Santa Barbara · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Barbara public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Eminent Domain Dispute
A Santa Barbara salon owner is in a legal fight with City Hall over an eminent-domain attempt, meaning the city is trying to take the property. It’s a messy standoff that shows how redevelopment plans can collide with local businesses.
Speed Limit Changes
Get ready to slow down, Santa Barbara drivers! The county is dropping speed limits on some roads, especially Santa Claus Lane in Carpinteria, to make things safer for walkers and bikers. It's all about making our streets more people-friendly.
Historic Building Sale
The historic La Casa de la Raza building is still for sale in Santa Barbara, even with a price cut. The nonprofit needs the cash to get back on its feet, but a lower sale price means less money for their services.
Oil Pipeline Restart Legal Challenge
Big legal fight brewing over restarting an old oil pipeline in Santa Barbara. The state's AG is suing to block it, arguing federal approval was rushed and could trash the local environment.
Rent Crisis
Santa Barbara's got a rent crisis, and the rich folks are fighting about how to fix it. Some are even saying the proposed solutions are illegal!
Storm drain funding and proposed storm drain utility
A wet year drained the Measure C drainage fund, including ~$1M to clear the Caltrans culvert under the 101. Staff are studying a storm drain utility fee — a Prop 218 majority-protest vote, not a citywide tax — to fund drainage without depleting creeks funds.
ICE arrests at county jails
Worried about ICE nabbing people right after they get out of jail? It turns out it's happening way more than the Sheriff's Office is admitting, and this could mean state laws protecting immigrants aren't being followed.
Oil Pipeline Dispute
Santa Barbara is locked in a legal fight over an old oil pipeline that's back online. State officials want it shut down for good, fearing environmental damage and wanting to end the lease.
Holiday Renaming
Get ready for a potential name change! A Santa Barbara councilmember wants to rename César Chávez Day, and we're looking into whether this big shift will actually go down.
SpaceX launches and local impact
SpaceX is launching more rockets from nearby Vandenberg, which means more jobs for the area. But, get ready for louder sonic booms and potential environmental concerns impacting Santa Barbara County.
Sanctuary Campus Policy
SBCC is officially declaring itself a sanctuary campus, meaning ICE agents won't be allowed on school grounds. This is a strong statement against federal immigration enforcement interfering with the college.
Marina slip waiting list policy
A routine update to how the city manages its harbor slip waiting lists, adopted on consent.
Personnel Appointment
Santa Barbara's got a new point person to deal with the housing and homelessness crisis. Fingers crossed this hire brings some much-needed new strategies and gets things moving on this huge issue.
Lease Dispute
Local harbor restaurants are suing the city over their leases, claiming the terms are totally unfair and 'unconscionable.' They're pushing back against what they see as unreasonable demands from the city.
Public Nuisance Designation
Santa Barbara is thinking about calling Chick-fil-A a public nuisance. This could mean big changes for how the restaurant operates in the city.
Business Regulation
Chick-fil-A might get slapped with a 'public nuisance' label in Santa Barbara, and it's all because of the insane traffic jams their drive-thru causes. The city's had enough of the car chaos.
Clean Energy Program Launch
Santa Barbara is launching a new clean energy program on October 1st! Get ready for more sustainable electricity options that could make a big difference for the planet.