Santa Barbara’s La Casa de la Raza Hit with Noise Complaints
Tracy Lehr
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – La Casa de la Raza is facing at least seven noise complaints dating back to October.
Located on Santa Barbara’s Eastside, across from the East Beach Collection at Calle Cesar Chavez and Montecito streets, La Casa de la Raza has drawn criticism from neighbors over loud events.
A majority of the complaints come from one condo owner and resident who prefers to remain anonymous. He said neighbors have documented 70 incidents of excessive noise since 2022. He also shared video recordings capturing the timing and sound levels from his unit.
According to the city’s municipal code, noise is limited to 60 decibels (dB) at the property line.
Longtime La Casa de la Raza volunteer manager Jacqui Inda said she and several colleagues are scheduled to appear in court in July to respond to misdemeanor complaints.
“We’ve had numerous complaints related to weddings and baptisms. People are in the middle of services or dinner at 5 p.m., and we have police officers show up due to the activity inside the building,” said Inda. “We also have Zumba classes interrupted almost weekly. We feel the pressure of protecting our community, and this is a safe space for people that is now being harassed.”
La Casa de la Raza is known for hosting fundraising concerts, including performances by high-profile artists. The Red Hot Chili Peppers played on its indoor stage in 1984, and The Temptations performed there in December.
Concerts are a key source of funding for the nonprofit, which has struggled financially. Leaders hope to secure an angel donor to help purchase the building and preserve its role as a community center.
The neighbor insists his complaints are not politically motivated, but some La Casa de la Raza donors and volunteers are skeptical. They’ve noted a political parody sticker on his vehicle and believe some condo buyers may have received a discount for living near the community center.
Inda and other volunteers plan to bring their concerns before the City Council during public comment on Tuesday. They have also contacted their district representative, Councilmember Wendy Santamaria.