News Roundup

August 20, 2026

California Approves Drastic Rules to Reduce Fire Risk

Other recent news: Harry and Meghan are returning to the U.K.; dramatic rise in Fiesta arrests; the final slate of candidates in November; new Santa Cruz Island campground; speed cameras on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu; Vandenberg Space Force Base security overreaction.

August 13, 2026

UCSB Took Over Another New Apartment Building

Other recent news: Who's on the ballot in November; measles returns to Santa Barbara County; Santa Barbara streamlines environmental review process for housing projects; Goleta planning commission nixes Anthem Chapel.

August 6, 2026

More on the Nordstrom Residential Conversion

Other recent news: Gun shop's new location causes concern; new "rage room" on State Street; massive solar arrays could be allowed soon; inside a handsome house at Mussel Shoals; Carpinteria’s Franklin Creek Trail closed for improvements; grim prognosis for Santa Rosa Island's Torrey pines. 9

July 30, 2026

The Miramar Brand Is Expanding to Thousand Oaks

Other recent news: Santa Barbara inches toward rent stabilization; more on the closure of Makeout Point; the argument for building housing on the Muni golf course; six options for public access to Hollister Ranch beaches; Sable offshore pipeline positioned as national security issue; more on Lotusland’s long-range plan to build workforce housing and other structures; the tree of the month. 3

July 23, 2026

Beach Tar Blamed on Natural Seepage

Other recent news: TJ Maxx said to be opening in Goleta; two aggressive mosquito species found here; automated self-service dry cleaning kiosk; Pedro De La Cruz and Olivia Joffrey art exhibit. 6

July 16, 2026

The Staples Store in Goleta Is Closing

Other recent news: West Marine nautical store to shutter; new fancy car show; thumbs down for Goleta condo design; Fairview Gardens farm update; recapping the Sable Offshore saga; more housing proposed for Carpinteria bluffs; city council candidates. 3

July 9, 2026

Oil Company Wants to Seize Land With Eminent Domain

Other recent news: Former mayor Sheila Lodge has died; Sable Offshore continues to expand offshore drilling operations; no more free mooring at Fools Anchorage; El Capitán State Beach reopened. 1

July 2, 2026

Trapeze School Dropped From Downtown Park

Other recent news: State Street closure extended; Gabe Escobedo announces city council bid; Heidi Merrick's new apothecary in Summerland; update on funding for the Santa Ynez Trail; CAMA's next season of performances; the tree of the month. 5

June 25, 2026

Santa Barbara to Explore a “Vacancy Tax” for Residential and Commercial Properties

Other recent news: Holiday parade to return; Antique Alley to close after 33 years; lax enforcement of ban on gas-powered blowers; more ICE arrests and lawless behavior; downtown EV-charging station open; Santa Barbara Unified School District to build more staff housing; setback for proposed Goleta church; update on 18-story tower in Carpinteria; new local doll company. 7

June 18, 2026

A Step Forward for the Reinvention of Paseo Nuevo

Other recent news: More on San Ysidro Ranch's botanical garden; new FEMA flood hazard maps; why and how Santa Barbara uses Roundup herbicide; inside Mission Canyon's Whale House; police blotter highlight. 15