Suspect Identified in Fatal Deputy Shooting at Goleta Ralphs
Nine days after Santa Barbara County deputies fatally shot a man inside the Ralphs grocery store in Goleta, the Sheriff’s Office has released new details — including the suspect’s identity and a clearer account of the moments that led to gunfire. The incident began around 2:39 p.m....
Police search for missing nine-year-old in Santa Barbara County, California
Police in Santa Barbara County are searching for a nine-year-old missing girl in the town of Lompoc, California, just north of Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara Firefighter Inspires Young Readers with ‘Sparky the Brave’ Series
Santa Barbara–based firefighter Jorge Hurtado brings the world of wildland firefighting to life for kids with his Sparky the Brave Wildland Firefighter series. With two previous books about the importance of teamwork and lessons on fire safety and caring about the environment, his third book in the series, Sparky the...
California’s Gaviota State Park Has Caught Fire — and Experts Issue Urgent Warning
This state park in California suddenly erupted into flames due to strong winds and dense vegetation.
New Zoning Rules Approved to Support More Local Housing by Reusing Existing Buildings
On October 21, 2025, the Santa Barbara City Council approved a new zoning ordinance. The ordinance is designed to encourage the conversion of nonresidential buildings into housing. This supports the city’s plan to increase housing from 2023 to 2031.
With PATH Out, Santa Barbara Seeks New Provider for Homeless Shelter
Services for the homeless on Santa Barbara’s Eastside are set to come to an end Dec. 31. PATH, which has run the shelter since 2015, will cease operations at 815 Cacique St. “After over a decade of serving the Santa Barbara community, PATH is ramping down our shelter services,” said Tyler Renner, senior director of...
Keep Your Pets Safe This Halloween with Tips from Santa Barbara Humane
As families prepare for Halloween with candy, costumes, and festive decorations, Santa Barbara Humane is encouraging pet owners to plan ahead to keep their animals safe and comfortable. What feels fun for people can sometimes be stressful or even dangerous for pets. “Holidays bring plenty of excitement for families,...
Local Residents Urged to Contact Authorities After Major Jewelry Theft at Calle Real Store
Sheriff’s detectives are investigating a burglary at Baroness Jewelers in the 5700-block of Calle Real. They responded to a report on August 16, 2025. The burglary is believed to have happened early on August 15.
County Supervisors to Hold New Vote on Sable Permits Transfer
Nine months after a split decision, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors will again decide whether to transfer operating permits to Sable Offshore Corp. as the company pursues its goals of restarting oil production in the county. The board was ordered by a Superior Court judge to vote on...
Historic Santa Barbara Mission Faces New Housing Showdown
SANTA BARBARA — Two towering housing projects proposed mere steps from the iconic Old Mission Santa Barbara have sparked a fierce preservation showdown, pitting urgent housing needs against historic and environmental safeguards. “There’s no question that the proposal would lead to significant traffic and safety...
