# HARBOR COMMISSION - OCTOBER 15, 2026


**Body:** City of Santa Barbara - City TV
**Date:** October 14, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Physical Infrastructure


The October 15, 2026 Santa Barbara Harbor Commission meeting included a procurement-relevant update on the vacant 132-C commercial lease space formerly occupied by West Marine. Staff has issued an RFP, with proposals due November 20, and is marketing the space; the initial solicitation requires that some portion be used for marine-supply and hardware retail while allowing flexibility in the overall use. Staff will review submissions with an RFP committee and bring the lease through Harbor Commission and City Council approval before negotiating with a tenant. Commissioners supported exploring a temporary pop-up use while the space is prepared, but no tenant or contract was selected at this meeting. The West Beach waiting-pool discussion was an early review before further public engagement, with options including repair, replacement, or a splash playground; staff noted that costs and operating requirements need further study. No project funding or construction award was approved. A motion passed unanimously among members present expressing support for a Chumash cultural center and tomol house in the area.

The commission also received a presentation on the County’s draft Beach Smart sediment-management study; it remains open for public comment and does not commit the City to accept or place sediment. Staff reported that the marina slip wait-list lottery application period had opened, and discussed monitoring the program’s effects on access and harbor revenue. The commission approved the September 17 meeting minutes unanimously and the September 24 special-meeting minutes, with one abstention. No other procurement award was identified.

**Source:** City of Santa Barbara - City TV