Santa Barbara City Council District 5 · Nov 3, 2026

James Zurlinden

Candidate for City Council District 5

15 candidates · 4 seats5 sourced positions

James Zurlinden is running for Santa Barbara City Council District 5 in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Ian J. Baucke and Cevin Cathell.

Vote-by-mail ballots mailed and ballot drop-off locations open · Mon, Oct 5, 2026

Today

Media buyer and accountant at a Santa Barbara advertising firm, and a former chef. Studying to become a Certified Financial Planner.

Where James Zurlinden stands: positions on the record

Rent stabilization1 sourced position

as reported by SB Newsmakers; not a direct quote except the quoted words
Said he supports rent stabilization only as part of a larger housing strategy and wants a sunset on the ordinance.
“I support rent stabilization, but only as a piece of a larger housing strategy, not as a solution”
Own statementSB Newsmakers · Aug 2, 2026

State Street1 sourced position

as reported by SB Newsmakers; not a direct quote except the quoted words
Said a promenade of about three blocks would be good, with the upper sections kept open to traffic.
“I think a promenade of about three blocks would be great”
Own statementSB Newsmakers · Aug 2, 2026

Vacancy tax1 sourced position

as reported by SB Newsmakers; not a direct quote except the quoted words
Said he would consider a vacancy tax but not right away.
“I would consider it, but I wouldn’t say it has to happen right away.”
Own statementSB Newsmakers · Aug 2, 2026

Ranked-choice voting1 sourced position

as reported by SB Newsmakers; not a direct quote except the quoted words
Said an introduction to ranked-choice voting might be good, perhaps starting with the mayoral race.
“I think an introduction to ranked choice voting might be good”
Own statementSB Newsmakers · Aug 2, 2026

License plate readers1 sourced position

as reported by the Santa Barbara News-Press; not a direct quote
Said he currently opposes police use of all license plate readers, though he may support city-owned readers at parking lot entrances.
Own statementSanta Barbara News-Press · Sep 5, 2026

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