Monte Wilson: Rent Control Treats Symptom While Ignoring Santa Barbara’s Real Housing Crisis

Monte Wilson: Rent Control Treats Symptom While Ignoring Santa Barbara’s Real Housing Crisis

I read with great interest the recent memo from Santa Barbara City Councilwomen Wendy Santamaria and Kristen Sneddon proposing a rent stabilization program in Santa Barbara. Both have long championed affordable housing, and their intentions are admirable, but we must ask the question, “Are we solving the right problem?” Affordable housing is complex since it touches everyone from students, young families, working professionals to retirees. Preci…