Santa Barbara · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Barbara public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Mayoral and City Council Election Coverage
Santa Barbara’s mayoral race between Kristen Sneddon and Eric Friedman is getting loud, with newspaper endorsements stirring drama. The District 4 council race has already drawn over $225,000, so if you vote here, this is the contest to watch.
Election Administration
Your vote is safe and sound, Santa Barbara! The county's rolling out mail-in ballots and wants you to know they've got top-notch security to make sure every vote counts, whether you're voting from home or at the polls.
County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor Election
The race for County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor is getting spicy! Incumbent Joe Holland, who's been remote due to illness, faces a challenge from Melinda Greene, who says the office needs someone in person. The County Supervisors are even backing Greene, so this June primary is one to watch.
District Merger Vote
Montecito Sanitary District just voted NO on merging with the water district. It was a tie, so they're staying separate for now, even though the water district wanted to take over.
Mayoral Election Campaign
Santa Barbara City Councilman Eric Friedman is running for mayor, adding a new name to the race to lead City Hall. That could shake up next term’s leadership and the city’s policy direction—so pay attention to who else jumps in and what they promise.
Elected Official Compensation
Think your city leaders are getting rich? Think again! Santa Barbara's mayor and council are actually taking a pay cut this year, which is one way to help balance the city's budget.
Coastal Commission Decision
The California Coastal Commission just dropped some major decisions that could change how we use and build along Santa Barbara's coastline. Get ready to find out how this might impact your favorite beach spots and future development projects.