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Santa Barbara Elects Councilwoman To Mayor's Post

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Santa Barbara, CA-- Based on semi-official elections results, current city councilwoman Helene Schneider is Santa Barbara's newest mayor.

In her 6th year on the city council, the 38-year-old, liberal democrat made a name for herself locally while pushing for improvements to mass transit, recycling programs and water quality.

The Westside activist enjoyed the backing of, among other high profile local entities, the Santa Barbara Police Officers Association.

Schneider was matched against conservative republican council member and mayoral candidate Dale Francisco. Francisco trails Schneider by 2,600 votes.

Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce President Steve Cushman, a self-described social liberal and fiscal conservative, is in third behind Francisco and Schneider.

The race for mayor also included homeless advocate Bob Hansen and the low-key, spoiler hopeful Isaac Garret. Both candidates did not invest in a costly campaign effort.

If Schneider's lead stands, she will be sworn in as Santa Barbara's Mayor in January.

Story Created: Nov 4, 2009 at 2:26 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 5, 2009 at 10:01 AM PST

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