Santa Barbara County Supervisors kick off the year with a ceremony
Before it could get down to business on Jan. 6, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors held its 2009 ceremony to install several incoming officials.
At the top of the list was new 3rd District Supervisor Doreen Farr. The former Santa Barbara County planning commissioner will replace retiring supervisor Brooks Firestone.
In November 2008, Farr beat out Los Olivos resident Steve Pappas in a runoff election. Pappas and some of his supporters, however, are still questioning the results. Pappas recently filed a complaint with the California Superior Court, claiming that thousands of votes cast in the Isla Vista and UC Santa Barbara areas should be disqualified. A recount of 18 precincts last month switched one vote his way.
Farr isn’t letting the controversy tarnish her transition into the county’s coveted swing seat.
“I’m very excited,” Farr told the Sun in an interview before the installation ceremony. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work with the rest of the board.
“The budget and fiscal issues are going to be paramount,” she added.
Some other important issues Farr said she plans to address include opening a new office in Solvang, constituent outreach in Isla Vista and Los Alamos, and reviewing community development plans throughout the 3rd District.
When asked about Pappas’ filing with the State Superior Court, Farr said, “It’s an option that he’s had and chosen to exercise. But as the process unfolds, I think it will be shown that his charges are unfounded.”
The board underwent another change with 5th District Supervisor Joe Centeno taking over as chairman of the board from the 1st District Supervisor. Centeno last held the chairmanship in 2003.
The board also recognized incoming Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Jed Beebe, who was elected to office during the November 2008 election to fill a seat vacated by Judge Diana Hall. Beebe will be hearing civil cases and calendars in Santa Maria.
This article appears in Jan 8-15, 2009.