Self to run for SB City Council

By JOSHUA MOLINA — June 7, 2009

Can lightning strike twice for Santa Barbara’s conservatives?

Looking to replicate Dale Francisco’s surprising City Council victory two years ago, Michael Self on Friday declared her candidacy from the steps of City Hall. If elected she promised to be responsive to the community’s wishes, not her own agenda. Among her many promises, she said that the city needs to “sign on to gang injunctions for our safety.”

 About 50 people were in attendance.

“I have learned first-hand how it feels to be ignored by City Hall,” Self, 62, said. “I know how it feels to have my neighborhood ignored by City Hall.”

Self has spent the last several years positioning herself for a council run. She first gained attention as a vocal opponent of the city’s traffic calming devices, such as curb extensions and mini-roundabouts.

She formed a group called Santa Barbara Safe Streets and regularly railed against City Hall transportation planners, and a council that she deemed unresponsive.

While she scoffs at being labeled as a car-advocate, she and her group have consistently pushed a pro-car agenda.

A statement on the group’s Web site states, “the Utopian idea that large numbers of people can be ‘encouraged’ to use bicycles or buses for most of their transportation needs has been tried for thirty years, and has failed. The automobile - though not necessarily the petroleum-dependent vehicles of today - will continue to be a primary mode of transportation for many decades to come. We should plan and develop our transportation system accordingly.”

The group also states that the roads should be safe for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Some of the region’s most conservative politicos stood along Self at her announcement, including former Carpinteria councilman Greg Gandrud.

Self had pondered a mayoral run, but backed off for a less expensive run for City Council.

With five months to go before the election, Self joins a growing list of council candidates. As many as four seats could change hands.

Much like Francisco, Self appears to be positioning herself as a City Hall outsider and voice of the people. While the City Council has typically been guided by left-leaning Democrats, history shows that conservatives can get elected. Republican Dr. Dan Secord recently served eight years on the council. Francisco, also a Republican, was elected in 2007.

Whether Self can broaden her appeal beyond her core constituency remains to be seen.

“I want to serve, not dictate,” Self said. “If you call me the candidate that represents the people I will be honored.”

Self said her three main issues will be accountability, public safety and money matters.

Noting several high-profile crime incidents, she said, “the gangs own our city.”

Alluding to the city’s projected $10.5 million budget deficit, she said “there are better solutions than continually raising taxes and fees. We must live within our means. We need to cut the frills and trim the fat. With your help, we can do better.”

Among her supporters is Francisco, who stood alongside Self and Friday’s event.

“She’s an ideal grassroots candidate,” Francisco said. “She has shown that she is sincerely dedicated. She’s running for City Council because she cares.”

Other council candidates include David Pritchett, an environmentalist and city activist. Harwood “Bendy” White, a land use planner and longtime member of the city’s planning commission. Dianne Channing, a Riviera resident and decades-long neighborhood activist. Frank Hotchkiss, a real estate broker; and Lane Anderson, an anti-war activist.

Newcomer Olivia Uribe, who just moved to Santa Barbara a few months ago; John Thyne, a real estate broker; and councilman Grant House, who is running for re-election.

Another possible candidate is Michael Jordan, a member of the city’s Creeks advisory Committee. Other candidates are expected to emerge.

The new council members will have to face some serious budget challenges. For the first time in years the city is considering layoffs. Battles over building heights are also being waged and recent high-profile gang attacks have pushed public safety squarely to the forefront of community debate.

Self said she’s the answer.

“We can no longer be content with policies based on wishful thinking,” she said. “I pledge that I will ask the hard questions. With your help, we will open the window to fresh ideas.”

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not a "newcomer" : 6/9/2009

Uribe attended local public schools like Washington & Adams Elementary and graduated from UCSB - she is hardly a newcomer to Santa Barbara and has been involved in our community for many years.

fan of uribe

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: 6/9/2009

Anything different than the present council will be an improvement. Time after time they have failed the public while pushing their own agendas. We only need to look at the gang problems, the financial deficits, the lack of zoning enforcement and the employee raises this year to see what a terrible job this council has done.

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do your homework. : 6/9/2009

Uribe would be much worse than the present Silly Council. She thinks like them but she's 24. I can't imagine a worse combination. We need people who know how to manage budget. And I don't mean the budget of SBCAN or other activist organizations.

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: 6/9/2009

I thought I read she has spent the last decade in Goleta? Who's telling the truth here? I realize Goleta is not that far away, but I still don't like being misled.

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: 6/9/2009

This Olivia nonsense is getting old. She seems like a completely inappropriate candidate for City Council. I do not much like Self (too angry)–but with candidates like Olivia that is what we are going to end up with. I am very disappointed with our local Democratic Party.

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Miachael Self (ish?) : 6/11/2009

Wow! With dream killers like candidate Michael Self we wouldn't need dictators on the planet. This candidate puts the self in selfish.

Don McDermott

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SB CITY COUNCIL : 6/11/2009

WHO IS JUSTIN TEVIS?

WWW.WEBSTARTS.COM/TEVIS4COUNCIL

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