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Pilots organize MealTrain.org campaign to feed ATC tower staff during shutdown
Summary
A member of the SV Aviator group asked commissioners to publicize a Meal Train page organizing donations and meal deliveries for airport air traffic control tower staff working through a federal shutdown.
A community-organized effort to provide meals to the Santa Barbara Airport air traffic control tower staff was described during public comment on Oct. 9.
Craig Alexander, who identified himself as involved with the SV Aviator group, told the commission the group had launched a page on sbaaviators.org linking to a Meal Train program to coordinate meals and donations for tower staff. Alexander said most tower staff work through the midday period and that people can sign up to bring a meal or donate money; the group will assemble funds to purchase meals when donations are sufficient.
"During this time of, you know, no pay over there, you know, they always watch our backs. So why don't we kinda watch their backs at the same time?" Alexander said.
Alexander estimated about 25 staff members are typically present around midday; he encouraged pilots and community members to sign up or donate.
Why this matters: the public comment highlights a community support effort for air traffic control staff working during a federal shutdown or payroll disruption. The comment does not reflect a commission action; it was presented as a public-service announcement and request for community outreach.
No formal action or direction to staff was recorded in the transcript.
