Local Politics · Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County Board Approves $167 Million Jail Expansion
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $167 million jail expansion project, framing it as necessary compliance with an Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuit filed years ago. The article notes that the number of beds needed for the expansion remains under debate among county leaders. The piece, written by community advocate Gina Rodarte Quiroz, argues that investment in psychiatric treatment programs and affordable housing should take priority over additional jail infrastructure.