The Five-Spot: Santa Barbara Grapples with Trump Trade, Pharma, Refugee & Policy Twists

The tariffs are down (maybe, sorta), the gas is up (definitely), and drug price cuts are TBD. Santa Barbara adjusts to national decisions with local consequences — and a collective raised eyebrow.

\(Editor’s note: Newsmakers intern Shelby Appice, who will graduate from UCSB in June with a major in Communication and minor in Professional Writing, is tracking the local effects of the Trump Administration in her “Five Spot” column).

By Shelby Appice

Five ways that Santa Barbara is plagued by Trump policies right now:

1. Tariff Agreement Reached
   The recent 90-day agreement between the U.S. and China to roll back most of their newly imposed tariffs offers a glimmer of hope for global markets, but here in Santa Barbara County, local fishing, and agricultural exporters remain wary.

   Lobster fishers, in particular, are bracing for another volatile season. With over 330,000 pounds of lobster shipped out of Santa Barbara Harbor each year — most of it bound for Chinese markets — tariffs still threaten to upend a $7 million local industry.

   Wine producers and strawberry growers are also feeling ripple effects. Santa Barbara’s vineyards, already hampered by past trade disruptions, now face renewed uncertainty just as international orders had begun to rebound. While the temporary tariff rollback from 145% to 30% offers some breathing room, local stakeholders worry this short-term truce may not be enough to recover long-term export relationships lost during prior trade conflicts.

   As talks continue, local businesses are watching closely — and urging policymakers to consider the real economic consequences at the harbor, in the vineyards and across the farmlands of our county.

2. Prescription Drug Costs Targeted
   Santa Barbara has an aging population — nearly 20% of county residents are over 65 — many of whom rely heavily on Medicare. President Trump’s latest executive order demanding drugmakers lower prices within 30 days focuses primarily on Medicare and Medicaid pricing, programs that serve thousands of Santa Barbara seniors and low-income residents.

   If Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., successfully negotiates lower drug prices, it could help reduce out-of-pocket costs for local seniors who currently struggle with the high price of medications like insulin or cancer treatments.

   However, experts caution the savings won’t be immediate – if any at all. And if drugmakers resist the voluntary cuts, the administration's fallback plan — tying U.S. prices to those in Europe — could take years to implement.

   Meanwhile, local healthcare providers and pharmacies, like those affiliated with Cottage Health and Sansum Clinic, are watching closely as many already face supply chain pressures — and any disruption in drug pricing policy could have a ripple effect.

   While Trump frames the move as standing up to Big Pharma, his policy lacks a blueprint, and the pharmaceutical industry has criticized the plan, warning cuts could slow drug development — something that UCSB and other local biotech interests may be keeping an eye on, given their research partnerships and startups.

3. Fuel Prices Climbing
   Despite recent false claims by President Trump last month about $1.88 gas, the current average in Santa Barbara is a steep $4.78 per gallon, well above the national average of $3.26, according to AAA.

   This increase is largely due to factors like refinery maintenance along with seasonal demand and specifications — not presidential policy. But Santa Barbara drivers are feeling the real impact at the pump while misinformation swirls about lower prices including cheaper gas.

   As fuel costs climb, locals may start rethinking commutes, vacation plans, or even exploring alternatives like electric vehicles or public transit. With gas prices unlikely to drop soon, it's a good time to think about carpooling.

4. Refugee Policy Shifts
   In Santa Barbara County, there are over 100,000 immigrants who are workers, business owners, taxpayers and neighbors. Santa Barbara’s Interfaith Sanctuary Alliance (ISA) was created in response to increased anti-immigration rhetoric and ICE activity nationwide and has a long history of supporting displaced individuals regardless of their background. With recent attacks on immigration and a diverse city population — including farmworkers, international students, and refugee families — community advocates are asking: who gets protection, and why?

   An executive order from the Trump administration granting refugee status to 59 white South Africans — specifically Afrikaners — has stirred national controversy as the policy appears selective and politically charged. The decision, framed by the White House as a response to race-based land seizures and violence in South Africa, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and faith-based refugee resettlement networks, including the Episcopal Church, which has announced its withdrawal from the federal government's refugee program.

   There is a stark contrast between the administration’s welcome of South African refugees and the near-total shutdown of admissions for asylum-seekers from war-torn countries like Sudan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan — many of whom have ties to communities here.

5. Looking Forward: What’s The Plan?
   Feeling overwhelmed by the constant flow of national headlines? Join Indivisible’s co-founders, Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin, every Thursday from 12–1 p.m. for What’s the Plan? — a virtual hour of political clarity and community. This weekly online discussion breaks down the most important developments in national politics, offers actionable strategies for civic engagement and ways to make a difference.

   Hosted on Zoom and open to participants from anywhere, sessions provice a s space to connect, refocus, and turn concern into coordinated action. All welcome.

Five-Spot: In Other News…

1. Mission Creek Bridges Trail Community Walk
   Explore Santa Barbara’s natural beauty and environmental progress on the first-ever Mission Creek Bridges Trail community walk this Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This 4-mile, one-way route from Gutierrez Street to Oak Park offers a rare chance to learn about local water quality efforts, creek restoration projects, and stormwater improvements — all while walking beneath a canopy of Sycamore trees. Wear comfy shoes, bring water and discover Santa Barbara’s creekside resilience in action.

2. Harbor Nautical Swap Meet
   Sail into the weekend at Santa Barbara’s 14th Annual Harbor Nautical Swap Meet on Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to noon in the Main Harbor Parking Lot. With dozens of vendors and free coffee and refreshments provided by the Harbor Merchants Association, this event draws hundreds of locals hunting for marine treasures — from surfboards and fishing gear to boat motors and rigging. Admission is free and all are welcome.

3. Library on the Go
   The Santa Barbara Public Library has hit the road with Library on the Go (LOTG) — a mobile library van bringing books, technology and other services directly to neighborhoods across the city. From checking out materials and registering for a library card to accessing free Wi-Fi, laptops, and even printing at select stops, this outdoor library space makes it easier than ever to stay connected and informed.

   Upcoming LOTG Dates & Locations:

• May 13th | Presidio Springs from 12:15-1:15 p.m.

• May 13th | State Street near the Farmers Market from 4-6:30 p.m.

• May 15th | Shoreline Park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• May 15th | Santa Barbara High School from 2:15-4:15 p.m.

• May 16th | Oak Park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

4. Santa Barbara Dance Nights
   Every Wednesday from 6-10 p.m., Soul Bites hosts Country Line Dancing — an energetic evening featuring beginner lessons, live DJs, tasty food and a mix of country, pop, rock, and hip-hop hits. Admission is $10 and all ages are welcome.

   Additionally, Downtown Salsa Dancing holds free lessons from 6-7 p.m. led by Brenda Ruiz and open dancing from 7–8 p.m. on select Wednesdays throughout May.

   And for those who’d rather watch the magic: State Street Ballet Academy presents Thumbelina at the Lobero Theatre on Saturday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m. Dancers ages three and up will perform ballet, tap and jazz.

5. Workshop: Honoring Indigenous Ways of Healing
   In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Santa Barbara Public Library is hosting a powerful workshop on Tuesday, May 13 from 10:30–11:30 a.m. at the Eastside Patio: “Honoring Indigenous Ways of Healing: Integrating the Medicine Wheel for Wellness.” Led by Dr. Heidi Coronado and available to teens and adults, this session will explore holistic self-care rooted in Indigenous traditions, emphasizing balance between mind, body, spirit and emotion. Through storytelling, reflection, and experiential activities, participants will gain tools for healing and connection based on the Medicine Wheel. Registration is required.