🌱 Santa Barbara Estimates $1.48 Billion Budget + Teachers Discuss Pay

Hi all. Rose Mendez here with your Wednesday edition of the Santa Barbara Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Sunshine. High: 68 Low: 49.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny and nice. High: 70 Low: 49.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories in Santa Barbara today:

1. Santa Barbara County officials have estimated a “stable” operating budget of $1.48 billion for Fiscal Year 2023-24, a 6.2 percent increase from last year. County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato said they are preparing for an uncertain economic climate in the future and "We are entering this budget year with a buckle-up-and-drive-carefully approach. While the fiscal outlook for the county remains relatively stable, the trajectory of the economy remains uncertain.” The next Board of Supervisors Budget Workshops will be held today (Apr. 19) and Apr. 21. (Santa Barbara Independent)
2. At the school board meeting last week, teachers from the Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) spoke about how high teacher turnover rates and bad student outcomes are the cause of insufficient teacher pay and large class sizes. SBTA President Joyce Adriansen said, "Next year's two percent raise does not match the nationwide projected inflation rate of six percent." Adriansen also stated that 24 teachers have resigned so far this year, along with 50 who resigned last year. The school district responded by saying it will negotiate with the SBTA for the 2024-2025 school year when the current agreement runs out. (Santa Barbara Independent)
3. On Apr. 17, Santa Barbara's Architectural Board of Review considered the latest design of the all-abilities play structure that will be built at Dwight Murphy Field. The play structure will feature a "magical tree house" inspired by Disney’s Toontown in memory of Gwendolyn Strong, who was born with a disease called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and passed away at seven years old in 2015. The board gave feedback to the designers and is one step closer to making the structure a reality. (Noozhawk)

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Today and tomorrow in Santa Barbara:

Wednesday, April 19

• State Street Job Fair At 700 & 800 blocks on State Street, between Ortega and Canon Perdido (3:00 PM)
• Trivia Night At SB Biergarten (6:00 PM)

Thursday, April 20

• In the Gardens of Splendor and Delight At Music Academy (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• On Saturday, May 13, “Boots ‘n’ Badges,” a fundraising celebration to benefit the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Benevolent Posse, will be held at Red River Ranch in Los Olivos. From 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., see live demonstrations by several Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies including the bomb squad, K-9, and Mounted Enforcement units. There will also be refreshments and music. (Noozhawk)
• State Street Ballet returns to perform "The Jungle Book" at Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara for one night only before touring in Japan. Tickets are now available for the Apr. 29 show. (Noozhawk)
• The local real estate scene is buzzing with activity, and there are a variety of homes to choose from these days. Check out the latest homes for sale in the Santa Barbara area, including a huge five-bedroom on E. Quinto Street. (Santa Barbara Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• In the Gardens of Splendor and Delight (April 20)
• 33rd Annual Southern California Spring Garden Show (April 20)
• Book Signing: Kim Cantin's Where Yellow Flowers Bloom (April 20)
• "Get Out of Town" this spring! (May 11)
• "Get Out of Town" this spring! (May 11)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox soon with a new update.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!