Preliminary Hearing Date Set in Lompoc Councilman’s Criminal Case
A tentative date has been set in Santa Barbara County Superior Court for the preliminary hearing of a Lompoc City Council member facing eight felony criminal charges. In a brief hearing Wednesday morning without defendant Stephen Bridge, 68, present, the attorneys and Superior Court Judge Stephen Dunkle agreed to...
Ventura to grant tenants protections from landlord harassment
The Ventura City Council unanimously approved on Feb. 10 an ordinance that gives tenants protection from landlord harassment. The proposed ordinance, according to a staff report , gives tenants the right to seek damages in a civil action against harassment, with penalties ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. It would also...
Winter whale watching under way from Ventura Harbor
Sunday is World Whale Day, and Island Packers, the official concessionaire to the Channel Islands, is offering winter whale watching excursions for whale enthusiasts to witness the migration of Pacific gray whales as they travel through the Santa Barbara Channel near Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island. “This mammoth...
Sign up for free CERT training in Ventura
The Ventura Police Department is inviting 40 residents to join the next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training program. This free, six-week course teaches how to protect your neighborhood and help responders during emergencies.
Gaviota Caves Hike to Gaviota Pass Overlook
I recently led a hike to the Gaviota Caves at Thanksgiving. But it has been almost four years since I led a hike beyond the caves. So last month I led a Humanist Society hike all the way out to the Gaviota Pass Overlook. Here are my photos!. Climbing that...
New Mneian Gallery invites Carpinteria to pause, look closer and remember
A new fine art gallery has quietly — and beautifully — arrived on Santa Claus Lane, inviting visitors to slow down, step closer and remember. Mneian Gallery, opened by local photographer Trevor Blackman, is now welcoming the public at 3819 Santa Claus Lane, offering limited-edition fine art prints drawn exclusively...
Marriage Licenses and Weddings at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Reach Record Level
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse had a record number of weddings and marriage licenses in 2025. The scenic location has a popularity for photos and memories. The post Marriage Licenses and Weddings at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Reach Record Level appeared first on News Channel 3-12 .
Bankrupt California Friars Agree to $20 Million Settlement with Survivors
The Franciscan Friars of California and its affiliated ministries, which includes Old Mission Santa Barbara, agreed this week to pay a $20 million settlement to 94 survivors of sexual abuse. The eight-figure agreement comes two years after the religious order filed for bankruptcy and amid ongoing litigation that...
Santa Barbara says goodbye to mylar balloons and small plastic water bottles
Citing environmental harm and risk to marine life, the city updated its regulations on certain types of single-use plastics. The Santa Barbara City Council approved the ordinance revising municipal code on Tuesday. The changes include banning sales of mylar balloons and 8 oz single-use water bottles, requiring large...
The Shark Is Broken Will Bow at California’s Laguna Playhouse
Three years after its Broadway run, The Shark is Broken will arrive in Laguna Beach, California with the The Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara’s production, running at Laguna Playhouse March 4-22. An official opening night is set for March 8. The cast will feature Will Block as Richard...
