Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse returns for a new “Ask the Mayor” episode, addressing questions from Josh Molina and the genial host about the controversial proposal to build housing at Paseo Nuevo; the new plan for the Sears site at La Cumbre Plaza; the state of State Street; the latest push for rent control; and a spate of bad news about the city budget. Plus: an update on his 2026 re-election plans.