News on the Central Coast

The Santa Barbara Zoo Reopens on June 23!

June 17, 2020

The Santa Barbara Zoo Reopens on June 23rd!
Welcome back! The Santa Barbara Zoo will reopen on June 23 with limited capacity. During the initial reopening phase, advance reservations and online tickets are required for all guests and members

To ensure adequate social distancing between guests, visits are limited to 90 minutes, and attendance is
capped each day to limit the total number of guests in the Zoo at one time.

For more information, visit https://www.sbzoo.org


The American Riviera is OPEN.

June 17, 2020

The American Riviera is officially open for leisure travel.Our hotels and lodgings, restaurants, bars, wine tasting rooms, wineries,breweries, retail stores, museums and galleries have been hard at work to make the operational and physical changes necessary to protect your health and safety while you and your loved ones enjoy a social distancing friendly escape in paradise on the pacific.

For more information visit https://santabarbara.open4biz.us/


Santa Barbara named top ‘trending’ travel destination

February 28, 2020

Key Largo in Florida, Moab, Utah and Anna Maria Island, also in Florida, were named first, second and third, respectively.The “trending” category for the travel platform is a new one and recognizes destinations that saw the biggest increase in positive reviews, booking interest and searches over the last year.


Santa Barbara Receives New York Times Destination Recommendation

January 11, 2019

Santa Barbara is ranked third on The New York Times’ annual “52 Places to Go in 2019” list and is one of only two cities in California (Los Angeles was the other) and 11 destinations in the United States to make the newspaper’s prestigious list.


Travel + Leisure names Montecito one of “50 Best Places to Travel in 2019”

December 14, 2018

Santa Barbara, Calif. (December 13, 2018)  Montecito was named one of the “50 Best Places to Travel in 2019” by Travel + Leisure.

It was the only place in California to be named to the list and one of only 14 cities in North America, sharing the ranks with New York City, Houston, Toronto and more.

 ”Travel + Leisure‘s annual list of Best Places to Travel is the ultimate resource for travelers who are looking to plan their next big trip,” said Jacqueline Gifford, editor in chief of Travel + Leisure. “These are the most compelling destinations across the globe—places that are thriving because of standout culinary scenes, marquee hotel and museum openings, or new tours that are opening up a destination in ways our editors have never seen before.”

 


Santa Barbara Wins 2018 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award

October 11, 2018

Santa Barbara has been recognized as one of the nation’s “Best Small Cities in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards. Santa Barbara first appeared on the list in 2015. The destination, which welcomes more than 7.2 million total visitors per year, is one of 15 winners ranked in the category among other top reader favorites. More than 400,000 readers took part in the annual survey casting hundreds of thousands of votes, according to Condé Nast Traveler.


Santa Barbara ranked #1 for best weather in the United States in 2018

July 17, 2018

Tourists from all over the world come to Santa Barbara for various reasons and now they have another. The report says that Santa Barbara only experiences 6 days below freezing out of the year and only 3 days above 90 degrees with an average of as few as 79 cloudy days per year.


Santa Barbara’s Museum Mile

March 27, 2018

Santa Barbara’s Museum Mile is an easy way to visit the city’s 12 downtown museums while enjoying fresh cuisine and local spirits along the way. From State Street to the waterfront, Santa Barbara offers vibrant, enriching experiences for all ages.

Along State Street, The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum holds some of the world’s largest collections of original documents. Peruse the work of Beethoven to Darwin at this local favorite before heading across the way to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. This stop boasts more Monet paintings than any other West Coast museum, and will be sure to impress even art aficionados. Immerse yourself in Santa Barbara’s rich, Spanish history at the preserved Casa de la Guerra and El Presidio De Santa Barbara State Historic Park

Take a stroll in the stunning courtyards at the nearby Santa Barbara Historical Museum, which pay homage to the romance of early Spanish California. 

Kids and adults will love stopping into the quirky Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum & Library and Santa Barbara Carriage Museum as you make your way down to the waterfront. Once there, find Santa Barbara’s newest museum, MOXI—a creative playground for all ages. This world-class museum combines creativity and the sciences with hands-on learning..  From there, dive into wonders of the sea with Santa Barbara’s Maritime Museum and Santa Barbara’s Museum of Natural History Sea Center.


Santa Barbara Ranked As Happiest City

October 22, 2017

National Geographic has ranked the Santa Barbara region as one of the happiest cities in the United States.

Dan Buettner, National Geographic, Gallup and New York Times best-selling author and National Geographic explorer, has announced the 25 Happiest Cities in the United States, based on The National Geographic/Blue Zones Index.

The Index was specifically developed to measure a population’s happiness based on 15 metrics including civic engagement, walkability and healthful food options.

Santa Barbara ranks as No. 12 on the list.

In National Geographic’s November cover story and newly published The Blue Zones of Happiness, Buettner reveals the rest of the world’s happiest places, and explains environmental and lifestyle factors that contribute to the overall happiness in these geographic regions.

Buettner, National Geographic and Gallup developed a methodology for measuring where Americans are living their happiest lives.

Eight of the 25 cities recognized are in California.


Downtown Parking Provides Real-Time Parking Availability on the City of Santa Barbara Website

July 28, 2015

The City of Santa Barbara Transportation Division of the Public Works Department has recently developed a Real-Time Parking web application that provides up to date parking availability for all of the Downtown Parking lot locations. The Real-Time Parking web application is accessible through all internet connected devices, either using your home computer, tablet, or a friendly mobile version if you’re on the go using your smart phone.

Updated every 15 seconds, the public can now view how many spaces are currently available in the parking lot nearest to their destination. For visitors and shoppers not familiar with downtown Santa Barbara, the Real-Time Parking interactive map will sync with their phone’s GPS to provide turn-by-turn driving directions to the parking lot of their choice. Whether you’re a local making your way downtown for Fiestas, or a tourist visiting for the weekend, the Downtown Parking Program now has made it even easier to find the parking lot that best suits your destination.

View the Real-Time Parking Web App here: SantaBarbaraCA.gov/RealTimeParking

 


Goleta Named as One of the 50 Safest Cities in California

May 21, 2015

Goleta Named as One of the 50 Safest Cities in California

The City of Goleta is once again being recognized as one of the safest places to live in California, according to a study conducted by SafeWise. Goleta placed in the top 50 safest cities in California, coming in at number 50. In order to compile this list, SafeWise uses recent FBI crime data and takes into consideration factors such as security programs and initiatives.

“The City of Goleta has always placed a high priority on public safety and it is rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged once again,” said Mayor Paula Perotte.  “I believe the close connections between law enforcement and the community are a significant contributing factor in creating the safe community we enjoy.  I would also like to recognize the efforts of our Goleta Police Department.  Their dedication and vigilance is commendable.”

This is just one of several times that the City of Goleta has been recognized as an exceptionally safe community. For instance, in 2013, Neighborhood Scout ranked Goleta as number 95 in a list of the safest cities in the entire United States and SafeWise ranked Goleta as the 22nd safest city in California.

Since the City of Goleta was incorporated in 2002, the City has contracted with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services and protection.

To see the SafeWise list of the 50 Safest Cities in California, explore http://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-California-2015/.


State Street in Santa Barbara Designated as One of ‘10 Great Streets’ in America

January 03, 2015

State Street in Santa Barbara Designated as One of ‘10 Great Streets’ in America

The American Planning Association has announced that State Street in Santa Barbara has earned the designation as one of the 10 Great Streets in America. Since Great Places in America was launched in 2007, APA has designated 230 neighborhoods, streets and public spaces. Places are announced annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow.

“Recognizing these special places highlights the role planning plays in adding value to communities,” said William Anderson, FAICP, president of APA. “Planners, working with others, help build better communities in a variety of settings, from urban to rural; the result - better neighborhoods, cities, and regions. We applaud these efforts and congratulate this year’s designees.”


“Goleta, CA. ranked #79 in the “Best 100 Places to Live”

November 08, 2014

Goleta ranked #79 in the “Best 100 Places to Live” once again!

Goleta is being touted as a great place to live. Our small city placed #79 in the Best 100 Places to Live in the United States. This is the second-annual ranking of the best small to mid-sized cities in the U.S. by Livability, an online resource.

“The rest of the country is finding out what we already know – that Goleta is a great place to live and work,” said Mayor Michael T. Bennett. “Events like the Lemon Festival and the Dam Dinner, the community feeling, great schools and the beautiful setting make Goleta a true gem.”

According to their site, “As Livability’s editors and writers crisscross the U.S in search of great stories, we find that time and again, the best tales are told in the Main Street diners, corner churches, park benches and even the mayor’s offices of small to mid-sized cities and towns. Far from letting time pass them by, these communities are doubling down on livability for their residents. Our second-annual ranking of the Top 100 Best Places to Live celebrates the work they are doing.”

Livability worked with globally-known partners to analyze the best public and private data sources. They were advised by the leading thinkers, writers and doers in the place-making space.. More than 2,000 cities were ranked, so every city on this list is in the top 5 percent of livable communities in the U.S.


Santa Barbara Named As One Of America’s Top Small Cities

July 01, 2013

Santa Barbara, CA. - Locals know Santa Barbara is a great place to live. But others around the country are now taking notice as well.

The website “Conde Nast Traveler” has ranked Santa Barbara the sixth best small city in America.

Here’s what the article had to say about why Santa Barbara is a great place for visitors and residents:

“Blessed with an unbeatable location—between the Pacific and the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, a mere hundred miles north of Los Angeles—this capital of the American Riviera is as easy on the eyes as can be imagined. Add a balmy climate, a multitude of wineries, museums, nature preserves, and beaches, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Book well ahead for guided tours of the 37-acre, 1940s Lotusland estate—filled with topiary, exotic plants, and lotus ponds.”

“Conde Nast Traveler” ranks Santa Fe, New Mexico as the top small city in America.

Want to see the rest of the list? Visit: www.cntraveler.com


Cachuma Lake offers Year-Round Nature Programs

May 12, 2013

Cachuma Lake 2-Hour Wildlife Cruises – Offered mornings 10am – noon Saturdays & Sundays, and afternoons 3pm - 5pm Fridays and Saturdays. Santa Barbara County Park Naturalists lead 2-hour cruises that focus on wildlife, local birds, flora, geology, and Native American and settler history. $15/adults $7/kids (4-12 years old; please, no children under 4). Reservations: (805) 686-5050 weekdays, (805) 686-5055 weekends. $10 Park Admission per vehicle. Call (805) 688-4515 for more information or visit www.cachuma.com and click on “Nature Cruises”.


City of Goleta Receives Award for Roundabout

May 11, 2013

The City of Goleta received a Best in Category award for the roundabout at Los Carneros and Calle Real from the American Public Works Association - Central Coast of California Chapter.  The award was given in the category of Transportation Projects under $5 million. Capital Improvement Program Manager Rosemarie Gaglione attended the APWA Awards luncheon to accept the award on the City’s behalf.

The City’s contractor, Granite Construction, built the roundabout last summer, and completed it on time and under budget.  Wallace Group designed the project which funded through a combination of sources including Goleta Transportation Improvement Program (GTIP), State, Local Partnership Program (SLPP) grants, Measure A and Regional Surface Transportation Program funds.


This is the second award the City has received from APWA.  Last year the City’s Cathedral Oaks Overcrossing and Overhead Replacement Project won a Best in Category award for projects over $10 million


South Coast Railroad Museum Offers Daytrip Aboard Two Historic Rail Cars

May 10, 2013

During one weekend in late June, local railfans and history buffs will have a special opportunity to enjoy the experience of riding two historic American railcars during two scenic one-day roundtrip excursions up the coast to San Luis Obispo. This “Vintage Rail Sampler” event is organized and sponsored by the South Coast Railroad Museum.

Seating is limited to only 52 passengers during each of the two separate daytrips, which take place on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23. Passengers on each trip will ride the same two vintage railcars, Acoma and Overland Trail. All passengers will ride one of the cars in the morning and the other during the afternoon return, changing cars during the midday stopover in San Luis Obispo.


Solo Exhibition for Santa Barbara based painter, Angela Perko

May 08, 2013

Sullivan Goss presents their fifth solo exhibition for Santa Barbara based painter, Angela Perko. Riffing on early Modernist approaches as diverse as Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Cubism, Perko renders a world composed of highly stylized, rhythmic forms. The resulting images evoke a sense of movement that suggests that reality itself is too dynamic to paint as a static image.

Having developed into one of the community’s most distinctive voices in just over a decade, Perko’s exhibition will be accompanied by a catalog featuring the newest works in the exhibition as well as an overview of her evolution over the last ten years. ANGELA PERKO, her eponymous catalog, will feature remarks by Contemporary Curator Susan Bush and renowned songwriter and collector Will Jennings. In addition, there is a lush selection of 51 illustrations. Copies of the limited edition book will be available for sale at the opening reception on 1st Thursday

In her newest body of work, the artist made a pronounced move towards the figure with a series of five large scale paintings of women. Drawing on art history, poetry, and prose, as well as her thoughts on the role of women in both life and art, Perko’s new figurative works at this scale may well challenge people’s perception of her and her work. She has been painting the figure for years, but her representations of the female form are often her most abstracted works, and they have never been seen at this scale.

There will also be a lively selection of the artist’s architectural landscapes. Santa Barbara’s architectural landmarks have all been recast: the Courthouse, the Mission, the Arlington, the Granada, Saint Anthony’s Seminary, the Church of Christ Scientist, Trinity Church, Plaza Rubio, and Crocker Row. Santa Barbara, the small, quiet, elegant city erupts into a brio of color and bold, kinetic shapes.

Angela Perko studied with landscape painter Michael Drury before beginning her exhibition career 11 years ago.


Exciting New Ride Hits Santa Barbara

May 08, 2013

A and J Limousine announces the launch of their new business, Santa Barbara Hot Rod Limo. The service features a new vehicle that is a stretched version of a 1927 Ford Model T. The limo has seating for 8 and offers daily tours of downtown Santa Barbara and Montecito.

This unique, custom built car is a “head-turner” in bright yellow and offers 40-minute tours of the downtown Santa Barbara and Montecito areas. Santa Barbara Hot Rod Limo departs daily from just outside of the Santa Barbara Visitors’ Center.

They also offer private tours and private bookings for special events & corporate events.

A and J Limousine has been owned and operated locally by Andrea and Justin Plackett for over 10 years and was recently voted “Best Limousine Service” in the Santa Barbara News-Press Readers’ Choice Awards.


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