[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6629473,"mediaKeyId","2703693-b01eed27317a029f22f7b0bd5f37a1bc","parentId",2703693,"title","Santa Barbara Airport midyear report: passenger growth, parking revenue fuel operating gains; PFAS and capital projects drive costs","audioSeconds",1688,"startMs",1987000,"endMs",3675000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2703693-b01eed27317a029f22f7b0bd5f37a1bc&start=1987&end=3675","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2703693-b01eed27317a029f22f7b0bd5f37a1bc/thumbnail_1987000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6629473/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Santa-Barbara-Airport-midyear-report-passenger-growth-parking-revenue-fuel-operating-gains-PFAS-and-capital-projects-drive-costs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6629473-b926e304df56050d77e77c1b151defdd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206176&Signature=PbSQED-KeIm-NWP3oiVeBTtWwNCpXSdUZA6dlhn1QPQKCspeVsSY6FOdlIY0CLAL0iQ1qiq4Lb5poZLeX735-Avai3cTMbKiSyivXLtiAfCNVgXHeyMY5~LK60Wl2zV0Wd~J1jjsukxXPvq~45ESdF4NIQguQly-BCiYhx~3gA~TDmarfZ6hPmZda4VwZ7gBAaxPmTa44aRzfB6VecP9MQhK0pNCgvS3ltdqfPEWjhGIAKN0S3bRbOwnpzQrkHRqVXGkjX7fix4w3juWNrLXjqHHbaD7Y2aC2Cmg8eZ7CCuzPIQIoR6~ha2J~2pgLwGgc7JyDh1~kiF6QFtNIOKKbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Santa Barbara, CA","date","2025-03-20T02:11:36.15Z","article","Business Manager Jonathan Abad presented the Santa Barbara Airport’s midyear financial review for July–December 2024 to the Airport Commission on March 13, reporting strong passenger growth and revenue gains alongside higher operating costs and capital program activity.

“Another record‑breaking growth, 21.3% increase in July 2024 from the prior July,” Abad said, and he reported midyear passenger volumes that were 15.3% higher than the prior fiscal midyear.

Abad said total revenues were up 8.3% at midyear. Terminal revenues rose 23% year over year, driven largely by parking, which Abad said was up roughly 31% after the airport replaced parking equipment and moved terminal employees out of the overflow lot. Abad described parking as “now the airport’s single largest operating revenue source” with plans to relocate the overflow lot closer to the terminal as part of longer‑range work.

Other midyear highlights Abad reported:
• Ground transportation and related revenues (advertising, ATM, TSA) were up 36.6%, with ground transportation itself up about 45%.
• Rental car revenue rose about 6.4% and concessions (restaurants and gift shops) were up about 15%.
• Commercial aviation building leases rose 13.6% in part because Delta was added during the fiscal year; landing fees were only up about 5% because new routes received a one‑year abatement on landing fees.

On the expense side, Abad said salaries and benefits were up 13.85% and materials, supplies and services rose 19.4% at midyear, driven in part by extraordinary repairs. Special projects rose significantly, Abad said, primarily because of PFAS testing and related work.

Commissioners asked detailed follow‑ups. Commissioner Bowen asked about a $350,000 generator radiator repair; staff confirmed the work included renting a large portable generator while the terminal generator was repaired. Bowen also asked about EV chargers; staff said six level‑2 chargers were installed across airport facilities mainly to support airport vehicles and a city‑led vehicle transition.

Abad highlighted capital plans and timing: the airport has budgeted transfers to capital (about $6.1 million in the current budget cycle) and has two major upcoming capital projects noted in the presentation — a long‑term south parking project just finishing design (about $5 million) and relocation of an administrative building (about $1.7 million). Abad said those projects could be delayed if grant funding or priorities change.

On PFAS (per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances), Abad said the airport finalized Phase 4 of its PFAS work plan for the Regional Water Quality Control Board and is tracking costs tied to testing and transitioning from aqueous film‑forming foam to fluorine‑free alternatives, with the expectation that federal reimbursements may be available once guidance is issued.

A commissioner asked whether operating expenses exceeded revenues by roughly $400,000 at midyear; Abad said much of the large expenditures occurred in the first half and staff expected the second half to be closer to budget, and that some overages could be offset by savings in capital, which the commission had approved to transfer as needed.

Abad closed by noting the airport’s nomination for Newsweek’s 2025 Best Small Airport reader’s choice award and encouraged votes through the voting period.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Airport Commission - March 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Business Manager Jonathan Abad told the commission the airport recorded a 21.3% increase in July 2024 and 15.3% growth at midyear, with terminal and parking revenues up sharply. The airport reported higher operating expenses, PFAS testing costs and several capital projects in planning or design.","taxTitle","Santa Barbara City, Santa Barbara County, California","taxId",4209,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6629478,"Commission approves one‑year lease for Galita Spot at former Elephant Bar",1036,941000,1977000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2703693-b01eed27317a029f22f7b0bd5f37a1bc&start=941&end=1977","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2703693-b01eed27317a029f22f7b0bd5f37a1bc/thumbnail_941000.jpg","/articles/6629478/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Commission-approves-oneyear-lease-for-Galita-Spot-at-former-Elephant-Bar","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6629478-91c0879b74c320e5dfe83410ed485868/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206176&Signature=DCKmSVHcYy0BIkWcl0iHC-F5-VFEj2JiEFuv5N68sXaCvmXP4Na-lvoydXtBhMJ26MAKizwVh4WehJKyCif5YzDM8PvaotjRSdL9kg8vSJf9F3zEA4P8a5p~iWOIx4v2N7LSSqr5qYDrGFh5ovr9lZSjtJBDPy5OR3ZdlmyVD-zUQvfHi5AFwHhoqRddI3x-dT1AIFV51N5JC7tl7HrU5CC9AOtiGB96Kinj5Ueg3GEKZYsLEMqx9VybX2454yW2xLoEhHQJ6SUdR408DfTQRyfKTBmWLY4wzIlieml5XGfeiaf~LAbFs8xpc0HO4sVeCNpi4fSlrkqgHdLSpVHxrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Santa Barbara Airport Commission on March 13 approved a one‑year lease for the former Elephant Bar building to Ben Schroeder’s Galita Spot, allowing the operator to renovate the property and begin operations under a short‑term tenancy while the airport advances an FBO redevelopment process.

John Feldhans introduced the item and said the lease would start in April, with rent payments beginning July 1 so the tenant can complete interior and exterior renovations. “We are putting forward a one‑year lease term starting in April. The rent will start in July 1, so he can do some renovations to the inside and outside,” Feldhans said.

Ben Schroeder, identified in the meeting as the Galita Spot proponent, described a fast‑casual concept that will use the existing building with limited interior demolition and upgrades. Schroeder said the plan is to host five core food vendors that will prepare food offsite or in a commissary model; customers will order inside and pick up at counters rather than at vehicles or trucks. Schroeder said the Galita Spot will feature local breweries and cider makers, and that he plans a Type 47 (on‑sale, general) ABC license for the building on public property, which he said would be attached to the Galita Spot lease and remain with the building.

Schroeder said hours would be seven days a week with a target 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. close and that he expects to open under a short‑term arrangement with the understanding the Eastside FBO RFP and eventual FBO redevelopment could change long‑term site use. He told the commission he is in contact with fixed‑base operators and has discussed potential longer‑term arrangements under non‑disclosed terms.

Commissioners asked whether the building could be ready by July 1; Schroeder said he was optimistic he could meet that schedule. Several commissioners and attendees praised the concept as a community asset. Councilmember Kasdan (Goleta) and multiple commissioners encouraged a focus on local vendors and community programming; Schroeder said he expects occasional non‑ticketed live performances and community use, with a firm close at 10 p.m.

Motion and vote: a motion to approve the lease was made and seconded on the record; the commission voted unanimously in favor. The roll call at the start of the meeting established five commissioners present (Commissioners Bowen, Gregg, Grama, Vice Chair Maya and Chair Glaser); the commission recorded unanimous approval for this item.

What’s next: the tenant will begin renovations and pay rent starting July 1; the airport will monitor coordination with the Eastside FBO RFP and any future redevelopment that could affect the site.

","The commission unanimously approved a one‑year lease for the former Elephant Bar building to Galita Spot. The operator plans a fast‑casual food hall model featuring five local food vendors, local beer and cider, limited kitchen renovations and a rent start date of July 1 to allow renovations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6629483,"FAA approach changes reduce options at Santa Barbara Airport; pilot‑controlled lighting to be enabled",404,313000,717000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2703693-b01eed27317a029f22f7b0bd5f37a1bc&start=313&end=717","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2703693-b01eed27317a029f22f7b0bd5f37a1bc/thumbnail_313000.jpg","/articles/6629483/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/FAA-approach-changes-reduce-options-at-Santa-Barbara-Airport-pilotcontrolled-lighting-to-be-enabled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6629483-dbd579e13426ea78299aa4eb709512b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206176&Signature=PAf6LS8dAJkW6-wdDZKub6YquFvS06mIeF5xkJdmjl8pEzDswgwbtHT~p8vg4RqXKaGBavQPYRJ5k9WpnVvpd6mE4ZJT46fmwLYTbURewU-PxsCKIBqqLqK4eOMRKfH9KqXxzxucCbaeeTOHDonXpr30gUJRZi9q3Pe90KNkqZHAnKplZA26cbf-nNXbIG4YPcFncahPYv42iFUM26e29QJvk4~Zqk62T7FG-uQm7X9kpJaU-YrsED1UD8XoRWZSTU35rdA1zllHdCnADjlZjNStZCe44vre5R6zRBxz85vovHt9dbyq0GgPehM93a~0o5xSseVXrvEUqEqXisPt1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Director Chris Hastert told the Santa Barbara Airport Commission on March 13 that several recent federal actions have reduced available instrument approaches and increased minimums for some approaches into Santa Barbara Airport, and that the airport will enable pilot‑controlled lighting after tower hours.

The developments came during the director’s regular report. “Pilot controlled lighting, I have just been informed, is ready to go at the flip of a switch,” Hastert said, adding that the change will let pilots adjust runway lighting after tower closure and reduce energy costs.

Why this matters: fewer or higher‑minimum instrument approaches can reduce access during fog or low‑visibility conditions, affecting general aviation pilots and commercial operations. Commissioners pressed staff for details on how long the limitations will last and what pilots and the public should expect.

Hastert described three problems the airport is addressing with the FAA: raised ILS minimums (in part the result of trees that had grown into the approach and were removed), removal of a GPS overlay to a VOR approach that has been discontinued nationwide, and a VOR approach that was incorrectly listed as unavailable at night. Hastert said the airport worked quickly with a property owner to remove the trees but that the FAA’s approach redesign process had already moved forward and new, higher minimums were published.

“Even though [the trees] hadn’t been published yet, [the FAA] published with new minimums that are not good for getting into the airport during foggy weather,” Hastert said.

On the GPS overlay, Hastert said the overlay approaches are being removed nationwide and that a standalone GPS approach is still under design; where the GPS overlay vanished and the GPS replacement is not yet final, there is temporarily no replacement. On the VOR approach, staff said the tower is working with the FAA approach design team to issue a NOTAM so pilots may use the VOR approach at night while a permanent correction is processed.

Commissioners asked for timing and operational implications. Vice Commissioner Jeremiah asked whether the VOR station being out of service would make approaches on Runway 25 unusable; Hastert said he would follow up with the tower on the specific dependencies and cautioned that he is not instrument rated and relied on tower guidance for technical detail. Commissioner Bowen asked whether the noise working group had made progress on encouraging aircraft to turn out to sea before 6 a.m.; Hastert said staff had again contacted air traffic control and that the airport is “making that big push literally as we speak.”

Hastert recommended pilots file FAA ASAP reports if they are inconvenienced by the approach changes to help prioritize corrective action. He also said the airport will coordinate communications about the pilot‑controlled lighting and continue applying pressure to the FAA for faster updates to approach plates and procedures.

Next steps: staff will continue to press the FAA and to work with the tower and the approach design team on NOTAMs and revised plates; the commission was told staff will report back when the FAA sets new cycle dates or issues NOTAMs that alter approach availability.

","Airport staff told the commission that recent FAA changes removed some GPS overlay approaches, raised ILS minimums and temporarily curtailed a VOR night listing; staff said pilot‑controlled lighting will be switched on after tower hours and officials are pressing the FAA for faster fixes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Santa Barbara Airport midyear report: passenger growth, parking revenue fuel operating gains; PFAS and capital projects drive costs

Commission approves one‑year lease for Galita Spot at former Elephant Bar

FAA approach changes reduce options at Santa Barbara Airport; pilot‑controlled lighting to be enabled