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Yahoo!Today is what we can call my “debut” as a part of the “second generation” of your Goleta Grapevine. I have to say that I was thrilled when I was approached to partake in what, up to now, was mostly Margaret Connell’s column. Now that she has decided to run for Goleta’s City Council, she will be 100 percent committed to her campaign. So, here I am, excited for the opportunity to communicate with all of you, and ready to write about the stories relevant to our community’s interests, politics, sports, and social life in general.
To do this right — even though my contacts in the community keep me well informed — I will appreciate your leads in advance on anything interesting, important, or plain curious that you think is worth sharing with others. I encourage you to write to me and tell me what you have in mind. After all, this column is called Goleta Grapevine, right?
As for my background, I was born and raised in Mexico City, where I studied philosophy and Spanish literature, got married, and formed a family. Fifteen years ago, my family and I arrived in Santa Barbara, and a few years later, we moved to Goleta. I am the founder and owner of Transil-Pro, a translation and interpreting company based in Goleta, which has allowed me to collaborate with nonprofit organizations, county and city governments, and corporations alike. I also am a freelance writer for both English and Spanish language publications. I love everything I do, but writing is my passion.
TALKIN’ POLITICS: We have to talk politics on the Grapevine, especially in the very effervescent time just before the elections. The political race is about to start — motors are warming up, plans are being made, strategies are being created, and politicians stand at the starting line already knowing the path that they want to take: one that would whoosh them to the final line as winners on November 4.
Many of the Democratic campaigns headquarters are housed together in one office, at 430 Chapala Street, which seems a fiscally responsible solution to me, notwithstanding its practicality. Volunteers are not only welcomed but truly needed during campaign time. If you have a little time to invest in helping your candidates, just swing by.
A politician not housing her campaign headquarters there is Lois Capps, which is quite surprising. Was this decision based on the fact that she’s unopposed, which could mean no need for such collaboration, or could it be that she perceives this coming term as her last one, thus no need for her party’s support in the future?
NO GOOD LAND FIESTA: No Fiesta in the Good Land…again? After living in Goleta for the last 10 years, and craving some Fiesta action in my town, I was very disappointed to see that nothing is really going on.
Margaret Connell
2008's Spirit of Fiesta Jessica Marquez (left) and Junior Spirit Ashley Almada
Yes, I am aware that there was an event on June 4, at Rancho La Patera and Stow House, called “Fiesta Ranchera.” Although I applaud the effort and the initiative, I truly believe that this event missed the mark.
Please, someone tell me, is it so difficult to organize something related to Fiesta during Fiesta? At least a couple of events that would allow us, Goletians — or in Spanish, “Goletanos” — to avoid the big crowds in Santa Barbara, and at the same time, enjoy such this wonderful tradition. How about having the flamenco and Mexican dancers, and the singers at Girsh Park for our own “Noches de Ronda?”
It would not be a huge expense for our city to get a wood platform and a P.A. system rented. Maybe someone in the community might donate it, or if we collaborate with the Old Spanish Days organization, we might get it loaned to us. Who knows? The point is to bring family entertainment to our city that would allow us to partake in such a historical event in our laid back style.
GANGS IN GOLETA: Last week, I heard a very simple and interesting question: Is Goleta immune to gangs?
The question is timely and relevant because of the increased gang activity in Santa Barbara. Yes, we do hear of things here and there about graffiti, fights at Dos Pueblos and San Marcos, and some people complaining in the Isla Vista area about youth been harassed and pressured by older gang members, but nothing compared to the recent stabbings that we’ve all heard about.
One of the possible reasons for this suppression of violence may be that the Sheriff’s Department has done a good job in keeping its fingers on the pulse of the town, and acting before things get out of control. Here’s a formula that always work when problems are in sight: Attention + action = Prevention.
OUR NEIGHBOR MICHAEL JORDAN? It was heard on the Grapevine that Michael Jordan (he was back in town for the youth basketball camp that he does every year) has been looking for a home right here in Goleta. If he chooses to be our neighbor, it will be a proof of his good taste, and his appreciation for our still lovely town, and its people.
Have a good week, and enjoy life.
Double-clicking on any word or phrase in this story will open a reference window with definitions and links to other reference material.
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Discussion Guidelines
Welcome! I'm looking forward to reading local-interest stories.
But does the plea for helpers for the Democratic candidates mean the stories will be one-sided and focused only on that part of the community?
In order to have choice in our elections, we must have two, or three, or more parties fielding candidates. No matter where you stand, political choice requires being able to choose between/among multiple candidates and issues.
I'm thankful for political diversity! That's why many of us live in the U.S.
matildajane (anonymous profile)
August 5, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you for your article. I enjoyed reading it! I just have one item I disagree with. Fiesta. Isn't Fiesta a Santa Barbara event? Or are you saying Goleta should do more events with Santa Barbara? We already share a school district and commerce. Should we share events also? And if that is the case, maybe events like 4th of July should be shared (thus not paying for two firework shows) and maybe other events like the Lemon Festival.
I guess my point is this. Which events do you want shared and which do you want to remain "their" community event?
Flash (anonymous profile)
August 5, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes how about a list of ALL the campaign headquarters if you're going to name any? Getting a little tired of the bias. Get out the vote! (as long as you vote democrat that is)
AShaw (anonymous profile)
August 5, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I, too, would like to see a balanced, unbiased reporting on the political front. Lois Capps' last term? "Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished"!
Moonfruit (anonymous profile)
August 5, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
>>But does the plea for helpers for the Democratic candidates mean the stories will be one-sided and focused only on that part of the community?<<
Duh. Of course it's going to be pro-Democrat/pro-Liberal. This is coastal California. Anything else is illegal. ;-)
aureolin (anonymous profile)
August 5, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Welcome. Hope you enjoy researching our local political issues.
One issue is, "Why is Lois Capps unopposed?" That's a story. Is democracy dead or has she really done so much for her district that people are satisfied with her and her seniority in congress? I've liked a lot of her positions on issues, but I am a little disappointed how little federal money she's brought to her district. Former congressman Bob Lagomarsino was in the minority party during his reign. I didn't always like his positions but he knew how to bring money into our district for both govt. agencies and private businesses. What can Lois Capps do to bring some of the pork-barrel spending into Santa Barbara?
Georgy (anonymous profile)
August 5, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In support of one of our new columnists, I should probably point out that she mentioned the Democratic Party situation because the Democratic Party is loudly putting the word out this week about their new shared headquarters on Chapala with the proper press releases and community outreach.
No word from whether the Republicans are doing this or not, but we haven't heard a peep about any such plan. (Though a bit of research revealed that the county's Republican Party headquarters are at 3887 State Street- Suite 11.)
That being said, as a column in our Opinions section, this is the designated area for opinionated writing, and we welcome all viewpoints from Goleta, left, right, center, up, down, etc.
And if anyone wants to write about a different neighborhood or town from any political perspective, we welcome that too. Just email us with some samples, and we'll move forward.
Send relevant messages in this regard to tips@independent.com.
Matt (Matt Kettmann)
August 5, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
matildajane ,Georgy ,aureolin ,Moonfruit ,AShaw,Flash, i would like to say that this is an opinion column . opinion column. and if it would be great if these got read and thought out logicly. for example the fiesta thing. if we have it here in goleta we could decrease the gang mass in plaza de la guerra. and we could have a successful turnout. also the fiesta thats on june 4 in on june 4 not in august when its fiesta. and all the complaints of how rowdy it gets in sb could be reduced to not any if we spread it out to here. and for all the youth who complain of having nothing to do can have something to look forward to.just please consider this and think it through a bit more. and as far as the bias thing the republicans should put out more things if they want to be heard. remember this is an OPINION column . : 0 )
ceciliasofia (anonymous profile)
August 5, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To ceciliasofia -
I know it is an Opinion column. That is why I said I enjoyed her column but I disagreed with her opinion on Fiesta. And thus I wanted to throw in my opinion. And thank you also for sharing yours.
Fiesta is a Santa Barbara event, not a Goleta event. I never saw, as you put it, a "gang mass" in De La Guerra plaza, and I was there several times, day and night. I never saw it at MacKenzie Park also. The complaints about how rowdy it gets has to do with the bar and nightclub scene. Do you want that in Goleta? Does Goleta even have an area where that can happen? Not since Spike's and Alex's Cantina closed down (when the UCSB students used to go between those two places and E-Bar). Also, if it was spread out, that means you also need to spread out the law enforcement, or spend more money and call more in from out of the area.
The point I was asking the author of the article was this...I am assuming she wanted Fiesta to be shared in Goleta. Ok, fine. But should Goleta events like the Lemon Festival be shared with Santa Barbara? Where do you draw the line between "community" events? Or is Fiesta such a big money maker that Goleta wants it share?
Flash (anonymous profile)
August 6, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Interesting, thought-provoking comments, for the most part!
However, I had difficulty understanding the one written in non-standard "English." I'm now accustomed to using and understanding standard American English, with appropriate capital letters, punctuation and complete thoughts.
I think I understand the gist of that person's comments, but I would like to offer a suggestion:
When you write succinctly and clearly, your message will be understood. Language has power; educate yourself and hang around with others who speak English well, and it becomes easier to communicate clearly in English.
Speaking other languages is great (I do, too!), and when you need to use any language, use it properly. Informal slang has its place, but it loses its "punch" when used in the wrong situation. Don't hold yourself down. Try adult ed. or ESL classes. They work!
matildajane (anonymous profile)
August 6, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lois Capps is _not_ unopposed. Her Republican opponent is Matt Kokkonen -- look him up on youtube and on Google.
revisionist (anonymous profile)
August 8, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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