The Santa Barbara City Council deadlocked 3-3 over an appeal of a boxy, two-story, four-unit condo project proposed for San Andres Street next to Bohnett Park. That means the Architectural Board of Review’s approval of the project stands and the project can proceed. The project had been appealed on the grounds that it occupied too much of the site, sat too close to nearby Old Mission Creek, and was just plain ugly. (/condo724)
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Adults who allow minors to imbibe alcoholic beverages on their premises, even unwittingly, will now be subject to civil fines starting at $1,000 for the first offense thanks to the new “social host” ordinance passed by the Santa Barbara City Council. In lieu of fines, offending adults can be required to attend classes on teenage drinking. Exceptions will be allowed for religious rituals necessitating alcohol consumption.
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More than 60 percent of Santa Barbara’s older, whiter, and wealthier residents support the Utility User Tax that the City of Santa Barbara is placing on this November’s ballot, according to a City Hall poll. The 29-year-old tax generates $6 million a year for road repairs and the city’s general fund. Of 500 voters surveyed between June 8 and 11-72 percent white, 70 percent homeowners, and 61 percent 50 years old or older-more than half support it after hearing arguments in favor and against. (/cityhallpoll)