Special Election to Fill Westside’s City Council Seat

The Santa Barbara City Council voted 4-2 on Tuesday to have a special election to fill the Westside’s council seat vacated by now-Mayor, Cathy Murillo.

The council will continue with six filled seats until the seventh seat is decided upon by District 3 voters in June.

It’s estimated the special election will cost taxpayers $30,000.

Council members Jason Dominguez, Eric Friedman, Cathy Murillo, and Kristen Sneddon decided against making an interim appointment to fill the seat before June. Members Gregg Hart and Randy Rowse voted in favor.

Many Westside residents in attendance expressed frustration about not having representation until June when the City Council could continue deadlocking on important votes.