Real Change Not Spare Change.  In 2008, on average, we would see 4 panhandlers on State Street at any given time. In 2009 the number grew to 24 panhandlers. This year, so far, we are averaging 16 panhandlers. I do my counts on Thursdays at noon. The count is from Gutierrez to Victoria Streets. This panhandling action is bad for retail business and even worse for tourism. So we are asking downtown businesses to give us a hand in reducing the problem. We have informational collection boxes for you to put on your counters. The boxes explain why not to give money to panhandlers, but rather give money to a program to get the panhandlers off the streets. It is a good solution for everyone. Let me know if you are willing to put one of these boxes in your business or store.

Santa Barbara Institute On World Affairs. Ted Tedesco launched his inaugural World Affairs Council event last Saturday at the Lobero Theater. Great job Ted. Seven professors from UCSB presented their forecasts for the state of the world in the next 10-20 years. It made us all realize what a fabulous resource the University is to the community. If you missed this presentation, don't worry, Ted is planning many more. But, be sure and register for updates at sbiwa.org. Upcoming events are sure to sell out fast.

SB Coupons. I have not run into many young business people with the energy of Matt Baer. Check out this new member's offers. SBCoupons.com is Santa Barbara's premier coupon website.  SBCoupons.com offers free coupons and deals to help locals and tourists save money, and also help Santa Barbara area businesses bring in more customers!  If you are a Santa Barbara Chamber Member looking to increase your revenues in 2011, contact us to receive more info about SBCoupons.com. 

Special: Receive 50% off your 1st month service by mentioning this bulletin. 

www.SBCoupons.com 

(805)-621-3021

The Chromatic Gate.  Herbert Beyer may be Santa Barbara's most famous artist. He lived here for about 10 years. His sculpture, the Chromatic Gate, is sited on Cabrillo Boulevard across from Fess Parker's Resort. Paul Mills, former art museum director, is responsible for raising the money to create and site this monumental sculpture. Paul also raised an endowment to maintain the sculpture. So.....why is the sculpture in such disrepair. And, why is the City making noises about moving the piece? Come on guys, let's repaint the piece with the money you have in the Parks Fund. And don't even think about moving this world-class sculpture to the obscurity of the cast off King Carlos. Think big.

Public Employees and Unions. I keep wondering why public employees have unions? I mean, they basically have their jobs for life. They work in a semi-socialized environment. Their employers are not out to make a profit and have no motivation to deprive them of their rights. Let's get together and discuss this issue. I'll invite speakers form both sides and we can ask questions. GRC, Thursday at 7:30 AM at the Chamber. I'll bring the coffee and donuts.

This month:

Public Employees Unions, Are they needed?

The month of February was wet and unusually cold, there was even snow high up on our mountains. The rain brought plenty of spring flowers to our wonderful front country hiking trails. It also brought many beautiful waterfalls to cascade down near those trails. Go to

www.santabarbarahikes.com 

to find out more.

The Visitor Center has many great hiking books and maps available for purchase, 805-965-3021,  www.visitingsb.com.

Santa Barbara is a wonderful town to bike around as well. Free bike maps are available at The Visitor Center, and here is a new web site:  www.bike-santabarbara.org.

20% Amtrak discount offer is back for 2011. Travelers must register on Car Free site and go from there to a special page on Amtrak site to order tickets. Discount not available in person or by phone, web-only to prevent abuse/fraud,  www.santabarbaracarfree.org/traindiscount.htm.

Here are a few events coming up in March: 

March 4-5· 2011 Women's Festivals, see web site for details, Friday 5:30-7:30 pm, Saturday 7:30 am-7:30 pm,  www.womensfestivals.org,

455-9298

March 11-13· 66^th SB International Orchid Show, Earl Warren Showgrounds, 9-5, www.sborchidshow.com, 637-4578

March 13 · Daylight Saving Time

March 17 · §§§§§§ St Patrick's Day §§§§§§

March 18-20· 19^th Annual Taste of Solvang Food & Wine Festival,   www.SolvangUSA.com, (800) 468-6765

March 31· Cesar Chavez Holiday

Please see The Chamber Web Site for details on all the events for the spring and all the Main Events for 2011. Go to www.sbchamber.org, click on CALENDARS and then CITY EVENTS.

Happy Spring!

Annmarie Rogers

Visitor Center

1 Garden Street

805-965-3021 or 568-1811

Annmarie@sbchamber.org

www.visitingsb.com