......

Visit from Mayor Blum

         On April 10, the 3rd and 2/3rd grade classes had a visit from Santa Barbara’s mayor, Marty Blum.  The children have been studying local government.  Mayor Blum discussed her role in local government, the types of issues she deals with and how she got to this position.

         One thing near and dear to the children’s hearts, the skateboard park, was used as an example of how new ideas are proposed, how concerns and problems are dealt with, and how to make changes.  We’ve learned that a “beginners” skate park is now in the works!

         The childrens’ questions ranged from cute to serious.  Examples are:  Do you have a special place to live (like the White House)?  No, I just live in my normal house.  Do you get to drive around in a limousine?  No, sometimes mayors in big cities get to, but I get from one place to another in my Prius.  What is the most challenging problem you face?  The high price of housing in Santa Barbara and people having to commute.

         Perhaps the most important question:  Do you like your job?  I love it and wouldn’t want to do anything else!

         Thank you, Mayor Blum, for taking time out of your schedule to meet with the students from Vieja Valley.

..............