(Editor's note: This is the second opinion piece Newsmakers has published about Measure P, the Santa Barbara City College bond on the Nov. 5 ballot. Former SB city council member Dale Francisco made the case against Measure P on Sept. 30).
By Lanny Ebenstein
Santa Barbara City College is one of our community's defining institutions. Tens of thousands of young people from Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria have been educated at SBCC over time, and thousands more benefit from it now. The college also has an extensive and exemplary community education program from which many thousands more benefit.
Measure P on the November 5 ballot merits a strong Yes vote.
Measure P would provide vital funding for important capital facilities on the SBCC main campus on Cliff Drive, as well as Wake and Schott campuses. The community has, perhaps surprisingly, not invested much in the college. There has been only one successful bond for SBCC since 1973.
The State of California generally expects community colleges to finance facilities through local bonds. An educational bond requires a 55 percent vote to pass.
Santa Barbara City College has one of the finest community college campuses anywhere. Its programs are exceptional. From children's centers and concurrent enrollment of high school students at SBCC, to local students who attend SBCC after high school on their way to a four-year college or university and vocational and continuing education for adults of all ages: SBCC serves everyone.
A vibrant Santa Barbara City College is a great asset to the entire community! Many thousands of our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and fellow community members--and their kids and grandkids--will benefit from the planned improvements.
Santa Barbara City College has had only four successful bonds in its history since opening on Cliff Drive in 1959--in 1962, 1969, 1973, and 2008. One successful bond in more than 50 years is not adequate to enable SBCC to continue to address facility challenges and retain its outstanding program, notwithstanding the college has spent significant funds on maintenance and repair. Maintenance can only take place for so long; ultimately, facilities reach the end of their lifespan.
The generations that came before us invested in Santa Barbara City College. Now, it is this generation's chance to stand up and be counted for SBCC. Measure P has been carefully thought through so that the property tax rate will not exceed the rate already approved by voters with the 2008 bond. Voting Yes on P simply extends this rate.
Inflation has increased, and it would cost more to make the improvements proposed in Measure P in the future. Santa Barbara City College will benefit financially from facility expenditures at this time, and it is to the programmatic benefit of students and the community. It is important to protect the community's investment in the physical plant of the college.
Measure P will enable Santa Barbara City College to qualify for tens of millions of dollars of state funding that may not (and probably would not) be available in the future and require a local match.
In particular, the Physical Science building--which was originally built with funds from the 1962 bond, more than 60 years ago -- would be completely rebuilt. The new facility would become a major community improvement, rather than a deleterious and outmoded, substandard building.
This is the last election that SBCC can use tens of millions of dollars of state funding available for the already approved physical education building replacement project.
Measure P would also allow City College to qualify for tens of millions of dollars of state funding for classroom modernization, including for renovated and improved science labs. The total amount of state funding available as a result of Measure P is as much as $100 million.
Santa Barbara City College is a leader in many fields, including healthcare. The SBCC nursing program is a vital component in our community's healthcare system. Our community's nurses and home health aides often receive training and education at SBCC. So do our radiologists and those in health information technology--and so it is for many in all roles in our community's life.
Many tens of thousands of community members born in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria, and who live here all their lives have, are, and will benefit from Santa Barbara City College.
Community colleges serve all members of the community. SBCC is among the most diverse and inclusive institutions in our area. It is worthwhile to support young people in developing their vocational career, in being enrolled in City College during high school and after they graduate from high school and are beginning their college careers, and again later in their lives and careers.
Vote Yes on Measure P! It's a great investment for the community, would benefit tens of thousands of local students and community members for decades, and would not increase the tax rate for City College facilities beyond that approved in 2008.
Economist and author Lanny Ebenstein is President of the Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association.
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