Santa Barbara City Council

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.

The Santa Barbara City Council voted to give $500,000 to local immigrant organizations in response to recent ICE enforcement activities.Local advocates packed a Special Council Meeting urging lawmakers to support families impacted by raids and educate the immigrant communities on their rights.

Council members on Tuesday heard the proposed budget plan and responded to the 1.5 million dollar budget for homelessness and housing.