City News in Brief - September 28, 2026

Virtual El Niño Community Meeting Thi Thursday

Hear from County Officials and the National Weather Service about El Niño preparedness and get your questions answered on Thursday, October 1. Due to significant public interest, the presentation will be livestreamed on YouTube in both English and Spanish. The meeting will cover this year’s weather outlook; the work completed on local creeks and roads to prepare; and important information related to storm and flood emergencies. Community members are encouraged to attend, submit questions for panelists, and stay informed. Closed captioning is available in multiple languages, along with simultaneous Spanish interpretation.

Read more... En español

Council Meeting Key Item Recap - September 22, 2026

On September 22, City staff and a National Weather Service representative highlighted the incoming winter storm forecast and coordinated preparations for potential El Niño–related impacts. The Residential Rent Stabilization and Registry Ordinance discussion covered key elements of the proposed programs, including rent adjustments, petitions, rental registry requirements, and Rent Stabilization Board procedures. Read the recap for key takeaways and what’s ahead when the ordinance returns to Council.

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West Beach neighborhood showing apartments and views of the mountains

Short-Term Rental Ordinances at Council on October 6

On October 6, 2026, the City Council will consider ordinances to regulate short-term vacation rentals (STRs) throughout the city. These new laws aim to incentivize long-term housing over transitory use as directed by City Council and outlined in Program HE-19 of the City’s 2023-2031 Housing Element.

Celebrate 1 Million BCycle Trips with a Free Ride on Saturday!

The Sustainability & Resilience Department and Santa Barbara BCycle are excited to announce that the community has reached 1 million bikeshare trips since BCycle launched in 2021. To celebrate, BCycle is offering a one-time 30-minute free ride on Saturday, October 3, using promo code MILLION. With 103 stations, 654 docks, and 324 pedal assist electric bikes throughout the city, bikeshare offers a convenient transportation option for residents and visitors traveling throughout our community.

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Emergency Kit Supplies, backpack, first air, water radio, lantern.

Learn How to Prepare for Potential Storms

The City Council received a Storm Preparedness Update on September 22, with information on readiness efforts and preparing for potential storm impacts. Learn about upcoming local preparedness meetings and resources to help identify hazards and keep yourself, your family, and your neighbors safe. The best time to prepare is now!

Make a plan,
Build an emergency kit,
Sign up for ReadySBC alerts

Read more... En español

laska Airlines airplane being pulled on a rope by competition attendees

Alpha Resource Center's Plane Pull Returns to SBA

Santa Barbara Airport is excited to announce Alpha Resource Center's 5th annual Plane Pull is returning to SBA on Saturday, October 24. Team registration is NOW OPEN. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event that combines community, competition, and a cause worth pulling for!

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Train Station Lunch & Learn Pop-Up Event September 30

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments invites commuters to a free Train Commute Lunch & Learn event at the Santa Barbara Train Station on Wednesday, September 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by for free street tacos, hourly station tours, giveaways, and information about taking the train to work, including up to 10 free train rides for eligible commuters. Learn more about biking and public transit connections and expanded Pacific Surfliner service during peak commute times.

scam alert over image of person using a laptop.

How to Recognize, Avoid, and Report Scams

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to target community members through phone calls, emails, texts, and social media. Learn how to recognize common warning signs, protect yourself from scams, and report suspected fraud. The Santa Barbara Police Department has compiled helpful resources and reporting options for residents.

bowling league participant prepares to roll a bowling ball down the lane

Adapted Bowling League Returns This Weekend

The Adapted Recreation Bowling League returns this fall, giving people with disabilities an opportunity to bowl, socialize, and enjoy time with friends. One of the program’s longest running offerings, the league meets on select Saturdays from October through May. Bowling includes two games, shoe rental, and lunch.

Oh the Horror! A New Book Club at SBPL

Horror Readers! Get ready for spooky season and join Oh the Horror!, a brand-new SBPL book club that explores a different horror subgenre, with a curated list of books to choose from each month and meets to dissect, unravel, and scream. The first meeting will be on Thursday, October 8 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Central Library. Bring your favorite horror book (or one you've been curious about).

Amelia Earhart: an Aviator, an Eagle, and a Special Local Partnership

Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is proud to partner with the Santa Barbara Zoo as the Premier Foster Feeder of Amelia Earhart, a bald eagle. Through this partnership, SBA supports Amelia’s ongoing care and the Zoo’s larger mission to conserve the natural world. Amelia is named in honor of pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart, who made history in 1932 as the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean. Fittingly, Earhart herself even flew into SBA for a visit during her career!

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