Local Politics · Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Harbor Commission voted last week to support converting the closed West Beach wading pool into a Chumash cultural center and tomol house. The proposal will be reviewed by the City Council in early 2027 as an alternative to repairing the leaky pool or building a splash pad. Commissioner Spenser Jaimes cited drought concerns and the need for dedicated space for traditional Chumash canoes, known as tomols. Community members and Chumash representatives expressed support for using the site for cultural education and preservation.
Public Safety · Santa Barbara, CA
A 3-year-old girl was critically injured Oct. 18 when struck by a car while crossing State Street at Calle Palo Colorado in Santa Barbara, according to police. The child was airlifted from Cottage Hospital to a Los Angeles-area hospital for specialized care; the driver remained at the scene and was neither cited nor arrested, with alcohol or drugs not suspected. Separately, the Montecito Planning Commission voted Oct. 19 to retain architectural review requirements as Santa Barbara County proposes streamlining its permitting process. In Santa Maria, animal services seized 21 dogs and more than 300 birds following a suspected animal-hoarding investigation on Oct. 14.
Housing & Development · Santa Barbara, CA
Mishay Salon filed suit against the City of Santa Barbara on Aug. 28, seeking more than $1 million in relocation costs after being displaced by eminent domain for the De La Vina Bridge Replacement Project. The salon moved from 2728 De La Vina St. to 1126 Santa Barbara St., and the city paid approximately $200,000 toward renovation expenses while the owner submitted $1.6 million in reimbursement claims. City Administrator Kelly McAdoo reduced approved costs by 42% because the new space is larger than the original, prompting the lawsuit. A case management meeting is scheduled for Nov. 4 in Santa Barbara Superior Court. Bridge construction began in June 2025 and one-way traffic control remains active in the area.
Public Safety
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard issued a coastal flood advisory on Friday at 12:25 p.m., valid from Sunday at 5 a.m. through Thursday, Oct. 29, at 1 p.m. The advisory covers beaches in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties, including the Malibu Coast. High tides are expected to reach 7.5-8.0 feet, peaking Monday through Wednesday, with minor to moderate coastal flooding likely in low-lying areas including beach parking lots, bike paths, and harbor walkways. Moderate to significant beach erosion is expected, and isolated structural damage from seawater inundation is possible. The NWS warns residents not to drive around barricades or through flood waters.
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Community News · Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Foundation has completed the administration of the Francis and Marianna Masin Human Services Fund, fulfilling a charitable legacy established in 1995. The fund provided final distributions of $923,584 each to Transition House, Storyteller, and Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics. The allocation originally designated for Casa Esperanza was directed to the city of Santa Barbara and Mercy House to support shelter operations at Casa Cacique after PATH ceased operations there in December 2025. This decision ensures continued support for individuals experiencing homelessness at the same location despite organizational changes.
Social Events · Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History will host its first Fall Tasting Festival on Saturday, November 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. (early access at 1 p.m.) at 2559 Puesta del Sol. The event features beer, wine, spirits, coffee, non-alcoholic drinks, and food from vendors across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, set throughout the museum's 17-acre backyard, creekside, and woodland grounds. General admission is $125; early entry with 1 p.m. access is $165. One hundred percent of profits fund SBMNH education programs, including astronomy events, school field trips (70% to Title I schools), and teen mentorship programs.
Community brief · Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden will hold its annual Fall Plant Sale on Saturday, November 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the garden’s nursery located at 1212 Mission Canyon Road. The event offers California-native plants and expert guidance from staff and volunteers to assist with fall planting. Advance shopping reservations are required for participation.
Community brief · Santa Barbara County
The Folk Orchestra of Santa Barbara will present three Scottish/Celtic concerts on November 6, 7, and 8 as part of its 10th anniversary season. Performances are scheduled at Santa Barbara Trinity Church, St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Church in Los Olivos, and the Presidio Chapel in Santa Barbara. The shows feature traditional tunes like "Skye Boat Song" and include the debut of a new instrument.
Community brief · Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the Santa Barbara County Fire Chiefs Association are hosting a screening of "Into the Unknown: The Paramedics' Journey" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the SBIFF Riviera Theatre and Film Center, 916 State St., Santa Barbara. The event includes a tribute to Randolph (Randy) Mantooth, a Santa Barbara native and longtime emergency medical services advocate known for his role on the TV series "Emergency!"…
