The 2008 lineup featured Ziggy Marley, Jason Mraz, Natasha Bedingfield, and Big Head Todd and the Monsters.
In 2010, local government bureaucracy denied the event permit, resulting in an appeal of the decision by the organizers.
In February 2009, with local politics and the Nederlander controlled Santa Barbara Bowl fiercely competing against the event, the Parks & Recreation director, went as far as to say the decision to deny the permit was unappealable.
On May 19, 2010, the production company won the appeal to run the event and was granted its permit by the Park & Recreation Commission.
As a result of the appeals, the city made new requirements, which increased the costs, moved up deposit deadlines, and reduced the capacity of the festival.