Santa Barbara Current

Santa Barbara Current

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When “Tenant Advocacy” Stops Being About Housing

by Bonnie Donovan

Dec 16, 2025
∙ Paid

A PUBLIC INTEREST WARNING FOR SANTA BARBARA

In Santa Barbara, nearly every housing discussion begins with the same premise: we are in a crisis, and tenants must be protected.

That framing is often justified.

But it is no longer sufficient on its own.

Not all tenant advocacy focuses on improving housing conditions, preventing abuse, or keeping people stably …

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