In Memoriam: Lou Cannon 1933–2025
Lou Cannon, the eminent biographer of Ronald Reagan, and a caring, civic-minded, and consequential citizen of Santa Barbara, died on
Jerry Roberts
Recent Stories
‘There Is No Plan B’ for Paseo Nuevo, S.B. City Hall Chief Says, as Key Council Vote Looms
Santa Barbara City Administrator Kelly McAdoo and members of her team take a deep and detailed dive into the plan for the downtown mall, defending its finances, design and plans for more housing.
Kristen Sneddon Says She’s Running for Santa Barbara Mayor — ‘We’re Stuck and We Need Progress, Not Stagnation’
In an exclusive interview, city councilmember knocks incumbent for oppositional behavior, calls for public vote on Paseo Nuevo, and vows to work with landlords on new rent control regulations.
Watch: As New Polling Shows Prop. 50 with a Big Lead, Our Pundit Panel Dives into the Politics and Policy of the Special Election
Gavin Newsom set forth a pro-Democratic gerrymander of California to fight a pro-Republican gerrymander in Texas. Santa Barbara Newsmakers’ panel of experts demystifies the issues and personalities behind the fight.
Salud on Shutdown: Protecting Health Care Is Best Leverage for D.C. Dems to Fight Back Against ‘Fascist Administration’
Santa Barbara’s man in Washington breaks down the policy conflict at the center of the government shutdown, and lets loose on Donald Trump’s lawless use of military force against U.S. citizens.
Purged by RFK Jr., Covid Vaccine Hero Dr. Peter Marks Fears Health Policy ‘Nihilism’ Will Cost Many Lives
He was celebrated as an architect of Operation Warp Speed during Trump’s first administration. Now he’s been forced out amid the ideological dismantling of science-based public health operations.
Watch: Nick Welsh Goes Deep and Detailed on Santa Barbara’s Offshore Oil Wars, with a Primer on the Raging Sable vs. California Conflict
As the shifty Texas oil company gears up to gain Donald Trump’s approval of plans for launching offshore tankers, S.B.’s top journalist on the beat deconstructs, demystifies and disentangles the story.
Gregg Hart’s Sable Oil Pushback Bill Lands in Gov’s Grand Bargain Enviro Deal
In the final hours of legislative session, Santa Barbara’s assemblymember scored a big win in the epic pipeline battle, passing his measure to require the rogue oil company to undergo full Coastal Commission permit review.
Monique Limón’s Key Environmental Housing Bill Passes Both Houses, Goes to Governor
Senator Limón’s measure, which has attracted statewide attention, would require an environmental review of a proposed plan for an eight-story apartment at the Mission, among many other provisions.
The Three Key Elements of Trump’s Bid to Hijack the Midterm Elections
The president is bringing unprecedented political, legal and military pressure to bear on Democrats, but he doesn’t need to win outright in 2026. Just creating chaos may be enough.
