I want to compliment Noozhawk on the admirable policy of posting obituaries, with photographs, free of charge. This is truly a service to the community and I am certain it is appreciated by many.
Susan Shields
Santa Barbara
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Regarding the March 3 article, “Santa Barbara Council Debates Potential Ballot Measures to Increase Taxes,” and City Councilwoman Meagan Harmon’s response, I first thought she was THE REAL THING.
But after admitting her failures — and the entire council’s — and being ready for difficult cuts to balance the budget, she admitted she would support a less severe tax increase.
I was hoping her moment of clarity would linger and spread throughout California as well as the entire overly expensive and overly regulated West Coast. It is only through some deregulation that the well-intentioned laws, of which there are far too many, will allow government to shrink and with it its ever-growing budget.
Then, and only then, will the savings be passed to the citizenry who are in fact the reason for this ever-expanding octopus. And then the cost of living will flatten out, the inflation rate will lower, the cost of doing business will come down, government-regulated wages will be unnecessary, crimes will decrease, the system of capitalism will thrive, and life itself will be simpler.
But first of all, government leaders need to acknowledge that they screwed us, just as Harmon did and, for that, I applaud her.
Brian Massey
Sonoita, Arizona, formerly of Santa Barbara
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Regarding the March 4 article, “Landlords Plan Lawsuit to Challenge Santa Barbara’s Rent Freeze Ordinance,” at a time when renters are struggling with soaring housing costs, the Santa Barbara Rental Property Association’s threat to sue the City of Santa Barbara over its temporary rent increase moratorium is misguided.
The ordinance, adopted Jan. 13 and effective Feb. 26, simply freezes rents at current levels while officials draft a permanent stabilization plan. It is temporary and measured.
The association calls the freeze an “unconstitutional taking” and an unlawful interference with private contracts. But the city has not seized property or denied landlords the ability to earn income.
Owners still collect rent, retain full ownership and can sell their properties. A short-term pause on rent hikes is regulation — not confiscation.
Housing has always been subject to reasonable public safeguards, from zoning laws to safety codes. Rent stabilization is no different. Courts have long recognized that cities may regulate housing markets, particularly during crises.
Yes, landlords face rising costs. But renters face escalating rents, low vacancy rates,and displacement — often without wage growth to match.
In a city where housing affordability threatens workforce stability and community cohesion, doing nothing is not an option.
The temporary moratorium preserves stability while the city considers long-term policy. Litigation will not solve Santa Barbara’s housing crisis. Constructive participation will.
Gina Rodarte Quiroz
Santa Barbara
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