These are some observations about bias, deceit, and sleaze in the public square.
I understand an economic impact study is being commissioned on the unique Community Services District for Isla Vista being developed under the leadership of Assemblymembers Das Williams. While the parameters of this legislation are still in flux, a consultant to do such a study has been picked — Economic & Planning Services (EPS) of Sacramento, Los Angeles, and … Oakland, the home of the University of California administration.
It’s even being mentioned that the UCSB Foundation might contribute financially to this study, in which case, they will likely be able to influence its purpose and direction. This and the proximately of U-Central and EPS, it’s useful to review the quality of the studies the university commissioned on Isla Vista’s three cityhood proposals (1973, 1976, and 1984). To quickly summarize, the university’s behavior was biased, deceitful, and downright sleazy.