Santa Barbara First District County Supervisor Das Williams talks about the La Cumbre Plaza meeting debacle, his decision to vote against a city-requested specific plan to fund a process for 2,000 housing units. Williams says city planners did not come to the meeting prepared and that he voted against funding $1.1 million in state money because he wasn't sure that the La Cumbre Plaza specific plan met the grant guidelines -- even though it was recommended by an SBCAG committee. Williams also explains his big picture views on housing and professes that he is for affordable housing, which is why he didn't want to slow down a competing project by the Taylor family for 685 units. Quite simply, he said the city's specific plan would slow down the more pressing Taylor project. Williams also talks about cannabis, odor in Carpinteria, serving with formal rival Laura Capps, the county's first-time ever competitive ambulance contract, and the county's switch to renewable energy. This is a lively debate and discussion. Josh Molina is a journalist and community college instructor. This podcast is independently owned by Molina. Please make a contribution at santabarbaratalks.com.

Broadcast on:

04 Jan 2023