Dear Santa Barbara Voters, Business Owners, and Our Resilient Youth,
I am writing today with a heavy heart but a clear purpose. Our beautiful city stands at a pivotal crossroads, one that requires careful thought and transparency, particularly when it comes to the proposed sales tax increase currently under consideration. As a business owner, a father, and an advocate for economic fairness and opportunity, I feel it’s my duty to share why this increase, in its current form, does not serve the best interests of our community — especially our youth.
First and foremost, the tax increase disproportionately impacts low- and middle-income families, who are already feeling the squeeze of inflation, rising rents, and the escalating cost of living in Santa Barbara. A higher sales tax would unfairly burden those least able to afford it, making everyday necessities more expensive and widening the gap between the wealthy and working families.