County

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.

November 13, 2024

Voters face ballot shortages, equipment issues, long lines on Election Day

By Lizzy Rager

Several polling places ran out of provisional English-language ballots and faced equipment issues, according to several voters and poll workers.

November 11, 2024

Former UC union organizer Wendy Santamaria runs for Santa Barbara City Council

By Salma Maytorena

UCSB alum and former AFSCME Union Representative Wendy Santamaria is running for Santa Barbara City Council representing District 1.

November 8, 2024

Halloween crimes decline in 2024

By Lizzy Rager

Oct. 25, the day before the ordinances went into effect, saw the most crimes for October with 12 arrests and over 100 citations.

November 8, 2024

IVRPD hosts fourth annual Halloween Pumpkin Patch

By Jack Dindia

The IVRPD event featured carnival games, Halloween characters, silent movies, a photo booth, a silent disco, a costume contest and free pumpkins. 

November 8, 2024

IVCC will pick up pumpkins for compost on Nov. 7

By Jack Dindia

Isla Vista Compost Collective is holding a “Great Pumpkin Pick Up” on Nov. 7. The pickup will begin at 10 a.m., and residents can sign-up through a Google Form

October 18, 2024

Supervisor Capps details progress of eight-step I.V. Bluff Safety Plan

By Conor Kelly

Updates include a policy requiring owners to submit measurements of distance between the bluff’s edge twice a year.

October 17, 2024

I.V. Small Artists Co-Op, I.V. Flea host market

By Dexter LaViolette

The Isla Vista Small Artists Co-Op and Isla Vista Flea co-hosted a market on Oct. 12 at the Isla Vista Community Center, a swap meet, curated clothing sales, performers and food vendors.