Por El Latino Newsroom
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The City of Santa Barbara announced this week that is implementing a pilot program aimed towards mitigating the illegal short-term rental predicament that has been exacerbating the region’s housing crisis.
According to City Officials the innovative initiative not only seeks to address the dearth of long-term housing but also to restructure the rental market, which has been detrimentally impacted by platforms such as Airbnb and other rental apps.
Like many of California’s coastal cities, Santa Barbara has been grappling with a severe housing shortage.
This predicament has been further compounded by the proliferation of short-term rentals.
Homeowners, attracted by the prospect of higher earnings, often opt to transform their properties into vacation rentals, thereby depriving the local population of long-term housing options.
«Owners of rental units have found that it’s more economically advantageous to rent their units as a vacation rental for 30 days, or less, than for a longer term,» said Sarah Knecht, Santa Barbara’s City Attorney.
The City’s 12-month program which will be supervise by the Attorney’s Office, will focus on identifying and dealing with short-term rentals operating outside of pre-established vacation rental zones or those infringing other regulations.
According to the City, the initiative is not just reactive but seeks to proactively identify illegal short-term rentals using various tools and strategies.
«We will be enforcing and making sure that if there are short-term vacation rentals they are in compliance with the law, said Knecht
Danny Wei, the Assistant City Prosecutor, highlighted the proactive approach that the City plans to adopt, because investigators will be dispatched to identify illegal short-term rentals, and efforts will be undertaken to encourage homeowners to voluntarily comply with the law.
Any property owner found to be in violation of the short-term rental regulations will be given an opportunity to rectify their transgressions.
However, failure to comply could result in serious penalties, including a fine of up to $1000 or up to six months in jail for each violation.
To report a suspected illegal short-term rental, visit the city’s www.santabarbaraca.gov.
AYUB NAMED NEW VTA. CITY’S MANAGER
The City of Ventura announced the appointment of the ex Ventura County Sheriff, William «Bill» Ayub, as the new City Manager starting on August 8.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bill Ayub as our new City Manager. With a diverse and extensive law enforcement background and a strong commitment to public service, His exceptional track record of collaborative leadership and dedication to uplifting the community fit perfectly with our city’s values,» said Mayor Joe Schroeder.
Ayub brings over 37 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including nearly 15 years in management, most of which was with the County of Ventura.
He served as the Sheriff of Ventura County for over four years until his retirement in January 2023, after he lost his reelection bid.
«I am honored and excited to take on the role of City Manager for the City of Ventura,» said William Ayub, a long-time Ventura resident. «Serving in the city I call home means a great deal to me. I look forward to working alongside the talented team here to build on Ventura’s strengths, tackle challenges, and uplift our residents’ overall quality of life while promoting a culture of collaboration and responsiveness.»
Ayub holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the California State University at Northridge, a Master of Science in Emergency Services Administration from the California State University at Long Beach, and an Associate of Science in Administration of Justice from Ventura Community College.
Ayub’s career began in 1985 as a police cadet and reserve police officer with the Santa Paula Police Department. Over the years, he has held various positions, including serving as a police officer in the City of North Las Vegas, Nevada, and the City of Port Hueneme before joining the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in 1996.
«We are confident that he will lead with integrity, foster positive connections in our community, and provide a visionary direction that will propel Ventura towards an exciting and prosperous future”, said the Mayor.
Apart from his professional achievements, Ayub has a long history of volunteerism, including supporting little league as an assistant coach and serving on the board of directors. He has also been an active member of the Ventura Sheriff K9 Foundation and remains involved with organizations such as the Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and the Board of Directors for Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families.
As the City Manager, Ayub will earn a base salary of $280,000, and his total compensation with benefits will be $351,130.
MAN SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR MURDER
The Ventura County District’ Attorney’s Office announced this week that Librado Ruiz Rojo (22), of Oxnard, was sentenced to 16 years to life in prison for the murder of Carlos Murillo.
Rojo previously pled guilty on May 4, to one felony count of second-degree murder and admitted to the special allegation that he killed Mr. Murillo with a knife, stated Senior Deputy District Attorney John Barrick, a member of the DA’s Office Homicide Unit, who prosecuted the case.
“The murder of Carlos Murillo was a tragedy no family should have to endure, yet endure it they did with grace, courage, and determination to ensure that the person who brought so much unnecessary agony upon them would be held responsible,” Barrick said.
On January 26, 2020, Oxnard police officers were dispatched to a residence in Oxnard regarding a stabbing victim at a house party, after emergency medical personnel responded and tried to help him, the victim died at the scene.
Investigators later learned that Rojo and Murillo attended the same party, as Murillo’s group was leaving, Rojo challenged them to a fight.
Barrick stated that a fight ensued between the two men and Rojo stabbed Murillo 10 times, as an autopsy revealed.
“Although the pain of Carlos’ murder will never go away, I hope today’s sentencing will provide Carlos’ family and friends an opportunity to heal,” said Barrick.
