Santa Barbara residents demand rent control and eviction protections amid housing crisis

Santa Barbara City Council members faced urgent calls for action during their meeting on January 28, 2025, as community members voiced concerns over rising housing costs and tenant protections in the wake of recent crises.

Jennifer Hernandez, associate policy director with Cause, urged the council to implement rent stabilization measures, including a rent freeze and an eviction moratorium. She highlighted alarming statistics, noting that over 70,000 residents live in poverty and a significant percentage of school-age children are experiencing homelessness. Hernandez emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent Santa Barbara from becoming a community where families are forced out due to unaffordable rents.

Residents from 215 Bath Street shared their harrowing experiences with landlord harassment and unsafe living conditions. Corina Sracina described a rent strike initiated by her and her neighbors in response to ongoing mistreatment and illegal eviction attempts. She criticized the exploitation of local housing by landlords, which she termed "slumflation," and called for immediate city council intervention to protect tenants.

Lisa Hayworth, another resident, echoed these sentiments, detailing the inhumane treatment tenants have faced during renovations by their landlord. She implored the council to pass laws that would prevent rent evictions and protect tenants from harassment.

Angelisa Sanchez, a community organizer, called for a state of emergency in Santa Barbara, citing the impact of the recent fires in Los Angeles and the resulting price gouging by landlords. She urged the council to consider the well-being of local families and to take decisive action against exploitative rental practices.

The meeting underscored a growing urgency among Santa Barbara residents for the city council to enact protective measures that address the housing crisis and ensure the community remains accessible for all. As discussions continue, the council faces pressure to respond to these pressing issues and safeguard the rights of tenants in the city.