Local Politics · Santa Maria, CA
Three candidates are competing for the Santa Maria City Council District 1 seat in the November 3 election, with the winner serving a term through 2028. Incumbent Ricardo Batalla faces challengers Celest Mendoza and Gary Janek Michaels, who are debating issues including city financial challenges, infrastructure repairs, and housing affordability. The race highlights differing approaches to budget accountability, parking regulations, and economic development strategies.
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.
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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.
Community brief · Santa Maria, CA
The CRR Discovery Museum in Santa Maria is hosting "Boo Before Dark at the Boo-Seum," a free family-friendly Halloween event, on Friday, Oct. 30, from 2 to 5 p.m. The event invites children and families to wear costumes, collect candy throughout the museum, use a photo booth, and explore interactive exhibits. Organizers from Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County emphasize the event's focus on community connection and early…
Community brief · Santa Maria, CA
The Santa Maria Utilities Department will host a free Recycle Bundle Distribution Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Recycling Park at the Santa Maria Regional Landfill, 2065 E. Main St., to celebrate America Recycles Day. Each household may receive one six-gallon recycling container, one 14-gallon recycling container, a countertop kitchen pail for food waste, and a reusable shopping bag made from plastic bottles, while…
