The city's Mission Canyon Bridge Project is very flawed. This is being driven by one more ambitious grant project. The Council only voted to look at options, they are not obligated to continue beyond the bridge team's proposals. This Bridge does not have to be replaced. The most recent structural inspection by the Ca Dept of Transportation completed 3/15/2021 determined the Bridge remains safe and strong. Only one recomendation noted the scour in the cement needed maintenance which was also noted back in 2015. Stucturally obsolete simply means, they don't make them like this anymore, to expensive and they don't have the craftsmen of over 100 years ago. Traffic moving at 25 mph on the bridge is not slowed at either end of the Bridge, the Rose Garden on one end of it or Rocky Nook park on the other in this "share the road" corridor. Already a "Vision Zero " corridor, there are no accident statistics that support the need for a new wider bridge which would result in widening the roadway and increase traffic speed . Further, this is a “share the road” Corridor which means “one after the other.” this includes the bridge area where bicyclists have the the same traffic rules and are on the same level as motorists. We are pleased that the City finally did the suggested maintenance repairs to the road surface and foot bridge this past summer of 2020 that had been recommended as far back as the 2011 inspections. This bridge was completely refurbished in 2008 by Santa Barbara Public Works Department was found it to be structurally sound, in good condition and may be left in place. Taxpayer's dollars could be better spent by both the City and County by better maintaining the existing footpaths and pedestrian crossings near Rocky Nook Park. This proposed 11 million dollar project threatens the special historic landscape in the surrounding area that goes back to the Chumash era and the Mission Creek endangered Steelhead Trout Restoration Program. The bridge has withstood the test of time. Not even a crack, with the 1925 earthquake of 6.8 magnitude that heavily damaged the Historic Mission and demolished most of downtown. Fire evacuations thru the Mission Canyon Corridor over the years have all gone smoothly with no problems. Further background. How did we get here? The opposition, a small neighborhood group effort known as “Safe Passage”, years ago had a public workshop to give ideas to the City to discuss possible improvements for the Mission Canyon Corridor. Adding new pedestrian path and bike lanes were some ideas. The unanimous consensus on record, however, was not to alter the Historic Bridge over Mission Creek. In 2016, the City and County Public Works Department’s joint application to fund new pedestrian and bike lanes was rejected by the State Active Transportation Program (ATP) for funding in this designated “share the road” corridor where bicyclists have the same rights and rules as vehicles. With no safety justification, the City of Santa Barbara was not willing to fund the project. The Santa Barbara Police and Sheriff’s Department’s records showed no deaths or reoccurring accidents on record through the corridor, compliant with the City’s Vision Zero Policy. The City discovered, however, they could qualify for 11 million dollars of federal funding under the Federal Highway Administration if they replaced/rehabilitated the Historic Mission Creek Bridge. The bridge project qualifies for funding only because the bridge is classified as “structurally obsolete”. This simply means that they do not build bridges this way anymore. The whole plan was drastically changed to qualify for this new tax payer’s source of funding. The City Council on 5/22/18 directed transportation with a new plan and moved ahead with this pork barrel project against Transportation’s recommendation to secure bridge funds even though it was not consistent with the majority of feedback staff had received at public outreach efforts.

UPDATE: This Petition was started a few years ago after a fatal accident on Highway M in Barnhart, Missouri. That particular accident involved a mother of a student killed after dropping her son off for the day. At that time, the petition was setup, news channels were contacted and many communications were had over the following months with MoDot official, Judy Wagner. The request was submitted to Install traffic lights at Hwy M /St Lukes Church Rd and Hwy M / Moss Hollow Road AND DENIED AT THE TIME WITH MANY REASONS WHY THEY WOULD NOT DO THIS, the main reason given was that the install of traffic lights would cost too much at around $1 million. NOW THE J-TURN project is estimated to cost $1 million. Also stated that stop lights do not work. ROCKPORT School has a stoplight in front of their school as do many other emergency houses in the area that just have flashing lights during the day and become operational during PRIME HOURS needed such as morning and evening rush hours for school and those leaving for and coming home from work. The emergency houses would also have access to have the lights operate when they are in need to leave for emergencies. There are First Responder Houses (Antonia Fire Protection District and Rock Township Ambulance District House 4) as well as Antonia Middle School at those intersections. This results in a large number of school buses and families with children being forced to pull out onto Hwy M, crossing multiple lanes of traffic. These intersections absent of traffic lights with the factor of high speeds by drivers has proven to be hazardous AND CONTINUES TO BE HAZARDOUS TWO YEARS LATER WITH NO CHANGES BY LEGISLATURE AND MODOT. The amount of accidents due to high-speed and excessive traffic on Hwy M is becoming more frequent at both of these intersections, resulting in fatalities and injuries. First Responders were involved while attempting to respond to a call, resulting in injuries and delay for those needing the fire department. There are a number of families in both of these areas that send their children on school buses that are given no other option than to merge across a four-lane highway to transport the children to and from school. At Moss Hollow and Highway M, the traffic coming and going has increased now that the new Estates at Moss Hollow is complete and close to 100 new families moved into the area. (ADDING MINIMUM 100 NEW DRIVERS DAILY). There are MANY kids approaching the driving age so new drivers will be embarking on those intersections as well. Let's take safety into consideration and push Jefferson County to install traffic lights and NOT the proposed J turns AT BOTH INTERSECTIONS for the residents of Barnhart AND SLOW DOWN THE SPEED LIMIT IN A SCHOOL ZONE. As of June 2019 I was informed by Judy Wagner that the proposed construction review was being added to the “ Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan for review.” She informed me that in December 2019 they had met with families in Williamsburg to address this issue and I wa stood other affected subdivisions, including Fountains would be contacted in Spring 2020 to have community forum... I can only assume due to COVID that didn’t happen. CONSIDERATION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN FOR ADDITIONAL RESIDENTS AT MOSS HOLLOW AND THE CONTINUED POSSIBILITY OF GROWTH ON THE ANTONIA CAMPUS, FUTURE ADDITION OF NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, INCREASING TRAFFIC ON ST LUKES CHURCH ROAD SIGNIFICANTLY SO THIS WARRANTS MAKING CHANGES TO INTERSECTIONS AND LOWERING SPEEDS ALONG HIGHWAY M FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE AND OUR CHILDREN. J turns will greatly affect emergency crews, residents and school bus transportation. THIS PETITION WILL ONCE AGAIN BE SHARED WHEN SIGNED AFTER A FEW WEEKS IN HOPES OF EXPRESSING CONCERN AS A COMMUNITY AND GETTING SOMETHING DONE SOONER THAN TWO YEARS FROM NOW. I HAVE UPDATED TO INCLUDE NEW MODOT AND COMMITTEE CONTACTS.

From gun violence to universal healthcare, no field of endeavor or conflict in this country is untouched by the legacy of racism manifest by our American destiny. Despite scholarly and established work to the contrary, CDC cries "No evidence-based best practices to address it" as an excuse not to do their job, so the people must demand it. I have seen the stress of loss of privilege, the minute daily drips of intangible "microaggressions" and the gaping wounds of bullets; I took an oath and DO NO HARM is not enough. We're also on Twitter and would ask folks to tweet Trevor Noah and other prominent folks who "have the mic"! @Right2healthNow

Money has become a measurement of freedom for many. I have lost many valuable, sentimental relationships and possessions as a result of the lack of. I see countless others everywhere; everyday, suffer from the same mechanics...

To urge all Alliance for Retired Americans members, their families, friends or everyone subject to the GPO/WEP to increase their efforts to make sure the Congress of the United States enacts legislation to repeal the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision from Social Security Act. New Bill filed by Representative Garret Graves, (R-LA) H. R. 82 Social Security Act of 2023 This Petition is updated periodically to reflect current legislation that seeks full repeal of the WEP/GPO.

Homelessness isn’t just a “big city” problem — it’s happening quietly right here in our backyards. It’s the single mom sleeping in her car after losing her job. The veteran struggling with PTSD and no family to turn to. The teenager who ran from abuse and has nowhere safe to land. These are our people — our neighbors, our classmates, our community. By signing and supporting this petition, you’re helping create more than a shelter — you’re helping build hope, stability, and second chances. Change doesn’t happen unless we make it happen, together. No one should have to wonder where they’ll sleep tonight. Your signature is a step toward making sure they never have to again.

 We need our New Jersey state legislature to protect our state from the threats from the federal government on our most vulnerable residents and our democracy. Last week's budget cuts threaten food and housing security. Due to the astronomical increase in ICE funding, we anticipate that actions taken by DHS will increase to the level seen in California, including tanks and military being deployed to MacArthur Park. We have elected our legislators to fight for New Jersey and we need them to be able to react urgently to the unprecedented attacks on our state coming from D.C.

1. Ensuring Equal Access to Voting The bill addresses a major barrier to voting: access to a valid ID. Many eligible voters, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness, struggle to afford the cost of obtaining a REAL ID or upgrading to a REAL ID Driver’s License. By upgrading their current forms of identification to REAL ID-compliant versions at no cost, this bill ensures that these groups can participate in elections without the financial burden of paying for an ID. 2. Promoting Voter Inclusivity Historically, certain populations have been marginalized in the electoral process due to lack of access to valid identification. This bill seeks to level the playing field by ensuring that individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, seniors, and disabled individuals can vote without being excluded due to inability to afford the cost of updating their identification. 3. Supporting Individuals with Disabilities People with disabilities often face additional obstacles in daily life, including barriers to obtaining and updating identification. This bill prioritizes their needs by ensuring they are not burdened with the cost of upgrading to a REAL ID or REAL ID Driver’s License making it easier for them to exercise their fundamental right to vote. 4. Addressing Homelessness Homeless individuals often lack the proper documentation and identification to vote. This bill removes the financial barrier, helping to integrate homeless individuals into the voting process, and giving them a voice in elections. 5. Reducing Voter Suppression Forcing people to pay for ID upgrades creates an unnecessary financial obstacle that disproportionately affects disadvantaged groups. This bill reduces voter suppression by eliminating the cost and ensuring everyone, regardless of their financial status, has equal access to participate in the democratic process. 6. Encouraging Civic Engagement By making the process of obtaining a REAL ID or REAL ID Driver’s License more accessible, this bill fosters greater civic engagement. When citizens are able to exercise their right to vote, they feel more empowered and connected to their communities and the democratic process. 7. Strengthening Democracy A democracy is only as strong as its ability to fairly represent all citizens. By ensuring that voting is accessible to everyone, including the most vulnerable, this bill strengthens the democratic process and ensures a fuller, more inclusive representation of the nation's diverse population.

This is an issue of accessibility for disabled people. Sure, MOST people can use the stairs, but does that mean we should leave behind our elderly and disabled? They should have an accessible way to get where they need to go. Beyond this, it is important for the daily well-being of everybody who lives here. What if we have heavy items such as packages to carry up? What about the people who live on upper floors? What if we’re just tired after a long day of work? 

Why Is This Important? HPRA is about keeping families together and ensuring that long-term undocumented parents of U.S. citizen children are not unfairly separated from their kids. These parents have built their lives in the U.S., contributed to their communities, and yet remain at risk of deportation—leaving their children behind to face emotional, financial, and social hardships. No child should have to grow up in fear of losing a parent due to outdated immigration laws. Why Should Others Join This Campaign? ✔ It Protects Families & Children • Thousands of U.S. citizen children are at risk of being separated from their parents. • Deportation disrupts children's education, mental health, and future stability. ✔ It’s a Fair & Practical Solution • HPRA is not an amnesty program; it provides a structured legal process with strict eligibility requirements. • It supports parents who have demonstrated their commitment to their families and communities. ✔ It Strengthens Communities & the Economy • Allowing parents to stay legally and work helps families achieve stability and strengthens the economy. • Strong, stable families contribute to safer, more connected communities. ✔ It’s a Human Issue, Not Just a Policy Debate • Behind every statistic is a real family, a real child, a real story. • These are hardworking parents who have built their lives here—they deserve a chance to stay and raise their children without fear. How I'd Explain It to a Friend "Imagine waking up every day wondering if your mom or dad will be taken away from you. Imagine your parents working hard, paying taxes, and contributing to the community, yet they have no way to fix their status. That’s the reality for thousands of families in the U.S. right now." "HPRA is about providing a fair opportunity for these families. It’s not about automatically granting citizenship—it’s about preventing unnecessary family separations and allowing parents who have been here for years to live and work legally while raising their U.S. citizen children." "The more people who join this movement, the stronger our voices become—and the harder it is for lawmakers to ignore us."  Learn more about HPRA here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EsP7ijbHGwFqfhi3fk8PP6TJHdh0Yt2f7N69GLKlS5Y/edit?usp=sharing

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many families in Western North Carolina remain isolated due to the destruction of essential bridges, their only connection to their homes. Temporary footbridges, funded by nonprofits, provided short-term relief but are inadequate for long-term use. Efforts to rebuild permanent structures have been halted due to FEMA's No-Rise Certification requirements. While these certifications are important for preventing future flooding, they require costly engineering studies and lengthy approval processes that many families cannot afford. Among those affected is my own family: my mother has been unable to reach her home except by four-wheeler, and an elderly neighbor battling cancer is stranded with only a footbridge for access. The storm has reshaped rivers and eroded landscapes, making exact reconstruction impossible for many. We urge North Carolina legislators to take immediate action by: 1. Waiving No-Rise Certification costs for families rebuilding essential access bridges. 2. Allocating funding for engineering studies to assist low-income residents. 3. Expediting the permitting process for critical recovery projects. These families need access to their homes, medical care, and resources now. We cannot wait for another disaster to make this right. Join us in calling for practical, compassionate solutions to this urgent issue.

We all know someone with mental illness and we all have reached times of despair when dealing with them. It would be great to have help in providing adequate care and treatment for them.