A controversial sign featuring a guillotine and the phrase, “Your term ends when we say so!”, was displayed by a protester at a Santa Barbara City Council meeting Tuesday night, prompting condemnation from local officials.
The sign, which also included symbols representing the Democratic and Republican parties, appeared during a meeting focused on rent stabilization and was met with hours of jeering and heckling directed at councilmembers and city staff, according to Edhat Santa Barbara. The aggressive behavior included personal verbal attacks on City Administrator Kelly McAdoo.
Santa Barbara City Councilmember Eric Friedman, who is running for mayor, stated that the sign was “not acceptable,” adding that in a climate where elected officials face threats, it is important to consider the potential ramifications of such imagery.
Mayor Randy Rowse, who was a target of the disruptive behavior, expressed his strong disapproval, calling the violent imagery a test of free speech boundaries. He speculated the sign might have been directed at him, noting the inclusion of the elephant symbol, though he stated he is not a Republican.
Councilmember Meagan Harmon echoed the sentiment, deeming the sign “clearly unacceptable” and questioning its appropriateness despite potential First Amendment protections.
Councilmember Mike Jordan expressed regret for not speaking out against the sign and the verbal attacks during the meeting. He stated he was “done politely dealing with immature [people] who think part of advocacy or discussion is jeering, attempting to intimidate, and generally acting like spoiled toddlers.”
Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez described the sign as “rage bait” but defended free speech rights. He indicated plans to voice his disapproval to those responsible and inquire with the city attorney about limiting signs at the public comment podium.
Councilmembers Wendy Santamaria and Kristen Sneddon, who were reportedly supporters of rent control, did not respond to requests for comment regarding the sign.
The meeting, heavily attended by tenant advocates, was marked by sustained disruptions that overshadowed the policy discussions.