Housing & Development · Goleta, CA
The Goleta City Council voted 4-0-1 on Tuesday to make permanent a citywide senior mobile home park overlay district, replacing a February urgency ordinance that had blocked University Mobile Home Park at 520 Pine Ave from converting to an all-ages park. The permanent ordinance requires parks to maintain 80% occupancy by tenants age 55 or older, conduct annual age verification, and display seniors-only signage. Councilman Stuart Kasdin abstained, citing what he called a universal need for the housing type. A federal lawsuit filed in March by University Park Manufactured Housing Community LLC alleges the ordinance violates the Fair Housing Act; both parties requested dismissal in September, with a court decision expected by end of October.
Housing & Development · Santa Barbara County
The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission is considering Phase 3 zoning amendments that would eliminate planning permit requirements for smaller projects such as sheds, pergolas, HVAC equipment and most swimming pools, while still requiring building permits. The proposal would also reduce or eliminate design review for some smaller new homes, additions, remodels and commercial projects, and streamline approval steps for most single-family homes. The commission discussed the amendments on Oct. 21 and continued the item to a hearing Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 9 a.m. at the Planning Commission Hearing Room, 123 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. If recommended for approval, the Board of Supervisors is expected to consider the amendments in December 2026.
Public Safety · Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara Police Department and County Sheriff’s Office reported a 9-1-1 voice service outage Thursday morning affecting AT&T and T-Mobile customers. While voice calls to emergency services failed, text-to-9-1-1 remained functional for those carriers. Dispatch centers confirmed that police and fire agencies could also be reached via direct phone lines at their dispatch centers. Officials advised texting the exact location of the emergency, as text messages do not automatically provide location data.
Community News · Santa Barbara County
California has updated CalFresh eligibility rules to allow some students enrolled at least half-time at UC, CSU and California Community College campuses to qualify more easily for food assistance. Santa Barbara County officials report approved student applications rose from about 340 per month in 2023 to roughly 400 in 2025, with a steady approval rate near 60%. County Executive Officer Jana Petersen projected an additional 5,000 students would enroll this year, announced at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20. At Allan Hancock College, however, staff report fewer students applying due to federal-level concerns, while campus food pantry visits have reached about 300 daily. The college will host a CalFresh enrollment event on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Social Events · Santa Barbara County
High school football teams in Santa Barbara County face crucial league matchups this week as playoff races tighten with two weeks remaining in the regular season. Bishop Diego hosts Simi Valley on Thursday at La Playa Stadium, while Santa Barbara High and Dos Pueblos host first-place opponents on Friday. San Marcos travels to Royal High, and Carpinteria High hosts Del Sol in local Tri-County and Citrus Coast League battles. These games determine automatic postseason bids and league championships for the CIF-SS playoffs.
