News Roundup

November 13, 2025

The Trump Administration Plans to Reopen the Santa Barbara County Coast to Drilling

Other recent news: The contentious proposal to redevelop Paseo Nuevo; 18-story Builder's Remedy project submitted to Carpinteria; objections to the design of Sears lot at La Cumbre Plaza; Gold’s Gym locations bought by Eos Fitness; the renovation of Dwight Murphy Field. 17

November 6, 2025

The Push for Public Access to Hollister Ranch Beaches

Other recent news: Changes coming to Cacique Street homeless shelter; a long look at California's insurance problem; county supervisors deny Sable Offshore permit transfer; improvements to Franklin Creek trail in Carpinteria; the tree of the month. 1

October 23, 2025

Santa Barbara Has Hired a New State Street Consultant

Other recent news: The number of international visitors is down; addressing the city's budget shortfall; an update on the Electrify America vehicle-charging station; Santa Barbara County looks to phase out all onshore oil operations; Sable Offshore loses in court; first steps toward a new trail linking Buellton, Solvang and Santa Ynez. 20

October 16, 2025

Paseo Nuevo Redevelopment Hits a Roadblock

Other recent news: Update on the apartment complex behind the Mission; SpaceX launches likely to increase; cannabis taxes continue to disappoint; converting downtown commercial buildings to residential got easier; new Santa Barbara Police Department headquarters delayed; rent stabilization ordinance faulted for lack of transparency; Lower Tunnel Trail reopened. 9

October 9, 2025

Santa Barbara’s Professional Soccer Team Has Been Delayed a Third Time

Other recent news: UCSB professors win the Nobel Prize; Hook & Press's turtle was stolen and returned; possible changes to waterfront parking protocol; survey results about local news. 7

October 2, 2025

A Better Look at the Redevelopment of Paseo Nuevo

Other recent news: The county may make it possible to build bigger; Sable Offshore wants to install a facility in federal waters and transport oil by barge; remembering writer Ashleigh Brilliant; estimate for reopening Highway 1 in Big Sur; the tree of the month is the African tulip tree. 14

September 25, 2025

An Update on the Bucket Brigade’s Montecito Sidewalks

Other recent news: The Santa Claus Lane makeover includes a single railroad crossing; a setback for Sable Offshore; 59-unit housing development could be in the works for Calle Real; UC Santa Barbara has leased 105,000 square feet on Los Carneros Drive. 8

September 18, 2025

Indoor Pickleball Chain Has Plans to Open in Goleta

Other recent news: Update on the bill to stymie the development behind the Mission; Dos Pueblos Ranch has a buyer; Jensen Guitar & Music to close; new hotel in an unwieldy location; downtown Ventura zone will remain off-limits to cars; California considering strict defensible space rules. 10

September 11, 2025

State Legislative Move Could Block the Development Behind the Mission

Other recent news: Downtown parking lots may shift to "pay-on-foot" model; possible redesign of the Earl Warren Showgrounds; 956-unit Noleta complex to start construction; new pedestrian signal on Las Positas Road; Santa Barbara offering rebates for lawn replacement. 10

September 4, 2025

Shortfall in Santa Barbara Sales Tax Revenue

Other recent news: Tunnel Road to Inspiration Point to close for more repairs; the Katy Perry/Carl Westcott real estate battle continues; weekly rally in support of the Constitution; the tree of the month. 1