In answer to the letter written by a “Disgruntled Rent Payer,” I realize that there are difficulties on both sides. However, I must correct him regarding the “high rents” in Santa Barbara homes. We offer rentals for as low as $575/month, all utilities included. You will find our prices similar to those in Ventura and elsewhere, and our rooms are just as sunny as theirs. I offer my laundry, indeed, my entire home to my renters and consider them close friends. There is unlimited off-street parking. My room is still empty in my well-maintained, quiet home filled with original art work that makes it sparkle.
However, there is no excuse for high-density housing which is known to cause traffic congestion, higher crime rates, and overcrowding in the local schools. This leads to the deterioration of the entire area and will affect the cities of Santa Barbara and Goleta eventually. We have fought the developers again and again to try to maintain the charm that distinguishes our city from others. Why must we perpetually fight this battle?