Crowded City Council Race

Longtime peace activist Lane Anderson has announced that he’s running for Santa Barbara City Council, and housing activist Olivia Uribe took out papers, indicating that she too may run. Three council seats are up for grabs, and Councilmember Grant House is the only incumbent intending to run again. Other challengers who have indicated they’re running include Harwood “Bendy” White, planning commissioner; David Pritchett, with the Transportation and Circulation Committee; Michael Self, an activist with Safe Streets for Santa Barbara; and Dianne Channing, long active with the Riviera Association. That list is far from exhaustive, as the list of possible candidates for this November’s election grows almost daily. In addition to the three council seats, the mayor’s post is up for grabs. Councilmembers Iya Falcone and Helene Schneider are vying for the top job, while Chamber of Commerce President Steve Cushman-as well as promoter and Internet presence Justin Michael-are threatening to crash their party.