We, the concerned residents of Santa Barbara County, are deeply troubled by the potential takeover bid submitted by Dave & Tracy Wilcox of Dynamite Pickleball to acquire the roller rink lease at Earl Warren Showgrounds. We firmly believe that this decision would undermine the mission statement of Earl Warren Showgrounds and fail to serve our diverse community adequately. 

Earl Warren Showgrounds' leadership, including CEO Ben Sprague and his assistant Rosie Miranda, must prioritize their commitment to providing a multi-use community space that caters to the needs and interests of all Santa Barbara residents. By retaining the current rink lease agreement with Santa Barbara Roller Hockey/Santa Barbara Arena Sports, we can ensure that this valuable asset remains accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Here are some compelling reasons why we demand that Earl Warren Showgrounds' leadership reject the Dynamite Pickleball bid:

1. Upholding Diversity: The current roller rink lease agreement with Santa Barbara Roller Hockey/Santa Barbara Arena Sports has been instrumental in fostering inclusivity within our community. It offers opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to engage in recreational activities together. Dynamite Pickleball's proposed takeover would limit access primarily to pickleball enthusiasts while neglecting other sports enthusiasts who rely on the roller rink.
2. Established Community Engagement: Over the past two decades, Santa Barbara Roller Hockey/Santa Barbara Arena Sports has built strong relationships within our community through various programs and events held at the roller rink. These initiatives have encouraged physical activity among youth and adults alike while promoting teamwork and camaraderie among participants from diverse backgrounds.
3. Economic Impact: The existing roller rink lease agreement has the potential to significantly and positively impact local businesses surrounding Earl Warren Showgrounds by attracting visitors from both within and outside our city limits. With its unique offerings as a recreational facility suitable for various sports activities beyond just pickleball, it draws patrons who spend money on nearby establishments, benefiting the local economy. If Earl Warren Showgrounds truly supported the multi-use rink lease agreement with Santa Barbara Roller Hockey/Santa Barbara Arena Sports, the many lacrosse, roller derby, futsal, and hockey events would be profitable for the venue.
4. Historical Significance: The roller rink at Earl Warren Showgrounds holds historical value for Santa Barbara, as it has been a cherished community space for decades. It serves as a reminder of our shared community sports history and provides an opportunity for intergenerational bonding. Losing this iconic venue to a single fad sport would be a disservice to our community's rich history.

We call upon CEO Ben Sprague and the Earl Warren Board of Directors to prioritize the interests of the entire Santa Barbara community by immediately rejecting the bid from Dynamite Pickleball in their final decision on Friday, 6/30. Let us preserve the roller rink lease agreement with Santa Barbara Roller Hockey/Santa Barbara Arena Sports, ensuring that Earl Warren Showgrounds remain true to its mission statement of providing a multi-use community space that serves all residents.

The time to act is now. Earl Warren Showgrounds' Board of Directors are scheduled to decide on the rink lease bid this Friday, June 30 (Edited to add: Earl Warren Showgrounds' CEO and Board of Directors are still deliberating well into July while all sports organizations have been barred from using the property--please continue to sign and share). Sign this petition today and let your voice be heard in support of diversity, inclusivity, and the preservation of our beloved roller rink! Together, we can ensure that Santa Barbara continues to thrive as an inclusive and vibrant city for all its residents. 

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