In a decision years in the making, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved new rules allowing solar energy production across thousands of acres.
New standards greenlighted in a 4-1 vote pave the way for commercial installations countywide on a range of non-residential properties. Board Chair Bob Nelson voted no, expressing concern over the safety of battery energy storage and potential over conversion of agricultural land.
In one key decision, the board capped the proliferation of new solar projects at 16,000 total acres, an increase from 10,000 discussed previously. In addition, stand-alone battery storage will be allowed.
As they debated the new rules, the supervisors weighed safety concerns and protecting views against potential financial benefits. Supervisor Laura Capps, who represents the Second District, described Santa Barbara County as lagging economically behind other jurisdictions.
At one point, Fifth District Supervisor challenged Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann on whether she sought to outright prevent solar in scenic locations.
Projects near the ocean will receive extra scrutiny, and Hartmann said she didn’t seek to stop them there.
“There will be solar on the Gaviota Coast,” Hartmann said.
Solar by the numbers
Tier 1 systems, the smallest, are now allowed in all zones including residential. They’re exempt from planning permits on properties located roughly 1,000 yards or more inland, provided they’re set at least 50 feet back from nearby structures and lot lines.
Roof-mounted and “building-integrated” Tier 1 systems, as well as sunlight-capturing canopies often constructed over parking lots, can be any size.
Larger Tier 2, or community-scale, systems a half acre to 30 acres in size are allowed with minor permitting. They could rise on a range of non-residential properties including agricultural, institutional and industrial sites.
The largest Tier 3, or utility-scale, systems include projects greater than 30 acres on the same types of non-residential properties as Tier 2 systems. They require a major conditional use permit from the county Planning Commission.
“Butch” Arnoldi honored for 53 years at Sheriff’s Office
After rising through the ranks across five decades of service, Lt. Ugo Peter “Butch” Arnoldi will retire from the county Sheriff’s Office on Sept. 18.
His departure inspired a shower of accolades Tuesday, as law enforcement personnel lined the back of the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room and elected officials unanimously approved a resolution in his honor.
“It is I that should be thanking each of you and the public, for not only supporting me all these years but for trusting me to care for you,” Arnoldi said, visibly moved by the outpouring.
Sheriff Bill Brown thanked Arnoldi, whose family joined him at the podium. “His career progression reflects both his professionalism and his leadership.”
Former Sheriff Jim Thomas attended. Board Chair Bob Nelson said Arnoldi might be the longest-serving employee in the county’s history.
Arnoldi started as a reserve sheriff’s deputy in 1973. The department promoted him to deputy, senior deputy, detective and sergeant before his current role. His assignments spanned detention and corrections, patrol, field training, mountain patrol, criminal investigations, the Isla Vista Foot Patrol, Goleta chief and Carpinteria chief.
In addition, Arnoldi served on the Deputy Sheriff’s board of directors for 18 years, the Sheriff’s Managers Association board for more than four years, and as an advisor to the Sheriff’s Explorers Post for more than 26 years.
Emergency relief planners: El Niño prep ongoing and comprehensive
First responders and their counterparts in public works and community services said Santa Barbara County will be ready for a rainy and chaotic winter, if it comes.
“Preparedness is the name of the game,” said county Fire Chief Garrett Huff. “We practice and train year round for these types of emergencies.”
In an El Niño year like this one, hotter than normal sea surface temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific drive atmospheric changes that impact other regions. In Santa Barbara, this can lead to increased rainfalls and warmer winters that, while not always destructive, can bring dangerous flooding and mudslides.
Several of the most significant and costly Santa Barbara area rainfall years occurred during El Niño conditions, including 1983, 1995, 1998, and 2024.
Residents within areas of heightened risk should be prepared to evacuate if ordered to do so, officials said
Authorities urge people to maintain a “go-kit” and stock food, water, medications and emergency supplies like flashlights. In addition, they should fortify erosion-prone private properties, clean roofs and gutters and clear privately owned drainage paths or culverts, officials said.
Residents can obtain up to 25 sandbags per person for flood and erosion protection free of charge from the county from Nov. 1 to March 31. They will be available at the South Coast Corporate Yard (near the gas pumps), 4568 Calle Real, the Santa Maria Corporate Yard, 912 W. Foster Road, at 761 McMurray Road in Buellton.
More information can be found at the county sandbag webpage. Residents can register for emergency alerts and find official information at www.ReadySBC.org.
Hero dog Dee steals the show as supervisors honor her good works (and her handler’s too)
It seemed as though all eyes were on Search Dog Dee as the Board of Supervisors honored her and Captain Eric Gray of the county Fire Department for good works in Venezuela.
A team since 2021, Gray and Dee dispatched to the South American country in June after a devastating earthquake trapped people in collapsed buildings, prompting an international rescue effort.
“Their deployment to Venezuela demonstrates the highest level of professional service,” according to a resolution unanimously approved by the board.
Supes celebrate Santana’s two dozen Santa Barbara Bowl shows
Ten Grammy Awards? Check
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Check?
Santa Barbara County resolution? Che- … Huh?
That’s right. Carlos Santana’s trophy haul expanded a speck Tuesday.
The legendary lead guitarist added a 287-word Santa Barbara County honor to his accolades.
In a 5-0 vote, the Board of Supervisors celebrated Santana for his more than 25 concerts at the Santa Barbara Bowl—the all-time record—across five decades. Hey was expected to personally receive the commendation during his upcoming two-night stint there Sept. 12 and 13.
Santana played the Bowl for the first time in 1978.
“His concerts… have brought together diverse audiences in a shared spirit of harmony and optimism,” according to the resolution. “Santa continues to inspire the Santa Barbara community through philanthropic efforts.”
The honor follows controversy. At an Aug. 24 concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, Santana drew criticism after he apparently told his audience that “grievances cause cancer.”
“If you wanna make sure that in your life you never have cancer, it’s important that you remember this,” he reportedly said, providing medically unsupported guidance. “Grievances cause cancer… So it’s important that you let it go and forgive… Let it go, and you will be clean. I promise you, you will be clean.”
New county CEO joins alternative energy board
County CEO Jana Petersen is on the move.
In a 5-0 vote, the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved her appointment to the Operations Board of Central Coast Community Energy, or 3CE. Petersen succeeds former county CEO Mona Miyasato, who retired on Aug. 18, as a member of the panel.
The board focuses on the routine, day-to-day affairs of 3CE, according to a county report.
Generating power from solar, wind and geothermal courses, 3CE is a public agency established by local cities and counties to provide power via Pacific Gas & Electric, which delivers electricity, manages billing and maintains the delivery infrastructure.
Jesús Armas, Santa Barbara County Community Services director, will continue to serve as an Operations Board alternate. Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann serves on the 3CE Policy Board.
