News Roundup

March 21, 2020

“Widespread Community Infection” in Santa Barbara, Says Public Health Officer

Other local news: Santa Barbara has just 907 hospital beds; Cottage Health curtailed almost all visits to the hospital; the Four Seasons Biltmore and Ojai Valley Inn have closed; Santa Barbara Airbus suspended service.

March 20, 2020

What the Statewide Stay-at-Home Order Means for You

Other local news: Santa Barbara County bans gatherings larger than 10 people and insists anyone over 75 stay at home; there are now eight positive cases here; city playgrounds closed; Canadians bought three local newspapers; Cachuma Lake and Jalama Beach closed; Foodbank needs donations and volunteers.

March 19, 2020

Three Positive Cases in Santa Barbara County, With 145 Tests Pending

Other local news: Rent relief for residents and businesses; five UCSB students under quarantine tested negative; cannabis industry doing well during the pandemic; limited police and bus service; Contour Airlines suspending operations at month's end.

March 18, 2020

An Emergency Proclamation from the City of Santa Barbara

The city stopped suggesting that certain types of businesses close and started insisting on it. That includes gyms and fitness centers. The order is through April 7.

March 17, 2020

All Bars Encouraged to Close and Restaurants Told to Offer Only Takeout and Delivery

Other local news: Second North County resident tested positive; car-based testing at Sansum Clinic; city suspends street sweeping; more on UCSB's plans for Paseo Nuevo.

The Tiered System for Covid-19 Testing in Santa Barbara

Other local news: The current tally of tests administered here; Santa Barbara Zoo and Chumash Casino have closed; permits for Montecito debris nets get renewed; the tree of the month.

March 15, 2020

First Confirmed Case of Covid-19 in San Luis Obispo County

Other local news: A running tally of tests given here and cases by state and country; Santa Barbara schools close indefinitely; UCSB suggests students leave campus; farmers' market stays open, for now; social-distancing guidelines for restaurants; Mammoth and Big Bear shut down.

March 12, 2020

California Is Discouraging Gatherings of 250 or More People

Other local news: UC Santa Barbara has moved to online classes through April at least; Santa Barbara City College has switched some classes to online; second COVID-19 case in Ventura County; Earth Day event postponed; SLO farmer's market canceled; gang members convicted of post–debris flow crimes, including a Montecito home invasion; bad behavior on the rise in area schools.

March 10, 2020

Santa Barbara Is Asking Cruise Lines to Stay Away

Other recent news: Laura Capps conceded to Das Williams; fire near Highway 154; new video-streaming service at Goleta Valley Library.

March 7, 2020

All the Latest Local Coronavirus Updates

A Grand Princess passenger in Ventura County tested positive; the ship is scheduled to visit Santa Barbara on March 24; why the city resists banning cruise ships; no cases reported in Santa Barbara County; smaller stores more likely to have supplies; giraffe and leopard being transferred to other zoos.