Public Safety · Santa Barbara County
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Santa Barbara County, effective Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon. The alert covers the South Coast, Santa Ynez Valley, and interior mountains, where rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour are possible. Residents in low-lying areas and recent burn zones are advised to prepare for minor flooding and debris flows. A temporary warming shelter will operate at Casa Cacique in downtown Santa Barbara from Wednesday through Friday.
Public Safety · Santa Barbara County
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Santa Barbara County regions, including the Santa Ynez Valley and coastal areas, valid from Wednesday at 8 a.m. until Thursday at 4 p.m. Residents are advised to monitor forecasts and prepare for potential street flooding and river overflow due to excessive rainfall. The NWS warns against driving through floodwaters, noting that just 12 inches of rushing water can sweep away most cars.
Public Safety · Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County emergency officials are urging residents to prepare for a storm expected Wednesday, Oct. 21, through Thursday, Oct. 22. The Office of Emergency Management warns of potential flooding in creeks, rivers, streets, and low-lying areas, along with possible minor debris flows near recent burn sites. No evacuation orders have been issued at this time, but officials advise residents concerned about home safety to leave before the rain begins.
Local Politics · Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County supervisors met in closed session to discuss the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians' initiation of federal trust status for a 360-acre parcel adjacent to the Chumash Casino Resort. This designation would exempt the land, currently used for grazing and events, from local land-use restrictions. Supervisor Joan Hartmann indicated no immediate legal action is planned but noted ongoing discussions regarding potential sports fields and glamping amenities on the site. The Board has scheduled a public hearing on the matter for November 10.
Local Politics · Montecito, CA
At its Oct. 13 meeting at the Montecito Community Hall, the Montecito Association Board of Directors debated Santa Barbara County's proposed Phase 3 zoning ordinance amendments, which would streamline permitting for residential and commercial projects and expand exemptions from architectural review. Board members and residents raised concerns about reduced oversight, neighborhood notification, and appeal opportunities, and the board approved an advocacy letter to the Montecito Planning Commission outlining its recommendations. The commission completed its recommendations at a five-hour special hearing on Oct. 19, forwarding them to the Board of Supervisors for consideration. The meeting also covered fire department recruitment and free emergency go-bags, water district updates, sanitary district winter preparedness, local school news, and plans for Beautification Day on Saturday, Nov. 7.
