Local Politics · Santa Barbara County
Early results from Tuesday's Nov. 3 election show multiple ballot measures passing across Santa Barbara County. Measure D, an $80 million bond for Santa Ynez Valley Union High School facilities, led with 55.8% against a 55% threshold, while Allan Hancock College's $290 million Measure H led at 56.5%. Santa Maria's half-cent sales tax increase (Measure C) and Carpinteria's quarter-cent increase (Measure I) both exceeded their simple-majority thresholds with strong margins. Isla Vista voters backed a utility tax (Measure E, 70.6%) and a Community Services District spending limit (Measure F, 66.1%), while Guadalupe approved a cannabis tax replacement (Measure G, 68.0%) and a hotel tax increase to 12% (Measure J, 55.8%). Semi-official results were expected late Tuesday night, with final certified results due by Dec. 3.
Public Safety · Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara County Mosquito and Vector Management District confirmed Aedes aegypti specimens at four locations within the city of Santa Barbara on Oct. 30, including sites near North Voluntario/East Cota, Laguna/East Carrillo, and East Victoria/Olive streets. The detections follow prior findings in Carpinteria in July and an unincorporated area between Santa Barbara and Goleta on Oct. 16, as well as Aedes notoscriptus detections in the Westside and Mesa neighborhoods earlier in 2026. MVMD General Manager Brian Cabrera called the multiple South County detections a "critical turning point" and urged residents to eliminate standing water and report daytime mosquito activity. The district advised all Santa Barbara County residents to dump containers, repair screens, use insect repellent, and ensure pets are on heartworm prevention.
Housing & Development · Santa Barbara, CA
A coalition of property owners funded by the Santa Barbara Rental Property Association is gathering signatures to repeal the city's rent stabilization ordinance adopted in October after 4-3 City Council votes. The Help Save Santa Barbara Housing Committee raised over $113,000 for the referendum effort. Tenant advocates, including the Santa Barbara Tenants Union, report that paid signature gatherers provided misleading information to prospective signers and are urging residents who signed in error to contact the city clerk before the November 9 deadline. If the petition qualifies, the City Council must repeal the ordinance or place it on a future ballot, potentially lifting the temporary rent freeze and exposing tenants to increases up to 8.6 percent. The City Council is expected to discuss the referendum's ramifications Tuesday, November 10.
Crime · Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara Police identified Lawrence Brennen, 39, as the man found deceased on Oct. 28 inside an apartment at the 100 block of Los Aguajes Avenue in the West Beach neighborhood. Two residents of the same building, Jenica Ochoa, 45, and Kenneth Tompkins, 43, were arrested and charged with felony conspiracy, concealing a death, and second strike enhancements for allegedly wrapping Brennen's body in a bedroll, placing it in a metal container, and sealing it with plastic wrap. Both pleaded not guilty at their arraignment on Friday and are set to return to court Nov. 30. Police said additional circumstances surrounding Brennen's death were not available.
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Community brief · Santa Barbara, CA
The sixth annual Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival opens on Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Arlington Theatre with film premieres and a tribute to surfing legend Tom Curren. The event features screenings including "Harvest to Heal" and "Haole Boy: The Surf Therapy Dog," followed by an evening program honoring Curren with the 2026 Legendary Award. A single ticket grants access to both the 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. sessions, with festival information…
Community brief · Santa Barbara, CA
Gallery Josephine, founded by artist Josephine Tournier-Ingram, will preview original artwork during Downtown Santa Barbara's First Thursday Art Walk on Thursday, November 5, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at 133 E. Anapamu St. The gallery is contributing its fourth consecutive year to CALM at Heart, a charity benefiting childhood trauma prevention in Santa Barbara County. The Gallery Josephine Art Collector Experience will be featured in the live…
Community brief · Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Rescue Mission is accepting turkeys, canned goods, and monetary donations for its annual Thanksgiving Feast. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 535 E. Yanonali St. The mission will host the holiday dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 2 p.m. in its dining hall.
