News Roundup

January 16, 2025

The County Is Finally Doing Something About the Cannabis Stench

Other recent news: Did Ty Warner destroy this artwork?; the stone pines of E. Anapamu get a reprieve; Biltmore to install butterfly-shaped swim rafts; Macy's at La Cumbre Plaza survived the first round of store closures; Santa Barbara may raise bus fares; out-of-control minivan on Stearns Wharf. 16

January 9, 2025

The George Floyd Mural Has Been Painted Over

Other recent news: San Marcos Growers nursery will close at the end of the year; Las Alturas landslide house demolished; more on the Sandpiper Golf Club proposal; World War II relic destroyed by storm; Heal the Ocean's appeal of the Rosewood Miramar Beach project; Moby Dick mural needs attention. 8

December 27, 2024

Goleta Is Reducing Speed Limits on Most Major Streets

Other recent news: Problematic oil pipeline may get reactivated; El Capitán State Beach campgrounds to be off-limits for a year; another local judge is in hot water; Sandpiper Golf Club claims it may have to close; Beach Baby Kids Boutique is closing; the tree of the month. 9

December 19, 2024

Looking Into the Effect of Space Launches

Other recent news: Macy's will close 65 stores after the holiday season; railroad-crossing failure due to vandalism; a step forward for the Surfliner Inn; profile of The Horse Project Santa Barbara; non-emergency city offices to close for two weeks. 21

December 12, 2024

The Rosewood Miramar Beach Expansion May Officially Proceed

Other recent news: Low monarch butterfly turnout at Ellwood Mesa; 24 Hour Fitness closing date; changes in store for Santa Ynez Valley farms and vineyards; Carpinteria harbor seal rookery may be off-limits for three years; judge admonished by state commission; Gaviota Coast Conservancy acquires Rancho Tajiguas property; fish farming under consideration in Santa Barbara Channel; Vons store spared now that the Albertsons/Kroger deal is off; potential pool designs at Carpinteria High School. 6

December 5, 2024

The Story Behind the Pig House on Butterfly Lane

Other recent news: Last night's loud SpaceX launch; Santa Barbara likely to increase desalination funding; the tree of the month; the Ojai Playhouse finally reopened; gallery show and party coming to the Funk Zone. 11

November 21, 2024

250-Room Funk Zone Hotel Gets the Go-Ahead

Plus: Biltmore renovation allowed to proceed; city to help remove Las Alturas landslide house; the county Planning Commission rejected a cannabis project for the first time; Cost Plus World Market could be around for three years; Tunnel Trail reopened; the history of Goleta's Encina Royale neighborhood; Milpas Street improvements likely. 2

November 14, 2024

Caltrans to Install Underdrains at the Castillo Street Underpass

Other recent news: Hedgerow residents push back on plans to add dirt sidewalks; another look at the monstrosity proposed for behind the Mission; Mountain Fire update; no more fence around the huge Moreton Bay fig tree; X Games won't return to Ventura next year. 3

November 7, 2024

Ventura County Fire Has Burned More Than 14,000 Acres

Other recent news: Local election results; the Miramar resort's expansion moves forward; more events to be allowed at the Music Academy of the West; Art & Soul Gallery is leaving the Funk Zone; profile of the Couture Pattern Museum; Modoc Road bike path agreement; more back-in angled parking.

October 31, 2024

The CVS Store on State Street Is Closing

Other recent news: The downtown library plaza has opened; oak trees to replace stone pines on E. Anapamu Street; Caruso and All Saints by-the-Sea church make a deal; the head of UCSB Arts & Lectures is retiring; free digitization of local home movies; the tree of the month. 6