The Montecito Branch book drop will be closed May 3rd - 6th due to parking lot repaving

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Help shape the future of Santa Barbara's Waterfront! Respond to our survey at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/WaterfrontSurvey.
¡Ayúdanos a dar forma al futuro de la zona costera de Santa Bárbara! Responde a nuestra encuesta en SantaBarbaraCA.gov/WaterfrontSurvey.

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All SBPL locations will be closed on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 (5/5/26) for a staff training.

Eastside and Montecito Libraries will close at 2pm on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (5/6/26) for a staff training.

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ID
Email: CMailes@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
Phone: (805) 965-5254
Title

Chris Mailes

Position
Fire Chief
Bio

Fire Chief Chris Mailes was appointed to the position of Fire Chief on March 27, 2021. Previous to that he served as Acting Fire Chief, assuming the position on October 23, 2020, after the retirement of Fire Chief Eric Nickel. Chief Mailes oversees the eight-station fire department with 104 employees.                                                                        

A 28-year member of the SBFD, Chief Mailes previously held the rank of Battalion Chief and was most recently assigned to the Operations Division as a shift BC.  Prior to that assignment, he served as the Department’s Training Officer.

A native of the City of Santa Barbara, Chief Mailes grew up on the Mesa, attended local schools and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from UCSB. He holds a Chief Officer Certification from the California State Fire Marshal’s Office. He is also a state licensed paramedic.