County

March 6, 2021

Recap: March 5 Santa Barbara County COVID-19 Press Conference

By Atmika Iyer

The county has received 105,160 vaccines and has administered 81% of them as of Friday.

March 2, 2021

Two Months after Setup, I.V. Pallet Homes Provide Relief and Opportunity to Nearly 40 Houseless Residents

By Holly Rusch

The pallet village has not reported any positive COVID-19 cases, but tests are available to any clients who want one or begin to show symptoms.

February 28, 2021

Recap: Feb. 26 Santa Barbara County COVID-19 Press Conference

By Atmika Iyer

California expects to receive 80,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine next week.

February 27, 2021

Eight Arrested at Save the San Marcos Foothills Protest

By Atmika Iyer

The group, Save the San Marcos Foothills, has planned a sit-in throughout the weekend and is currently negotiating with the land developers.

February 26, 2021

Large Student Gatherings Continue Despite County Ordinance and University Action

By Ellah Foster

On Jan. 29, UCSB sent a campus-wide email to students that laid out the academic consequences of violating public health orders and stressed the importance of taking safety precautions.

February 25, 2021

Cases Decline, But Santa Barbara County Remains in the Purple Tier

By Atmika Iyer

The county’s rates of adjusted cases and positive tests have declined enough to allow for the reopening of elementary schools, provided that an approved safety plan is in place. 

February 25, 2021

SB County Board of Supervisors Approves $13.3 million for Rent and Utility Assistance

By Atmika Iyer

The rental assistance program has been in service since Feb. 15 and will continue to be in service until Dec. 30 or unless funds run out sooner.   

February 22, 2021

Recap: Feb. 19 Santa Barbara County COVID-19 Press Conference

By Atmika Iyer

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has currently administered 93% of its given allotments of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

February 17, 2021

SB County Public Health Department Officials Field Community’s Vaccine Questions at Town Hall Event, Address Vaccine Access Equity

By Atmika Iyer

As of Feb. 11, the county has used at least 81% of its current vaccine allotment from the federal government.

February 4, 2021

SBSO Makes Four Arrests Following Investigation Into January Goleta Shooting

By Max Abrams

Sheriff Bill Brown described the double homicide as a “robbery ripoff,” in which the two victims planned to sell at least half a pound of marijuana to the suspects but were robbed instead. 

February 2, 2021

Second Victim From January Goleta Shooting Dies, Identified as First-Year UCSB Student

By Max Abrams

No arrests have been made and a suspect is still at large.

January 28, 2021

I.V. Passes 1,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases As Rest of SB County Sees Drop in New Cases

By Atmika Iyer

On Jan. 1, I.V.’s daily case rate, which shows the average number of daily confirmed cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days, was 19.7. On Jan. 22, the daily case rate was 53.7. 

December 19, 2020

First COVID-19 Vaccine Shipments Arrive in Santa Barbara County

By Atmika Iyer

After local health care workers receive the vaccine, staff members and residents of long-term care facilities will be next, followed by first responders and dialysis providers.

December 8, 2020

Central Coast Counties, Including Santa Barbara, Ask Newsom for New Stay-at-Home-Order Consideration

By Atmika Iyer

Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties said they are looking to secede from the Southern California region and receive separate consideration for COVID-19 restrictions.  

December 1, 2020

Seeking Community Input, I.V. CSD Releases Policing and Public Safety Form to Residents

By Atmika Iyer

The results will be summarized and shared with the public, law enforcement and university officials down the line. 

November 19, 2020

As COVID-19 Cases Surge, Governor Newsom Announces New Overnight Curfew for Counties in Purple Tier

By Max Abrams

Santa Barbara County moved back to the purple tier on Tuesday along with 27 other California counties, only two days before the overnight curfew was announced.