News Roundup

January 13, 2021

Santa Barbara’s Electric Bikes Should Be Rentable Within Weeks

Other recent news: Who'll get vaccinated after healthcare workers; the buyer of Ellen DeGeneres's East Valley Road house; a new group hopes to revitalize downtown; the Pea Soup Andersen’s building in Buellton is for sale; Democratic Party of Santa Barbara County chair will step down; school district votes to pause failing grades; the tree of the month.

January 10, 2021

Covid Cases Continue to Surge in Santa Barbara County

Other recent news: Grand Montecito estate's new owner revealed; detectives seek help identifying Goleta gunman; UCSB students helping to search for the remains of a teenager who perished in the debris flow; cat reunited with owner after three years; longtime employee purchases Pet House store; Channel Island Surfboards is being bought back by the founders' son; shooting ban extended in Los Padres National Forest.

January 7, 2021

County Hospitals Are Preparing a Shift to “Crisis Care”

Other recent news: Committee to recommend that Santa Barbara ban natural gas in new construction; school district might temporarily eliminate D and F grades because of the pandemic; the man whose house was electrified; cannabis shop opening in Goleta. 1

January 4, 2021

Santa Barbara County Has Been Averaging Nearly 300 New Covid-19 Cases Per Day

Other recent news: The Central Coast's only ice rink is struggling; the history of the fountain at Sycamore Canyon Road and Stanwood Drive; mini monolith at the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge; in praise of Santa Barbara's trees.

December 28, 2020

The Stay-at-Home Order Is Expected to Be Extended

Other recent news: A documentary about the self-declared security guard at the old Miramar resort; Tunnel Trail power lines removed; Westside shop closes after 30 years; TV producer bought in Birnam Wood. 2

December 24, 2020

Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch Finally Sold

Other recent news: Riviera man who illegally cut down trees will face criminal and civil charges; more on the electric current running through a Montecito house; some gyms refuse to comply with the stay-at-home order.

December 22, 2020

The Stay-at-Home Order Is Likely to Be Extended

Other recent news: Riviera resident in hot water for cutting down trees without a permit; restaurant told that staff meals are not allowed during lockdown; strange goings-on in a Montecito house; foster a pet this holiday season; the history of a Queen Anne house downtown. 1

December 18, 2020

Covid Cases Keep Rising as Vaccinations Start

Other recent news: ICU availability is declining; bike docks have begun being installed on State Street; the mysterious death of a man at Campus Point; winery raises more than $100,000 for the Foodbank.

December 17, 2020

Governor Newsom Is Ignoring the County’s Request

Other recent news: Solvang now says it will enforce the stay-at-home order; Deborah Schwartz is running for mayor of Santa Barbara; cannabis farmers who are trying to mitigate the stench; a pair of white-faced saki monkeys join the Santa Barbara Zoo; naked man on sidewalk.

December 15, 2020

Covid-19 Cases Spike in Santa Barbara County

Other recent news: San Luis Obispo County allows outdoor dining with restrictions; police are investigating the death of an anti-vaccination activist; Unity Shoppe seeks fresh fruit; profile of Ojai's Porch Gallery.