Council approves "Lightblueline" project

BY ERIC LINDBERG
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER

A public art project depicting the potential effects of climate change on Santa Barbara’s coastline received a vote of support from Santa Barbara City Council yesterday.
The Council voted 6-1 to approve the “lightbluelineproject,” which will paint lines of blue waves on city streets showing the point of sea level rise if the Greenland ice sheet melted.
“A line on the street is a symbol,” Councilmember Grant House said. “It’s a provocation for discussion.”
At 68 locations throughout the city, volunteers and city staff will paint blue waves and install medallions on curbs at seven meters above sea level. City officials hope it will open the community’s eyes to the issue of climate change.

“This environmental issue for me, although much slower, is much more serious than the nuclear holocaust that haunted my youthful mind,” Councilmember Brian Barnwell said. “...We all need a John Wayne slap in the face. It’s something vitally important for our future.”
Councilmember Roger Horton cast the dissenting vote, arguing that the money could be spent elsewhere.
“I personally believe it is the wrong approach, and I can’t support it,” Councilmember Horton said. “I would vastly prefer we use those funds to work with children.”
The city allocated $12,000 from its General Fund to pay for staff time and supplies for the project. The majority of the Council seemed confident that it is an appropriate use of the funds.
“I can’t think of a better spending of city money,” Councilmember Barnwell said. Councilmember Iya Falcone agreed, saying she views the “lightblueline” as a political, artistic and educational statement.
Several community members in attendance spoke out against the project, saying the seven-meter designation is arbitrary and is not scientifically proven, and that the lines and medallions will simply clutter city streets.
Councilmember Das Williams disagreed, saying, “It doesn’t matter if seven meters is an accurate representation of sea level rise or not. ... We need a way to remind people and ourselves to do more.”
Nathan Alley, speaking on behalf of the Environmental Defense Center, agreed, calling the project a “simple and elegant gesture” that will play an important role in advancing a “concerted, global strategy informed and driven by robust public dialogue.”
The project is expected to take place in late September, concluding with a ceremony at the painting of the State Street blue line. More information on the project can be found at www.lightblueline.org.
“Having a public that is well-informed is a great benefit,” Bruce Caron, creator of lightblueline.org said, adding, “We want the beach down there, not up by Santa Barbara High School.”