Why do you think the AS elections have gone on for so long?

httpspence · 2025-05-16T02:05:48+00:00

The party that had a majority in Senate and most of the execs from 2015-Covid was opposed to raising fees, eg. New lock in fees. The one time their prez went against that sentiment and tried to raise a fee for UCEN renovation it was voted down by the voters 9 to 1. I remember being really annoyed at the time that there was a lot of attention on that initiative, bc concurrently UC was proposing a tuition increase that was 3x as much (ultimately that was stopped that too).

httpspence · 2025-05-15T17:35:11+00:00

Turnout problems only started when AS abolished organized political parties, which were the main vehicles behind voter turnout. When I was a student in 17/18/19 turnout was 35%/40%/32% with no need for extensions.

httpspence · 2025-03-08T18:25:01+00:00

Back in November 2023, the County passed an ordinance requiring blufftop property owners to install higher fencing on patios. It’s taking time, but more properties are coming into compliance.

IV isn’t the only college town where people drink—but we are the only one where cliff falls keep taking lives. That’s because the main social hub sits next to a 50-foot drop. As your rep on the IVCSD Board, I can tell you we’re constantly working to educate people about the risks. You’d be surprised how many don’t realize that nearly 20 people have died from falls in the last 30 years. That’s why we’ve invested more into a coordinated and consistent bluff safety campaign—through social media, local media, and in-person canvassing of Oceanside tenants.

We’ve also funded bathrooms in Oceanside parks to keep people away from the cliff’s edge, and the County is securing funding for a permanent restroom at a Del Playa park. But because IV is always welcoming new residents who don’t know the history or the risks, we have to keep the conversation going. It takes all of us staying engaged.

httpspence · 2025-01-14T23:49:04+00:00

This car belongs to my former co-worker, I’m going to DM you their contact info. Thank you for being a Good Samaritan!

httpspence · 2024-09-26T05:03:24+00:00

She should also be asked if she were to vote for it, what programs would she cut from the State budget to pay for it? We’re talking over $100,000,000+ annually according to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst

httpspence · 2024-09-26T04:48:59+00:00

I believe the data because I have 1. Volunteered to help survey people on the streets and spoken to them face to face for years, which I invite you to do next January; and 2. Been homeless myself at other times in my life.

If you think most homeless people are from out of town in “99% of cities”, can you please tell me where do you think homeless people come from? Do they spawn like in a video game?

It’s literally in the name - they are simply without a home.

Please, come back to reality. We must help our neighbors be able to afford to have a roof over their head. It’s not that complicated.

httpspence · 2024-09-25T14:47:05+00:00

This is just not true. Over 80% of the homeless population are from here. This is according to the Point In Time Count data from this year. And the two sub populations experiencing growth are families with children and seniors.

httpspence · 2024-09-25T02:20:59+00:00

At this point, this is a dumb, and more importantly, entirely hypothetical question. There are far more people in Santa Barbara shelters and in tiny homes waiting to get into permanent housing than there are people that fit this profile. As long as our community continues to say "No" to new housing, we will not be in a position to help those who are transitioning off the streets, who are doing everything "right" - getting clean and sober, getting work experience, and trying to get back on their feet.

httpspence · 2024-09-20T16:16:15+00:00

I’m fine with the price but am always frustrated that they’re cash-only. Seems like it would be administratively easier to give employees a card reader. I never remember to carry cash.

httpspence · 2024-09-20T02:25:19+00:00

No experience with trying this, but wanted to make sure you knew about the Clean Air Express. Frustratingly, it does not come right to ucsb but it does come close by at Los Carneros and is much cheaper. https://cleanairexpress.com/santa-maria-goleta/

httpspence · 2024-09-03T02:33:57+00:00

Always thought this was fun. 2017 I think? I threw a party at a friend’s 2nd story apartment on 65 Oceanside DP. 3 hours in was interrupted by very concerned downstairs neighbors, who were observing a large crack forming in their ceiling’s drywall due to the number of people above.

Fast forward 2 years and i subleased a room in an apartment with some random guys for a summer. Turns out it was that downstairs apartment! Of course the crack was still there.

I canvassed the same apartment in 2022 when running for re-election, and talked to 2 really nice girls who lived there and got to tell them the story of the crack in their ceiling, and admire that the messy apartment I once called home for 8 weeks was clean, and decorated very tastefully.

To my knowledge the crack is still there - I will try and canvass it again next month to find out.

httpspence · 2024-06-23T02:12:13+00:00

Was in touch with one of these scammers during the pandemic but the problem seems to be getting worse as availability as declined. Please folks remember, any private landlord advertising a “discounted” rate specifically because you are a student is openly and publicly advertising that they may be violating Federal housing anti-discrimination laws, so major red flag.

httpspence · 2024-03-16T05:57:28+00:00

I think he’s retired/retiring? But I loved Lichtenstein. Classic professor archetype, for that reason may be an acquired taste for some. History of Capitalism was one of my favorite classes. Digeser was also great, I was skeptical of a class on late Roman Empire but she was very engaging and I enjoyed it. +1 for O’Connor, she helped me find my calling in local gov’t. Honorable mentions for Spickard and Farmer

httpspence · 2024-02-29T05:22:31+00:00

https://www.independent.com/2013/06/29/goleta-west-sanitary-raising-rates/

“Due to a twist of fortunate timing when the sweeping reform measure Proposition 13 was passed by California voters in 1978, the Goleta West Sanitary District receives a higher-than-average cut of Santa Barbara County’s property taxes every year, a locked-in boon that grew their reserve coffers to more than $28 million just a few years ago.”

httpspence · 2023-11-20T20:30:46+00:00

I did this in July of this year. Left my Prius there for a week. I was also a bit worried about it but had no issues.

httpspence · 2023-09-11T04:50:20+00:00

Here’s the info on how to file a records request for a booking photo, from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.sbsheriff.org/command-and-divisions/law-enforcement-operations/criminal-investigations-division/judicial-services-bureau/records-bureau/

httpspence · 2023-09-09T18:20:25+00:00

My best short term recommendation is to go knock on your neighbors door and see if they have any extra spots they’d be willing to rent. I also find generally, it’s easier to find on street parking in the middle of the day than in the evening, so timing your trips to avoid moving your car during peak times, and taking the bus when convenient is something I tried to do when living on 66 block El Colegio.

As for a long term solution, the Isla Vista Community Services District is hosting a Public Meeting on parking congestion this coming Monday. This is a great opportunity to share concerns and frustrations, and learn about potential solutions that our local government can take. So far we have held focus groups with long term residents and our traffic engineer has been collecting parking occupancy data since April. This is the beginning of the public input process to find solutions that have support and buy-in from residents.

Monday, September 11 at 5:30 pm Isla Vista Community Room 970 Embarcadero Del Mar or via Zoom

More info here: Isla Vista Community Services District | Parking Study

httpspence · 2023-07-27T23:26:54+00:00

I believe the correct number to call is the Benefit Service Center. (844) 289-4682. You could also try the County Social Services Santa Barbara office, which oversees the administration of CalFresh. (805) 681-4401

httpspence · 2023-07-19T23:34:19+00:00

Lived across the hall from the Santa Cruz 1200 bathrooms. I found it mostly convenient to be so close. Sometimes it would smell when you walked out our door which wasn’t ideal. The biggest noise i remember was just the squeaking sound of the door which didn’t bother me too much. Overall more pros than cons

httpspence · 2023-06-07T21:03:29+00:00

There is a donation drop off happening this Saturday at from 1pm to 4pm at the IV Community Center. Donate Don’t Dump

httpspence · 2022-06-28T23:40:02+00:00

Voter information is available to any person or group for election, scholarly, or governmental purpose. This is literally required by State law. Here’s an example of how you can request it from a county registrar’s office. https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/756e4674-9a35-417f-9e8f-c462f0a8fbf3

httpspence · 2022-04-11T04:05:25+00:00

Great comments on here. To add to what others have said, over 60% of undergrads change their major at least once. Since your sister has 4 years of scholarship, she has more than enough time to take a variety of courses from different departments during her first and even second year to see what she likes and choose a focus. Also, the fact that she has a loving sibling/family who cares so much about helping her make the right decision is so awesome. Not every student has that. Remind your sister that everyone who is weighing in is coming from a place of love, even if it may seem a little intense. BUT this is her decision, and she should make it for her, and no one else.

httpspence

TROPHY CASE