Thank you to all my supporters and everyone who voted for me!
News & Endorsements
I am proud of my endorsements!
Santa Barbara Independent
Sierra Club
Santa Barbara County Democratic Party
Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County
Progressive Democrats of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Young Democrats
Tri-Counties Central Labor Council
Tri-Counties Building and Construction Trades Council
Santa Barbara Women's Political Committee
Santa Barbara County Action Fund (SBCAN)
PUEBLO Action Fund
SEIU Local 620
Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Social Justice Activist Dolores Huerta
Assemblymember Das Williams
County Supervisor Janet Wolf
County Supervisor Salud Carbajal
County Supervisor Doreen Farr
Former County Supervisor Susan Rose
Former County Supervisor Frank Frost
SBCC Trustee & former Mayor Marty Blum
SBCC Trustee Luis Villegas
Santa Barbara Councilmember Grant House
Former SB City Councilmember Roger Horton
Santa Barbara School Board Member Kate Parker
Santa Barbara School Board Member Monique Limon
Santa Barbara School Board Member Annette Cordero
Former SB School Board Member Lynn Rodriguez
Former SB School Board Member Claire Van Blaricum
Former County Clerk-Recorder Ken Pettit
Goleta Mayor Margaret Connell
Goleta Councilmember Ed Easton
Goleta School Board Member Susan Epstein
Goleta Water Board Member Lauren Hanson
Goleta Water Board Member Bill Rosen
Goleta West Sanitary District Member David Bearman
Former Lompoc Mayor Joyce Howerton
Dem. Women of SB, Board President Mary Ellen Wylie
SB Women's Political Committee, President Beth Schneider
SB Women's Political Committee, Former Prez Mary O'Gorman
Sue Adams
Kristen Aguanno
Vicky Allen
Emily Allen
Joseph Allen
Lane Anderson
Miguel Avila
Jeanna Atkins
Barbara Bartolome
Joe Blum
Scott Bull
Richard L. Cain
Elizabeth Colón
Bonnie Carroll
Lise Christiansson
Keith Coffman-Grey
Neil Coffman-Grey
Claudia Chotzen
Steve Daniels
Dave Davis
George Delmerico
Linda Davis
Barbie Deutsch
Jill Dexter
Ron Dexter
Laura Dewey
Judith Evered
Miriam Flacks
Dick Flacks
Madeleine Foster
Ed France
Hap Freund
Tish Gainey
Isaac Garrett
Raúl Gil
Maggie Gold
Naomi Greene
Sal Guerena
Linda Guerena
Elizabeth Guerrero
Sophia Haimovitz
Hillary Hauser
Lee Heller
Carol Hershey
Rebecca Hardin
Eva Inbar
Tania Isreal
Michael Jameson
Vijaya Jammalamadaka
Aaron Jones
Susan Jordan
Dhara Kothavala
Julie Kummel
Susan Lafond
Alexandra Leslie
Lori Lewis
Steven Lovelace
Raquel Lopez
Petra Lowen
Kathleen Modugno
Frances Moore
Rory Moore
Tom Morey
Nancy Murdock
Dan Ochoa
Gail Osherenko
Ron Perry
Harriett Phillips
David Pritchett
Alex Pujo
Ruben Rey
Pam Rochell
Mary Rose
Neal Rosenthal
Selma Rubin
Barbara Sachs
Susan Shank
Paul Slater
Darla Bea Smith
Thomas F. Stone
Frank Thompson
Josephine Torres
Cesar Trujillo
Silvia Uribe
Ron ZonenNews Articles, Editorials, Video
Santa Barbara City Election Results
http://www.keyt.com/news/local/Santa-Barbara-City-Election-Results-133506383.html
Murillo Makes It as New City Council Member
KCOY TV news story 09Nov.2011
Video direct link.
http://www.kcoy.com/story/16003452/murillo-makes-it-as-new-city-council-member
http://www.kcoy.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=6438478&h1=First%20Latina%20Elected%20To%20Santa%20Barbara%20City%20Council&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=105833&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&rnd=70733587
Santa Barbara ya tiene tres consejales
KPMR TV news story 09Nov.2011
Video direct link
http://www.kpmrtv.com/noticia/2011/11/09/311532-santa-barbara-ya-tiene-tres-consejales.html
Activista Dolores Huerta visita con mensage (como Murillo)
KPMR TV news story 07Nov.2011
Video direct link
http://www.kpmrtv.com/noticia/2011/11/08/311084-activista-dolores-huerta-visita-santa-barbara-mensaje.html
Santa Barbara Independent endorsement
Though she has never served on any of the city's myriad boards and commissions, Murillo has covered almost all of them in her day. She knows how government works. She knows how to ask tough questions in a non-confrontational way. And she works extremely hard.
Sierra Club endorsement
Condor Call October-November 2011.
Cathy is working to inspire residents to work for and value our natural resources, enhanced open space, and recreational opportunities that reflect a healthy, outdoor-focused lifestyle. She knows that our public resources must be carefully managed to improve the quality of life for everyone.
Murillo's Turn to Shine [candidate profile article]
SB Daily Sound 25Oct.2011
Candidates Tackle Gangs, Gay Rights Issues at Forum
SB Daily Sound 11Oct.2011
Noozhawk 11Oct.2011
Candidate Cathy Murillo said a big part of her candidacy is about establishing a relationship between the Latino community and the Police Department. "The police are not our enemy, and they need to connect with our young people" she said.
Candidates Tackle Range of Issues at Nonprofit Forum
SB News-Press 11Oct.2011
SB Daily Sound 19Oct.2011
SB Daily Sound 18Oct.2011
UCSB Daily Nexus 07Oct.2011
According to Cathy Murillo, tourists provide a significant portion of the city's wealth. "The tourism industry is the foundation of the economy," Murillo said. "We want people to come and see our historic preservation. They will use hour hotels, restaurants, pay the bed tax, and contribute to our general fund."
It's All About the Arts at Candidates Forum
SB Daily Sound 30Sep.2011
Murillo said that the amount the Granada received was a shame because the tickets there are not affordable. But Francisco countered that although the project may have been expensive.... He added that Victoria Hall might be a smaller venue and more affordable option that could address that concern.
Candidates Address Arts Community in Lively Forum
SB News-Press 30Sep.2011
2011 City Council Q & A with Cathy Murillo
Noozhawk October 2011
"I am uniquely qualified to find solutions preventing gang activity in Santa Barbara. I personally survived the gang culture in East Los Angeles, where my father was in a street gang. I had a strong role model in my grandmother, I stayed in school, got good grades and scholarships, and graduated from UCSB with a degree in Dramatic Art. Not all our youth have family support, and we as a community must help our young people."
In Their Own Words: Cathy Murillo interview topics
SB News-Press 16Oct.2011
I will make budget and policy decisions that benefit all city residents, with a focus on our children, families, and seniors. My budget priorities are conservative spending of the public treasury, maintaining robust cash reserves, securing funding for public safety, and restoring funding for libraries, parks, and recreation services.
Council Forum Focus is on Latino Issues
SB Daily Sound 15Sep.2011
But Murillo added that if the real concern behind the question is about getting better Latino representation at City Hall, then the community needs to work on fielding more qualified, viable candidates than on drawing up districts. "District elections or not, we need good, qualified candidates who can represent all the people in all the neighborhoods fairly," Murillo said.
Council Candidates Talk Policy at [LatiDems] Forum
SB News-Press 15Sep.2011
Self Defends Gang Injunction at Youth Forum
SB Daily Sound 18Oct.2011
Murillo rejected [gang injunctions] outright, calling them, “another layer of government.” She felt prevention and intervention programs would go a lot further. She brought up her experiences growing up with her father, a member of an L.A. gang, and escaping gang life without the need of an injunction. “You don’t have to make the mistakes of your parents,” Murillo said.
Student Panelists Query Candidates on Youth Issues
Noozhawk 17Oct.2011
The candidates expressed varying levels of support for the city’s proposed gang injunction. Of the five candidates asked, only Cathy Murillo said she opposes it, saying it criminalizes young people.
Candidates Address Youth Issues at Forum
SB News-Press 18Oct.2011
Ms. Murillo said they would work to appoint individuals with diverse backgrounds to the city's boards and commissions.
City Council Candidate Forum Has Safety Focus
SB Daily Sound 29Sep.2011
Murillo said more restorative policing and building stronger relationships between police and members of the community would go farther than just more officers. "I'd like to see everyone respecting our police and not wondering what's going on within the department," Murillo said.
City Council Candidates Talk Policy at Business Forum
SB News-Press 29Sep.2011
Traffic, Preservation Hot Topics at Candidate Forum
SB News-Press 28Sep.2011
Candidate Cathy Murillo told residents that she would establish small-scale neighborhood associations that would work together to slow down traffic in the upper Eastside.
Democrats Surging Ahead in Fundraising
SB Daily Sound 30Sep.2011
Money Talks: Candidates Disclose Finances
SB News-Press 30Sep.2011
Ms. Murillo said that she attributes her fundraising success to door-to-door campaigning. "I prefer going door-to-door and talking to actual voters. Then you get to hear what they're asking about," Ms. Murillo said. "They want to know more about me and they want to know what I care about."
Dems Lead Fundraising
SB Daily Sound 01Oct.2011
Unlike her fellow Democrats, Murillo did not get a public safety union endorsment, although smaller donations have come in from some trade unions such as the sheet metal and electrical workers.
Candidates Answer Mesa Residents Questions
SB News-Press 02Oct.2011 [PDF file]
Cathy Murillo, with clear passion in her voice..., took her moment to contradict a comment Mrs. Self made earlier about box-like housing in high density planning.
Murillo Kicks Off Bid for City Hall
SB Daily Sound 16Aug2011. [PDF file, 1.4mb]
Murillo, 50, said that the fact that her father spent time in prison for dealing drugs with a Los Angeles street gang provides her with motivation. “I’m running, in part, because I want to show these kids that you can overcome the mistakes of your parents, make something of yourself and have a say in how things are done in your city. I want them to see that if I can do it, they can do it."
Yellow Dogs Dancing [first forum]
SB Independent Angry Poodle 25Aug.2011 [PDF file, 111kb]
If Murillo is merely impersonating a mainstream candidate, as some have suggested, she’s been doing a good job, having raised the most money to date and coming off with measured passion at the forum.
Dems Rally Troops on Labor Day
SB Independent 08Sep.2011 [PDF file, 165kb]
With just over a month before ballots go out for the City Council race, the focus of the day was on... Cathy Murillo, whose speech was received enthusiastically by the energetic crowd.
Labor Day BBQ to Promote Local Candidates
SB Daily Sound 06Sep.2011 [PDF file, 985kb]
Cathy Murillo said she’s running as an advocate for neighborhood, youth, renters, seniors, affordable housing, and transportation options. She believes these issues are important to Santa Barbarans and the current council is out of touch with those issues.
Council Candidates Square Off [first forum]
SB Daily Sound Aug20. [PDF file, 2.6mb]
The name of Friday’s Santa Barbara City Council candidate forum was, “So You Think You Can Run the City?” Cathy Murillo, a former journalist and now a candidate for City Council, answered the questioned square-on. “My answer is 'yes, I can!'” Murillo told the crowd of more than 100. “But my philosophy is to serve the residents and the city. I consider every resident my neighbor.”
Forum Gives Voice to 10 Candidates [first forum]
SB News-Press 20Aug.2011 [PDF file, 78kb]
Candidates Debate Future [first forum]
Noozhawk 19Aug.2011 [PDF file, 180kb]
Murillo called him out on the progress of the conservative-led City Council. “I think Mr. Francisco has not moved it forward,” she said. “I think he has held it hostage in subcommittee.”
Candidate Forum Probes Homeless Issue [first forum]
SB Homeless Blog 21Aug.2011. [PDF file, 1.3mb]
Murillo said, “I don’t think we need to do more, we need to do it differently. When I see a homeless person, I am thankful for what I’ve got, that’s my response.”
Does Santa Barbara Need a Latino on City Council?
SB Daily Sound 26Aug.2011 [PDF file, 4.2mb]
In her campaign, Murillo has shared her experiences being raised by her grandmother with her sisters in East Los Angeles. But the former KCSB news director hasn’t made the fact she is Latina the cornerstone of her campaign.
Dems use Labor Day to Promote Local Candidates
SB Daily Sound 06Sep.2011 [PDF file, 950kb]
Former journalist Cathy Murillo said she’s running as an advocate for neighborhood, youth, renters, seniors, affordable housing, and transportation options. She believes these issues are important to Santa Barbarans and the current council is out of touch with those issues.
Murillo Raises Most Cash So Far
SB Independent 04Aug2011. [PDF file, 53kb]
Cathy Murillo leads the pack of 14 possible candidates in campaign fundraising, having collected $24,500 by the first financial disclosure deadline. For Murillo, this filing infuses her campaign with increased credibility and diminishes the “fringe” candidate tag with which her detractors sought to saddle her.
Murillo Takes Early Lead in City Council Money Race
SB News-Press 30Aug2011. [PDF file, 3.8mb]
Ms. Murillo described the importance of raising money early in a campaign by referring to the political action committee EMILY, which stands for, "early money is like yeast" because it makes the dough rise.
Murillo Leads Fundraising
SB Daily Sound 02Aug2011. [PDF file, 528kb]
Organización "Pueblo" endorsa a candidatos
KPMR-TV news story. 18Aug.2011 [video link on webpage]
County Dems Voice Support for Candidates
UCSB Daily Nexus 13May2011. [PDF file, 33kb]
Dems Aim for City Hall
SB Daily Sound 10May2011. [PDF file, 291kb]
Murillo said the conservative members of the council are governing from their own personal perspective. “I get from some of the council members, especially when they talk about the general update that they have this concept that everyone needs to have this house with a lawn in suburbia. And that’s not true.”
SB Independent 09May2011. [PDF file, 172kb]
The first to step into the void was Cathy Murillo, a passionately outspokenly populist. While Murillo has never run for office before, she impressed many in Democratic political circles with how well she ran the campaign of her husband David Pritchett two years ago.
Democratic Party Endorses Murillo for City Council
Noozhawk 09May2011. [PDF file, 627kb]
Three Incumbents Likely to be Challenged
SB News-Press 25Mar.2011 [PDF file, 135kb]
Murillo Seeks to Bring Working-Class Perspective
Noozhawk 23Mar2011. [PDF file, 450kb]
Murillo lives in a bustling, working-class neighborhood on Santa Barbara’s Westside and said she is running because she feels that some of the issues she and her neighbors have dealt with aren’t represented by the current council. “I’m running to serve my city. I think public service is a good fit for me.”
Homeless Issue Too Complex to Take Sides
SB Homeless Blog 21Mar2011. [PDF file, 692kb]
[Murillo] had an “Ah-Ha” moment last December while shadowing social worker Ken Williams on his rounds to the street homeless. After talking to people who are on the streets and hearing their challenges, she returned to Casa Esperanza and saw that the shelter does in fact have an impact on the neighborhood.
Democrats Want City Hall Back
SB Independent 10Mar.2011 [PDF file, 70kb]
Murillo to Run for Council
SB Daily Sound 10Feb2011. [PDF file, 350kb]
KEYT TV news story 08Nov.2011
[Live interview with famous Kiss-the-Palm cheek kiss starts at video timecode 2:30]http://www.keyt.com/news/local/Santa-Barbara-City-Election-Results-133506383.html
KCOY TV news story 09Nov.2011
Video direct link.
http://www.kcoy.com/story/16003452/murillo-makes-it-as-new-city-council-member
http://www.kcoy.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=6438478&h1=First%20Latina%20Elected%20To%20Santa%20Barbara%20City%20Council&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=105833&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&rnd=70733587
Santa Barbara ya tiene tres consejales
KPMR TV news story 09Nov.2011
Video direct link
http://www.kpmrtv.com/noticia/2011/11/09/311532-santa-barbara-ya-tiene-tres-consejales.html
Activista Dolores Huerta visita con mensage (como Murillo)
KPMR TV news story 07Nov.2011
Video direct link
http://www.kpmrtv.com/noticia/2011/11/08/311084-activista-dolores-huerta-visita-santa-barbara-mensaje.html
Santa Barbara Independent endorsement
Though she has never served on any of the city's myriad boards and commissions, Murillo has covered almost all of them in her day. She knows how government works. She knows how to ask tough questions in a non-confrontational way. And she works extremely hard.
Sierra Club endorsement
Condor Call October-November 2011.
Cathy is working to inspire residents to work for and value our natural resources, enhanced open space, and recreational opportunities that reflect a healthy, outdoor-focused lifestyle. She knows that our public resources must be carefully managed to improve the quality of life for everyone.
Murillo's Turn to Shine [candidate profile article]
SB Daily Sound 25Oct.2011
Nick Welsh, executive editor of the Independent, said Murillo’s
relentless pursuit of a story is a quality that will also make her a
good councilwoman.
“Cathy leads with her heart and she is courageous that way,” Welsh told The Daily Sound. “Her passion transcends ideology and party lines. Her electrons are alive and her electrons want to get out and dance with your electrons.” Most of all, he said, she has always been a good listener.
“You know this, it’s not the questions you ask as a reporter,” Welsh said. “It’s the ear you bring. If someone really wants to hear what you are saying, you pick that up on an animal level. She brought that ear and that interest.”
“Cathy leads with her heart and she is courageous that way,” Welsh told The Daily Sound. “Her passion transcends ideology and party lines. Her electrons are alive and her electrons want to get out and dance with your electrons.” Most of all, he said, she has always been a good listener.
“You know this, it’s not the questions you ask as a reporter,” Welsh said. “It’s the ear you bring. If someone really wants to hear what you are saying, you pick that up on an animal level. She brought that ear and that interest.”
Candidates Tackle Gangs, Gay Rights Issues at Forum
SB Daily Sound 11Oct.2011
Murillo, who is endorsed by the Sierra Club, said that a [plastic] bag ban should be more carefully considered. “It’s not out of this world,” she said.
Nonprofits Host Forum 'Explore Local Issues'Noozhawk 11Oct.2011
Candidate Cathy Murillo said a big part of her candidacy is about establishing a relationship between the Latino community and the Police Department. "The police are not our enemy, and they need to connect with our young people" she said.
Candidates Tackle Range of Issues at Nonprofit Forum
SB News-Press 11Oct.2011
Cathy Murillo advocated for partnerships between the city's police department and youth organizations. "The police are not our enemy and they need to connect with our young people," Ms. Murillo said.
Murillo is All for Animals, by columnist Karen Lee StevensSB Daily Sound 19Oct.2011
Cathy Murillo: "Budget cuts have greatly reduced staffing in the City’s
Animal Services unit. These employees respond to situations involving
domestic pets and wildlife. The City must strengthen its relationships
with animal-serving agencies and organizations, including the County of
Santa Barbara (which operates the public shelter), the Santa Barbara
Humane Society, and all the rescue and adoption groups that provide
much-needed service."
Murillo Casts Vote [event]SB Daily Sound 18Oct.2011
Former Santa Barbara mayor Marty Blum, city councilman Grant House and
environmentalist Selma Rubin joined Murillo as she handed in her ballot. “My volunteers and I continue to register voters as we go door-to-door campaigning,” Murillo said.
Council Hopefuls Campaign Through Civic DebateUCSB Daily Nexus 07Oct.2011
According to Cathy Murillo, tourists provide a significant portion of the city's wealth. "The tourism industry is the foundation of the economy," Murillo said. "We want people to come and see our historic preservation. They will use hour hotels, restaurants, pay the bed tax, and contribute to our general fund."
It's All About the Arts at Candidates Forum
SB Daily Sound 30Sep.2011
Murillo said that the amount the Granada received was a shame because the tickets there are not affordable. But Francisco countered that although the project may have been expensive.... He added that Victoria Hall might be a smaller venue and more affordable option that could address that concern.
Candidates Address Arts Community in Lively Forum
SB News-Press 30Sep.2011
2011 City Council Q & A with Cathy Murillo
Noozhawk October 2011
"I am uniquely qualified to find solutions preventing gang activity in Santa Barbara. I personally survived the gang culture in East Los Angeles, where my father was in a street gang. I had a strong role model in my grandmother, I stayed in school, got good grades and scholarships, and graduated from UCSB with a degree in Dramatic Art. Not all our youth have family support, and we as a community must help our young people."
In Their Own Words: Cathy Murillo interview topics
SB News-Press 16Oct.2011
I will make budget and policy decisions that benefit all city residents, with a focus on our children, families, and seniors. My budget priorities are conservative spending of the public treasury, maintaining robust cash reserves, securing funding for public safety, and restoring funding for libraries, parks, and recreation services.
Council Forum Focus is on Latino Issues
SB Daily Sound 15Sep.2011
But Murillo added that if the real concern behind the question is about getting better Latino representation at City Hall, then the community needs to work on fielding more qualified, viable candidates than on drawing up districts. "District elections or not, we need good, qualified candidates who can represent all the people in all the neighborhoods fairly," Murillo said.
Council Candidates Talk Policy at [LatiDems] Forum
SB News-Press 15Sep.2011
Self Defends Gang Injunction at Youth Forum
SB Daily Sound 18Oct.2011
Murillo rejected [gang injunctions] outright, calling them, “another layer of government.” She felt prevention and intervention programs would go a lot further. She brought up her experiences growing up with her father, a member of an L.A. gang, and escaping gang life without the need of an injunction. “You don’t have to make the mistakes of your parents,” Murillo said.
Student Panelists Query Candidates on Youth Issues
Noozhawk 17Oct.2011
The candidates expressed varying levels of support for the city’s proposed gang injunction. Of the five candidates asked, only Cathy Murillo said she opposes it, saying it criminalizes young people.
Candidates Address Youth Issues at Forum
SB News-Press 18Oct.2011
Ms. Murillo said they would work to appoint individuals with diverse backgrounds to the city's boards and commissions.
City Council Candidate Forum Has Safety Focus
SB Daily Sound 29Sep.2011
Murillo said more restorative policing and building stronger relationships between police and members of the community would go farther than just more officers. "I'd like to see everyone respecting our police and not wondering what's going on within the department," Murillo said.
City Council Candidates Talk Policy at Business Forum
SB News-Press 29Sep.2011
Traffic, Preservation Hot Topics at Candidate Forum
SB News-Press 28Sep.2011
Candidate Cathy Murillo told residents that she would establish small-scale neighborhood associations that would work together to slow down traffic in the upper Eastside.
Democrats Surging Ahead in Fundraising
SB Daily Sound 30Sep.2011
Money Talks: Candidates Disclose Finances
SB News-Press 30Sep.2011
Ms. Murillo said that she attributes her fundraising success to door-to-door campaigning. "I prefer going door-to-door and talking to actual voters. Then you get to hear what they're asking about," Ms. Murillo said. "They want to know more about me and they want to know what I care about."
Dems Lead Fundraising
SB Daily Sound 01Oct.2011
Unlike her fellow Democrats, Murillo did not get a public safety union endorsment, although smaller donations have come in from some trade unions such as the sheet metal and electrical workers.
Candidates Answer Mesa Residents Questions
SB News-Press 02Oct.2011 [PDF file]
Cathy Murillo, with clear passion in her voice..., took her moment to contradict a comment Mrs. Self made earlier about box-like housing in high density planning.
Murillo Kicks Off Bid for City Hall
SB Daily Sound 16Aug2011. [PDF file, 1.4mb]
Murillo, 50, said that the fact that her father spent time in prison for dealing drugs with a Los Angeles street gang provides her with motivation. “I’m running, in part, because I want to show these kids that you can overcome the mistakes of your parents, make something of yourself and have a say in how things are done in your city. I want them to see that if I can do it, they can do it."
Yellow Dogs Dancing [first forum]
SB Independent Angry Poodle 25Aug.2011 [PDF file, 111kb]
If Murillo is merely impersonating a mainstream candidate, as some have suggested, she’s been doing a good job, having raised the most money to date and coming off with measured passion at the forum.
Dems Rally Troops on Labor Day
SB Independent 08Sep.2011 [PDF file, 165kb]
With just over a month before ballots go out for the City Council race, the focus of the day was on... Cathy Murillo, whose speech was received enthusiastically by the energetic crowd.
Labor Day BBQ to Promote Local Candidates
SB Daily Sound 06Sep.2011 [PDF file, 985kb]
Cathy Murillo said she’s running as an advocate for neighborhood, youth, renters, seniors, affordable housing, and transportation options. She believes these issues are important to Santa Barbarans and the current council is out of touch with those issues.
Council Candidates Square Off [first forum]
SB Daily Sound Aug20. [PDF file, 2.6mb]
The name of Friday’s Santa Barbara City Council candidate forum was, “So You Think You Can Run the City?” Cathy Murillo, a former journalist and now a candidate for City Council, answered the questioned square-on. “My answer is 'yes, I can!'” Murillo told the crowd of more than 100. “But my philosophy is to serve the residents and the city. I consider every resident my neighbor.”
Forum Gives Voice to 10 Candidates [first forum]
SB News-Press 20Aug.2011 [PDF file, 78kb]
Candidates Debate Future [first forum]
Noozhawk 19Aug.2011 [PDF file, 180kb]
Murillo called him out on the progress of the conservative-led City Council. “I think Mr. Francisco has not moved it forward,” she said. “I think he has held it hostage in subcommittee.”
Candidate Forum Probes Homeless Issue [first forum]
SB Homeless Blog 21Aug.2011. [PDF file, 1.3mb]
Murillo said, “I don’t think we need to do more, we need to do it differently. When I see a homeless person, I am thankful for what I’ve got, that’s my response.”
Does Santa Barbara Need a Latino on City Council?
SB Daily Sound 26Aug.2011 [PDF file, 4.2mb]
In her campaign, Murillo has shared her experiences being raised by her grandmother with her sisters in East Los Angeles. But the former KCSB news director hasn’t made the fact she is Latina the cornerstone of her campaign.
Dems use Labor Day to Promote Local Candidates
SB Daily Sound 06Sep.2011 [PDF file, 950kb]
Former journalist Cathy Murillo said she’s running as an advocate for neighborhood, youth, renters, seniors, affordable housing, and transportation options. She believes these issues are important to Santa Barbarans and the current council is out of touch with those issues.
Murillo Raises Most Cash So Far
SB Independent 04Aug2011. [PDF file, 53kb]
Cathy Murillo leads the pack of 14 possible candidates in campaign fundraising, having collected $24,500 by the first financial disclosure deadline. For Murillo, this filing infuses her campaign with increased credibility and diminishes the “fringe” candidate tag with which her detractors sought to saddle her.
Murillo Takes Early Lead in City Council Money Race
SB News-Press 30Aug2011. [PDF file, 3.8mb]
Ms. Murillo described the importance of raising money early in a campaign by referring to the political action committee EMILY, which stands for, "early money is like yeast" because it makes the dough rise.
Murillo Leads Fundraising
SB Daily Sound 02Aug2011. [PDF file, 528kb]
Organización "Pueblo" endorsa a candidatos
KPMR-TV news story. 18Aug.2011 [video link on webpage]
County Dems Voice Support for Candidates
UCSB Daily Nexus 13May2011. [PDF file, 33kb]
Dems Aim for City Hall
SB Daily Sound 10May2011. [PDF file, 291kb]
Murillo said the conservative members of the council are governing from their own personal perspective. “I get from some of the council members, especially when they talk about the general update that they have this concept that everyone needs to have this house with a lawn in suburbia. And that’s not true.”
Dems Hope Early Birds Get Worm
SB Independent 09May2011. [PDF file, 172kb]
The first to step into the void was Cathy Murillo, a passionately outspokenly populist. While Murillo has never run for office before, she impressed many in Democratic political circles with how well she ran the campaign of her husband David Pritchett two years ago.
Democratic Party Endorses Murillo for City Council
Noozhawk 09May2011. [PDF file, 627kb]
Three Incumbents Likely to be Challenged
SB News-Press 25Mar.2011 [PDF file, 135kb]
Murillo Seeks to Bring Working-Class Perspective
Noozhawk 23Mar2011. [PDF file, 450kb]
Murillo lives in a bustling, working-class neighborhood on Santa Barbara’s Westside and said she is running because she feels that some of the issues she and her neighbors have dealt with aren’t represented by the current council. “I’m running to serve my city. I think public service is a good fit for me.”
Homeless Issue Too Complex to Take Sides
SB Homeless Blog 21Mar2011. [PDF file, 692kb]
[Murillo] had an “Ah-Ha” moment last December while shadowing social worker Ken Williams on his rounds to the street homeless. After talking to people who are on the streets and hearing their challenges, she returned to Casa Esperanza and saw that the shelter does in fact have an impact on the neighborhood.
Democrats Want City Hall Back
SB Independent 10Mar.2011 [PDF file, 70kb]
Murillo to Run for Council
SB Daily Sound 10Feb2011. [PDF file, 350kb]
Video link here or image above
KPMR TV news story on endorsement by PUEBLO, 18Aug.2011
KPMR TV news story on endorsement by PUEBLO, 18Aug.2011