Noozhawk

Public Weighs In On Venoco’s Oil Pipeline Project

By Sonia Fernandez, Noozhawk Staff Writer

The California State Lands Commission holds the first in a series of hearings on the project's environmental documents.

The California State Lands Commission held public hearings on Wednesday on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for Venoco’s lease expansion and pipeline project, as the oil company pushes for intensified drilling off the Ellwood coast.

The first in a series of hearings on the project’s environmental document, Wednesday’s hearings, at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., brought out criticism and support for the project, which would include 40 new wells from existing oil slots on Platform Holly, as well as a pipeline from the oil company’s Ellwood Onshore Facility to the All-American Pipeline tie-in 10 miles northwest of Goleta that would do away with the oil company’s existing barge operation.

Regional Board Files $8.5 Million Complaint Against Greka Energy

By John Mann

The company is accused of failing to comply with a cleanup and abatement order; a hearing will be held in Santa Barbara in October.

Assemblyman Pedro Nava, D-Santa Barbara, announced Tuesday that the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Coast Region has filed an $8.5 million complaint against Greka Energy for its failure to comply with a cleanup and abatement order issued Dec. 20, 2006.

Land-Use Approvals Next Up for Santa Barbara Ranch Project

By Sonia Fernandez, Noozhawk Staff Writer

Following a decision on the project's alternative design, the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission takes the next step toward development.

Having found the Santa Barbara Ranch Project‘s Final Environmental Impact Report to be adequate, and having chosen one of several design alternatives for the Gaviota coast property, the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission on Monday will start in on the first round of approvals the developer needs to get some homes on the ground.

“We’re pleased at the option they picked,” said Jim Youngson, representing developer Matt Osgood. “Matt Osgood’s gone through great effort in working with Rancho Dos Pueblos in carving out Alternative 1B.”

Will Offshore Drilling Help Ease Our Energy Crisis?

By Tam Hunt

Energy efficiency and conservation are better alternatives to increased oil exploration.

With oil prices topping records every week, the chorus for increasing offshore drilling is growing. Will it help?

Let’s first discuss what “help” means. If we mean help in terms of providing additional supply for domestic consumption, it may help a bit. But not much, as explained below. But if we mean help in terms of bringing down prices, we know that it won’t help at all. In fact, a recent study by the Energy Information Administration, the federal energy agency that tracks energy research and data, found that increased drilling offshore in California, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico would have an “insignificant” impact on oil prices by 2030!

Santa Barbara Council Backs Veronica Meadows — Again

By Rob Kuznia, Noozhawk Staff Writter

Despite judge's ruling, proposed 25-home Las Positas development wins 5-2 vote. Opponents are expected to sue.

A key issue holding up the Veronica Meadows project is a proposed access bridge to the development in Las Positas Canyon. The creek crossing would be located off Las Positas Road, across from the entrance to Elings Park.

In what’s beginning to resemble a game of ping-pong, the Santa Barbara City Council on Tuesday approved — for the second time in a year and a half — the development of 25 single-family homes in Las Positas Valley, despite a judge’s ruling in December revoking the earlier approval.

New Details Emerge On Possible Mental Health Cuts

By Rob Kuznia, Noozhawk Staff Writer   

Saturday, 12 April 2008

New details are emerging on how Santa Barbara County plans to make long-dreaded cuts to its financially failing Department of Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services.

The cuts, announced last week during internal meetings, would slash by about 60 percent the county’s contractual agreements with six local nonprofit agencies that provide the bulk of nonclinical services to area adults with mentally illness.

All told, the cuts would lead to about 70 layoffs, and leave about 700 mentally ill adults without care, said Cindy Burton, CEO of Work Training Programs Inc., one of the five nonprofit organizations.

On April 22, the county Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider the proposal, which was made by ADMHS staff members. If approved, the cuts would take effect July 1.