News Roundup

July 6, 2020

Another Home Store Is Opening in Summerland

Other recent news: Fifteen-foot shark spotted off the Santa Barbara Harbor; San Marcos High School student making change happen; continued push for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary; the man behind Montecito's beautiful memorial benches.

July 2, 2020

County Beaches Limited to Active Use for the Holiday Weekend

Other recent news: Massive spike in new Covid-19 cases; the city of Santa Barbara will close many beach parking lots and forbid barbecues and hammocks; rumors that the Four Seasons Biltmore is getting sold or renovated; Bob Hazard on the water deal.

July 1, 2020

The State Has Ordered Restaurants Here to Close All Indoor Operations

California governor Gavin Newsom has ordered 19 counties—including Santa Barbara—to halt indoor operations immediately at restaurants, wineries, movie theaters, museums, zoos, and more. And bars must close entirely.

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.