Letter Backs Sneddon, Criticizes Friedman’s Real Estate Ties

Santa Barbara Santa Maria San Luis Obispo, CA, October 18, 2026 —

A letter published in the Santa Barbara Independent discusses SEIU Local 620’s endorsement of Kristen Sneddon and contrasts her record with that of mayoral candidate Eric Friedman.

The letter’s author describes Sneddon as having a record of supporting workers and tenants. The author presents that record as a reason for the union’s endorsement. SEIU Local 620 is identified in the summary as a union representing city workers.

The letter also criticizes Friedman over what the author characterizes as ties to the real estate and landlord lobby. The summary does not specify the nature of those ties or provide examples of Sneddon’s actions on behalf of workers or tenants. It also does not include a response from Friedman or details about the union’s endorsement process.

The claims and contrast are presented as the letter author’s argument, rather than as independently documented findings. The available summary does not provide the letter’s publication date, the author’s name, or additional details about either candidate’s positions. It therefore offers a limited account of the endorsement debate: SEIU Local 620 has endorsed Sneddon, and the letter frames that support around workers and tenants while criticizing Friedman’s perceived connections to real estate and landlord interests.

Story summarized from the original created by Indy Staff on www.independent.com, see more information here.