Chamber of Commerce director Steve Cushman took out papers to run for mayor of Santa Barbara, joining a race for City Hall’s top spot with councilmembers Iya Falcone and Helene Schneider, and promoter Justin Michael. Cushman, who vows to keep his current post if elected, said he’ll concentrate on “the budget, the economy, and creating jobs.” Cushman will formally announce his candidacy Monday morning at Moby Dick’s restaurant on Stearns Wharf. Meanwhile, Grant House, the only true incumbent in the race, announced he’ll seek a second term on the City Council, campaigning on the economy, the environment, and equity-“the three E’s.” A neighborhood activist turned new-urbanist planning wonk, House vowed his campaign would embody “can-do optimism” coupled with “respect, appreciation, and partnership.” Likewise, David Pritchett, creeks restoration advocate and now a member of the city’s Transportation and Circulation Commission, formally announced that he’s tossed his hat in the ring. Olivia Uribe, an activist working for SBCAN-which attempts to combine a progressive social agenda with environmental politics- announced that she’s running, as did Cathy McCammon, a slow-growth stalwart long involved with the League of Women Voters and Citizens Planning Association. With the mayor and council majority up for grabs, this year’s election has drawn a large crowd. Other candidates-either announced or expected-include realtor John Thyne, planning commissioner Harwood “Bendy” White, realtor Frank Hotchkiss, anti-roundabouts activist Michael Self, peace activist Lane Anderson, and longtime Riviera neighborhood advocate Diane Channing.
