Santa Barbara County

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

Latest stories

News · California

Goleta Union scores stay steady as racial gaps persist

Schools

Goleta Union’s 2025-26 test scores remained steady overall, while results continued to differ among racial groups.

Santa Barbara County California DeskSep 25, 2026

News · California

Santa Barbara chief deputy appointed association leader

Police, fire and courts

A chief deputy with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office has been appointed to lead the California Peace Officers Association.

Santa Barbara County California DeskSep 24, 2026

News · California

Santa Barbara districts weigh classroom air-conditioning costs

Around town

Local school districts are considering the cost of installing air conditioning in every classroom as hot conditions raise questions about learning spaces.

Santa Barbara County California DeskSep 16, 2026

News · California

SBCC Names Building and Gym for Goldberg and O’Connor

Local sports

The Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees named two campus facilities for Michael A. Goldberg and Kathleen “Kathy” O’Connor.

Santa Barbara County California DeskSep 16, 2026

News · California

California Man Pleads Guilty in Courthouse Bombing

Police, fire and courts

A California man pleaded guilty to bombing the Santa Barbara County courthouse after law enforcement seized his firearms.

Santa Barbara County California DeskSep 15, 2026

News · California

Air pollution board seeks attorney applicants

Around town

The Air Pollution Control hearing board is seeking applicants for an attorney position.

Santa Barbara County California DeskSep 12, 2026

News · California

Santa Barbara Unified Expands E-Bike Program for 2026-27

Schools

Santa Barbara Unified is expanding student e-bike safety efforts and its campus permit program for the 2026-27 school year.

Santa Barbara County California DeskSep 12, 2026

News · California

Sneddon speaks at Santa Barbara Labor Day picnic

Around town

Santa Barbara mayoral candidate Sneddon told attendees at a Democratic Party Labor Day picnic that the city should keep moving forward.

Santa Barbara County California DeskSep 9, 2026

News · California

Santa Barbara Fire Captain, Search Dog Honored for Venezuela Response

Around town

A Santa Barbara County Fire captain and a search dog received honors for their response to an earthquake in Venezuela.

Santa Barbara County California DeskSep 7, 2026

News · California

Gun store opening next to day care raises local rules question

Around town

A new gun store next to a day care has opened a debate over whether California town rules should change.

Santa Barbara County California DeskSep 5, 2026

News · California

More Solar Panels on the Horizon for Santa Barbara County

Around town

A report points to possible additional solar development, but the project, approval status and timeline are not identified.

Santa Barbara County California DeskSep 5, 2026

News · California