Dear supporters of Housing Justice:

The next 9 days could shape the future of tenant protections in Santa Barbara.

After years of organizing, testimony, and community pressure, we’re closer than ever to winning meaningful tenant protections in Santa Barbara. But we’re not across the finish line yet. 

The public comment period for Santa Barbara’s proposed Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), along with Just Cause and Ellis Act amendments, is now open through July 10, 2026. This is our chance to make sure City leaders hear directly from the people who will be impacted most: renters, working families, seniors, students, and community members fighting to stay in Santa Barbara.

We community members make our voices heard. This is a moment when public participation can make a real difference!

Please take action today. Email your public comment to: RSO@santabarbaraca.gov and CC to ana@causenow.org, sbtenantsunion@gmail.com, and rich@global.ucsb.edu.  

Rich Appelbaum, Ana Arce, Larry Severance, Wayne Mellinger
CLUE Housing Justice Workgroup

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As the attached letter to the Mayor and City Council indicates, at tomorrow’s City Council meeting they will be deciding whether or not to reopen State Street to vehicular traffic, even though the long-awaited State Street Master Plan will not be finalized – based on public input – until later this summer.

Please let the City know your thoughts in this (we think State Street should remain closed until the Master Plan is finalized).

• You can do so on the City’s website for this purpose, although that is for long-term input and unlikely to influence the City Council meeting tomorrow.
• You can also email the City Clerk (Clerk@santabarbaraca.gov) and ask that your thoughts be shared with the Mayor and Council.

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