Santa Barbara City Council

The Santa Barbara City Council is delaying a decision on whether or not to use a new provider for automated license plate reading cameras.

The “Build Better Buildings” pilot program would allow developers to earn points that they can trade for incentives, like permission to build taller buildings.

The council voted to approve the plan with the exception of the hourly restrictions on vehicle access.

In the midst of a housing crisis and temporary rent freeze, Santa Barbara city council took a major step toward creating a rent stabilization program. But, key figures, including the city’s mayor pushed back hoping to bring the decision to voters.

Santa Barbara City Councilmember Oscar Gutiérrez called the recent sexual assault allegations against late labor organizer and Latino civil rights leader César Chávez “heartbreaking.”

A conversation on how Santa Barbara can respond to the presence of federal immigration agents in the city led to a heated argument at Tuesday’s council meeting.

Citing environmental harm and risk to marine life, the City of Santa Barbara updated its regulations on certain types of single-use plastics. The city council approved the ordinance revising municipal code on Tuesday.

In a 4-3 vote Santa Barbara City Council approved two tenant protection ordinances Tuesday night—a temporary rent freeze and changes to its eviction protections.

The Santa Barbara City Council will vote Tuesday on whether to temporarily freeze rent increases. The proposal includes two ordinances.

Santa Barbara is taking its next steps toward redeveloping the Paseo Nuevo shopping center—a project city leaders say could reshape downtown’s future. The city council voted Tuesday night to move the deal forward, but not without laying out strict conditions for the developer.