News Roundup

July 1, 2020

Santa Barbara Beaches Will Stay Open for the Holiday Weekend

But L.A. and Ventura counties are closing theirs. Other recent news: City considering changes that might help developers downtown; new design for the big project at Milpas and Ortega; ban extended on recreational shooting in Los Padres National Forest; police seek paving scammers.

June 29, 2020

Bars Will Have to Close Again Starting Wednesday

Other recent news: Carpinteria's Chamber of Commerce joins forces with Santa Barbara and Goleta; two new hotels in Solvang.

June 28, 2020

No July 4 Festivities in Santa Barbara or Goleta

And gatherings of 10 or more, even outdoors, are forbidden. Other recent news: County Covid-19 cases are increasing, but hospitals are handling the burden; you can now text 911; Cottage Health's new urgent-care center; two golf courses still closed; proposed changes to four-story development on Milpas.

June 26, 2020

Montecito Water District Approves Big Desalination Deal

Plus: Lucky's steakhouse has temporarily closed after an employee tested positive for Covid-19; the Montecito Association burns down the welcome wagon; Westside street closure; deadline extended for comments about Los Padres National Forest tree-cutting.

June 25, 2020

Santa Barbara’s Nordstrom Store Is Officially Closed

Other local news: Cyclists now asked to dismount on parts of State Street; county scaling back plans to expand swimming pool access; Sonos layoffs; proposed increase of electricity rates; school district looking at a "hybrid scenario" for reopening; why a police officer was fired.

June 23, 2020

Local Health Officials Are Concerned About Hospital Capacity

Other recent news: Nursing homes proving vulnerable to Covid-19; UCSB to hold most fall classes online; temporary bridge being installed on E. Mountain Drive; Montecito Water District's big vote; illegal fireworks; historic downtown building to reopen after renovation.

June 18, 2020

Possible Changes for the Nordstrom and Macy’s Buildings

Other recent news: The pedestrian-only section of State Street is a winner, but should more people be wearing masks?; California issued a statewide order requiring masks; Goleta keeps open the option of raising its sales tax; Santa Barbara community development director resigns.

June 17, 2020

Santa Barbara County Is Pausing Its Reopening

Other recent news: Interview with incoming school superintendent Hilda Maldonado; two new lions at Santa Barbara Zoo; Drum Fire near Buellton totally contained; funding approved for Eastside bike improvements; new housing in the works for the formerly homeless.

June 16, 2020

Pop Star Ariana Grande Bought in Montecito’s Hedgerow

Other recent news: Santa Barbara pulls $2 million in funding for the new police station; list of black-owned businesses in Santa Barbara; a push to landmark St. Paul’s AME Church; snowy fleece is the tree of the month.

June 14, 2020

County Refuses to Give Carpinteria Cannabis Relief

Other recent news: Santa Barbara city administrator under fire; state to allow nail salons and massage parlors to reopen; county unemployment rate is 13.7 percent; zoo reopening; new B&B at Paso Robles winery.