Local Politics · Santa Barbara County
Incumbent Rep. Salud Carbajal, a Democrat from Santa Barbara seeking his sixth term since 2017, faces challenger Bob Smith, a Carpinteria resident and retired Navy commander listed as no party preference, in the California's 24th Congressional District race on Nov. 3. Carbajal highlights infrastructure funding, healthcare affordability, and opposition to restarting the Sable Offshore Corp. oil pipeline in Santa Barbara County. Smith proposes small modular reactors for energy costs, federal funds for Carpinteria High School projects, and housing development in Lompoc. Both candidates address immigration, with Smith supporting a DACA citizenship pathway and Carbajal calling for ICE reform. Voters in the district will decide between the two on Nov. 3.
Local Politics · Buellton, CA
Billy Silvola, a special-education teacher and Rancho de Maria resident since 2000, and Mark Williams, a Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office sergeant and Buellton resident of more than 20 years, are competing for Buellton's District 1 City Council seat in the Nov. 3 election, filling the vacancy left by incumbent Hudson Hornick. The candidates discussed issues including the city's policing contract with the county Sheriff's Office, El Niño flood preparedness, Highway 246 traffic safety, Avenue of Flags economic development, and growth management. Incumbent Mayor David Silva faces former Mayor Dave King in the mayoral race, while Carla Mead runs unopposed for District 4.
Local Politics · Santa Barbara County
The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission is scheduled to make decisions on the county's Recreation Master Plan at meetings on November 4 and December 2, 2026. The plan includes a Recreation Benefit Program offering streamlined permitting, increased development allowances, and reduced fees on AG-1 and AG-II parcels for projects including country inns (up to 120 rooms), RV parks (up to 160 sites), retail stores, outdoor theaters (max 2,000 seats), and trailside cafes. The WE Watch group of the Santa Ynez Valley is urging residents to review the plan document (pages 139-151) and attend meetings in person or via Zoom, or submit comments to dvillalo@countyofsb.org.
Local Politics · Santa Barbara County
The Santa Barbara County Elections Office reminds voters to return Vote-by-Mail ballots before the Election Day deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Registered voters can use official drop boxes available 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on Election Day, or mail their ballots with a postmark by that date. In-person voting is also available at polling places and County Elections Offices from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
Local Politics · Santa Barbara County
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors is accepting applications to fill vacancies on Special District Boards spanning Supervisorial Districts 1 through 5, including fire protection, community services, recreation, and water conservation districts. Only individuals registered to vote within a specific Special District are eligible to serve. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, with appointments made no later than Monday, Nov. 30. Forms are available online, at the Office of the Clerk of the Board at 105 E. Anapamu St., Rm 407 in Santa Barbara, or by calling 805-568-2240.
