Santa Barbara District 4 Candidates Held Public Forum
Four contenders for the city council seat discussed local issues including the State Street Master Plan.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Should your local government take an active role in resisting federal immigration enforcement operations?
Four candidates for the Santa Barbara City Council District 4 seat met at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara for a public forum. The event featured discussions on city budget stability, the State Street Master Plan, and immigration enforcement policies.
Why it matters
The forum allowed residents of the Riviera, upper Eastside, Eucalyptus Hill, and Foothill neighborhoods to evaluate candidate visions before the upcoming vote. The dialogue also touched on federal immigration enforcement, following reports of recent detentions in the nearby Santa Maria Valley.
The forum involved 4 candidates competing for the District 4 seat, which serves a diverse area including the Riviera and Foothill neighborhoods. The two-hour event saw 12 community members attend to hear platform presentations ahead of the November 3 election.
The players
Devon Wardlow
Devon Wardlow is a candidate running for the Santa Barbara City Council District 4 seat.
Monte Wilson
Monte Wilson is a candidate seeking election to the Santa Barbara City Council District 4 seat.
Genevieve Taft-Vasquez
Genevieve Taft-Vasquez is a candidate participating in the District 4 city council race.
Jason Dominguez
Jason Dominguez is a candidate campaigning for the District 4 seat on the Santa Barbara City Council.
League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara
The League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara is a nonpartisan organization that promotes informed and active participation in government.
The details
Candidates Devon Wardlow, Monte Wilson, Genevieve Taft-Vasquez, and Jason Dominguez presented their platforms and responded to questions from attendees. The discussion was moderated by the League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara to provide clarity on local priorities.
Timeline
The public forum took place on October 7, 2026.
The city council election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Opposition groups and some local business owners have raised concerns regarding the State Street Master Plan, citing potential impacts on traffic and historical neighborhood character. These dissenting voices highlight the challenge of balancing urban renewal with existing infrastructure limitations.
Residents of District 4 will cast their ballots on November 3 to determine which candidate will represent their neighborhoods on the city council. The outcome will directly influence local governance decisions, including the final implementation of the State Street Master Plan.
The takeaway
Voters should review candidate records on infrastructure and budget management to understand how each platform might shift city policy. Engaging with local forums remains a key way for constituents to evaluate competing visions for the future of their district.
Further reading
For more election updates, visit the City Hall section.
More information
View local candidate information and resources on the Noozhawk election section and coverage.
Live Poll
Should your local government take an active role in resisting federal immigration enforcement operations?
