Read all about it! Federal Issues Roundtable Recap. Hosted by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce With Congressman Salud Carbajal | April 2025
By Kathleen Rogers, Santa Barbara Realtor, Chamber Public Policy Committee Member, and Community Advocate, in the Santa Barbara Independent Real Estate Scoop
The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce hosted an exclusive Federal Issues Roundtable on Friday with special guests US Congressman Salud Carbajal and Jennings Imel, Vice President of Congressional and Public Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The discussion focused on key federal issues affecting our local economy, including tariffs, immigration, research funding, and the future of workforce and innovation.
Opening Remarks – U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Kristen Miller, President and CEO of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, welcomed attendees. Jennings Imel opened the meeting with national context.
Imel explained that tariffs were originally anticipated as a negotiation tool after tax reform. He emphasized that much of the U.S. Chamber’s work takes place behind the scenes.
Imel underscored that “growth is the North Star” for the U.S. Chamber—growth in jobs, innovation, and investment. He identified immigration, tariffs, and long-term budget decisions as major concerns, and noted that exemptions to tariffs are unlikely this time.
Congressman Salud Carbajal
Congressman Carbajal, representing California’s 24th District, began with a reminder: “Elections have consequences.” He described the current federal strategy as “a radical experiment,” referencing President Trump’s Administration.
He expressed concern about the executive branch freezing already-appropriated funds, arguing that changing federal spending requires new legislation. He described this as an effort to cut costs in advance of tax cuts, which would then appear to have less impact on the federal deficit.
Citing the closure of five Head Start programs in blue states, he suggested political motivations behind recent federal decisions. Carbajal then highlighted his bipartisan work with both democrats and republicans through the Problem Solvers Caucus, the For Country Caucus (military veterans), and the Climate Solutions Caucus.
Feedback from the Santa Barbara Business Community
Dustin Hoiseth, Director of Public Policy, Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber
Hoiseth outlined the local impacts of federal decisions, emphasizing tariffs, immigration, budget cuts, and fire preparedness. These issues are affecting fair trade, workforce development, and key sectors like manufacturing, research, and tourism. He called to the microphone several local organizations, all local chamber members, who had questions for Congressman Carvajal.
1 Ivan Gregory – BEGA North America
Ivan raised concerns about whether tariffs are long-term and how his business can remain globally competitive. Carbajal likened the situation to past agricultural policy, saying the Administration may harm sectors like manufacturing before offering relief—calling it a pattern of being “both the arsonist and the firefighter.”
2 Larry Doris – Executive at a $6 Billion Life Sciences Company
Doris, whose company develops cancer diagnostics, said tariffs have significantly increased costs. The company is exploring whether to manufacture domestically or re-source products. Larger companies may adapt, but small businesses may not have the same capacity.
He asked:
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Is there any certainty?
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How can businesses prepare for tariffs?
- What can Congress and businesses do together?
Carbajal responded by encouraging attendees to share their stories:
“Give us your stories! Republicans control all three chambers right now. We all need to hear the impacts to constituents on the ground to take action.”
3 Tom Patton – Managing Partner, Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Tom raised concerns about the lack of federal-local communication around immigration enforcement. Previously, there was notice and coordination. Now, raids occur without warning, creating fear among hospitality workers. He also referenced a $1 trillion estimated cost of mass deportations.
Carbajal agreed with deporting felons and level-one criminals but opposed actions that affect innocent individuals caught in enforcement sweep nets.
4 Juliana Ramirez – J.R. Bookkeeping
J.R. highlighted the workforce crisis in agriculture, hospitality, and service industries. She asked about visa programs and said immigrant workers are essential to business continuity and mentoring.
Carbajal discussed the need for legal challenges, noting that only states or nonprofits have standing to sue, while Congress members can file amicus briefs. He cited the Farm Workforce Modernization Act as a rare example of bipartisan momentum.
“Things look bleak,” he said, urging legislative and legal action when laws are violated.
5. Dr. Scott Grafton – Interim Vice Chancellor of Research, UCSB
Dr. Grafton emphasized the importance of research funding, noting UCSB receives over $200 million annually from federal sources for work in defense, energy, quantum science, and AI. He also mentioned cuts to arts and museum grants.
Carbajal urged UCSB and other institutions to meet with both parties and provide detailed stories and data to protect R&D funding. He criticized the current top-down approach, encouraged advocacy for local control, mentioning that usually his colleagues on the other side of the aisle support local control and states rights but not right now, and committed to supporting federal investment in science and education.
6. Demis Jon – UCSB Nanofabrication Facility
Dennis emphasized that 30–40 Goleta-based tech startups, many developed from UCSB labs, have global impact. He cited the Nanofab and white LED lighting now found in national retail stores. These businesses depend on NSF, DoD, DOE, and NASA grants.
Carbajal asked:
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Why is this important?
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How many grants are at risk or already cut?
He emphasized quantifying losses to defend investments in emerging tech and U.S. competitiveness.
7. Amy Steinfeld – Natural Resource Attorney (Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck)
Amy raised concerns about cuts to land use, water law, housing, and energy. Her question referenced two legislative pieces, IRA/BIL (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) funding appropriated for wildfire prevention but details were unclear.
Carbajal responded that the Administration is searching for “cost savings” to support a budget that may increase the federal deficit. He noted concerns that current cuts contradict previously passed congressional budgets.
8. Jamie Diamond – Stardust Sportfishing & Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara
Jamie warned that local fisheries are “hanging by a thread.” They rely on NOAA for sustainability assessments, but recent federal cuts have left offices unable to conduct necessary work. She emphasized the need to protect sustainably caught U.S. fish and noted that they have sent letters to Congress.
Carbajal acknowledged the urgency, but noted:
“Don’t wait for Congress to save you. It’s not just about sharing concerns, but about what impact and data show harm.”
Sidebar: Fire Safety and Insurance
An audience member noted that funding freezes are affecting not only local research, tech, agriculture, and hospitality, but also fire preparedness and prevention and impacting local public safety agencies.
Carbajal responded by pointing to state-level responsibility for Fire Insurance stability, identifying three key players:
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California Governor
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State Legislature
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State Insurance Commissioner
Unlike the message CA state officials referenced at a recent Goleta town hall on fire insurance, Carbajal seemed to feel state leaders are “struggling to come up with a plan to equalize and stabilize fire insurance.” He mentioned a “Risk Fund” and stated federal budgets may be part of a solution, but that insurers and the state must act first. He added:
“People choose to build where they should not build, and they don’t harden their home if they do.”
Final Remarks
There appeared to be urgency from the local business community, but not the same sense from the U.S. Chamber. One attendee noted:
“We can’t wait and see—my 401k just crashed.”
Congressman Carbajal emphasized:
Congress must act
The courts must step in when laws are broken
And you— business and community members—must continue sharing your stories and data
Both the Chamber and Congressman Carbajal stressed the importance of bipartisan advocacy, regular communication with elected officials, and telling local stories to influence federal decisions.
Carbajal closed with a call to action:
“Please, continue sharing your stories and your data. That’s how we keep fighting for our region.”
My Takeaway: Local Voices Are More Critical Than Ever
What struck me throughout the morning was the shared concern—across party lines—about the current chaos, instability, economic disruption, and a federal approach that often ignores local realities.
As a local real estate professional working with families, and as a member of the SBAOR Government Affairs and the Chamber Public Policy committees, I see firsthand the ripple effects:
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Businesses tightening budgets
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Families struggling with affordability
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Workforce shortages in high tech, service, hospitality, and construction sectors
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Anxiety over immigration enforcement and its impact on neighborhoods and employers
The gathering served as a rare opportunity for direct, local dialogue with federal representatives and emphasized the importance of staying engaged, especially as Congress debates key budgetary decisions. I was honored to attend and share this recap and love to help advocate for our local community.
Call to Action and Next Steps – Want to get involved?
The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber is encouraging members to share their business story or concerns in writing—your letter could help shape future advocacy efforts. Email your comments to the Chamber as well as your local elected officials, like Congressman Carbajal, and the White House. Also, consider attending the next Chamber B2B Networking Breakfast on April 24, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. It’s a great chance to connect, speak briefly about your business, and make your voice heard. Be sure to register in advance here (space is limited and often is at capacity) and reach out to me 805-284-390 if you’d like to join me as my guest.
Kathleen Rogers is a Santa Barbara-based real estate professional with eXp Luxury, the daughter of a retired California firefighter, and a member of the SBAOR Government Affairs Committee, South Coast Chamber Public Policy Committee, SB Sunrise Rotary and Trinity Epispocal Church on State Street.
Let’s chat about your real estate questions and needs! For more information, visit @WelcometoSantaBarbara or call 805-284-3900. DRE 02044953.
To read the article I wrote, that was edited and published by the Santa Barbara Independent visit the SB Indy.
