Since Santa Barbara County is already sweltering like it’s summer, now’s an ideal time to introduce Noozhawk’s annual ParentNooz Summer Camp Guide, your go-to resource for discovering the best local youth camps and activities.
From outdoor adventures and sports to arts, academics and specialty programs, the guide brings together a wide range of options for kids of all ages and interests.
Whether you’re looking for a full summer schedule or just a few weeks of fun, you’ll find everything you need in one place.
Click here to explore the guide and start building a summer your kids will love.
And if you don’t see your favorite camp or organization, or you have one to advertise, please contact sales and marketing director Sheridan Taphorn or her team: Claudia Delgado, Jasmin Frausto and Justin Souza. They are here to help!
I don’t have to tell you that the region’s recent hot streak has been a record-setting one. At least it’s been a dry heat — my favorite kind.
Noozhawk’s traffic has also been sizzling, with an audience of 148,847 readers this past week, according to our WordPress analytics.
What follows is my own take on the Top 5 stories you were reading over the last seven days, as tracked by our Google analytics.
As a reminder, this is my opinion column. It is not a news story.
1. In-N-Out Burger Returns with Plan for New Buellton Site
In-N-Out Burger may finally be headed to Buellton, with a new proposal unveiled March 13 at the Santa Ynez Valley Economic Summit in Solvang.
As our Janene Scully reported, City of Buellton officials announced that the popular chain has reapplied to build at a new site —on vacant land along McMurray Road, north of Rufus T. Buell Drive — between Highway 101 and Firestone Walker Brewing Company.
Many of you will recall that a previous proposal was rejected in 2023 over traffic concerns.
“We’ll see where it goes,” said City Manager Scott Wolfe, adding that company representatives listened to the concerns and addressed them in the application.
The revised plan will be reviewed by the Buellton Planning Commission on April 2.
The summit, organized by the Solvang Chamber of Commerce and attended by about 100 people, highlighted economic trends throughout the valley.
Solvang City Manager Randy Murphy said tourism remains strong, with higher-income visitors increasingly choosing his city for multinight stays centered on dining and wine tasting.
Speakers also addressed housing, nonprofit work and regional development, underscoring both growth and ongoing challenges.
The event doubled as a farewell to longtime Solvang chamber executive director Tracy Beard, who has retired after more than a decade of leadership.
Civic leaders and elected officials praised her lasting impact on the valley’s business community life.
2. SLO County Coroner Finds Goleta-Area Couple Died of Carbon-Monoxide Poisoning
After weeks of mystery and speculation, San Luis Obispo County authorities have determined that Kristen and Jay Ruskey died of accidental carbon-monoxide poisoning.
The Goleta-area couple, owners of Good Land Organics, was discovered unresponsive Feb. 8 at a private residence in Cambria.
The cause of death had remained unclear pending toxicology results.
As our Giana Magnoli reported, the San Luis Obispo County sheriff’s Coroner’s Office said the 53-year-old Ruskey died from the toxic effects of carbon monoxide, while the death of his 49-year-old wife was attributed to carbon monoxide and ethyl alcohol.
Investigators said a dual smoke and carbon-monoxide detector was found in the room but had been disconnected.
The Ruskeys were widely known and respected in the Santa Barbara County agricultural community.
They are survived by their three children, 19-year-old daughter Kasurina and 16-year-old twin sons Aiden and Sean.
As of March 20, a GoFundMe campaign organized by friends had raised more than $183,000 to help support the family. Click here to make an online donation.
3. Santa Barbara, Santa Maria Areas ‘Smash’ Daily Heat Records
A string of record-breaking temperatures has roasted Santa Barbara County this past week, with Santa Maria setting its third consecutive daily heat record by noon March 19.
Our Nick Forselles, Daniel Green, Giana Magnoli and Evelyn Spence have led Noozhawk’s team coverage of the heat wave, which the National Weather Service expects to ease — slightly — over the weekend.
A heat advisory remains in effect countywide until 8 p.m. March 20, with temperatures expected to reach the upper 80s and low 90s, according to the weather service.
Weather service meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld said temperatures should drop 5 to 10 degrees starting March 21, although above-average warmth is likely to persist into next week.
The unusual March heat is being driven by a strong high-pressure system, similar to summertime conditions.
Officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity and check on vulnerable populations during the heat.
Click here for the complete weather service forecast.
4. Harbor Restaurant, City Settle Lawsuit Over Stearns Wharf Rent, Lease Terms
After months of legal sparring, the City of Santa Barbara and The Harbor Restaurant have reached a settlement resolving a dispute over rent and lease terms at the Stearns Wharf property.
The restaurant’s owners sued the city in December, arguing the lease imposed “unconscionable” rent amid changing economic conditions, while city attorneys had called the claims meritless and sought dismissal.
Following mediation, both sides agreed to settle outstanding rent issues, credit certain capital improvements and restructure the lease terms.
The agreement includes an interim rent set at 10% of gross receipts and paves the way for a future market-rate lease comparable to other waterfront tenants.
City Administrator Kelly McAdoo and restaurant co-owner John Thyne III said the settlement allows both sides to move forward collaboratively.
The Harbor Restaurant — owned by Thyne and his wife, Olesya, and business partners Carolina Jimenez and Gene Sanchez — has undergone substantial updates since 2021.
Officials said the deal supports ongoing redevelopment efforts and aims to restore the wharf as a vibrant destination for locals and visitors.
5. BizHawk: Home Plate Grill in Goleta Playing Its Final Inning
Home Plate Grill is down to its last out, with the longtime Goleta restaurant set to close March 31 after 10 years in business.
As our Daniel Green reported, the restaurant — located at 7398 Calle Real, Suite C, in the back of a quiet neighborhood shopping center behind a 7-Eleven — announced the news in an Instagram post.
“Serving you has meant so much to us, and we are grateful for every visit, meal and memory shared here,” the post said.
The message was signed by head chef Ken Johnston and his sister-in-law, Amanda Johnston, along with staff.
The Johnstons said they chose not to renew their lease, bringing the popular spot’s run to an end.
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Good Reads
Check out these six stories before you go:
» Child Dies, Mother Critically Injured After Being Hit by Car in Santa Maria — North County editor Janene Scully is following a tragic collision in Santa Maria that killed a 1-year-old and left her mom hospitalized in critical condition.
» Woman Suffers Burn Injuries in Santa Barbara Apartment Fire — Executive editor Giana Magnoli and photographer Peter Hartmann were on the scene of an awful apartment fire on Santa Barbara’s Lower Eastside. The victim is in critical condition at UCLA Health Regional Burn Center in West Hills.
» Task Force Set to Take to the Streets to Crack Down on Unpermitted Food Vendors — Staff writer Daniel Green sinks his teeth into a coming crackdown on the illegal, unpermitted, unlicensed and nontaxpaying makeshift kitchens that pop up all over Santa Barbara County when the sun goes down. Yeah, I’ve seen the grease dumped in the gutters by some of these operators and am not a fan.
» Goleta Council Gives Final Approval to Shelby Residential Housing Project — Noozhawk wasn’t even born when the 56-home Shelby Residential Project was first proposed in Goleta. Staff writer Pricila Flores is on hand for the final approval.
» Convicted Rapist Arian Eteghaei Pleads Not Guilty in Escape Attempt — Staff writer Rebecca Caraway is still not done chasing the story of runaway convicted rapist Arian Eteghaei.
» SBCC Athletics Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Class, Induction Ceremony — Sports editor Diego Sandoval names names for the Santa Barbara City College Athletics Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.
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Last Year on Noozhawk
What was our most-read story this time last year? Santa Barbara Pays 2 Department Heads Nearly $800,000 in Employment Settlements.
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Bill Macfadyen’s Story of the Week
Yeah, the whole “Women Supporting Women” movement did a big old soccer flop on this one: 5th Member of Iran Women’s Soccer Team Reverses Request for Asylum in Australia After Family Goes Missing.
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Best of Bill’s Instagram
My Instagram feed is one big #latergram this past week.
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Watch It
My favorite part is the nicker of exasperation. All moms can relate. HT to Best of Bill reader Connie Crawford.
