Santa Barbara
Coverage of Santa Barbara in the Nexus archive.
- Why seabirds are dying along the California coast
Since March, a large number of dead seabirds have been discovered along the coastal stretch between Santa Barbara and San Diego. The article describes the number of dead seabirds as 'tremendous'.
- LA officials vote to phase out oil drilling within city limits — again
The Los Angeles City Council voted to reinstate a law banning new oil drilling and phasing out existing wells over 20 years. The 2022 version was repealed after lawsuits, but a new state law now supports the effort, which faces opposition from oil companies claiming violations of property rights.
- Shark stalks paddleboarders off San Barbara coast, video shows
Drone video captured a great white shark stalking paddleboarders off the Santa Barbara coast. The incident was recorded and shows the shark's presence near the water sports enthusiasts.
- New director's cut of 2024 ‘Reagan’ biopic will return to theaters for America’s 250th anniversary
The 2024 'Reagan' biopic with Dennis Quaid will return to theaters in July and September 2026 with 10 minutes of new scenes for America’s 250th anniversary. The film, directed by Sean McNamara, previously grossed over $30 million worldwide and features additional moments between Reagan and his wife Nancy, as well as scenes at the Reagans’ ranch.
- California nurse charged with 77 felonies, including alleged elder abuse, theft
A California registered nurse, Rosanne Marquis, was charged with 77 felonies, including alleged elder abuse and theft. She operated an unlicensed in-home health care business in Santa Barbara, according to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office.
- Spencer Pratt breaks cover in ritzy Santa Barbara enclave as LA mayoral election fate looms
Spencer Pratt, a former Hills star, was seen in Santa Barbara wearing a T-shirt promoting his wife Heidi Montag's music amid a political setback in the LA mayoral election.
- JPMorgan Shops 15% Yield Debt for Oil Driller Boosted by Trump
Sable Offshore Corp. plans to restart an oil platform in California capable of producing 10,000 barrels per day in the third quarter of 2026. JPMorgan is offering a 15% yield debt for the oil driller, which has been influenced by Trump.
- California's largest wildfire destroys historic sites, threatens rare plants
California's largest active wildfire has charred nearly 17,000 acres on Santa Rosa Island, destroying historic sites and threatening rare plants. The fire poses no threat to the public but has a significant environmental impact. It erupted last Friday after authorities said a sailor was involved.
- Moderate winds, fire danger and high surf expected across SoCal
Southern California is expected to experience moderate winds, elevated fire danger, and high surf through Monday. The National Weather Service issued a briefing warning of gusty winds and dangerous ocean conditions. Interior sections of several counties will be affected.
- Half of California is 'abnormally dry,' NOAA data shows
Half of California is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, with moderate drought conditions spreading across the state, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The latest map shows counties in Northern and Central California classified as Abnormally Dry or Moderate Drought. This affects several counties including Los Angeles, Orange, and Santa Barbara.
- Overnight rain sweeps across Southern California, clearing Tuesday
An upper-level low brought significant showers to Southern California early Tuesday morning, with cool and cloudy conditions expected to follow. The rain pushed through overnight, but is now dissipating in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and L.A. County. KTLA Meteorologist Henry DiCarlo reported on the weather.
- Sonic booms expected at rocket launch in Santa Barbara
Sonic booms are expected along the Central California coast late Saturday due to a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch. The event will occur in Santa Barbara as part of the company's orbital mission.
- ‘Don’t fall!’: foil boarders describe hair-raising shark chase caught on video off California coast
Foil boarders Ron Takeda and Tavis Boise were chased by a likely great white shark off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. The shark lost interest and swam away after pursuing them a few miles from the shore.
- Are there mini volcanoes along California's Coast? The Times investigates
A fiery event resembling a mini volcano occurred along Santa Barbara's coast, but experts clarified there are no actual volcanoes in the area, leaving the cause a mystery.
- Man convicted in ‘senseless’ killing of unhoused woman in Santa Barbara
A man was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2022 killing of a 51-year-old unhoused woman in Santa Barbara. Gabriel Jose Zepeda was found guilty of murdering Theresa Ann Carina after a five-week trial, with prosecutors announcing the verdict.