Public Safety · Santa Barbara, CA
A 3-year-old girl remains in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle while crossing State Street in Santa Barbara on Sunday morning. The incident occurred shortly before 10 a.m. in a marked crosswalk, prompting emergency transport to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and subsequent transfer to a specialized facility. Police are investigating the collision but stated that drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors, noting the driver remained at the scene. The family has established a GoFundMe campaign which raised over $138,000 as of Monday night.
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 · 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.
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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.
Community brief · Santa Barbara, CA
UCSB Arts & Lectures presents "An Evening with Lyle Lovett and His Small Large Band" on Sunday, November 1, at 7 p.m. The concert takes place at Campbell Hall on the University of California, Santa Barbara campus. Four-time Grammy winner Lyle Lovett will perform a mix of Americana classics and newer material.
Community brief · Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara-based nonprofit Unite to Light will mark its 15th anniversary and the distribution of 300,000 solar lights at a free community event called The Power of Possibility on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at San Marcos Courtyard, 1129 State St., Santa Barbara. Held during First Thursday Art Walk, the event features illuminated art installations by local artists, live music, and hands-on creative activities for all ages. Founded at UC…
