Santa Barbara Council to Discuss Buying La Casa de la Raza Building

After years of uncertainty, the City of Santa Barbara intends to purchase the historic La Casa de la Raza building. The Santa Barbara City Council is expected to discuss the purchase during its meeting on Tuesday and decide whether to use $6 million of state money allocated for that purpose. The building at 601 E. Montecito St. was previously owned by the community group La Casa de la Raza, and the city has designated it a historical landmark. The building is being sold as part of a settlement in the organization’s bankruptcy case. The East Montecito Street building has served as a cultural center for community groups over the years. The building is known for hosting concerts, classes, quinceañeras and more. La Casa de la Raza has supported Santa Barbara’s Chicano community since 1971. The group was forced to halt its operations in 2021 because of bankruptcy but announced in August 2025 that it had settled its case.

This excerpt comes from the named source. Read the original for the full reporting.