Santa Barbara News-Press — Local News for Santa Barbara County

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Election Notebook: Final things to know before tonight’s results

Community

Election Notebook: Final things to know before tonight’s results

Candidates plan parties at Validation Ale, Biergarten and other spots around the county.

by Joshua Molina Nov. 3November 3, 2026

Latest Stories

4-year-old capybara euthanized after battling cancer at the Santa Barbara Zoo

4-year-old capybara euthanized after battling cancer at the Santa Barbara Zoo

by Angel Corzo Nov. 2November 2, 2026

ICE agents cause a scene at Santa Barbara County Jail

ICE agents cause a scene at Santa Barbara County Jail

by Angel Corzo Nov. 2November 2, 2026

93-year-old beloved Vieja Valley crossing guard retires after more than 20 years

93-year-old beloved Vieja Valley crossing guard retires after more than 20 years

by Kaitlin Sweeney Nov. 2November 2, 2026

2026 Santa Barbara County Elections: Live updates

2026 Santa Barbara County Elections: Live updates

by Santa Barbara News-Press Staff Nov. 2November 3, 2026

Santa Ynez Chumash seek to move prominent open space into federal trust

Santa Ynez Chumash seek to move prominent open space into federal trust

by Tom Schultz Nov. 1November 2, 2026

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The Santa Barbara County stories you need to know, curated and delivered to your inbox Monday – Friday.

Government

How social media became a campaign tool for Santa Barbara City Hall candidates

How social media became a campaign tool for Santa Barbara City Hall candidates

by Julianna Lozada and Sofia Wallace Nov. 1November 1, 2026

He was homeless and nearly drowned, but Alexander Stoeber relies on faith, hope to inspire City Council campaign

He was homeless and nearly drowned, but Alexander Stoeber relies on faith, hope to inspire City Council campaign

by Joshua Molina Oct. 29October 29, 2026

Seven candidates vie for three Santa Maria City Council seats amid November election

Seven candidates vie for three Santa Maria City Council seats amid November election

by Kaitlin Sweeney Oct. 28October 28, 2026

Education

Entering the post-Maldonado era: What’s at stake for the 2026 Santa Barbara Unified school board election

Entering the post-Maldonado era: What’s at stake for the 2026 Santa Barbara Unified school board election

by Julianna Lozada Nov. 1November 1, 2026

Santa Barbara Unified tightens consequences for racism, hate-motivated conduct following ‘blackface’ TikTok post

Santa Barbara Unified tightens consequences for racism, hate-motivated conduct following ‘blackface’ TikTok post

by Julianna Lozada Oct. 29October 29, 2026

Santa Barbara Unified School District hosts State of Our Schools event citing improvements in learning

Santa Barbara Unified School District hosts State of Our Schools event citing improvements in learning

by Angel Corzo Oct. 23October 26, 2026

Housing

Friendship Manor senior community approved to move from Isla Vista to downtown Santa Barbara

Friendship Manor senior community approved to move from Isla Vista to downtown Santa Barbara

by Sofia Wallace Oct. 13October 26, 2026

Housing Notebook: Rent stabilization, vacation rental ordinances to go into effect Jan 2027, and more housing news

Housing Notebook: Rent stabilization, vacation rental ordinances to go into effect Jan 2027, and more housing news

by Sofia Wallace Oct. 8October 26, 2026

City of Santa Barbara hopes to strengthen tenants’ eviction rights, but Just Cause Ordinance still needs work

City of Santa Barbara hopes to strengthen tenants’ eviction rights, but Just Cause Ordinance still needs work

by Sofia Wallace Oct. 29October 30, 2026

Environment

Los Padres Forest approves large scale Wildfire Risk Reduction Project

Los Padres Forest approves large scale Wildfire Risk Reduction Project

by Aston Smith Oct. 27October 31, 2026

They fight wildfires. Housing is another battle

They fight wildfires. Housing is another battle

by Lauren Pruett • News21 Oct. 24October 26, 2026

Earl Warren Showgrounds confirms no data center will be built

Earl Warren Showgrounds confirms no data center will be built

by Aston Smith Oct. 21October 22, 2026

See the story

Santa Barbara County, in focus.

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Nov 2

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Nov 2

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Sea lion finds its way back into the ocean in Santa Barbara on Sunday afternoon. Video by Joshua Molina

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Nov 1

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Our reporters took on the corn maze at Lane Farms!

Victory went to Angel Corzo
Video: Aston Smith

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Oct 30

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A group of Santa Maria High School students walked out of class on Friday afternoon to protest against ICE and the recent alleged assault of a classmate by federal agents.

Student protesters heard about the walkout through social media, and organized at 1 p.m. the students walked from Santa Maria High School to the Santa Maria Town Center.

Video: Angel Corzo
#SantaMaria

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Oct 29

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An elderly woman and her two dogs were involved in a vehicle turnover crash north of Casitas Pass Road in Carpinteria on Thursday afternoon.

The woman sustained minor injuries, but her dogs were okay, according to CHP Officer Nestor Delgado.

“She just drove into the embankment and did a 180,” Delgado said.

No DUI was suspected in the incident at this time, Delgado added.

A state highway sign was also damaged as a result of the crash.

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Oct 29

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The driver of a red Honda was injured after swerving into an embankment along southbound Highway 101 south of Dos Pueblos Canyon Road.

The red Honda clipped the rear right end of another car on the highway, causing the driver to lose control and veer into the right hand side of the freeway.

The California Highway Patrol responded the two vehicle crash at 9:28 a.m.

The car drove through a fence and into a tree, said CHP Officer Nestor Delgado.

The driver was taken to Cottage Hospital with minor injuries.

Video: Angel Corzo

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Oct 28

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A car drove into the embankment on northbound Highway 101, south of the Arrellaga Street exit on Wednesday morning. The California Highway Patrol was called to the scene at 10:56 a.m., according to CHP Officer Sean Buenrostro. The driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to Cottage Hospital.

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Oct 27

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Ocean tides as high as 8 feet are predicted to flood low-lying areas, beach parking lots and harbor walkways along the South Coast over the next few days.

The National Weather Service issued a coastal flooding advisory for Santa Barbara County on Monday, predicting high tides in the late mornings until Thursday.

Video: Aston Smith
Story by Angel Corzo

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Oct 25

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Santa Barbara City Council candidate in District 5 James Zurlinden opens up on his views on ICE in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina. Check out the full episode on You Tube on Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina and read article at newspress.com Monday. Zurlinden also talks about State Street, rent stabilization, city budget, La Cumbre Plaza, housing, the Democratic Party and much more!

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Oct 25

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Quite the Thriller show today at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden. World Dance For Humanity always puts on a great show!

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Oct 24

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In a bold step at Santa Barbara County’s largest medical provider, Cottage Health nurses announced a unionization campaign Friday, citing the region’s high cost of living while describing a growing dissatisfaction with their working conditions.

Flanked by family members and three Santa Barbara City Council members, nurses at the forefront of the effort gathered across the street from the healthcare system’s flagship Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital—and said they hope to hold and win a union election before the end of the year.

Cottage Health leaders told the News-Press they respect employees’ right to choose, but also don’t believe third-party representation is the best choice.

“Our position is that we don’t believe we need a union or a third party to be the intermediary,” said Cara Williams, Cottage vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer. “We enjoy a direct connection to our employees, and we want to maintain that."

See story at linkin.bio and newspress.com

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Oct 22

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A thunderstorm brought dozens of lightning strikes and heavy rain to Santa Barbara County Wednesday night.

Read more on the storm at the link in bio.

Video taken at Shoreline Park on The Mesa in Santa Barbara.

Video: Aston Smith

More elections coverage

‘Every day is a bonus day’: Second chance at life powers Eric Friedman’s bid for Santa Barbara mayor

‘Every day is a bonus day’: Second chance at life powers Eric Friedman’s bid for Santa Barbara mayor

by Kaitlin Sweeney Oct. 19October 26, 2026

From the classroom to City Hall, Kristen Sneddon seeks Santa Barbara’s top job

From the classroom to City Hall, Kristen Sneddon seeks Santa Barbara’s top job

by Kaitlin Sweeney Oct. 14October 26, 2026

Santa Barbara mayoral candidate Wendy Sims-Moten running on a platform of inclusion, care for one another

Santa Barbara mayoral candidate Wendy Sims-Moten running on a platform of inclusion, care for one another

by Amanda Velasco Oct. 3October 26, 2026

Boat Rat Matt sets sail on another campaign for mayor

Boat Rat Matt sets sail on another campaign for mayor

by Kaitlin Sweeney Oct. 10October 26, 2026

Santa Barbara City Council District 4

From Santa Barbara to the White House and back, Devon Wardlow now sets eyes on the City Council

From Santa Barbara to the White House and back, Devon Wardlow now sets eyes on the City Council

by Kaitlin Sweeney Oct. 19October 26, 2026

Genevieve Taft-Vazquez, the candidate next door, seeks to represent home district on Santa Barbara City Council

Genevieve Taft-Vazquez, the candidate next door, seeks to represent home district on Santa Barbara City Council

by Julianna Lozada Oct. 14October 26, 2026

‘Change agent’ Monte Wilson cruising in his own lane in bid for Santa Barbara City Council

‘Change agent’ Monte Wilson cruising in his own lane in bid for Santa Barbara City Council

by Sofia Wallace Oct. 22October 26, 2026

Jason Dominguez looks to replace Kristen Sneddon in District 4 on the Santa Barbara City Council

Jason Dominguez looks to replace Kristen Sneddon in District 4 on the Santa Barbara City Council

by Joshua Molina May 14October 26, 2026

Voices

Opinion: True leaders wanted

Opinion: True leaders wanted

By Cassandra Ensberg Nov. 2November 2, 2026

Eric Friedman: Santa Barbara’s future belongs to all of us

Eric Friedman: Santa Barbara’s future belongs to all of us

by Eric Friedman • Santa Barbara City Councilman Nov. 1November 1, 2026

Letter: Santa Barbara deserves better than tear-down politics

Letter: Santa Barbara deserves better than tear-down politics

by Barry Schoer Nov. 1November 2, 2026

Kristen Sneddon: Santa Barbara is not for sale

by Kristen Sneddon Oct. 30November 1, 2026

Letter: Eric Friedman is a good neighbor

Letter: Eric Friedman is a good neighbor

by John Devereaux Oct. 26October 27, 2026

Letter: Affordability requires more than sympathy

Letter: Affordability requires more than sympathy

by Nick Koonce Oct. 25October 26, 2026

Announcements

DSBIA lights up downtown with Moonlight Sessions, free live music every Wednesday in November

DSBIA lights up downtown with Moonlight Sessions, free live music every Wednesday in November

by Bailey Schroerlucke, Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association Nov. 2November 2, 2026

Regresa la campaña anual Comida a cambio de multas en apoyo a usuarios y organizaciones locales

Regresa la campaña anual Comida a cambio de multas en apoyo a usuarios y organizaciones locales

by Alma Trejo, City of Santa Barbara Nov. 2November 2, 2026

Annual Food for Fees drive helps patrons and supports local nonprofits

Annual Food for Fees drive helps patrons and supports local nonprofits

by Alma Trejo, City of Santa Barbara Nov. 2November 2, 2026

Local high school robotics team invites community to open house in new location

Local high school robotics team invites community to open house in new location

by Elaine K. Mah Best, Octobots Robotics Team Nov. 2November 2, 2026

Pearl Social Cocktail Club transforms into ‘Miracle’ pop-up Christmas bar for sixth year

Pearl Social Cocktail Club transforms into ‘Miracle’ pop-up Christmas bar for sixth year

by Jannis Swerman Nov. 2November 2, 2026

La Ciudad de Santa Bárbara acepta propuestas para los programas de Subvenciones en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario y Servicios Humanos

La Ciudad de Santa Bárbara acepta propuestas para los programas de Subvenciones en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario y Servicios Humanos

by Alma Trejo, City of Santa Barbara Oct. 30November 2, 2026

Obituaries

Obituary: Raymond L. Janssen

Obituary: Raymond L. Janssen

Linda Janssen Oct. 29November 1, 2026

Obituary: Paula Pappas Myers

Obituary: Paula Pappas Myers

Demie Myers Oct. 26October 26, 2026

Obituary: Barbara A. (Casso) Sanchez

Obituary: Barbara A. (Casso) Sanchez

Jamie Casso Oct. 25October 26, 2026

Obituary: Dr. Karl N. Haws, Jr.

Obituary: Dr. Karl N. Haws, Jr.

by Jordan Webb Oct. 21October 26, 2026

Obituary: Scott Habermann

Obituary: Scott Habermann

Brett Habermann Oct. 19November 1, 2026

Obituary: Martha J. Osborne

Obituary: Martha J. Osborne

by Jennifer Osborne Oct. 15October 26, 2026

Obituary: Laurence R. “Larry” Pearson

Obituary: Laurence R. “Larry” Pearson

by Scott Pearson Oct. 15October 26, 2026

Obituary: Brian “Hawaiian Brian” Nelson

Obituary: Brian “Hawaiian Brian” Nelson

Marcia Nelson Oct. 9November 2, 2026

Obituary: Joan Valerie Dugan

Obituary: Joan Valerie Dugan

Christie Fox, McDermott-Crockett & Associates Mortuary Oct. 7November 2, 2026

More News

Family of 3-year-old struck on State Street shares update, calls for change

Community

Family of 3-year-old struck on State Street shares update, calls for change

by Kaitlin Sweeney Nov. 1November 1, 2026

Santa Maria High School students walk out to protest ICE after assault on disabled student

Santa Maria High School students walk out to protest ICE after assault on disabled student

by Angel Corzo Oct. 30October 30, 2026

Rainy Halloween weekend expected throughout Santa Barbara County

Community

Rainy Halloween weekend expected throughout Santa Barbara County

by Angel Corzo Oct. 30October 30, 2026

Who will be the next mayor? It doesn’t matter for some residents fearful of the next ICE raid

Who will be the next mayor? It doesn’t matter for some residents fearful of the next ICE raid

by Angel Corzo Oct. 29October 30, 2026

Elderly woman, two dogs involved in crash on Highway 101 in Carpinteria

Elderly woman, two dogs involved in crash on Highway 101 in Carpinteria

by Angel Corzo Oct. 29October 29, 2026

Low-income families prioritized in new 48-unit affordable housing project

Housing

Low-income families prioritized in new 48-unit affordable housing project

by Sofia Wallace Oct. 28October 28, 2026

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