed to preserving what we love about our community and who will plan and guide our future development so that the whole community benefits and thrives.

I came to Santa Barbara 20 years ago with my husband Phil. We have run a successful photography business for over two decades and I can bring much needed business experience to the City Council.

It has also been my honor to work on pressing issues facing our community. I was Chair of the View Ordinance Task Force that was successful in getting a view ordinance adopted by the city in 2001. I served my neighborhood as board member and then President of the Riviera Association. In addition, I chaired the Steering Committee for the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance Revision that was adopted by the City in 2007. This resulted in the New Single Family Design Guidelines that continue to serve the community well in preventing mansionization, piecemeal development, and over grading of hillsides.

I have been a strong advocate for planning and finding funding for our transportation needs.

I am committed to Santa Barbara's future as a leader in energy that frees us of our dependence on fossil fuel. I have also worked with community organizations to address our needs for more rental housing.

I have the support of a broad spectrum of our community's leaders as you can see from my list of endorsements. It would be my honor to serve you on the Santa Barbara City Council to continue my work protecting and shaping the city that we all love. I promise you accountable and transparent representation. In order to be successful with my campaign I need your endorsement, financial help and energy. Let's work together for the Santa Barbara we cherish!

Sincerely,

Dianne Channing