HUD Seeks to Ban Mixed-Status Households, Cut Funding for Emergency Housing Vouchers
This article was underwritten in part by the Mickey Flacks Journalism Fund for Social Justice, a proud, innovative supporter of local news. To make a contribution go to sbcan.org/journalism_fund. Proposed changes to federal housing benefits could leave hundreds of people in Santa Barbara County homeless. The...
Aperitivo’s New Sister Restaurant Is as Good as It Looks
When Biltmore/Coral Casino vets Andrea Girardello and Brian Dodero partnered up to open Aperitivo in 2020, their ambitions were modest—a wine bar with a limited menu in a fairly minimalist setting. With warm, polished service and delicious food, it evolved into more of a restaurant as patrons settled in for a full...
Undocumented Santa Barbara Patients Get Reprieve from Forced Health Provider Transfer
Last Wednesday evening at a small public gathering in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County Public Health chief Dr. Mouhanad Hammami quietly announced a major policy about-face and how 7,000 undocumented patients now receiving care at one of the county’s five Public Health clinics would not have to be transferred to...
Barge Parked Off Santa Barbara Coast Is Doing Pump Repairs for Desal Plant
Santa Barbara beachgoers have recently taken note of a new, 270-foot barge along the coastline. Named Ocean Protector, the giant vessel is taking up temporary residence near Stearns Wharf to complete necessary repairs for Santa Barbara’s desalination plant. Over four weeks, it will reinforce the intake pumps that...
Santa Barbara mom shares the story of her daughter Grace, who has Down syndrome
Tammy Gerenser is showing me phone photos of her 18-year-old daughter, Grace. She swipes through a series of images showing a beautiful young woman smiling, participating in school cheerleading, taking a surf lesson, and dressed up for homecoming. She said when she first welcomed her daughter into the world, she...
Isla Vista Sees Rise In Medical Calls, Arrests, Citations on Weekend Before Halloween
Isla Vista saw a rise in arrests, citations, and medical calls the weekend before Halloween with Lt. Joe Schmidt of the Isla Vista Foot Patrol calling it the most active weekend since the Santa Barbara City College academic year started in August. As Halloween approaches, law enforcement and community organizers...
Hot Wednesday, cooling begins Thursday
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - Breezy offshore winds and hot temperatures continue Wednesday before a brief cooling trend begins Thursday. Ventura County's wind advisory expires 4pm Tuesday but its Red Flag Warning and Heat Advisory continue through Wednesday evening. Weaker offshore winds and a small low pressure...
Community Organizers react to recent ICE activity
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. Community Organizers wants people to know about recent immigration enforcement in the Santa Barbara area. They have posted videos to social media. Chelsea Lancaster said nonprofits have confirmed that local residents have been taken off the streets. Lancaster and other immigration activists...
Melodee Buzzard Disappearance: What we know
It’s been two weeks since an investigation was launched into the unexplained disappearance of 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard of Santa Barbara County. Melodee was reported missing after administrators from the Lompoc Unified School District noted her prolonged absence, with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office...
Santa Barbara renters rally for rent control at city hall
The organization CAUSE says workers, including teachers and healthcare professionals, are being priced out of the Santa Barbara housing market.
