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According to our WordPress analytics, Noozhawk drew an audience of 117,651 readers this past week.
What follows is my own take on the Top 5 stories you were reading over that period, as tracked by our Google Analytics.
And by “my take,” I mean my opinion. I write this column in my civic capacity as Noozhawk’s publisher. It is not a news story.
1. New Laws Taking Effect in California in 2025
It’s January, which means Californians are facing a boatload of new laws — most of which we never knew we needed.
Sacramento knows no moderation when it comes to government, and the Legislature continued to go with quantity over quality, introducing a ridiculous total of 4,756 bills in the two-year session.
We asked our Daniel Green to sift through the stack of those that passed and give us the highlights. Bleary-eyed, he emerged from the thankless, Jenga-like task with a roundup worth reading.
One of the new laws I’ll be watching in Santa Barbara is Assembly Bill 413, introduced by Assembly member Alex Lee, D-Milpitas, with the votes of Assemblyman Gregg Hart, D-Santa Barbara, and state Sen. Monique Limón, D-Santa Barbara.
Intended to increase visibility, the bill makes it illegal to park within 20 feet of a crosswalk — including an “unmarked” crosswalk, whatever that means — or within 15 feet of a crosswalk with one of those cursed curb “bulb-outs” that the City of Santa Barbara is so fond of.
It remains to be seen whether that applies to unoccupied government vehicles like Santa Barbara MTD buses and U.S. Postal Service trucks. Santa Barbara police Parking Enforcement can contact me for specific locations of those chronic violators.
2. Goleta Pedestrian Dies After Vehicle Collision in Old Town
A 76-year-old Goleta man died hours after being hit by a vehicle while he was walking across Hollister Avenue in Old Town on Christmas Eve.
As our Rebecca Caraway reported, Santa Barbara County sheriff’s Sgt. Noel Rivas said Ricardo Hernandez and a companion were crossing Hollister near Magnolia Avenue around 7 p.m. when they were struck by a vehicle.
Hernandez suffered significant injuries and was unconscious at the scene when emergency crews arrived, Rivas said.
He and the other pedestrian were transported by American Medical Response ambulance to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
Hernandez succumbed to his injuries several hours later with his family at his side.
The identity and medical condition of the other victim were not available.
Rivas said the pedestrians were not in a marked crosswalk and the driver, who was traveling at an estimated 25 mph, reportedly failed to see them.
The driver remained at the scene, and Rivas said neither alcohol nor drugs appeared to be factors in the collision.
The sheriff’s Major Accident Response Team is investigating the circumstances of the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Senior Deputy Jeff Farmer at 805.961.7514.
3. BizHawk: Restaurants Rule in 2024 in Santa Barbara, But Retail Isn’t Dead Yet Dead
Our Josh Molina’s weekly BizHawk column often ends up in my Best of Bill Top 5 list of our most-read stories, and it nearly always makes the Top 10.
Perhaps Josh’s most popular column is his yearly BizHawk recap, which usually features a loaded menu of restaurant comings and goings.
This one is no different, starting with Shalhoob’s, which had both a coming and a going in 2024.
I won’t spoil your appetite for the rest of Josh’s report but it’s a delicious combination of old and new. Including some servings that are worth reheating.
Bon appétit!
4. Critically Injured Driver in Fatal Crash Near Lompoc Transferred to Stanford
A Vandenberg Village woman is fighting for her life at Stanford Medical Center following a deadly Dec. 24 head-on collision on Highway 1 just south of Constellation Road .
As our Janene Scully reported, Krissy “Joni” Partlow suffered severe injuries, including facial fractures and traumatic brain injury, in the wreck.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Partlow was driving north on the four-lane highway when her 2007 Honda Odyssey minivan was struck by a southbound 1998 Jaguar XJR that had crossed the center dirt median after the driver lost control as he entered the sharp curve to the right.
The Jaguar’s driver, 19-year-old Asher Tenud of Santa Maria, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 10 a.m. crash.
Partlow’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the mother of four, who faces extensive facial reconstruction surgery. The fundraiser had collected more than $15,000 as of Jan. 3.
“We still don’t know when she’ll get out and how long her recovery will be,” Partlow’s daughter, Sandra, wrote on the GoFundMe page, which seeks help with medical expenses and family support during recovery.
Click here to make an online donation.
After the collision, a Santa Barbara County helicopter initially was called to airlift Partlow to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
Due to the severity of her injuries, however, an American Medical Response ambulance rushed her to Lompoc Valley Medical Center. She later was transferred to Stanford.
A GoFundMe account also was established to assist Tenud’s family with funeral expenses. As of Jan. 3, the site had raised more than $27,000. Click here to make an online donation.
5. Tom Modugno: Weather Wrecks World War II POW Camp Tower on Gaviota Coast
The last visible remnant of a little-known World War II prisoner of war camp on the Gaviota coast succumbed to strong winds on Christmas Eve, erasing a unique piece of Santa Barbara County history.
As local historian Tom Modugno reported on his Goleta History website, the camp’s water tower was the final structure standing at the site, which once housed 250 German POWs.
The ramshackle platform collapsed during the severe weather that spawned destructive wind gusts throughout the county on Dec. 24.
The Edwards Ranch camp, built in 1944 near Naples, about 3½ miles west of Goleta, was notably different from typical prison camps.
POWs enjoyed ocean views, sports facilities, a library, theater, and even took swimming breaks with their guards.
Many worked on local farms, helping area agriculture during wartime labor shortages.
“The camp at Edwards Ranch was like a resort compared to most prison camps,” Modugno wrote.
In fact, he said, several former prisoners returned to settle permanently in the area after the war ended in 1945.
The camp’s buildings were destroyed by a wildfire in the 1970s, leaving only the water tower as a historical marker until last month’s winds brought it down.
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Good Reads
Check out these six stories before you go:
» Dos Pueblos High School Teacher Dies After Fall While Hiking in Greece — Staff writer Rebecca Caraway has the absolutely heartbreaking story of Clara Thomann and her unborn baby son. Prayers for her family and wide circle of friends at Dos Pueblos High School and the Santa Barbara School of Squash.
» District Attorney Charges Trio in Santa Maria Fatal Shooting — Rebecca follows up on the alleged murder of a 20-year-old Santa Maria man in early December.
» Sansum Clinic, Anthem Reach Agreement on Health Plan Coverage for 2025 — Executive editor Giana Magnoli delivers some welcome news for Sansum Clinic clients.
» Waller Park Pony Rides Provide Decades of Memories — North County editor Janene Scully saddles up for a joy ride.
» Ken Verkler of Solvang, 1948-2024 — Ken Verkler was a prominent Santa Ynez Valley businessman, former Solvang mayor and all-around community good guy. Rest in peace.
» Luke Zuffelato Hits Game-Winner, Santa Barbara High Basketball Defeats Tucson, 53-52 — Sports editor Diego Sandoval is on a roll with the Santa Barbara High Dons, who have become quite a powerhouse tournament team.
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Last Year on Noozhawk
What was our most-read story this time last year? High Tides, Big Waves Pound Santa Barbara County Coastline.
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What I’m Up To
Although I’m not looking for a free meal, I occasionally do have free time if you’re looking for a speaker for your club, group or organization and want to hear more about Noozhawk. Email me at wmacfadyen@noozhawk.com.
- Jan. 7 — I’ll be sharing Noozhawk’s story and discussing the future of local news — and local news in Santa Barbara County — with my friends at the Minerva Club of Santa Maria. The Minerva is one of the oldest, continuously operating women’s clubs in California and a community treasure since 1894.
- Jan. 16. — I’m looking forward to speaking with the Rotary Club of Los Olivos although I expect some hectoring from past club president Dave Bemis, one of my closest friends. He’s not just a Santa Ynez Valley Foundation 2024 Champion of the Valley but a former longtime colleague so I really have to bring my “A” game.
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Bill Macfadyen’s Story of the Week
A Legend of the West and the ultimate escape artist: How Geronimo Eluded Death and Capture for 25 Years.
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Best of Bill’s Instagram
My Instagram feed this past week is all about last year, including the Best of Bill #top9 photos, a late delivery of #mailboxesofmontecito2024 and a #bestofbillrecommendation Coconut Ice Cream Snowball in melted fudge sauce.
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Watch It
Paws up in adorable self defense. HT to Best of Bill reader Kristin Castle.
