News Roundup

December 19, 2024

Looking Into the Effect of Space Launches

Other recent news: Macy's will close 65 stores after the holiday season; railroad-crossing failure due to vandalism; a step forward for the Surfliner Inn; profile of The Horse Project Santa Barbara; non-emergency city offices to close for two weeks. 12

December 12, 2024

The Rosewood Miramar Beach Expansion May Officially Proceed

Other recent news: Low monarch butterfly turnout at Ellwood Mesa; 24 Hour Fitness closing date; changes in store for Santa Ynez Valley farms and vineyards; Carpinteria harbor seal rookery may be off-limits for three years; judge admonished by state commission; Gaviota Coast Conservancy acquires Rancho Tajiguas property; fish farming under consideration in Santa Barbara Channel; Vons store spared now that the Albertsons/Kroger deal is off; potential pool designs at Carpinteria High School. 6

December 5, 2024

The Story Behind the Pig House on Butterfly Lane

Other recent news: Last night's loud SpaceX launch; Santa Barbara likely to increase desalination funding; the tree of the month; the Ojai Playhouse finally reopened; gallery show and party coming to the Funk Zone. 11

November 21, 2024

250-Room Funk Zone Hotel Gets the Go-Ahead

Plus: Biltmore renovation allowed to proceed; city to help remove Las Alturas landslide house; the county Planning Commission rejected a cannabis project for the first time; Cost Plus World Market could be around for three years; Tunnel Trail reopened; the history of Goleta's Encina Royale neighborhood; Milpas Street improvements likely. 2

November 14, 2024

Caltrans to Install Underdrains at the Castillo Street Underpass

Other recent news: Hedgerow residents push back on plans to add dirt sidewalks; another look at the monstrosity proposed for behind the Mission; Mountain Fire update; no more fence around the huge Moreton Bay fig tree; X Games won't return to Ventura next year. 3

November 7, 2024

Ventura County Fire Has Burned More Than 14,000 Acres

Other recent news: Local election results; the Miramar resort's expansion moves forward; more events to be allowed at the Music Academy of the West; Art & Soul Gallery is leaving the Funk Zone; profile of the Couture Pattern Museum; Modoc Road bike path agreement; more back-in angled parking.

October 31, 2024

The CVS Store on State Street Is Closing

Other recent news: The downtown library plaza has opened; oak trees to replace stone pines on E. Anapamu Street; Caruso and All Saints by-the-Sea church make a deal; the head of UCSB Arts & Lectures is retiring; free digitization of local home movies; the tree of the month. 6

October 24, 2024

How the Montecito Planning Commission Shot Itself in the Foot

Other recent news: Biltmore's family pool complex moves forward in slightly smaller form; Isla Vista now has a vending machine with Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and emergency contraceptives; land preservation on Goleta ballot; another Huguette Clark estate is on the market. 3

October 17, 2024

Santa Barbara Is Finally Getting Serious About E-Bikes

Other recent news: Art Essentials is moving at year end; Montecito police blotter; the latest on the proposed Rosewood Miramar Beach expansion; the city council's District 3 race; the Lobero Theatre’s executive director is stepping down; California Coastal Commission refuses to allow more SpaceX launches. 14

October 3, 2024

Debate Rages Over the 250-Room Garden Street Hotel

Other recent news: Debunked rumor that the Bidens bought in the Santa Ynez Valley; District 1 candidate forum recap; Funk Zone art gallery closed; city councilmember Alejandra Gutierrez's poor attendance; criticism for cannabis stink abatement plan; Goleta library to close for up to two years; Mission Creek restoration; Cottage Health to create employee housing; what's next for Andersen's Pea Soup in Buellton. 3