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Articles by Tom Schultz
Santa Barbara County Notebook: Fees, retirees and honorees
Fees for camping, special events and other recreational activities are going up. In a 4-0 vote, the county Board of Supervisors approved the changes Tuesday. Second District Supervisor Supervisor Laura Capps was absent. Among dozens of changes in the pipeline, campsite reservation fees will go from $10 per reservation to $15. Weekend and holiday cabin rentals at Jalama Beach County Park will rise $25 a night to $275.
Santa Barbara County Supervisors choose to not fight Santa Ynez Chumash land transfer
Elected officials on Tuesday agreed to not challenge an effort by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians to move a prominent open space into federal trust—and out of Santa Barbara County planning and development oversight.
Valencia retains narrow lead in Fifth District race for Santa Barbara County supervisor
Santa Maria high school teacher Ricardo Valencia’s retained his narrow lead Tuesday in the closely watched race for Fifth District Santa Barbara County supervisor—following the latest ballot count update. As of 12:33 p.m., Valencia had won 52.92% of 11,995 ballots counted and led Maribel Aguilera by 769 votes. Aguilera, a member of the Santa Maria City Council, had won 46.48%, according to county elections officials.
Business, nonprofit and government leaders reflect on the economy at annual State of the County summit
Employers can help blunt the fallout of financial uncertainty that’s disrupting local governments, a top Santa Barbara County official told area business and nonprofit leaders Thursday. “You have a role to play,” county CEO Jana Petersen said during the annual State of the County Economic Summit—encouraging employers to help workers navigate potentially confusing Medi-Cal policy changes that could impact up to 47,000 county residents.
Santa Barbara County counting ballots as candidates in tight races watch and wait
As candidates in tight races took a wait-and-see approach, Santa Barbara County elections officials signaled Wednesday that it could be days or even weeks before local results of Tuesday’s mid-term contests are finalized. “We had a very large turnout, but everything went very smoothly at the polls,” said Preston Moore, candidate and voter services supervisor at the county Elections Division.
Valencia takes early lead in North County race for Fifth District Santa Barbara County supervisor
In a contest watched across Santa Barbara County Tuesday, Santa Maria high school teacher Ricardo Valencia took an early Election Night lead in the race for Fifth District county supervisor. Valencia appeared cautiously optimistic as he gathered with family and supporters at The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant & Cafe on Boone Street. As of TIME, Valencia had captured 50.6 percent of the votes counted. Santa Maria City Councilmember Maribel Aguilera, an independent, had 48.8 percent.
Santa Ynez Chumash seek to move prominent open space into federal trust
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians seeks to place a prominent open space into federal trust—a move that would open the door to new construction at the site. “We purchased this land in 2015, and we want to ensure it is preserved for future generations of our tribe,” Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman, said in a statement. Kenneth Kahn, Santa Ynez Chumash tribal chairman, on Aug. 27 at the 2026 Solvang State of the City breakfast.
Santa Barbara County appears ready to resist federal election demands as court declines to force ballot purge
Santa Barbara County officials appeared undeterred Monday by a U.S. Department of Justice demand that election chiefs across California find ballots from noncitizens and separate them from voter rolls. “With just a week until Election Day, the most important thing people can do is vote,” said county Supervisor Laura Capps, who represents the Second District.
Cottage Health nurses announce unionization campaign, expect vote on representation by end of the year
In a bold step at Santa Barbara County’s largest medical provider, Cottage Health nurses announced a unionization campaign Friday, citing the region’s high cost of living while describing a growing dissatisfaction with their working conditions.
Ricardo Valencia champions progressive vision in politically charged race for Fifth District Santa Barbara County supervisor
Ask Ricardo Valencia why people see him as a leader, and he points to a simple principle: showing up. That commitment, he said, shaped his career as a high school teacher, his advocacy for working families, his six years on the Santa Maria-Bonita school board—and now his campaign for Fifth District Santa Barbara County supervisor. “As a kid, I remember moving around a lot because my parents couldn’t afford a home of our own,” Valencia said. “We lived with other families. We lived with neighbors.
Maribel Aguilera claims centrist terrain in polarizing Fifth District Santa Barbara County supervisor contest
Ask Maribel Aguilera what it takes to get things done in government and she returns again and again to one central idea: you’ve got to be at the table. Pragmatism supersedes ideology, she says. Negotiations matter more than gratuitous confrontations. And relationships are essential. “That’s one of the biggest things that I’ve learned in my career and living in Santa Maria and serving this community,” Aguilera said.
Orcutt library proposal advances: ‘an absolute need’
They turned a page, but the ending to this story isn’t written yet. The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors said Tuesday that building a library in Orcutt should be a priority project—even at a cost between $29 and $44 million. Time will tell if the project actually lands in a future budget. “I admit.
Gabe Escobedo, battle-tested Santa Barbara City Council hopeful, wears his battle scars lightly
Gabe Escobedo rides an e-bike down State Street, takes breaks at the corner coffee shop and speaks off the cuff. He campaigns door to door at a measured pace, and he says he’s learned to not waste emotional energy on every conflict. “I don’t take myself too seriously,” said the former city Planning Commissioner and outgoing Santa Barbara Unified School District trustee.
Gabe Escobedo, battle-tested Santa Barbara City Council hopeful, wears his battle scars lightly
Gabe Escobedo rides an e-bike down State Street, takes breaks at the corner coffee shop and speaks off the cuff. He campaigns door to door at a measured pace, and he says he’s learned to not waste emotional energy on every conflict. “I don’t take myself too seriously,” said the former city Planning Commissioner and outgoing Santa Barbara Unified School District trustee.
Solvang strike ends as city and employees reach agreement in month-long labor dispute
City leaders and union representatives late Wednesday announced a tentative agreement to end a month-long labor dispute in which 75% of the city workforce walked off the job demanding higher wages. The two sides reached the deal to end the strike during a Wednesday bargaining session, according to a joint press release issued after 9 p.m. Both sides cheered the resolution.
Solvang City Council moves to tighten rules on AI-enabled downtown surveillance cameras
The Solvang City Council on Monday night called for changes to an evolving surveillance program—as questions swirled and officials sought a better grasp of how the city’s public-facing AI-enabled cameras work. “We need policies that define all of this,” Councilmember Mark Infanti said as Councilmember Elizabeth Orona led the push for more clarity. Had the city added functionality in recent months? Who owns the software? How often is the system employing artificial intelligence?
Solvang City Council to revisit rules on AI-enabled surveillance cameras at park, across downtown
Elected leaders in Solvang plan to take another look at how the city surveils its 5,000 residents and millions of annual visitors. A year after adopting it, the City Council at its regular Monday night meeting will revisit a policy that governs how officials collect, access and use data from six Verkada Inc. cameras installed and serviced by XIT Solutions—as well as three more not yet deployed. The policy review—and potential revisions—come amid a three-year, $187,889 pilot of the cameras.
Solvang city strike update: two new rounds of bargaining, but no end in sight
Solvang leaders and a union bargaining team traded wage proposals this week—the first exchange since city workers went on strike three weeks ago—but the two sides didn’t reach an agreement. “It’s a bit disappointing,” Mayor David Brown told reporters Friday afternoon, during a press conference inside the Solvang Visitors Center on Copenhagen Drive. Solvang Mayor David Brown speaks to reporters Friday, calling recent negotiations in the ongoing city workers strike disappointing.
Candidates talk character as war chests grow in race for Fifth District Santa Barbara County supervisor
Ricardo Valencia said he’s a lifelong learner who leads with curiosity, discipline and accountability. “I approach every challenge as an opportunity to grow, adapt and deliver results,” said the Santa Maria high school teacher and school board member. An attorney and Santa Maria City Council member, Maribel Aguilera said she understands policies, rules, regulations—and fine print.
Santa Ynez Notebook: Solvang strike deadlock continues, Buellton advances plans for new downtown core
Talks remained stuck and new disputes flared as the employee strike rocking the city of Solvang entered its third week. While city leaders emphasized City Hall is still open and services continue, representatives from Teamsters Local 986 predicted businesses, vendors, contractors and residents will increasingly notice disruptions. While city leaders said the union backing the 30 striking workers broke a bargaining confidentiality agreement, the union said no agreement existed.
Water deal gets initial green light: 40% of Montecito’s State Water rights pledged to North County housing
A $40 million deal to sell more than 40% of Montecito’s State Water Project rights to a massive North County housing proposal passed a big test Tuesday. In a 5-0 vote , directors of the Montecito Water District approved a non-binding letter of intent in support of the transaction, paving the way for a Spring 2027 purchase agreement with developers of Solomon Hills, 4,000 homes planned between Orcutt and Los Alamos.
Driver pulled from car in Gaviota Coast rollover crash
A white Toyota Corolla hybrid rolled on Highway 101 Monday, after the vehicle veered onto the median five miles south of the Gaviota Tunnel. A reporter witnessed the northbound car signal briefly for a left turn before entering a left hand turn lane along the coastal stretch.
Deal would shift State Water rights from Montecito to proposed Solomon Hills development in Santa Barbara’s North County
A deal on the table Tuesday would promise more than 40% of Montecito’s State Water Project rights to a massive North County development proposal. The $40 million sale would put Solomon Hills—4,000 homes planned between Orcutt and Los Alamos—a big step closer to securing a critical ingredient needed for that project to move forward.
Salud Carbajal pickets alongside Solvang city workers on ninth day of strike
Striking Solvang city workers got a boost of support Wednesday, when Rep. Salud Carbajal joined them on a picket line. “I’m here in solidarity,” the Santa Barbara Democrat said. “There’s always a solution. I’m always in search of a win-win-win.” Motorists honked as Carbajal shook hands and waved. The workers—a fixture along Mission Drive at Solvang Park since the labor dispute erupted—pressed their case for higher wages for a ninth straight day.
County Notebook: Supervisors advance Los Olivos sewer line, back bees and target catalytic converter thieves
Design work in support of a long debated sewer line proposal won approval from the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Tuesday. The green light came over the objection of opponents, who say they worry new infrastructure will drive new development across rural Santa Ynez Valley neighborhoods. In a 5-0 vote, the board loaned $750,000 at no interest to the Los Olivos Community Services District.
Santa Barbara County Supervisors push back on potential land seizures over Santa Ynez Pipeline System
Elected officials on Tuesday took aim at a federal proposal to acquire or seize land and wrangle more control over oil pipelines in Santa Barbara County. In a 3-1 vote, the county Board of Supervisors opposed language in the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act passed July 22 by the U.S. House of Representatives. An amendment to that $1.15 trillion spending plan by Rep.
SUV sideswipes parked vehicles, rolls on its side Monday during Santa Barbara rush hour
A late model Land Rover Discovery SUV rolled onto its side in downtown Santa Barbara Monday, as commuters drove home during the evening rush hour. No serious injuries were reported as city police officers and firefighters responded to the scene shortly after 6 p.m. on the one-way 1700 block of Chapala Street. Residents and passersby described hearing a loud bang.
Candidates for open District 6 Santa Barbara City Council seat talk rent, finances in battle for downtown votes
The campaign to replace Meagan Harmon on the Santa Barbara City Council is a downtown race with citywide implications. Four candidates—Gabe Escobedo, Alexander Stoeber, Anabella Lehne and Jason Carlton—all hope to represent District 6, which spans several neighborhoods between Highway 101, State Street and Oak Park. The candidates went head to head Wednesday during a debate hosted by News-Press editor Josh Molina and Newsmakers Editor Jerry Roberts.
Caltrans: Highway 101 Montecito construction zone as ready as can be for El Niño
Ongoing Highway 101 construction through Montecito won’t exacerbate any flooding caused by an unusually wet El Niño winter, officials say. The assessment includes the stretch of north and southbound lanes at Hot Springs Road—one of the corridors hardest hit in 2018, when torrential rain over the Thomas Fire burn scar caused massive destruction. Rivers of water, mud, boulders and trees killed 23 people and damaged or destroyed 500 structures.
Solvang strike on third day complicates Danish Days prep, shuts down city hearing
Setup for the 89th Solvang Danish Days celebration lurched forward Thursday—amid an unprecedented strike by city employees whose work usually supports the annual event. “We’re still getting everything done,” Thomas Birkholm, president of the nonprofit Danish Days Foundation, said as crews prepped a stage, lights, tents and tables for the three-day event set to kick off Friday. “It has been more difficult.” At the same time, official business slipped. And the split rocking City Hall widened.
Solvang workers strike for higher wages, predict disruptions as city leaders seek to reassure residents and tourists
Solvang city workers walked off the job Tuesday, striking for higher wages as questions swirled about municipal operations and impacts to the upcoming Danish Days celebration. City Hall leaders said a wide range of public services—and Danish Days—would proceed despite the strike. Striking employees and union leaders said they expected noticeable disruptions. “They (city leaders) don’t see ninety percent of what we actually do,” said Johnathon Flynn, public works supervisor.
Santa Barbara County bans new onshore oil and gas wells
Elected officials on Tuesday approved sweeping restrictions curbing onshore oil and gas production across unincorporated Santa Barbara County. In a 3-2 vote on a hard South County to North County divide, the Board of Supervisors greenlighted an ordinance years in the making. The vote came as a standing-room-only audience filled a Santa Maria hearing room.
City of Solvang workers announce strike, plan to walk off the job Tuesday morning
Unionized Solvang city workers were expected to walk off the job at 9 a.m. Tuesday — following a dramatic breakdown in labor talks. “I’m sorry that we’re in this position,” said Candice Libera, city marketing and events coordinator. “I don’t think any of us really wanted to go on strike. But we feel very strongly about our rights, about being valued and being listened to.” City leaders also expressed regret. “It is truly unfortunate we are here,” City Manager Randy Murphy said.
Santa Barbara County set to ban new onshore oil and gas drilling, and block idle wells from restarting
Elected officials are poised to pass sweeping restrictions that would dramatically curb onshore oil and gas production across unincorporated Santa Barbara County. An ordinance years in the making, the new rules would ban new wells along the coastal and inland—not offshore—allowing 1,039 active installations to continue operating while prohibiting fossil fuel producers from restarting 1,221 idle or abandoned drill sites.
Buellton plan would transform stark Avenue of the Flags median into the heart of proposed new downtown
Buellton is preparing to turn a sparse Avenue of the Flags roadway median into a pedestrian-friendly hub. The goal is to draw visitors, incubate businesses and anchor a future city core, officials say. “This large, vacant, grassy median that we all know is really at the heart of the envisioned downtown,” Planning Director Andrea Keefer said.
88 rental apartments proposed on vacant lot near single-family homes in Solvang
A proposal to build dozens of rental apartments—in a controversial high-density complex next to a neighborhood of single family homes—is headed to Solvang City Hall. Owners of the nearby Alisal Ranch resort say they intend to submit a full development application this month for 88 units, including four reserved for “very low income” workers. The project would span multiple buildings on a vacant 3.7 acres located along Alisal Road at Juniper Avenue and Fjord Drive.
County Notebook: Utility-scale solar approved, El Niño prep advances amid a trio of honorees
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.
Santa Barbara County Supervisors temporarily halt gun shop approvals and seek to ban sales near schools
Responding to a wave of concern about sales near schools, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday temporarily halted new gun shop approvals and kickstarted a process to permanently buffer children from firearms retailers. In a 4-1 vote, the board greenlighted a 45-day moratorium on new gun shop planning permits.
Gun shop by preschool sparks push to curb sales in Goleta and unincorporated county
As a Goleta gun shop prepares for its grand opening next to a preschool, alarmed elected officials are pushing for new rules that would prevent firearms sales near schools and child care centers. The Goleta City Council on Tuesday will explore potential new limits on gun and ammunition retailers. Options on the table include amendments to city zoning and land use laws that could lead to the shop’s closure.
Solvang leaders look past tourism during ‘State of the City’ focused on services, growth
Change—and how to manage it across a town that revels in its unique identity—dominated the discussion Thursday as civic leaders gathered to take stock of where Solvang’s been, and where it’s headed. “What is Solvang in 50 to 100 years from now?” asked Mayor David Brown, as more than 100 people gathered for the annual “State of the City “ event held by the Solvang Chamber of Commerce.
Buellton raises the stakes in potential switch from Sheriff’s patrols to Lompoc Police
The Buellton City Council opened the door this week to a massive change in local law enforcement, greenlighting new talks that could end decades of Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office patrols across the city of 5,100 residents. The potential switch to the Lompoc Police Department—primarily to lower costs—comes three months after nearby Solvang formalized similar discussions with Lompoc leaders.
‘I’m a systems thinker’: Santa Barbara County CEO Jana Petersen stepping into top spot
Government code section 2-71(n) puts it plainly: The Santa Barbara County CEO shall attend “all meetings of the Board of Supervisors, except when excused, and may participate in the discussion of any matter, but shall not vote.” New CEO Jana Petersen, who started on Thursday after nearly seven years running Boulder County, Colorado, will fulfill that meeting requirement for the first time Tuesday in Santa Maria. And her duties only begin there.
50,000 Santa Barbara County residents projected to join the ranks of the medically uninsured
Work requirements and other changing eligibility rules will force an estimated 17,000 low-income Santa Barbara County residents off Medi-Cal in 2027—followed by an additional 13,000 people in 2028. The fresh assessment from Medi-Cal and county Social Services Department administrators describes an escalating loss of coverage that has public health officials scrambling for ways to blunt the impact.
County Notebook: Miyasato retires, Sheriff tackles overtime and Lavagnino targets catalytic converter thieves
One of Mona Miyasato’s last acts leading the Santa Barbara County government was simple yet dramatic. “Today I leave my badge on the table,” she said Tuesday, pulling her dangling ID over her head before placing it on the podium. After a more than 12-year run as CEO, the retiring Miyasato received a stirring sendoff marked by two standing ovations as the Board of Supervisors returned to regular business after a summer break.
Buellton mayoral rematch among several Santa Barbara Mid County contests set for November election
A rematch is coming to Buellton, where voters will choose the city’s next mayor in a deja-vu contest with a twist. When David Silva and Dave King faced off in 2024, the challenger Silva knocked King from the throne. Two years later, King is back and looking to unseat his once-and-future opponent. “It’s a progress check,” Mayor Silva said Friday, describing democratic elections as a “stress test” and himself as a typical feedback-craving millennial.
805 Patriots rally in flag-adorned cars and trucks across the Santa Ynez Valley
Trump supporters prayed, pledged allegiance to the flag, swayed in the mid-day sun to the Village People song “YMCA” and rallied in cars and trucks across the Santa Ynez Valley Saturday.
Buellton gives commercial-residential proposal early thumbs up, as Art Deco revitalization advances
A proposed commercial and residential building designed to help Buellton revitalize a key stretch of the city’s core has passed an early City Hall test. Proposed for a three-quarter-acre open lot at 560 Avenue of the Flags between the Farmhouse Motel and Hotel Hygge, the concept is straightforward: provide a mix of storefronts and residences in support of what officials say will one day be a new, vibrant and walkable downtown.
KEYT news to strike amid escalating labor dispute, on the eve of Old Spanish Days Fiesta
News crews at Santa Barbara’s KEYT-TV planned to walk off the job Tuesday night—hours before the start of Old Spanish Days Fiesta—in a 24-hour strike. The bold action is intended to pressure the station’s Missouri-based ownership after nearly two years of newsroom strife over wages and working conditions.
Santa Barbara County close to allowing thousands of acres of solar energy projects
The largest solar panel array in Santa Barbara County spans a dusty patch of the rural Cuyama Valley for a reason. The remote setting is the one place in the county where the project’s broad footprint and scale—327 acres of panel after panel—is legally allowed. That’s likely to change, however, as elected officials consider expanding solar energy production. New standards would pave the way for commercial installations countywide on a range of non-residential properties.
Short-term rentals stir long-term grief for Lompoc farmers seeking tax relief from Santa Barbara County
You’ve got to step foot in the dirt. That thinking propels Dare 2 Dream Farms, where Megan and Jeremy Raff do more than sell chickens and vegetables. Day after day, the couple welcomes children and adults to the rolling property—to explore the barnyard, learn about crops, shop the honor-system farm stand there and depart with a habit-changing appreciation for healthy living. Officials say the farm is an important node providing nutrition to the Lompoc Valley.
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