Keep Those Cards And Letters Coming; Residents Respond to Pine Avenue Parking Efforts

Commissioner Joanne Mattick made it clear at last Wednesday’s parking workshop that she had no intention of keeping an open mind regarding the pending Citizen’s Initiative on Pine Avenue parking. She has made it a point to question the legal sufficiency of the parking petition, though if she would simply take a few moments to actually read it she would see that it complies with the requirements of the City Charter. The language of the ordinance is clearly and succinctly set out within the petition as required. Many in attendance were also concerned with her insinuation that votes cast in last November’s election were now considered mistakes by some. Last Friday we suggested HERE that it may be time to remind Commissioner Mattick that your vote last November was no fluke and that the voice of the citizens will be heard.

Well, you responded. Below are snippets from some of your letters and emails. You can read the full text of each letter by clicking the →→ at the end of the quoted text.

“Any city commissioner that would insinuate that ALL OR ANY of these votes were miscast, would be an insult to the voter's integrity and the system put in place for the RIGHT TO VOTE in the USA. ” →→

Hit the “Please Read More” link below for more snippets and letters:

“Your belligerent reference to the petition at Wednesday's workshop had an "I'm unopposed and I don't care" ring, which I and many other residents find offensive.” →→

“If your commission will not act responsibly, we will exercise our responsibility on our own and vote in people who understand this.” →→

"I feel disdain for any commissioner that chooses to pretend that the petition is just a nuisance that can just be swept under the rug along with what I personally consider as the real issue-Safety." →→

“To hear you dismiss the Citizens Initiative Petition was frankly insulting to the citizens of our City.” →→

A few letters were already in the city read file before last week’s meeting but their authors express similar concerns regarding Pine Avenue parking:

“Property owners need to be aware that future property owners who decide that the highest and best use of the property would be as a residence, would have public parking in front of their property –FOREVER.” →→

It seems to me that after almost a year of wrangling by the commission, with no consensus…it is time for the electorate to have a say…” →→

The Commission meets again this Thursday to continue its discussion of Pine Avenue parking. Unfortunately, that “discussion” has focused on the language of a proposed ordinance seeking to shove 262 parking spots onto Pine Avenue and written by the city planner whose income is derived from developer fees. It should be pointed out that the Citizen’s Initiative committee, armed with the certified voice of the electorate, has met with significant resistance in getting the initiative placed on Thursday's agenda even though it was approved by Supervisor of Elections Bob Sweat nine days ago and acknowledged as received by City Clerk Alice Baird last Friday, four full days before agendas are typically finalized and posted. As of this posting Chairman Quam has agreed to add it to the agenda only after City Attorney Jim Dye determines that it is “sufficient.” Without commenting on the significance, or even the necessity, of Dye’s involvement there is no word yet on his determination of "sufficiency."

In the meantime, we hope the letters above inspire you to contact Commissioner Mattick and the rest of the commission and let them know how you feel:

Fran Barford - ammayor@cityofannamaria.com

John Quam - amcommquam@cityofannamaria.com

JoAnn Mattick - amcommmattick@cityofannamaria.com

Harry Stoltzfus - amcommstoltzfus@cityofannamaria.com

Chuck Webb - amcommwebb@cityofannamaria.com

Dale Woodland - amcommwoodland@cityofannamaria.com


Do it today. And show up tomorrow night.

You can bet those in favor of dumping 262 parking spaces on Pine Avenue will be there.

Stay informed.

Bill Yanger