REPORT: Randy Rowse defends response to tourist murder, says he'll run again for mayor

Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse has defended the city's response to the murder of a tourist in an alleged gang shoot-out at the Wharf, stating that the police investigation leading to arrests was "careful, precise, and sensitive to the victim's family". 

Responding to criticism that he and the police department were not transparent enough after the fatal shooting of Rob Gutierrez, Rowse shrugged off the suggestion that he should have taken a high-profile public stance in the case. Rowse also praised the city and the police department for doing a "good job of being vigilant and staying on top of" gang activity, although some have criticized the department's statement that "we do not have a gang problem" in Santa Barbara. 

Rowse also addressed key issues facing the city, including the interim plan for State Street, the redevelopment of Paseo Nuevo, housing at La Cumbre Plaza, homelessness, and the future of De La Guerra Plaza, while confirming that he intends to run for re-election as mayor.

Additional: 

• He offered a hint of a possible breakthrough in the stalled process of revamping Paseo Nuevo.
• Rowse also chided Supervisor Das Williams for allegedly blocking the city from obtaining a $1.2 million grant to design and adopt a comprehensive plan for housing at La Cumbre Plaza.

Source: Edhat Santa Barbara

Rep. Adam Schiff makes Senate campaign stop in Santa Barbara

Congressmember Adam Schiff, campaigning for the US Senate in Santa Barbara, discussed his three focal issues, which included “dangers to our democracy,” the US economy, and the environment. 

He also addressed the January 6 Capitol riot, Trump’s presidency, and his time on the January 6 committee. Schiff criticized Fox News for being a big propagator of the Big Lie and spoke of his conversation with someone who served on a board with Rupert Murdoch about Tucker Carlson’s support of Russia, and said that attacking Fox required boycotting them. 

Schiff also criticized House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s decision to authorize Tucker Carlson’s staff to view the January 6 Capitol surveillance footage, expressing concern about Capitol Police and member safety.

Additional points: 

• County Supervisor Das Williams urged Schiff to fight climate change, and called out other regional representatives in attendance at the event.

Source: Santa Barbara Independent