Santa Barbara News-Press — Local News for Santa Barbara County

Fire breaks out at VeloPro bike store near Upper State Street

Fire breaks out at VeloPro bike store near Upper State Street

Four employees were in the store when the fire broke out, said VeloPro employee Ben Kreitzer. No one was injured.

by Julianna Lozada Nov. 15November 15, 2026

Santa Barbara County · Election 2026

The count

Live election results for local races, statewide offices and ballot measures.

Live updates

Election night coverage and analysis

The context

Reporting, interviews and key moments from election night across Santa Barbara County.

Latest Stories

California officials face growing problem of homeless seniors

California officials face growing problem of homeless seniors

by Madeline Shannon • The Center Square Nov. 15

Photo essay: El Niño-driven waves cause dramatic spectacle at Santa Barbara Breakwater

Photo essay: El Niño-driven waves cause dramatic spectacle at Santa Barbara Breakwater

by Joshua Molina Nov. 15November 15, 2026

Big wins, big failures, big hopes on housing heading toward 2027

Big wins, big failures, big hopes on housing heading toward 2027

by Cory Jaynes • Capitol Weekly Nov. 15

Two people struck and killed in Ventura by Amtrak Pacific Surfliner headed for Goleta

Two people struck and killed in Ventura by Amtrak Pacific Surfliner headed for Goleta

by Julianna Lozada Nov. 14November 14, 2026

Insurance commissioner-elect pushes plan for homeowners

Insurance commissioner-elect pushes plan for homeowners

by Madeline Shannon • The Center Square Nov. 14

Daybreak from the News-Press

Santa Barbara County news, every weekday morning.

Your free, essential local briefing.

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Read Latest Edition Nov. 13 Flights at Santa Barbara Airport grounded

Government

Santa Barbara to buy Casa de la Raza building

Santa Barbara to buy Casa de la Raza building

by Joshua Molina Nov. 13November 13, 2026

Kristen Sneddon is Santa Barbara’s next mayor

Kristen Sneddon is Santa Barbara’s next mayor

by Julianna Lozada Nov. 12November 12, 2026

In the face of litigation, Santa Barbara City Council still opts to keep State Street closed to cars

In the face of litigation, Santa Barbara City Council still opts to keep State Street closed to cars

by Joshua Molina Nov. 11November 11, 2026

Education

Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy unveils its new 11,000-square-foot creative learning center

Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy unveils its new 11,000-square-foot creative learning center

by Julianna Lozada Nov. 12

Santa Barbara Education Foundation raises funds for local reading initiatives at annual ‘Love of Literacy’ luncheon

Santa Barbara Education Foundation raises funds for local reading initiatives at annual ‘Love of Literacy’ luncheon

by Julianna Lozada Nov. 9November 9, 2026

Santa Barbara City College loses millions of dollars from the decline of international student enrollment

Santa Barbara City College loses millions of dollars from the decline of international student enrollment

by Angel Corzo Nov. 8November 8, 2026

Housing

Friendship Manor senior community approved to move from Isla Vista to downtown Santa Barbara

Friendship Manor senior community approved to move from Isla Vista to downtown Santa Barbara

by Sofia Wallace Oct. 13October 26, 2026

Housing Notebook: Rent stabilization, vacation rental ordinances to go into effect Jan 2027, and more housing news

Housing Notebook: Rent stabilization, vacation rental ordinances to go into effect Jan 2027, and more housing news

by Sofia Wallace Oct. 8October 26, 2026

Santa Barbara officials, church leaders talk homelessness before winter cold season

Santa Barbara officials, church leaders talk homelessness before winter cold season

by Angel Corzo Nov. 7November 7, 2026

Environment

Sable Offshore Oil Corp in survival mode after Chevron stops buying its crude oil

Sable Offshore Oil Corp in survival mode after Chevron stops buying its crude oil

by Julianna Lozada Nov. 13November 13, 2026

Temperature drop, rain and large swell on deck for Santa Barbara

Temperature drop, rain and large swell on deck for Santa Barbara

by Aston Smith Nov. 13November 13, 2026

Cannabis lawsuits, odor complaints drag on in the Carpinteria Valley

Cannabis lawsuits, odor complaints drag on in the Carpinteria Valley

by Melinda Burns Nov. 11November 12, 2026

See the story

Santa Barbara County, in focus.

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Nov 15

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A fire broke out at the VeloPro bike store on Upper State Street around 12:15 p.m., according to store employees and the Santa Barbara Police Department.
Four employees were in the store when the fire broke out. No one was injured.
The fire was extinguished around 12:30 p.m., said Santa Barbara Police Department Betallion Chief Cory Cloud.

The cause of the fire is under investigation
The Santa Barbara Police Department, Santa Barbara Fire Department and Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded to the scene. Reporting and video by Julianna Lozada/Santa Barbara News-Press

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Nov 15

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El Nino-driven waves turned the Santa Barbara Breakwater into a destination spot for surfers this weekend. The Santa Barbar Harbor was also home for a college sailing event this weekend, with UCSB one of the participants. Check out photo essay at linkin.bio and newspress.com

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Nov 15

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It looks like the end is near for Santa Barbara’s iconic department store, Macy’s.

But it’s a new beginning for Santa Barbara and La Cumbre Plaza.

“I am very proud to be part of what is a transformative project in the city of Santa Barbara,” said developer Matthew Taylor. “This is my backyard. I grew up coming to this plaza.”

A 680-unit housing project at La Cumbre Plaza moved forward Monday night after a 7-hour hearing in front of the city’s Architectural Board of Review and staff hearing officer. The complex project involves the demolition of the Macy’s building and construction of the apartments at the site and in the surrounding parking lot area.

Read more at the link in bio.
Reporter: Joshua Molina
Video: Aston Smith

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Nov 11

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T-34 planes from the San Diego Salute flyover the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Santa Barbara Cemetery on Wednesday. Later, The Santa Barbara Choral Society sing, “America the Beautiful,” during the Veterans Day Ceremony. A large gathering of community members and veterans came out for the event on Wednesday presented by the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation. Check newspress.com later today for story.

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Nov 10

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News-Press reporter Angel Corzo was featured on NBC News Now to discuss mysterious hospitalizations following Santa Barbara Half Marathon.

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Nov 10

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Nearly a week after election night, the Santa Barbara mayoral race still hasn't been called. News-Press editor Joshua Molina explains why.

The signature verification process can take a while as if a signature doesn't match records the county elections office has on file, the office will send a letter to the individual asking for an identity verification. The county has to the certify the election within 30-days of the election day—meaning that individuals have to respond to the identity verification within that window for their ballot to be counted.

Video: Aston Smith & News-Press editor Joshua Molina

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Nov 9

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Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol is actively responding to a vessel fire off Butterfly Beach. More details to come.

[Update 1:48 p.m.] Montecito City Fire, Carpinteria and Summerland Fire, and AMR all also assisted in responding to the incident.

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Nov 4

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Take a look at the two biggest election night watch parties at SB Biergarten and Validation Ale in the Santa Barbara Funk Zone.

You can read more about election night at the link in bio.

Video: Aston Smith

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Nov 4

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Ricardo Valencia was optimistic about the results to Tuesday night's election, in an interview with News-Press reporter Tom Schultz. Valencia was leading Maribel Aguilera, according to early election results.

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Nov 4

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Maribel Aguilera, candidate for 5th District Santa Barbara County Supervisor, talks about her "journey" to News-Press reporter Tom Schultz. Aguilera was trailing Ricardo Valencia, according to early election results.

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Nov 4

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Devon Wardlow speaks with the News-Press after initial results show she leads City Council District 4 with 51.9% of the vote.

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Nov 4

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Watch: Gabe Escobedo speaks with the News-Press after winning 70% of the vote in City Council District 6.

More news

Macy’s set for demolition as 680-unit housing project in La Cumbre Plaza moves forward

Macy’s set for demolition as 680-unit housing project in La Cumbre Plaza moves forward

by Joshua Molina Nov. 10November 10, 2026

Santa Ynez Chumash seek to move prominent open space into federal trust

Santa Ynez Chumash seek to move prominent open space into federal trust

by Tom Schultz Nov. 1November 2, 2026

Family of 3-year-old struck on State Street shares update, calls for change

Family of 3-year-old struck on State Street shares update, calls for change

by Kaitlin Sweeney Nov. 1November 1, 2026

Santa Barbara Unified tightens consequences for racism, hate-motivated conduct following ‘blackface’ TikTok post

Santa Barbara Unified tightens consequences for racism, hate-motivated conduct following ‘blackface’ TikTok post

by Julianna Lozada Oct. 29October 29, 2026

Features

How social media became a campaign tool for Santa Barbara City Hall candidates

How social media became a campaign tool for Santa Barbara City Hall candidates

by Julianna Lozada and Sofia Wallace Nov. 1November 1, 2026

93-year-old beloved Vieja Valley crossing guard retires after more than 20 years

93-year-old beloved Vieja Valley crossing guard retires after more than 20 years

by Kaitlin Sweeney Nov. 2November 2, 2026

From house parties to festival stages, Don Jamal returns to Santa Barbara

From house parties to festival stages, Don Jamal returns to Santa Barbara

by Kaitlin Sweeney Nov. 7November 7, 2026

Karma is a cat that is rescued by a CHP officer

Karma is a cat that is rescued by a CHP officer

by Joshua Molina Oct. 17November 11, 2026

Voices

Should Santa Barbara’s golf courses give way to housing? Glen Annie tests that question

Should Santa Barbara’s golf courses give way to housing? Glen Annie tests that question

by Sean Petersen Nov. 10

Letter: Santa Barbara’s technology economy is a rerun from 1969

Letter: Santa Barbara’s technology economy is a rerun from 1969

by David Woodard Nov. 9

Letter: Santa Barbara Unified’s progress deserves recognition

Letter: Santa Barbara Unified’s progress deserves recognition

by William Banning Nov. 8November 8, 2026

Opinion: True leaders wanted

Opinion: True leaders wanted

By Cassandra Ensberg Nov. 2November 2, 2026

Eric Friedman: Santa Barbara’s future belongs to all of us

Eric Friedman: Santa Barbara’s future belongs to all of us

by Eric Friedman • Santa Barbara City Councilman Nov. 1November 1, 2026

Letter: Santa Barbara deserves better than tear-down politics

Letter: Santa Barbara deserves better than tear-down politics

by Barry Schoer Nov. 1November 2, 2026

Announcements

American Cancer Society’s Voices of Impact event to explore cancer care in Santa Barbara, Nov. 19

American Cancer Society’s Voices of Impact event to explore cancer care in Santa Barbara, Nov. 19

by Dr. Leonie H. Mattison Nov. 11

Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors fallen Air Force hero by paying off Santa Barbara Gold Star family’s mortgage on Veterans Day

Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors fallen Air Force hero by paying off Santa Barbara Gold Star family’s mortgage on Veterans Day

by Trevor Tamsen, Tunnel to Towers Foundation Nov. 11November 11, 2026

St. Vincent’s 16th Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon

St. Vincent’s 16th Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon

by Martha Santos Nov. 10November 11, 2026

Chumash Charity Golf Classic raises $240K for two nonprofits and school program

Chumash Charity Golf Classic raises $240K for two nonprofits and school program

by Sean Larsen Nov. 10November 11, 2026

Hospice of Santa Barbara: Understanding grief when a loved one dies by suicide

Hospice of Santa Barbara: Understanding grief when a loved one dies by suicide

by Jake Wong, Hospice of Santa Barbara Nov. 10November 11, 2026

Natural history books on sale to benefit Museum’s Library

Natural history books on sale to benefit Museum’s Library

by Jonah Gabriel Haas, Museum of Natural History Nov. 10November 11, 2026

Obituaries

Obituary: Merlyn Claude Snavely

Obituary: Merlyn Claude Snavely

Elizabeth Bartz, The Lake Funeral Home & Crematory Nov. 2November 8, 2026

Obituary: Raymond L. Janssen

Obituary: Raymond L. Janssen

Linda Janssen Oct. 29November 1, 2026

Obituary: Paula Pappas Myers

Obituary: Paula Pappas Myers

Demie Myers Oct. 26October 26, 2026

Obituary: Barbara A. (Casso) Sanchez

Obituary: Barbara A. (Casso) Sanchez

Jamie Casso Oct. 25October 26, 2026

Obituary: Dr. Karl N. Haws, Jr.

Obituary: Dr. Karl N. Haws, Jr.

by Jordan Webb Oct. 21October 26, 2026

Obituary: Scott Habermann

Obituary: Scott Habermann

Brett Habermann Oct. 19November 1, 2026

Obituary: Martha J. Osborne

Obituary: Martha J. Osborne

by Jennifer Osborne Oct. 15October 26, 2026

Obituary: Laurence R. “Larry” Pearson

Obituary: Laurence R. “Larry” Pearson

by Scott Pearson Oct. 15October 26, 2026

Obituary: Brian “Hawaiian Brian” Nelson

Obituary: Brian “Hawaiian Brian” Nelson

Marcia Nelson Oct. 9November 2, 2026

More News

Ventura terminates contract with Flock, looks to ban future installation of ALPR’s

Ventura terminates contract with Flock, looks to ban future installation of ALPR’s

by Aston Smith Nov. 13November 13, 2026

Flights at Santa Barbara Airport grounded as part of national stoppage

Flights at Santa Barbara Airport grounded as part of national stoppage

by Joshua Molina and Julianna Lozada Nov. 13November 13, 2026

Veterans, community members honor military personnel at Veterans Day Ceremony in Santa Barbara

Community

Veterans, community members honor military personnel at Veterans Day Ceremony in Santa Barbara

by Angel Corzo Nov. 11November 11, 2026

Santa Barbara approves new permitting rules for local massage therapists

Community

Santa Barbara approves new permitting rules for local massage therapists

by Sofia Wallace Nov. 11November 11, 2026

Exclusive: Santa Barbara Half Marathon runner: ‘am I going to be stuck like this forever?’

Community

Exclusive: Santa Barbara Half Marathon runner: ‘am I going to be stuck like this forever?’

by Angel Corzo and Kaitlin Sweeney Nov. 10November 11, 2026

Santa Barbara County Notebook: Fees, retirees and honorees

Government

Santa Barbara County Notebook: Fees, retirees and honorees

by Tom Schultz Nov. 10November 11, 2026

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