Housing and Development Newsletter
Racial equity and diversity are a focus of modern politics. Yet, too often, the second that prioritizing racial representation undermines a political agenda, it becomes irrelevant.
The Santa Barbara County Redistricting Commission is guilty of such behavior. As the commission deliberates the best way to fill the recent vacancy created by the resignation of James Hudley, commissioners such as Jannet Rios, who originally prioritized racial representation in commissioner selection, have suddenly flipped to prioritizing political affiliation over representation of the diverse racial makeup of Santa Barbara County.
The independent commission is considering forgoing willing and qualified applicants in District 3 like Lupe Alvarez, who would bring another Latino voice to the redistricting process, in pursuit of a member affiliated with the Democratic Party.
Ryan Fish/KEYT
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The clock is ticking for California tenant protections that started last year.
Members of the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), the Santa Barbara Tenants Union and others gathered at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Wednesday to demand action. They are backing California AB 15, which if signed into law would extend current tenant protections to Dec. 31, 2021.
Under the current law, which was passed last year after the pandemic began, tenants facing financial hardship can avoid eviction by paying at least 25 percent of their rent. However, that law is set to expire Jan. 31.