ID
City seal
Title

Council Meeting Key Item Recap - September 29, 2026

Authored on
Body

On September 29, 2026, the Santa Barbara City Council considered several items, including a flood resilience study for the Laguna Creek watershed, the renaming of a portion of Calle César Chávez, and the Residential Rent Stabilization and Residential Rental Registry Ordinance.

Council reviewed the proposed Laguna Flood Resilience Study (Item 11) to address flooding in the Laguna Creek watershed and serve as the foundation for future stormwater master plans that address flooding in other flood-prone parts of the city. The study will identify practical solutions to reduce flooding in the Laguna Creek Watershed, while prioritizing environmental stewardship and improving the natural functions of Laguna Creek, Mission Creek Lagoon, and the surrounding watershed. The study will develop a model of the watershed to analyze flooding under current conditions and future conditions with the effects of climate change, including shifts in rainfall patterns, rising sea levels, and changing groundwater levels. 

Council unanimously approved expenditures of $993,125 for the study, with up to $99,312 for contingencies, and additionally adopted a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2027 budget to appropriate $291,797 from the Creeks Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Capital Fund. The City will utilize the study to develop a watershed model, flood hazard maps, recommended adaptation options, and technical and public-facing reports. The approximately two-year project is expected to begin next month, with community engagement throughout the process and a final report expected in Fall 2028.

Council considered the renaming of Calle César Chávez (Item 12), the entire corridor between East Gutierrez Street and East Cabrillo Boulevard, following a staff presentation on the steps completed as required under Municipal Code Chapter 22.48 for a street renaming process.

After hearing a report from the Neighborhood Advisory Council on street name recommendations and public testimony, Council voted 6–1 to select “Limuw Street” as the new name for the corridor and directed staff to return with a resolution to formalize the name that will commence an implementation plan. Limuw (lee-mooh) is the name the Chumash people have used for Santa Cruz Island, recognized as their birthplace. The literal meaning is “in the ocean” and references the island’s location, which is visible from the end of the corridor. The resolution will include approximately 90 days’ notice to affected residents and businesses prior to implementation. The change will require updates to street signage and address records for approximately 86 properties.

Council also directed staff to explore a small business assistance program to support businesses with certain direct costs associated with the name change, including vendor registrations and equipment replacement. Staff was also directed to explore a proposal to create a Heritage Square to honor the farmworker movement history of the neighborhood discussed during the meeting.

Additionally, Council discussed the Residential Rent Stabilization and Residential Rental Registry Ordinance (Item 2). Deliberations focused on exemptions for deed-restricted affordable housing and qualifying Section 8 voucher holder tenancies, as recommended by the Housing Authority. Council discussed how habitability concerns would be addressed for tenants in exempt units and directed staff to further evaluate options, including through the City's upcoming Just Cause Ordinance amendments.

Council voted 4–3 to introduce the Ordinance with the specified exemptions and amendments. The Ordinance will return to Council on October 6, 2026, for adoption.

Council also voted 4–3 to adopt a Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2027 budget to allocate $500,000 from the Measure I Flexible Housing and Homelessness Fund to support implementation of the Residential Rent Stabilization and Residential Rental Registry programs.

To review the full meeting agenda, key documents, and recordings, visit City Council Meetings.

Video Links:

City Council meeting minutes are the official written records of actions, discussions, and votes that happen during a local government meeting and can be found in Archived Document Search.