News
Santa Barbara Eyes New Tax on Property Sales Over $3 Million
1+ hour, 25+ min ago (536+ words) The Santa Barbara City Council has moved forward with discussions on a proposed Real Property Transfer Tax (RPTT) that could appear on the November 2026 ballot as city leaders address a projected $14.6 million budget deficit. During the March 3, 2026 meeting, the council…...
California Homeowners Staying in Their Houses Longer Than Most in US, Study Finds
1+ hour, 26+ min ago (541+ words) Homeowners across the U.S. are increasingly staying in their houses longer than they used to, with California showing the longest homeowner tenure, according to a recent study by Redfin. Homeowner tenure peaked at 13.4 years in 2020, then slipped each year until 2024, according…...
Montecito Fire Chief David Neels Announces Retirement
1+ hour, 38+ min ago (367+ words) Montecito Fire Chief David Neels has announced his upcoming retirement at the end of March, after 36 years of dedicated service to public safety. Chief Neels has served as Montecito Fire Chief since 2023. His last day as Fire Chief will be…...
What’s Happening in Downtown Santa Barbara: March 5-9
1+ hour, 58+ min ago (260+ words) What's Happening in Downtown Santa Barbara: March 5-9edhat The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA) invites residents and visitors to join the 1st Thursday Art Walk, the Downtown Eats grand opening, and the celebration of newly beautified downtown windows. Enjoy live performances,…...
Regional Energy Program Could Bring $7 Million to Santa Barbara County
4+ hour, 43+ min ago (452+ words) The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved support for a regional energy efficiency program expected to bring about $7 million to the county through the Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C REN). The funding will support the county's participation in programs…...
Despite Public Pushback Spring Fest in Isla Vista Gets Green Light
4+ hour, 44+ min ago (566+ words) The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on March 3, 2026 unanimously approved an outdoor festival license for Spring Fest in Isla Vista amid public concerns that the event could serve as an alternative to the controversial gathering known as Deltopia. Deltopia…...
In Depth Chocolate Factory Tour and Tasting
5+ hour, 4+ min ago (129+ words) In Depth Chocolate Factory Tour and Tasting'edhat In Depth Chocolate Factory Tour and Tasting This event is for someone with a high interest in single-origin dark chocolate, where it comes from, how it's processed and the technicalities behind making shiny,…...
Ventura County Board of Supervisors Approves Acceptance of $250,000 Donation to Support E.P. Foster Library Renovation Project
5+ hour, 59+ min ago (210+ words) The Ventura County Board of Supervisors, during their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 3, unanimously approved the acceptance of a $250,000 donation from the Ventura Friends of the Library (VFOL) to support the E.P. Foster Library Building Forward Grant Project. The donation will…...
Trail Updates from SLO Ranger Service – March 2026
6+ hour ago (564+ words) The City of San Luis Obispo Ranger Service has been hard at work building new trails, improving existing ones, and teaming up with volunteers to keep expanding trail connectivity and accessibility to support biking, hiking, and outdoor enjoyment for all…...
Former Actor and Founder of Animal Sanctuary Arrested on Attempted Kidnapping Charge Tied to Ex-Employee’s Lawsuit
21+ hour, 31+ min ago (352+ words) Federal authorities have arrested Leo Grillo, 77, an actor and the founder of the Acton-based animal welfare organization Dedication and Everlasting Love to Animals (DELTA) Rescue, on a charge of attempted kidnapping tied to a former employee who won a $6.7 million…...