The Aug. 6th City Council meeting brought out the first Santa Paulan who was at home watching the live telecast, realized they had a strong opinion about the issue under discussion and rushed to City Hall to offer public comment.The council was considering a Conditional Use Permit application for the sale of wine and beer at Sam’s Market on East Main Street.“I just caught it on television,” as she was getting ready for bed, said Gloria Hanson.“Mr. Bobkiewicz said people might come down in their nightclothes so thanks for getting dressed,” said Mayor John Procter with a laugh.Hanson offered her support of the application, which was later denied on a 4-1 council vote.Hanson said later that she didn’t even think about the camera: “I just was watching the meeting and realized that the council was going to take action on something that I wanted to say something about. . .it’s neat that now people can watch the meetings from home.”
Santa Paulans ready for their close up of televised meetings
August 15, 2003
Santa Paula City Council
It seems that Santa Paulans are ready for their close up, at least when it comes to watching the City Council up close from the comfort of their own homes.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesIt seems that Santa Paulans are ready for their close up, at least when it comes to watching the City Council up close from the comfort of their own homes.In July the city started filming City Council meetings for a live broadcast and later repeats. Council meetings are broadcast live at 6:30 p.m., with rebroadcasts the week following the original meeting. The City Council rebroadcast schedule is Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and Thursdays at 6 p.m., ensuring that those who would like to be better informed about city government can attend a meeting from their easy chair.City Council meetings - the city is planning to eventually broadcast Planning Commission and special meetings - can be seen on Cable Channel 10, the city’s government access channel.Filming of council meetings had been urged by citizens for years but it wasn’t until July, and a change of light bulbs in the Council Chambers at City Hall, that regular broadcasts were launched.With the filming of meetings the council has had to consider several issues, including what to do with cameras during closed sessions.At the July 7th meeting the issue was resolved when City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz said that the council would adjourn to the council’s conference room for future closed sessions.
