County 5-7

The Santa Barbara County Supervisors voted unanimously to send the Social Host Ordinance back to staff for additional tinkering. The ordinance aims to curb underage drinking by putting of-age party “hosts” on the hook for fines. Bowing to concerns from Supervisors Doreen Farr and Janet Wolf that the ordinance’s current incarnation was vague and concerns from the public that it unfairly targeted the unique living situations in Isla Vista, the board asked staff to bring the legislation back this summer and to examine possibly exempting I.V. from it.

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The Internal Revenue Service announced last week that Ganna Walska Lotusland-the 37-acre estate and botanical garden, is now classified as a public charity. Situated in the foothills of Montecito, the garden’s change from nonprofit status will grant donors maximum flexibility in giving money. The estate will also be exempt from federal income tax stipulations as a result of the status change.