Planning Commissioner Deborah Schwartz Says She’s ‘All In’ to Seek Santa Barbara Mayoral Seat She says among her top priorities would be to revisit 'the balance of power in government,' including the role of the city administrator Deborah Schwartz, an 11-year planning commissioner, has announced that she will challenge Cathy Murillo on Nov. 2 for the Santa Barbara mayoral seat. (Courtesy photo) By Joshua Molina, Noozhawk Staff Writer | @JECMolina January 30, 2021 Expect changes, from the top down, if Deborah Schwartz is elected mayor of Santa Barbara. Schwartz, an 11-year planning commissioner, has announced that she will challenge Cathy Murillo on Nov. 2 for the coveted mayor's seat. She has launched her website and has already been raising money and talking to people about her bid.