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Teen Star is back Producer discusses finalists and the first live show since 2020
Murillo, Gutierrez propose rent cap, registry By ANNELISE HANSHAW NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
NEWS-PRESS FILE PHOTOS
At left, Andie Bronstad is excited as she hears she’s named Teen Star in 2020. The Santas Barbara singing competition will hold its first competitive show in two years in February at The Granada.At right, fellow contestants hug Sophia Schuster as she learns in 2019 that she’s Teen Star. Ms. Schuster went on to perform as a contestant on “American Idol.”
By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR
Sophia Schuster and Andie Bronstad reacted with excitement in 2019 and 2020 respectively when they stood on the Arlington Theatre stage and heard the news. They were named Teen Star for Santa Barbara County. And that was just the start of fame for Ms. Schuster, who went on to become an “American Idol” contestant. “I think what led me to win Teen Star is just being true to myself,” Ms. Schuster told the
News-Press later, referring to her risky song choice of “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson’s “Piece by Piece.” “American Idol” producers learned about her Teen Star victory, and that started her journey to the TV show. This year’s Teen Star finalists, who were announced Sunday for the first competition since 2020, shouldn’t be too surprised if “American Idol” pays attention again. “They’re watching what we’re Please see TEEN STAR on A3
COURTESY PHOTOS
The finalists are, from left to right, top to bottom, Audrey Harmand, Bridget DeVine, Grace Hu, Sophie Hernandez, Haley Ellis, Holly Hadsall, Joanne Tudor, Melody Hilario, Rebecca Jamgochian and Shelby Kernisant
Amongst a carousel of aerial vistas of the “American Riviera,” The Santa Barbara Association of Realtors’ homepage issues a warning: “Calling all real estate professionals! Oppose unsustainable rent caps and an expensive rent registry.” The homepage challenges a proposal by Mayor Cathy Murillo and Mayor Pro Tem Oscar Gutierrez to cap annual rent increases to 2% plus the consumer-price index. They also want to create a list of rental units in the city of Santa Barbara — where 60% of residents rent — with a price tag yet to be determined. The Santa Barbara City Council will consider their suggestions near the end of its 2 p.m. meeting today. Organizations representing landlords and tenants have asked members to speak up during public comment. The memorandum Mayor Murillo and Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez submitted to the council’s office Nov. 15 leaves much to the imagination. Perhaps that’s why Realtors and news organizations alike think the proposal limits rent increases to 2% without concern for inflation. Mayor Murillo told the News-Press it was a common misconception. Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy, or CAUSE, advocates for a 2% cap. This way, she said, it’s like a compromise to include the consumer-price index. Lawmakers enacted rent control statewide through
Lawmakers enacted rent control statewide through Assembly Bill 1482, which capped increases at 5% plus the consumer-price index beginning Jan. 1, 2020. It also requires “just cause” during evictions.
Assembly Bill 1482, which capped increases at 5% plus the consumer-price index beginning Jan. 1, 2020. It also requires “just cause” during evictions. SBAOR President Brian Johnson said the number of laws imposed on landlords recently have become “burdensome.” He’s concerned owners with fewer properties may choose to sell their rentals. “I think it’s not only going to affect our landlords but our tenants as well,” he told the News-Press. “I understand that everyone’s concerned about the cost of a home, but putting a draconian rent cap will not decrease the cost of a home.” He points to climbing utility fees and the cost of materials, like lumber. “The concerns that we have is that it is going to shrink a property owner’s reserves and they won’t be able to maintain upkeep,” he said. Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez has heard Mr. Johnson’s arguments that small landlords might sell out in the midst of restrictions. “I personally don’t understand that mindset because real estate in Santa Barbara, as an investment, has held fast through so many recessions,” he told the News-Press. “When the pandemic happened, the price still went up.” According to the city’s 2021 rent survey, the median rent in Santa Barbara is about $2,700. The difference between the proposed ordinance and the state’s rent cap is $81 per month. Mayor Murillo said singlefamily homes, unless owned by a real estate trust or corporation, would be exempt from the rent cap as well as duplexes where the owner lives in a unit. These terms were specified in AB 1482. A rent cap only restricts what a landlord can charge a tenant who is renewing a lease. Santa Barbara does not have vacancy control, a limitation on the amount a landlord can raise the rate between tenants. Mayor Murillo and Mr. Johnson both told the NewsPress they didn’t think evictions would be weaponized as a way to raise rent. Mr. Johnson, though, said some landlords would be holding tenants “to the letter of the lease.” Max Golding, a representative from the Santa Barbara Tenants Union, said he has seen harsh tactics. He is in favor of the proposed rent cap and rental registry, though he said AB 1482 yielded a “mixed bag.” Some landlords attempted to raise rents over the legal limit Please see RENT CAP on A2
Today marks 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor By FORREST MCFARLAND NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT
Today marks 80 years since the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. As a result of this event, America made the decision to enter World War II. At around 8 a.m. on this date in 1941, the naval base at Pearl Harbor near
Honolulu was devastated by a surprise attack from the Japanese military. Three hundred fifty-three Japanese aircraft struck the base, killing 2,403 Americans and maiming 1,178. These Americans included sailors, soldiers and civilians. Four of eight U.S. Navy battleships were sunk with the other four being damaged, and a total of 188 U.S. aircraft
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on Japan, formally entering World War II. Under the Tripartite Pact with Japan, Germany and Italy responded to this by each declaring war on the United States. Despite this crushing blow, Japan failed to destroy the Pacific fleet, and the American people were overall united in their decision to enter war. Dubbing the attack, “a date which
will live in infamy,” President Franklin Delano Roosevelt addressed Congress with the intent to declare war saying, “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.” email: fmcfarland@newspress.com
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were destroyed. The Japanese military declared war on the United States and the British Empire later that day. The attack on Pearl Harbor was one of many strikes by Japan. Throughout the course of seven hours, Japan attacked the Philippines, Guam, Wake Island, Malaya, Singapore and Hong Kong. On Dec. 8, 1941, America declared war
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