November City Elections Promise Congestion and Contention

Hoping the second time might be the charm, one-time actor and reporter Frank Hotchkiss – who is now a real estate agent – announced that he’s running for the City Council a second time. A Republican endowed with a booming voice, Hotchkiss is calling for tougher anti-panhandling laws and for holding the parents of gang members accountable for their children’s criminal behavior. Likewise, Santa Barbara Safe Streets leader Michael Self, who opposed to roundabouts and other traffic calming plans hatched by City Hall, also announced her intentions to run. David Pritchett, a creeks restoration advocate and alternative transportation supporter, hosted his kick-off party after having announced his intention to run multiple times.

This November’s election promises to be especially congested, if not contentious, as the mayor’s seat is up for grabs along with three council seats. Of the latter, the only incumbent in the race is councilmember Grant House. Running for mayor are councilmembers Helene Schneider and Iya Falcone, Chamber of Commerce president Steve Cushman, and political newcomer Justin Michael. Running for council are slow growth community activists Dianna Channing and Cathy McCammon, planning commissioner Harwood White, creeks restoration commissioner Michael Jordan, realtor John Thyne, social activist Olivia Uribe, political newcomers John Gibbs Jr., a retired physician worried the budget is out of control, and Justin Tevis.