The Issues
District 4 faces real challenges. Here's exactly where Jason stands — and what he'll do about it.
Protecting Our Hillside Neighborhoods
District 4 sits in some of Santa Barbara's highest fire-hazard zones — and the threat is growing. I'll fight for the resources, planning, and infrastructure our hillside neighborhoods need to stay safe before the next fire, not after.
- Advocate for dedicated city funding for defensible space programs and fuel management in high-fire-hazard zones within District 4
- Push for updated evacuation route planning and community preparedness resources for Mission Canyon and Upper East neighborhoods
- Support expanded coordination between the city, county, and state on wildfire mitigation — including hardening utility infrastructure
- Ensure that new development in fire-prone areas meets the highest safety standards, with no exceptions for political convenience
- Push for streamlined city permitting for defensible space work on private property — homeowners should not have to fight red tape to protect their own homes.
- Call for a formal review of post-Thomas Fire lessons applied to current District 4 evacuation infrastructure — what's been fixed, what hasn't, and what's still at risk.
A State Street That Works for Everyone
State Street is the spine of our city, and right now it's underperforming. I believe adaptive reuse of underutilized commercial space can deliver significant new housing while revitalizing the corridor — without sacrificing the character that makes Santa Barbara special.
- Crack down on reckless e-bike riding on State Street — the pedestrian zone should be safe for everyone, including seniors and families. I'll push for consistent enforcement and work with SBPD to address the ongoing problem of high-speed riding, wheelies, and dangerous behavior in areas shared with pedestrians.
- Champion adaptive reuse policies that convert vacant and underperforming commercial buildings on State Street into housing
- Support workforce housing policies so new development includes homes for nurses, teachers, firefighters, and the people who keep this city running
- Support transparency on city land sales — independent appraisals, public hearings, and council accountability before any deal is done
- Advocate for a State Street vision that balances retail, dining, housing, and public space — not a monoculture of any one use
Solutions Over Sweeps
Santa Barbara spends roughly five times more on homelessness enforcement than on actual solutions. I proposed flipping that ratio when I was on the Council, and I'm still right. Sweeps move people around — housing, services, and mental health support move people forward.
- Reintroduce a dedicated homelessness solutions committee to drive a coordinated, data-driven city response
- Advocate for reallocating enforcement dollars toward proven interventions: permanent supportive housing, mental health services, and substance use treatment
- Support regional partnerships with the county and nonprofits to avoid duplication and maximize impact
- Measure success by outcomes — housing placements, service connections, and reduced chronic homelessness. District 4 residents deserve to see fewer people in crisis on their streets, and that only happens through real solutions.
- Fight for housing affordability across the board — because whether you rent or own, Santa Barbara's cost of living is pushing people out, and that's bad for everyone.
Safe Streets for Everyone — Walking, Driving, and Biking
District 4 residents deserve streets that are safe to walk, easy to navigate, and well-maintained — whether you're walking to the store, driving to an appointment, or out for a bike ride. I supported the Alisos Street bike lane on the Eastside and know what it takes to move a transportation project from idea to pavement.
- Improve pedestrian safety at high-risk intersections in residential areas and along Los Olivos, State Street, and Coast Village Road — including better lighting, crosswalk timing, and visibility for older pedestrians and those with mobility challenges
- Maintain and repair our streets and sidewalks so neighbors can walk safely without worrying about cracked pavement or poor maintenance
- Expand bike infrastructure thoughtfully, connecting neighborhoods to schools and parks without compromising street access or parking for residents and local businesses
- Advocate for reliable transit options — particularly for seniors and residents who no longer drive — so getting around District 4 doesn't depend on owning a car
A Council Member Who Works for You — Not a Party
I've boycotted untaped council retreats. I've cast the lone dissenting vote on a $401.6 million budget. I've spoken up when it was uncomfortable. That's not stubbornness — that's accountability. District 4 deserves a representative who answers to constituents, not to political machines.
- Commit to full transparency: all council deliberations should be on the record and accessible to the public
- Refuse to let partisan politics drive local decisions — Santa Barbara's challenges require practical solutions, not ideological posturing
- Prioritize constituent engagement: regular town halls, open office hours, and genuine responsiveness to residents and groups (businesses and non-profits)
- Stand firm when the budget doesn't reflect community priorities — and say so publicly, even when it's the unpopular vote
- Scrutinize every major land deal and city contract with the same independence I brought to the budget — no rubber stamps, no backroom agreements, no exceptions.
- One candidate in this race has already cast tough votes, spoken up when it was uncomfortable, and put constituents over politics. That record doesn't come from a corporate boardroom or a planning commission. It comes from doing the job.
Together Let's Move Santa Barbara Forward!
Jason's positions are only as powerful as the people who stand behind them.