Council Deadlock Over Police Budget

Santa Barbara’s City Council erupted in chaos over freezing three vacant police positions, sparking a seven-hour debate that ended without a vote. Councilmember Wendy Santamaria pushed to save $576K, arguing the funds should go to the general budget, even threatening consequences for colleagues who opposed her. Initially backed by mayoral hopeful Kristen Sneddon, the plan flipped after Police Chief warned it would cripple recruitment. Santamaria then unleashed fury, accusing male colleagues of prioritizing police over housing and questioning their motives on homelessness. With no resolution in sight and tensions soaring, another special meeting looms — and this budget battle is far from over. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8f9898a4226bc0d1