The Chamber's Public Policy Committee met recently to discuss the issue, particularly the concerns over permit requests to grow cannabis on parcels in western Goleta - close to our residential neighborhoods and just downwind of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara.

 

Goleta and cannabis also have been in the news as a result of our historic South Patterson Avenue agricultural block and newly converted cannabis operations sprouting alongside our community's longtime, prized nurseries.

 

Our committee has observed Carpinteria struggle with the consequences of cannabis-related public policy decisions that are causing distress for many residents and businesses in that community. We want to learn from Carpinteria and help create a better future for Goleta as we face changes traced to California's legalization of marijuana.

 

Committee members studied data and documents, and heard from experts. Right now, it looks as if the effects of cannabis growing are detrimental to our quality of life, there do not seem to be enough safeguards to protect our neighborhoods from the inevitable odors of cannabis growing, and there arereputational risks of being known as a cannabis capital.

"The City of Goleta has been working hard, and we believe successfully to continually balance the health and safety needs of our residents with the rights and opportunities the State of California has granted to the cannabis industry," said Goleta Mayor, Paula Perotte. "As Goleta's Mayor, I urge Santa Barbara County to take a regional approach to cannabis to better assure the safety and economic well-being of all its residents and businesses, whether they are located in the county or within our cities. " 

The Chamber's concerns are for Goleta's neighborhoods, our tourism economy, and the negative economic impacts of this new agricultural industry on our quality of life and economy.