Architectural Conflict of Interest Contested

The Santa Barbara city attorney found architect Mark Wienke violated no conflict of interest regulations at last week’s Architectural Board of Review meeting by temporarily stepping down as chairman of that body to advocate and present for his client, Cottage Health System. Wienke was hired to help generate new design ideas for Cottage’s 115-unit housing project. Assistant City Attorney Scott Vincent said because Wienke is a sole practitioner, he was not barred from participating in the discussion under the state’s fair political practices rules.