Santa Barbara News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

A cannabis company in Carpinteria, Bosim 1628 Management, is suing Santa Barbara County after supervisors denied their request for a year-long extension to install odor-controlling carbon scrubbers — a decision Bosim says violated county rules and ignored staff recommendations. The company argues it was making progress on critical electrical upgrades but faced delays from the power company and sup...

Santa Barbara’s new rent control proposal is stirring fierce backlash from property owners—many seniors—who call it financial elder abuse, threatening decades of hard-earned security. Critics warn it could backfire by pulling units off the market, risking fines or demolition for non-compliant rentals, and draining funds from public services like police and libraries. Meanwhile, a separate story hi...

California just poured $15 million into CHIRP, a vital program helping unaccompanied immigrant kids navigate school, housing, and the legal system without their parents — a lifeline that nearly vanished from the budget before advocates fought to save it. With funding secured until 2029, CHIRP will support nearly 100 children in the Tri-County area and many more across the state, offering not just...

Iconic Pea Soup Andersen’s site gets the wrecking ball — but not all of it. The Buellton City Council approved demolition of most of the historic property due to safety risks and rampant vandalism, though the original Bueltmore Hotel will be preserved. The owner must sign off and salvage key artifacts like painted signs and stained glass before work begins. Meanwhile, council members tackled traff...

Heather Lea Sommers Hanly lived life to the fullest, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and simple joys. A proud Santa Barbara native and UC Santa Barbara Spanish graduate, she turned her passion for people into a fulfilling banking career before returning to the Santa Ynez Valley she called home. Her heart belonged to her three sons, Donlon, Jordan, and Clayton — men she cherished and cel...

In 1978, a powerful quake rattled Southern California—shaking for a full minute and causing chaos from Goleta to LA. Stores were wrecked, windows shattered, and even the airport terminal leaned dangerously. Landslides blocked roads, mobile homes were destroyed, and a two-foot crack split the ground near the airport. UCSB suffered too, with ten buildings damaged and $3.4 million in repairs needed—p...

A 71-year-old registered nurse in Santa Barbara is facing 77 felony charges, including theft and embezzlement, for allegedly running an unlicensed in-home care operation that preyed on elderly clients since 2019. Federal and state agencies are involved, and accusations include tax evasion and unpaid payroll taxes. Marquis, a veteran nurse with decades of experience, has pleaded not guilty and is o...

CAL FIRE San Luis Obispo is set to ignite a controlled burn near Santa Margarita this Friday to tackle the invasive yellow star thistle—before it goes to seed—boosting native grasses and reducing wildfire fuel. This strategic move also addresses environmental, economic, and safety concerns tied to the thistle’s spread. Residents and travelers along Highway 57, Pozo Road, and Highway 101 should exp...

Scammers are back with a terrifying twist: fake arrest warrant calls from “law enforcement” demanding instant payment via Zelle or Venmo. Spoofed caller IDs make them look legit, but the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office confirms they’ll NEVER call you to demand cash for a warrant. Hang up immediately, don’t send money or share details, and always verify by calling the agency directly using...

Get ready to sing along as OEA Theatrical brings Lionel Bart’s beloved musical ‘Oliver!’ to life in San Luis Obispo — a dazzling, full-scale production featuring over 50 performers spanning all ages, with jaw-dropping sets, costumes, lighting, and choreography. This is professional-level theater at its finest, giving local talent a major stage to shine. Don’t miss your chance — only three shows le...

Northern Branch Jail just earned top honors—official accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care—marking a major milestone in delivering world-class healthcare behind bars. The rigorous review covered everything from chronic disease management and emergency response to mental health and record-keeping, proving they meet national standards. Sheriff’s Office credits the cu...

After years of persistence and collaboration, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians triumphantly reclaimed sacred ancestral remains and cultural items from Harvard and Yale’s Peabody Museums — a historic repatriation made possible by NAGPRA. The items, carefully transported over multiple days, arrived at the tribe’s museum on June 27, marking a powerful step toward healing and cultural restoratio...

This Saturday, July 25th, Santa Barbara Humane is hosting a free car show at their Santa Maria Campus from 10 AM to 2 PM, featuring classic and custom rides from Los Viejitos Car Club — all to raise funds for their Community Pet Pantry and shelter animals. Bring donations like pet food, litter, and toys to help struggling pet owners. Plus, enjoy a walk-up vet vaccine clinic and 50% off adoption fe...

The Dam Dinner is back this Saturday, August 15th, from 4–7 PM at Lake Los Carneros Dam — a scenic, chill spot for picnics, live bluegrass from the Salt Martians, face painting, and even free bike valet service. New this year: Cycling Without Age offers rides for all, and the Goleta Valley Library Bookvan will be there. Don’t forget to ditch single-use plastics and wear comfy shoes — no pets, but...

Kitten season is here, and Woods Humane Society is overflowing with adorable furballs—35 ready for adoption, 53 in foster care. This weekend, July 10–12, grab a two-for-one kitten adoption deal (normally $150 each, now you get two for that price). Plus, they’re recruiting fosters—offer food, supplies, vet care, and even booths at Lemos Feed & Pet Supply in Morro Bay and Atascadero on July 11, 10 A...

California’s rolling out a big cash push for rideshare drivers to go electric—up to $20,000 for new EVs and $14,000 for used ones, plus four years of free charging. Targeted at high-mileage drivers earning less, the RIDE program aims to slash emissions and is funded by a small fee rideshare riders already pay. First phase launches this fall, with phase two potentially including autonomous vehicles...

This Sunday, July 19th, witness the enchanting “Magical Mystical Karaoke Tour” at The New Vic Theatre in Santa Barbara — a groundbreaking theater show starring actors with disabilities, blending laughter, music, and audience magic. Founded by the Down Syndrome Association of Santa Barbara County, Open Stage Theater Group empowers performers through improvisation, confidence-building, and joyful co...

Kathryn Rohrer, a seasoned legal and nonprofit strategist with deep roots in Los Olivos, has joined Solvang Theaterfest’s Board of Directors — a major boost as the theater gears up for a jam-packed season. With her grant-writing chops and passion for community, she’s poised to help preserve Solvang’s historic theater while expanding its cultural offerings. Summer’s Music in the Garden Series alrea...

E-bike crashes at Dos Pueblos High are sparking safety alarms as students race down dangerous roads without licenses or proper training. After a student was hit by a car two years ago, officials vow to act — proposing road improvements, safety education, and removing a tree blocking drivers’ views. Meanwhile, former Santa Maria attorney Debbie Morawski got six years in prison and must repay nearly...

Get ready for a beach volleyball showdown this Sunday at East Beach as the Santa Barbara Open kicks off with elite talent and legacy on the line. Defending champs Kyle Baily and Cole Aidnik return as men’s second seeds, while Olympic legend Todd Rogers coaches top-seeded women’s duo Elise Lenahan and Logan Walter. Local stars like Dylan Foreman and Troy Fitzgerald, plus San Marcos High seniors Mat...

California just poured $15 million into a vital program helping unaccompanied immigrant children under 18—kids who cross the border alone and need more than just legal aid. This funding, championed by Assemblymember Gregg Hart, supports a holistic network offering housing, food, mental health care, and legal guidance to navigate the U.S. immigration system. With enforcement actions intensifying an...

Local baker Mary Gonzalez stunned CookieCon judges with her Santa Barbara postcard cookie, snagging third place in the “Anything Goes” category — and she flew it all the way to Florida in her carry-on! Her intricate frosting masterpiece, complete with palm trees, the Mission, and three dimensional cookies on top, was later sealed in resin to preserve the win. Meanwhile, West Marine’s Santa Barbara...

The J/70 National Championship is heating up in Santa Barbara, with 38 sleek 22-foot sailboats from across the country, including New York, battling for top honors. With fierce competition, unpredictable winds, and a possible start time shift to squeeze in more races, crews like CAKE, 3 Big Dogs, and DJ — skippered by seasoned pros and college stars — are pushing their limits. Racing unfolds in th...

The Santa Barbara County Fair is buzzing with youthful energy as 4-H and FFA members showcase their livestock and compete in thrilling showmanship events, culminating in the high-stakes Champion Drive for the Supreme Champion title. Exhibitors like Cal Poly student Kayce Van Horn reveal how FFA builds vital life skills that fuel their academic and career dreams, while others, like Francisco Velasq...

Get ready for Lompoc’s Old Town Market — six electrifying Friday nights of local flavor, live music, food, drinks, and free kid fun, kicking off July 5th. This summer’s lineup is packed: kick off with performing arts and a car cruise, then dive into Family Fun Night, savor Hispanic Heritage with Mariachi, groove to Rockabilly vibes, check out Public Safety gear, and cap it off with a patriotic bas...