AMY ASMAN

County officials took “a good first step” in tackling the problem of recidivism among the area’s homeless and mentally ill population, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors announced at a meeting earlier this month. On April 17, the supervisors listened to a presentation comparing the costs of incarcerating homeless and/or mentally ill people and […]

The Orcutt Union School District School Board approved layoffs for eight classified employees at its April 18 meeting, causing some parents present at the meeting to question district spending.  Layoffs will be issued to six part-time physical education aides and two part-time bus attendants, who assist special needs students travelling to and from school. In […]

The Solvang City Council recently approved the creation of an ad hoc committee to explore the possibility of purchasing 16 acres of land near Alamo Pintado Road to create a regional park. The council voted 4-0 at its April 9 meeting to establish the committee, which will be headed by council members Joan Jamieson and […]

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors recently took the first step in implementing eminent domain proceedings on land needed to complete a portion of the Union Valley Parkway project. Big box retailer Walmart Stores Inc. owns three parcels of land bordered by Orcutt Road, Highway 135, and Hummel Drive. The property accounts for 70 […]

The endorsements are starting to pour in for local political campaigns, including the California Senate. On April 10, former state Assemblyman Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) sent out a press release endorsing Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Jason Hodge for the 19th Senate District, over fellow Democrat and Assemblywoman Hannah Beth Jackson. Mike Stoker, a Republican and […]