County

February 6, 2025

IVCSD approves budget for new tree distribution program

By Jack Dindia

The Isla Vista Community Services District approved the budget for a new tree planting pilot program at their Jan. 28 meeting.

February 4, 2025

Over 300 people protest I.C.E. operations in Santa Barbara

By Michelle Cisneros, Jack Dindia

Roughly 300 people gathered at Milpas Street to protest against ICE operations and express solidarity with the undocumented community of Santa Barbara. 

January 31, 2025

Upward Mobility Summit discusses poverty and housing crisis in Santa Barbara County

By Wynne Bendell

The summit featured panels discussing current initiatives to combat poverty in Santa Barbara County like better food security and housing developments. 

January 31, 2025

IVCSD holds Crisis Preparedness Panel amid LA fires

By Lizzy Rager

The panel featured local experts on fire and emergency management, alongside representatives from the county board of supervisors and a disaster nonprofit.

January 31, 2025

Youtopia brings fix-it fair, affordable clothing to I.V.

By Jack Dindia

Youtopia was held on Jan. 24 from 11-4 p.m. at the I.V. Community Center and People’s Park, featuring vendors with vintage clothing and a fix-it fair.

January 30, 2025

Santa Barbara MTD proposes fare increases

By Michelle Cisneros

For the first time in 16 years, the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District proposed fare increases for most single rides and multi-ride passes due to cuts in federal funding.

January 26, 2025

I.V. Food Co-Op at risk of closure after 50 years of serving community

By Christopher Vargelis

The co-op is at-risk of closure due to declining sales. While they've begun fundraising efforts, they are currently $197,000 short of a $200,000 goal. 

January 26, 2025

County prone to ‘extreme’ wildfires, UCSB wildfire expert says

By Lizzy Rager

Isla Vista and surrounding infrastructure are not fit for a mass evacuation like in Pacific Palisades, the director of the UCSB Wildfire initiative says

January 23, 2025

State Fire Marshal grants waiver to restart pipeline that caused 2015 Refugio oil spill, county hearing soon

By Michelle Cisneros

The California State Fire Marshal waived pipeline corrosion regulations for the Las Flores Pipeline System to oil company Sable Offshore on Dec. 17. A public hearing will take place on Feb. 25.

January 23, 2025

Congressman Salud Carbajal announces $11.1 million grant for underpass in Old Town Goleta

By Lizzy Rager

The $11.1 million investment comes from Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure bill, with an announcement from the Congressman on the last day of Biden's term

January 16, 2025

“They worked for almost 72 hours straight”: Local fire crews fight LA fires

By Lizzy Rager

Santa Barbara County and local agencies sent 14 engines and two battalion chiefs to the fire suppression effort in LA.

January 16, 2025

Isla Vista bands together to raise $12,000 for LA fire efforts

By Lizzy Rager

Six UCSB students organized a fundraising event with baked goods, photo and art prints and a raffle sponsored by local businesses.

January 14, 2025

Santa Barbara County at risk of power shutoff following LA fires

By Jack Dindia

Santa Barbara County is at risk of a power outage due to the Santa Ana winds across the Coast, which have fanned the ongoing blazes in Los Angeles.

November 18, 2024

Sable Offshore to control pipeline that caused Refugio oil spill, EDC appeals decision

By Michelle Cisneros

Sable Offshore gained approval from the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission to restart the same pipeline that caused the 2015 Refugio oil spill. 

November 18, 2024

Democratic incumbents win general election seats, local races decided by few voters

By Lizzy Rager, Conor Kelly

The Nov. 5 general elections were a success for Democrats and incumbents seeking reelection for Santa Barbara County and Isla Vista races.

November 13, 2024

SBC remains on air quality watch for Ventura County Mountain Fire smoke

By Lizzy Rager

The Mountain Fire in Ventura County began on Nov. 6 and has burned 20,630 acres after being active for six days. As of Nov. 12, the county remains on watch.