Section
City Hall
The council, the commissions, and the city budget: Santa Barbara's government covered as news.
Friday, October 2, 2026
SANTA BARBARA
Mayoral Forum Wednesday as Election Enters Final Stretch
The three mayoral candidates face off at an Independent-hosted forum on Wednesday. Ballots go out Oct. 5 and voters decide Nov. 3.
Julia Sandoval, City Hall reporter · September 30, 2026
SANTA BARBARA
Council Takes Up Rent Stabilization and Rental Registry
The ordinance passed its first reading 4-3 on Sept. 22, with $500,000 in startup funding approved from the Measure I housing fund.
Marina Castellanos, Editor · September 28, 2026
SANTA BARBARA
City Faces $1.6 Million General Fund Shortfall, Reserves Below Policy
Finance staff told the Finance Committee on Sept. 10 that revenue growth has not kept pace with spending and contingency reserves are largely depleted.
Olivia Tran, Business & Money reporter · September 28, 2026
SANTA BARBARA
Friedman Holds Big Fundraising Lead Over Sneddon in Mayor's Race
With just over six weeks to the Nov. 3 election, Eric Friedman has nearly doubled Kristen Sneddon's fundraising and holds more than twice her cash on hand.
Julia Sandoval, City Hall reporter · September 28, 2026