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Eric Friedman leads Kristen Sneddon in tight race for Santa Barbara mayor

Government

Eric Friedman leads Kristen Sneddon in tight race for Santa Barbara mayor

The early lead shows Friedman, who opposes rent stabilization and advocates for the re-opening of cars on State Street, has built a strong following among Santa Barbara voters

by Sofia Wallace and Kaitlin Sweeney Nov. 3November 4, 2026

Latest Stories

After grueling campaign, Devon Wardlow wins election in Santa Barbara City Council District 4

After grueling campaign, Devon Wardlow wins election in Santa Barbara City Council District 4

by Julianna Lozada and Angel Corzo Nov. 3November 4, 2026

Ian Baucke dominates District 5, wins City Council seat

Ian Baucke dominates District 5, wins City Council seat

by Sofia Wallace Nov. 3November 4, 2026

Gabe Escobedo on top in Santa Barbara City Council District 6 race

Gabe Escobedo on top in Santa Barbara City Council District 6 race

by Kaitlin Sweeney Nov. 3November 4, 2026

Valencia takes narrow early lead in North County race for Fifth District Santa Barbara County supervisor

Valencia takes narrow early lead in North County race for Fifth District Santa Barbara County supervisor

by Tom Schultz Nov. 3November 4, 2026

Dominique Lujan wins seat on SBCC board; Andrea Varon also out in front

Dominique Lujan wins seat on SBCC board; Andrea Varon also out in front

by Patricia Stark Nov. 3November 4, 2026

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Government

David Silva elected to second term as Buellton mayor

David Silva elected to second term as Buellton mayor

by Kaitlin Sweeney Nov. 3November 4, 2026

2026 Santa Barbara County Elections: Live updates

2026 Santa Barbara County Elections: Live updates

by Santa Barbara News-Press Staff Nov. 3November 4, 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

Education

Valerie Amparan leading incumbent Rose Muñoz in close race for Santa Barbara Unified School Board

Valerie Amparan leading incumbent Rose Muñoz in close race for Santa Barbara Unified School Board

by Julianna Lozada Nov. 3November 4, 2026

Immigration activist Jacqueline Inda Karlsen elected to the Santa Barbara Unified School Board

Immigration activist Jacqueline Inda Karlsen elected to the Santa Barbara Unified School Board

by Julianna Lozada Nov. 3November 4, 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

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

City of Santa Barbara hopes to strengthen tenants’ eviction rights, but Just Cause Ordinance still needs work

City of Santa Barbara hopes to strengthen tenants’ eviction rights, but Just Cause Ordinance still needs work

by Sofia Wallace Oct. 29October 30, 2026

Environment

Los Padres Forest approves large scale Wildfire Risk Reduction Project

Los Padres Forest approves large scale Wildfire Risk Reduction Project

by Aston Smith Oct. 27October 31, 2026

They fight wildfires. Housing is another battle

They fight wildfires. Housing is another battle

by Lauren Pruett • News21 Oct. 24October 26, 2026

Earl Warren Showgrounds confirms no data center will be built

Earl Warren Showgrounds confirms no data center will be built

by Aston Smith Oct. 21October 22, 2026

See the story

Santa Barbara County, in focus.

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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.

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Nov 4

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Watch: Eric Friedman learns that he leads Santa Barbara Mayoral Race.

Reporter: Kaitlin Sweeney
Video: Aston Smith

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Nov 2

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Nov 2

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Sea lion finds its way back into the ocean in Santa Barbara on Sunday afternoon. Video by Joshua Molina

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Nov 1

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Our reporters took on the corn maze at Lane Farms!

Victory went to Angel Corzo
Video: Aston Smith

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Oct 30

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A group of Santa Maria High School students walked out of class on Friday afternoon to protest against ICE and the recent alleged assault of a classmate by federal agents.

Student protesters heard about the walkout through social media, and organized at 1 p.m. the students walked from Santa Maria High School to the Santa Maria Town Center.

Video: Angel Corzo
#SantaMaria

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Oct 29

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An elderly woman and her two dogs were involved in a vehicle turnover crash north of Casitas Pass Road in Carpinteria on Thursday afternoon.

The woman sustained minor injuries, but her dogs were okay, according to CHP Officer Nestor Delgado.

“She just drove into the embankment and did a 180,” Delgado said.

No DUI was suspected in the incident at this time, Delgado added.

A state highway sign was also damaged as a result of the crash.

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Oct 29

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The driver of a red Honda was injured after swerving into an embankment along southbound Highway 101 south of Dos Pueblos Canyon Road.

The red Honda clipped the rear right end of another car on the highway, causing the driver to lose control and veer into the right hand side of the freeway.

The California Highway Patrol responded the two vehicle crash at 9:28 a.m.

The car drove through a fence and into a tree, said CHP Officer Nestor Delgado.

The driver was taken to Cottage Hospital with minor injuries.

Video: Angel Corzo

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Oct 28

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A car drove into the embankment on northbound Highway 101, south of the Arrellaga Street exit on Wednesday morning. The California Highway Patrol was called to the scene at 10:56 a.m., according to CHP Officer Sean Buenrostro. The driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to Cottage Hospital.

More elections coverage

‘Every day is a bonus day’: Second chance at life powers Eric Friedman’s bid for Santa Barbara mayor

‘Every day is a bonus day’: Second chance at life powers Eric Friedman’s bid for Santa Barbara mayor

by Kaitlin Sweeney Oct. 19October 26, 2026

From the classroom to City Hall, Kristen Sneddon seeks Santa Barbara’s top job

From the classroom to City Hall, Kristen Sneddon seeks Santa Barbara’s top job

by Kaitlin Sweeney Oct. 14October 26, 2026

Santa Barbara mayoral candidate Wendy Sims-Moten running on a platform of inclusion, care for one another

Santa Barbara mayoral candidate Wendy Sims-Moten running on a platform of inclusion, care for one another

by Amanda Velasco Oct. 3October 26, 2026

Boat Rat Matt sets sail on another campaign for mayor

Boat Rat Matt sets sail on another campaign for mayor

by Kaitlin Sweeney Oct. 10October 26, 2026

Santa Barbara City Council District 4

From Santa Barbara to the White House and back, Devon Wardlow now sets eyes on the City Council

From Santa Barbara to the White House and back, Devon Wardlow now sets eyes on the City Council

by Kaitlin Sweeney Oct. 19October 26, 2026

Genevieve Taft-Vazquez, the candidate next door, seeks to represent home district on Santa Barbara City Council

Genevieve Taft-Vazquez, the candidate next door, seeks to represent home district on Santa Barbara City Council

by Julianna Lozada Oct. 14October 26, 2026

‘Change agent’ Monte Wilson cruising in his own lane in bid for Santa Barbara City Council

‘Change agent’ Monte Wilson cruising in his own lane in bid for Santa Barbara City Council

by Sofia Wallace Oct. 22October 26, 2026

Jason Dominguez looks to replace Kristen Sneddon in District 4 on the Santa Barbara City Council

Jason Dominguez looks to replace Kristen Sneddon in District 4 on the Santa Barbara City Council

by Joshua Molina May 14October 26, 2026

Voices

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

Kristen Sneddon: Santa Barbara is not for sale

by Kristen Sneddon Oct. 30November 1, 2026

Letter: Eric Friedman is a good neighbor

Letter: Eric Friedman is a good neighbor

by John Devereaux Oct. 26October 27, 2026

Letter: Affordability requires more than sympathy

Letter: Affordability requires more than sympathy

by Nick Koonce Oct. 25October 26, 2026

Announcements

DSBIA lights up downtown with Moonlight Sessions, free live music every Wednesday in November

DSBIA lights up downtown with Moonlight Sessions, free live music every Wednesday in November

by Bailey Schroerlucke, Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association Nov. 2November 2, 2026

Regresa la campaña anual Comida a cambio de multas en apoyo a usuarios y organizaciones locales

Regresa la campaña anual Comida a cambio de multas en apoyo a usuarios y organizaciones locales

by Alma Trejo, City of Santa Barbara Nov. 2November 2, 2026

Annual Food for Fees drive helps patrons and supports local nonprofits

Annual Food for Fees drive helps patrons and supports local nonprofits

by Alma Trejo, City of Santa Barbara Nov. 2November 2, 2026

Local high school robotics team invites community to open house in new location

Local high school robotics team invites community to open house in new location

by Elaine K. Mah Best, Octobots Robotics Team Nov. 2November 2, 2026

Pearl Social Cocktail Club transforms into ‘Miracle’ pop-up Christmas bar for sixth year

Pearl Social Cocktail Club transforms into ‘Miracle’ pop-up Christmas bar for sixth year

by Jannis Swerman Nov. 2November 2, 2026

La Ciudad de Santa Bárbara acepta propuestas para los programas de Subvenciones en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario y Servicios Humanos

La Ciudad de Santa Bárbara acepta propuestas para los programas de Subvenciones en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario y Servicios Humanos

by Alma Trejo, City of Santa Barbara Oct. 30November 2, 2026

Obituaries

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

Obituary: Joan Valerie Dugan

Obituary: Joan Valerie Dugan

Christie Fox, McDermott-Crockett & Associates Mortuary Oct. 7November 2, 2026

More News

What we know about results in all 14 California ballot propositions

Politics

What we know about results in all 14 California ballot propositions

by Adam Echelman • CalMatters Nov. 3November 4, 2026

California rejects conservative voter ID proposal

Politics

California rejects conservative voter ID proposal

by Nadia Lathan • CalMatters Nov. 3November 4, 2026

Who’s winning California’s statewide races?

Politics

Who’s winning California’s statewide races?

by Jocelyn Wiener • CalMatters Nov. 3November 4, 2026

California billionaire tax trailing in early returns

Politics

California billionaire tax trailing in early returns

by Kristen Hwang • CalMatters Nov. 3November 4, 2026

Richard Barrera leads Sonja Shaw in California superintendent race, early results show

Politics

Richard Barrera leads Sonja Shaw in California superintendent race, early results show

by Emma Gallegos • EdSource Nov. 3November 4, 2026

Jane Kim in the lead as Californians choose new insurance commissioner

Politics

Jane Kim in the lead as Californians choose new insurance commissioner

by Levi Sumagaysay • CalMatters Nov. 3November 4, 2026

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