Full Belly Files: Santa Barbara’s Chocolate Farm Is Working
Twenty-Four Blackbirds founder Michael Orlando is successfully growing cacao, but looking for help to ramp up the project; plus, stories you may have missed.
Year: 2026
Santa Barbara County Has One of the State’s Highest Arrest Rates
Juvenile arrest rate is fourth highest in California.
Fire Engulfs Nearly One-Third of Santa Rosa Island
The “human-caused” fire destroys and threatens historic buildings and endangered plant species found nowhere else in the world.
Santa Barbara High’s Improbable Postseason Run Continues After 12-5 Victory over Paramount
The Dons will play at Kaiser of Fontana on Friday.
Bishop Diego Sweeps Fresno-Edison to Reach CIF-State Regional Semifinals
The Cardinals will play at Central East of Fresno on Wednesday.
Santa Barbara City Council Checks Progress of Rent Stabilization Ordinance
Councilmembers weighed in as the city moves forward with plans for a finalized draft in June.
Foothill Fire in Cuyama Valley Triggers Evacuations
Firefighters from Santa Barbara and Kern counties and Los Padres National Forest are responding to grassland blaze that started Tuesday afternoon.
Teenagers with Fireworks Suspected of Starting Farren Road Fire West of Goleta
A 19-year-old was booked in Santa Barbara County jail on suspicion of starting the half-acre blaze, which triggered an evacuation warning in the area on Tuesday night.
Santa Barbara Police Department’s Co-Response Team Honored with Thomas Guerry Award
The awards coincide with the looming layoff of the county’s head co-response coordinator.
Kyle Slattery for Auditor-Controller
It is with pleasure that I endorse my friend and trails colleague Kyle Slattery for Santa Barbara County Auditor-Controller.
