For all the wild-child ways of my school days, I’m such a law-abiding, society-conforming birdie these days. So much so that my high school self would probably pummel my grown-up self for being such an annoying rule follower.
Whenever I pop into Spencer’s Markets to grab a quick deli lunch, I always enter the parking lot according to the directional arrows—unlike the scores of drivers, including the one that almost hit me head on—who drive into the parking lot from the exit driveway. I never text and fly, I don’t lie, and I don’t cheat—even when it’s really, really tempting.
So I have a hard time understanding why some people can’t follow simple rules, which if broken ruin things for everyone. Like not stomping all over the areas designated for tiny birds to recreate and hatch their even tinier baby birds.
I’m talking about the snowy plover and why people can’t leave them in peace so that we can all enjoy the beach in harmony.
Seriously, people! Is nothing sacred? Snowy plover nesting season has been underway for barely a month, and officials have passed out enough violations to threaten beach closure. According to Vandenberg Air Force Base spokesman Sgt. Shane Fibbs, there have been 26 violations already. Once that number hits 30 then officials close the beach to humans and their big ol’ footprints until Memorial Day weekend.
Maybe there needs to be increased patrols.
Residents of Orcutt and other unincorporated areas of the county would welcome increased patrols by the law enforcement. Except that the county’s unincorporated areas are covered by the Sheriff’s Department, which is a little short-staffed at the moment.
In fact, did I say “a little?” The Santa Barbra County Deputy Sheriff’s Association released a statement saying that the public should be aware that the staffing shortages have impacted the department’s “ability to deliver the kind of public safety services residents expect and deserve.”
The department has about 19 vacant positions right now. The release called the staffing critical and said that the department is preparing to implement mandatory overtime. The situation is such that the shortage caused the Sheriff’s Department to close the Santa Maria Jail for 12 hours on March 9 and March 16 in order to cover staffing shortages at the county’s Main Jail.
The reasons for the staffing shortage are many, including the fact that the department is losing custody deputies and deputy sheriffs faster than they can be recruited, and claims that the pay is lower than for deputies in other areas.
Coincidentally, the announcement comes just before the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors sits down for its budget hearings. Sheriff Bill Brown get the PowerPoint ready, it’s time to make a pitch for more funding.
And to be sure, 4th District Supervisor Peter Adam, Orcutt residents will be watching. I hear they are tired of packages getting stolen from their porches.
The Canary is watching. Send her tips at canary@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Apr 7-14, 2016.