Local News for Santa Barbara

Council Rejects Proposed Competing Initiative on Building Heights

The vote means that in November 2009, Santa Barbara residents will vote on just one measure.

Counselors Replace Firefighters on the Front Lines in Wake of Tea Fire

The Red Cross and Jewish Family Service offer free counseling to residents reeling from the effects of loss.

Sheriff Says 10 People Thought to be Responsible for Tea Fire

A multiagency probe and an anonymous tip leads investigators to a Tea House bonfire the night before the blaze started.

California Delegation Calls for Federal Aid in Wake of Fires

The Bush administration is urged to grant resources to assist communities affected by the Tea Fire and other blazes.

Some Races Remain Close as County’s Vote-Counting Continues

Voter turnout in Santa Barbara County is at 82.55 percent, with 8,500 ballots yet to be counted.

Santa Barbara Veterans for Peace Honored for Work on Memorial

The local chapter took the lead in creating an Arlington West memorial of the Iraq War.

Tea Fire Burn Victims Still Critical But Expected to Survive

Relatives say Santa Barbara couple Lance and Carla Hoffman remain unconscious and on life support.

Teen Suspect Arrested on Arson Charges Related to Gap Fire

The 16-year-old is in custody in the Santa Barbara County juvenile detention facility in Santa Maria.

From Westmont to the Riviera, Fire Families Are Touched by Community

The memories of what was lost hit even closer to home for Westmont professor Russell Smelley

VAI’s Don Oparah Helping Advise Governor on Supporting Entrepreneurs

The head of UCSB's Venture Acceleration Initiative is speaking at a conference in Los Angeles this week.

Tea Fire Contained; Officials Seek Public’s Help in Investigation

Most of the mandatory evacuation-order areas have been reopened to residents.

Investigators Determine the Cause of Tea Fire to Be Human Related

An area of origin also has been determined, but officials are seeking more information from the public.

County to Begin Preparing for Winter Floods in Tea Fire Burn Areas

Just weeks after treating Gap Fire areas in Goleta, Public Works officials turn their attention to hillsides in Santa Barbara and Montecito.

Goleta Planners to Consider Proposed Haskell’s Landing Project

Plans call for 101-unit residential development on 14.46 acres in the city's Ellwood area.

Firefighters Closing In on Tea Fire Containment

Crews corral 95 percent of the $4.9 million fire; full containment is expected by 6 p.m. Monday.

Severely Burned Couple Fights for Life

Grandfather says pair was overtaken by flash fire while trying to flee their East Mountain Drive cottage.

Officials List Addresses Destroyed in Tea Fire

Public's help sought in determining fire's cause. A preliminary estimate tallies 210 homes burned as more evacuation orders are lifted.

Victims Try to Come to Grips With Loss in Wake of Montecito Blaze

Many evacuees, including a Santa Barbara planning commissioner, have lost their homes. Others are left to wait and wonder.

Montecito Fire Update: Residents Urged to Keep Their Guard Up

An elderly evacuee dies. No new evacuation orders have been issued, but officials say residents south of APS and west of Mission Canyon need to be ready to go on a moment’s notice.

210 Homes Destroyed in Tea Fire

Firefighters are switching gears into recovery mode. Officials have started lifting some evacuation orders.

Group’s Past Chairmen SCORE Highly for Work on Behalf of Business

Jerry Harter, Silvio DiLoreto and the local chapter of SCORE have helped pave the way for entrepreneurs and small-business owners.

Former Hope School Principal Patrick Plamondon Found Dead in Jail

The Sheriff's Department says he had been in custody for violating a restraining order.

Housing Authority Reopens Affordable Apartments in Isla Vista

The renovated units are near where families were evicted last year for an upscale student development.

Alleged Leader of Prostitution Ring Arrested After 10 Years On the Run

Susan Mangan, who had eluded authorities since 1998, was found living in Oakland under several aliases.

Santa Barbara Surfers Riding High After a Successful Start

The Santa Barbara High School Dons make a big splash in the first of a series of contests.

Voter Turnout in Santa Barbara County Already at Record High

Turnout is at 81.62 percent, with about 27,000 ballots yet to be counted and some races still too close to call.

City Ordinance Committee Denies Plan to Crack Down on RV Parking

But the Santa Barbara panel wants to see a watered-down version to ban dwellers near schools, parks and recreational facilities.

Women’s Economic Ventures Selected as Partner for Maria Shriver Program

The California first lady's WE Invest is a new statewide women's economic empowerment initiative.

Goleta Planners Put Out Welcome Mat for Camino Real Hotel

After deliberating issues ranging from architecture to stormwater runoff, the commission approves the plan.

Plight of the Poor Hits Close to Home in Santa Barbara

This week, city committees will take up RV parking on streets, panhandling and other homelessness issues.

UCSB’s Ocean Road Housing Project Draws Criticism

Some speakers question the project's timing with the Long Range Development Plan; other concerns center on affordability, sustainability and outreach.