Tag: Santa Barbara Zoo

May 14, 2026

Two Former Department Stores Might Get Repurposed

Other recent news: The Biltmore appears to have been pushed back again; possible names for Calle Cesar Chavez; new housing at Santa Barbara Zoo could thwart Highway 101 pedestrian bridge; Modoc Multi-Use Path opened; county moves forward with workforce housing on Carrillo Street; speed-limit reductions on Santa Claus Lane and San Antonio Creek Road; Target launched next-day delivery in Santa Barbara; Ojai tastemaker's art and antiques recommendations. 4

February 8, 2024

Sequence of Storms Leads to Bluff Erosion

Other recent news: Incumbents rake in far more campaign donations than challengers; the longtime head of the Santa Barbara Zoo is retiring; DJ Javier's Year of the Dragon mural; mining magnate bought on Padaro Lane. 4

November 27, 2023

Potential Highway 101 Wildlife Crossing Near Gaviota

Other recent news: The northbound Highway 101 rest area closed immediately after reopening; final installments in the Santa Barbara Zoo's origin story; new conservative website; protections added to 24,000 acres of land; the tree of the month. 9

October 30, 2023

Build a Fort at the Botanic Garden

Plus: Ketamine clinic opening on N. Milpas Street; the return of ZooLights; Los Patos Way roundabout construction update; N. Padaro Lane onramp to open November 9; "Piscinas" at Maune Contemporary. 6

August 11, 2023

Another Step Forward for the Revamp of De La Guerra Plaza

Other recent news: the Planning Commission puts the screws to the 101 Garden Street hotel; more on Ocean Fathoms's misbehavior; the Santa Barbara News-Press's list of creditors; proposed improvements to Stow Grove Park in Goleta; the Santa Barbara Zoo's new red panda. 2

June 10, 2023

First Look at the Proposed Tri-County Produce Development

Plus: The Santa Barbara Zoo is considering a tax to raise funds; Neil Young to play the Santa Barbara Bowl; Wilco in concert at the Arlington Theatre; northbound Olive Mill offramp to reopen tomorrow; Palma Colectiva's new mindfulness studio. 2

October 21, 2022

Debate Continues Over the State Street Promenade

Other recent news: Olive Mill ramps to be closed for roundabout construction; comedian Andy Dick arrested for alleged burglary in Santa Barbara; Drift hotel slated to open in December; the seasonal closure of Loma Alta Drive; Santa Barbara News-Press to stop daily delivery; ExxonMobil bought troubled crude oil Pipelines from Plains All American; ZooLights is coming to the Santa Barbara Zoo. 6

September 5, 2022

The Sketchbooks of Jimmy Thompson

Raised in Conejo Valley and based in L.A., artist Jimmy Thompson visits this area regularly. "I feel far away, even though it's relatively close," he says. "There's something in the air, I guess, that makes me feel relaxed—and I think it shows in the pieces." 3

January 25, 2022

A New Hotel in the Works on De La Vina Street

Plus: The Head and the Heart and Disclosure play the Santa Barbara Bowl; more details on the solar array proposed for the Bowl; checking in on the Drift hotel planned for State Street; Highway 101 construction update; baby giraffe born at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

January 6, 2022

Inside the New Australian Walkabout at the Santa Barbara Zoo

Plus: A forthcoming book about Lotusland; Billy Strings is playing two nights at the Santa Barbara Bowl; MarBorg's recycling centers are temporarily closed due to staffing shortages; Bella Vista Drive is now closed till June; anyone know a good vacation rental in Big Sur? 3