Santa Barbara County

Openings, closings, alerts and local government updates across Santa Barbara County, California.

Latest stories

News · California

Heat Cited as Likely Cause of Runner Hospitalizations

Health

A California health department said heat was the likely reason runners were hospitalized during a race.

Santa Barbara County California DeskNov 10, 2026

News · California

Police Investigate After 19 Half Marathon Runners Hospitalized

Police, fire and courts

Police are investigating what they describe as suspicious circumstances after 19 runners were taken to hospitals following a Santa Barbara half marathon.

Santa Barbara County California DeskNov 9, 2026

News · California

Stabbing reported at Coal Oil Point Reserve near Isla Vista

Police, fire and courts

A stabbing was reported at Coal Oil Point Reserve near Isla Vista in Santa Barbara County.

Santa Barbara County California DeskNov 6, 2026

News · California

Firefighters Respond to Vegetation Fire Near Hope Ranch

Police, fire and courts

Santa Barbara firefighters responded to a vegetation fire near the Hope Ranch landmark known as the “Volcano.”

Santa Barbara County California DeskNov 4, 2026

News · California

What’s at Stake in Santa Barbara’s 2026 School Board Race

Schools

The 2026 Santa Barbara Unified election will come as the district enters a period described as the post-Maldonado era.

Santa Barbara County California DeskNov 2, 2026

News · California

Goleta School Board Member Plans to Leave After 45 Years

Schools

A longtime Goleta school board member is preparing to end 45 years of service, Noozhawk reports.

Santa Barbara County California DeskNov 1, 2026

News · California

Student Injured During ICE Detention Near Santa Maria High

Schools

A U.S. citizen student with disabilities was injured during an ICE detention near Santa Maria High School.

Santa Barbara County California DeskOct 28, 2026

News · California

What to check before voting on local measures

Around town

Voters should review the exact wording and official election materials for each local measure on their ballot.

Santa Barbara County California DeskOct 28, 2026

News · California

Lompoc Unified Dashboard Reports Better 2026 Results

Schools

Lompoc Unified’s 2026 California School Dashboard shows fewer suspensions, a graduation rate above the state rate, and English learner gains.

Santa Barbara County California DeskOct 28, 2026

News · California

ICE Detains U.S. Citizen Student Near Santa Maria High

Schools

ICE detained a special-needs student who is a U.S. citizen near Santa Maria High School, the headline reports.

Santa Barbara County California DeskOct 24, 2026

News · California

Santa Barbara County APCD Launches Prescribed Burns Map

Around town

The online map is designed to help residents track planned prescribed fires and air-quality information in Santa Barbara County.

Santa Barbara County California DeskOct 23, 2026

News · California

Santa Maria-Bonita School District Earns Golden Bell Award

Schools

The Santa Maria-Bonita School District has received a Golden Bell Award, recognizing work by the local school system.

Santa Barbara County California DeskOct 22, 2026

News · California

NWS issues Friday red-flag warning for County mountains

Around town

The National Weather Service has issued a red-flag warning for Friday in the interior County mountains.

Santa Barbara County California DeskOct 16, 2026

News · California

Five Dons Set for Santa Barbara High Wall of Fame

Schools

The Santa Barbara High School Alumni Association will induct five Dons into its 2026 Wall of Fame.

Santa Barbara County California DeskOct 16, 2026

News · California

Candidates Face Off in Santa Maria School Board Forum

Schools

Candidates for Santa Maria-Bonita and high school boards met at a forum to discuss the local school races.

Santa Barbara County California DeskOct 10, 2026

News · California

Goleta schools see enrollment decline over decade

Schools

Goleta school enrollment has fallen significantly over the past 10 years, putting the long-term trend in focus.

Santa Barbara County California DeskOct 6, 2026

News · California

Santa Barbara Community Invited to Join MADD 3K Walk

Around town

The Move with MADD 3K Walk is inviting Santa Barbara residents to take part in an event focused on safer roads.

Santa Barbara County California DeskOct 6, 2026

News · California

Philibosian calls for higher test scores in school board bid

Schools

Santa Barbara Unified School Board hopeful Mark Philibosian is focusing his campaign message on improving student test scores.

Santa Barbara County California DeskOct 6, 2026