COUNTY SUPES GREENLIGHT MIRAMAR’S PRIVATE COPS: WHAT’S NEXT, A MOAT?

Your Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors recently convened, as they so often do, to rubber-stamp another deal, this time gifting the Miramar Resort five years of supplemental law enforcement services. It seems when you’re a high-profile, high-dollar establishment, the public purse is more than happy to provide you with your own personal constabulary, all under the guise of an "organizational or administrative activity of government" that, naturally, is exempt from CEQA. Because nothing screams 'environmental protection' like outsourcing the Sheriff's department to the highest bidder.

One can almost picture the scene: while regular citizens wait 45 minutes for a deputy to respond to a minor fender-bender, the Miramar’s well-heeled guests will enjoy the crisp salutes of county-funded officers, ensuring their polo matches and rosé tastings remain undisturbed by, well, reality. It’s a perfect example of what happens when progressive politicians, who constantly preach about income inequality, are faced with a chance to give a leg up to the ultra-rich – suddenly, all those high-minded principles evaporate faster than a free-range kale smoothie.

But here’s the angle nobody else printed: the 'Miramar Acquisition Co., LLC' isn't just some random entity. Look at the campaign finance reports, folks. The well-oiled machine of developer donations and PAC money flows directly into the coffers of many on that very Board. This isn't just about security; it's about cementing influence and ensuring that certain 'friends' of the county always get priority access, whether it’s to permits, relaxed regulations, or, apparently, their own private police force. Perhaps the Supervisors are hoping for an invite to the next exclusive beachside soirée?