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, CA
The Santa Barbara DMV office at 535 Castillo Street will close starting October 23 for renovations, including new flooring, carpet, furniture, interior and exterior paint, upgraded data cables, and restrooms. The office is scheduled to reopen at 8 a.m. Friday, January 15. The DMV reminds residents that most tasks can be completed online through the DMV website, and directs customers needing in-person services to other regional offices.
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.
Want tomorrow's Santa Barbara edition in your inbox? It's free.
Subscribe free
Housing & Development · Santa Barbara, CA
The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara will hold a grand opening for the Bella Vista affordable housing development on Monday, Oct. 26. The new facility at 200 N. La Cumbre Road offers 48 units for low and very low-income families through Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers. Residents will pay 30% of their income toward rent in these one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The event includes remarks from local officials, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and property tours.
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.
Local Politics · Santa Barbara, CA
Noozhawk published responses from Mark Philibosian and Jacqueline Inda Karlsen, candidates for the Santa Barbara Unified School District Trustee Area 1 seat. The article details their stated experience, views on budget negotiations, and priorities regarding student safety and enrollment. Voters in Trustee Area 1 will decide this race in November.
Local Politics · Santa Barbara, CA
Noozhawk published candidate responses for the Santa Barbara Unified School District Trustee Area 4 race featuring incumbent Rose Muñoz and nonprofit board member Valerie Amparan. Both candidates addressed the district's structural deficit, reduced from $20.6 million to $9.7 million, along with literacy and math outcomes and staff negotiations. A third candidate, Kevin Guay, did not respond to the Q&A request or attend any candidate forums. Only voters in specific trustee areas will select winners in these races.
