Media Coverage
Candidate Forums & Debates
TV Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara Talks podcast and Santa Barbara Newsmakers host District 5 candidates forum - September 22, 2026
Newsmakers with JR: SB City Council District 5 candidate James Zurlinden; August 1, 2026 - August 1, 2026
Santa Barbara Independent: Santa Barbara City Council District 5 Candidate Forum - September 17, 2026
League of Women Voters: Santa Barbara Mayor & City Council District 5 Candidate Forum - October 14, 2026
In the News and Around Our Community
Throughout this campaign, I've had the opportunity to participate in community forums, candidate debates and interviews discussing the issues facing Santa Barbara.
Below, you'll find recordings, local news coverage, and candidate profiles to help you learn more about my positions and the different perspectives shaping the District 5 race.
News Articles & Interviews
Former chef James Zurlinden makes bid for Santa Barbara City Council District 5 seat
Santa Barbara News-Press - September 5, 2026: The first-time candidate is running on fiscal responsibility, government transparency and a platform that includes redeveloping La Cumbre Plaza, opposing automated license plate readers and streamlining the city’s permitting process.
Santa Barbara Mayor, District 5 Candidates Weigh In on AI, Disaster Preparedness
Noozhawk - October 15, 2026: Santa Barbara seniors flipped through their voter guides and studied their sample ballots as the mayoral and District 5 candidates spoke about artificial intelligence, disaster preparedness and what they would bring to the Santa Barbara City Council.Santa Barbara News-Press - October 8, 2026: The city’s current fiscal year budget includes $2 million for the arts. Candidates in the City Council and mayoral races were split on whether that is enough.
Santa Barbara City Election: A Three-Way Race to Win District 5
Santa Barbara Independent - September 8, 2026: City Council Candidates Battle for Eric Friedman’s Soon-to-Be-Vacant Seat.
Santa Barbara Mayoral and Council Candidates Talk Art Support, Opportunities
Noozhawk - October 11, 2026: The Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative and the Community Arts Workshop forum focused on funding and support for art programs and artists.
SB City Council District 5 candidates dive into details of their neighborhood at forum
Santa Barbara News-Press - September 18, 2026: Candidates gave their thoughts on La Cumbre Plaza housing projects, permitting processes and the little issues in District 5.
3 Compete for Santa Barbara District 5 City Council Seat
Noozhawk - October 4, 2026: The winner of the open seat will represent Upper State Street and the surrounding areas.
Candidate Profiles & Questionnaires
Ballotpedia: James G. Zurlinden (Santa Barbara City Council District 5, California, candidate 2026)
VOTE411: City of Santa Barbara City Council Member, District 5
I believe informed voters make stronger communities. I encourage you to explore these resources, hear directly from myself and reach out if you have questions about my positions or ideas for Santa Barbara.