News
East Beach Water Contamination Mystery Continues
A mystery is unfolding in the sand along Santa Barbara’s East Beach, and chances are the tourism board doesn’t want you to know about it. Read story.
Condors in the Hand
Photos of California condor checkup day at Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Read story.
Hollywood Jury Deliberating
Credibility of witnesses at issue in trail of man accused of ordering kidnap and murder. Read story.
SEIU Executive Director Steps Down After 25 Years
After 25 years of service to the union, Walt Hamilton has retired. Read story.
Vaqueros Football Stripped of Title
It is not yet clear whether disciplinary action will be taken against coaches. Read story.
Business 7-2
Santa Barbara Bank & Trust owner Pacific Capital Bancorp denied it was about to be taken over by the feds — a rumor that may have begun with the bank’s 6/22 announcement that it was suspending dividend payments. The feds did close Pacific Metro Bank in Irvine on 6/26, however, leading some observers to note that the rumors may have been a case of mistaken identity.
County 7-2
The 65 striking Santa Barbara Botanic Garden volunteers have extended their moratorium through July. More than half of them said the resignation of garden Director Ed Schneider would immediately get them back. That’s the result of a volunteer survey conducted by the strike leaders, who will present this information and more — including the call for more trustees from diverse parts of the community — to three trustees when they meet on 7/3. ••• Attendees of the Citizens Planning Association (CPA) 49th annual meeting on 6/27 learned about the group’s June merger with the Citizens Planning Foundation, which had previously performed educational functions while the CPA existed as a lobbying-enabled organization. The groups, which split in the 1980s due to legal intimidation from corporations, reincorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in light of clarifications to tax laws that allowed the organization to perform both functions. The meeting also presented awards to Eric Zimmerman, the boardmember who spearheaded the merger; Bess Christensen, for her work in the Lompoc Valley; and The Independent’s news team, for excellence in land use and environmental reporting.
Mental Health Commission Meeting
Meets the first Tue. of every month. July 7, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Call for location.
Gala in the Grecian Gardens
Benefit for the American Red Cross, S.B. County Chapter. August 29, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., 1205 San Antonio Creek Rd. ($50 - $75)
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