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Public urges Santa Barbara council to hire city attorney versed in tenant protections
Summary
Dozens of public commenters at a special meeting urged the Santa Barbara City Council to select a city attorney with expertise in state and local tenant laws, enforcement experience, and the ability to defend a future rent stabilization ordinance. The council closed the meeting to a private session under Government Code sections 54957(b)(1) and 549
Dozens of residents urged the Santa Barbara City Council on Friday to hire a city attorney with strong expertise in state and local tenant law and an emphasis on enforcing rent protections.
"This hire should be an expert in state and city tenant laws and should prioritize a rent stabilization ordinance," said Emily Pellstring, a tenant in Santa Barbara since 2021, during the public-comment period. Several other speakers echoed that call, asking that the city attorney be prepared to pursue enforcement and litigation against landlords who violate housing laws.
The appeals came during public comment on Item 1, described by the clerk as "public employment — city attorney," which the council cited for closed-session discussion under Government Code sections 54957(b)(1) and 54957.6. The council then adjourned to…
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