Sheila Lodge, who made history as Santa Barbara’s first woman mayor and went on to become the city’s longest-serving mayor, died Wednesday, July 8, 2026. She was 97.
Lodge served three terms as mayor from 1981 to 1993, a 12-year tenure that remains unmatched in the city’s history. Her death prompted tributes from local and federal officials who remembered her dedication to preserving Santa Barbara’s character and quality of life.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear of Sheila Lodge’s passing,” said Rep. Salud Carbajal, who represents the Santa Barbara area in Congress. “As Santa Barbara’s first woman and longest-serving mayor, she dedicated much of her life to improving the City of Santa Barbara and left an incredible mark on our community. My thoughts are with her friends, family, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her during her years of service.”
A life of public service
In an obituary she composed before her death, Lodge reflected on a life that took her from a dairy farm to the highest office in Santa Barbara city government.
Born at home on her parents’ dairy in Arcadia, Lodge spent her early childhood in Ojai before attending Stanford University for one year and San Jose State College for another. After marrying a student from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, she taught elementary school and worked in social work before moving to Santa Barbara in 1952.
Lodge described herself as “mostly a housewife and mother” after her first child was born in 1951, returning to college after her youngest child entered school full-time and completing a bachelor’s degree in English at UC Santa Barbara. Her first marriage ended in divorce in 1960, and she married Joseph Lodge, then a Justice Court judge, in 1961.
From League of Women Voters to mayor’s office
Lodge credited the League of Women Voters as “a great place to learn about government,” and her involvement there sparked an interest in local planning. After observing the Santa Barbara Planning Commission, she decided she could serve in that capacity and was appointed in 1973.
Two years later, she successfully ran for city council in 1975 and won reelection in 1979. She was then elected mayor three consecutive times, serving from 1981 to 1993.
A legacy of planning and preservation
During her time as mayor, Lodge championed major planning initiatives that would shape Santa Barbara for decades. Her accomplishments included establishing an 85,000 optimum population goal for the city and implementing Measure E to manage non-residential growth. Under her leadership, the city exceeded the State Fair Share goal for affordable housing construction by 700 percent, completed the cross-town freeway, and built Paseo Nuevo.
Lodge was known for her attention to detail, fighting for a strong sign ordinance and high architectural standards. “She was passionate about preserving Santa Barbara’s high quality of life,” according to her obituary. “She loved being mayor and serving the people of Santa Barbara.”
Continued service after leaving office
Lodge remained active in community service after leaving the mayor’s office, volunteering with Planned Parenthood, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Citizens Planning Association, and the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Docent Council.
When the City of Santa Barbara began a General Plan Update in 2005, Lodge grew concerned about its direction and feared the city might lose the qualities that made it special. She applied to serve on the Planning Commission again and was appointed in 2008—35 years after her first appointment. She was reappointed in 2012, 2016, and 2020.
In 2020, Lodge published “Santa Barbara: An Uncommonplace American Town,” a history of the city’s urban planning. In the book, she urged residents to get involved and work to protect Santa Barbara’s special qualities.
Outside of public service, Lodge maintained a one-acre garden by herself, calling it her gym, and enjoyed annual hiking trips in the Canadian Rockies.
Lodge’s husband of 46 years, Superior Court Judge Joseph Lodge, died in 2008. She is survived by four daughters—Anne Nadler, Rachel Lodge, Amy Mattison (Kevin), and Helen Lodge—and her grandson, Dashael Nadler-Fennell.
Most sincere and heartfelt condolences to all those who knew and loved Sheila Lodge. She was someone I have long admired. Last time I was with her, I was happy she was still fit and healthy and working hard to protect our beloved Santa Barbara. She and I were at the Farmers Market, attempting to educate people re: Building Height Limits. Alas, our efforts with that particular cause were in vain. I love you, Sheila. Santa Barbara has lost yet another of its capable and caring champions.