The County of Santa Barbara’s Virtual El Niño Community Meeting will cover the weather outlook, storm?season preparations, and emergency readiness.The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube in English and Spanish. Immediately following the meeting, a recording will be available through the same links.

Your General Election Ballot Is on the Way

Vote-by-Mail ballots will be delivered to Santa Barbara County voters beginning in early October. Learn what’s included in your packet and your options for returning it.

What Happens When

You Call 911

From the moment your call comes in, trained dispatchers spring into action.

Take a behind the scenes look at

what happens next.

Candy, Costumes

& Caution

Check out these simple tips to help keep everyone safe while enjoying

Halloween night.

NOAA Weather Radio Alerts Now Available Countywide

County officials recommend NOAA Weather Radios as a trusted backup for evacuation notices and urgent warnings.

Homeowners: Earn $500

for Joining an Energy Study

How does your home use energy, and what could make it more comfortable? The 3C-BEACH research project is looking for eligible homeowners in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties to help answer those questions. Participants will receive $500 for taking part in a study of home energy use and indoor air quality. The project will also explore opportunities to switch from gas to electric appliances. The California-funded study aims to learn how these changes may affect comfort, air quality and energy use in Central Coast homes.

County Launches

Coastal Resources Mitigation

Grant Cycle

Funding is available for projects that protect and enhance Santa Barbara County’s coastal resources. Proposals are due

November 23, 2026.

County Hosts 2026 Vendor Connection Event

The County of Santa Barbara will host its annual Vendor Connection event on October 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at 260 N. San Antonio Road in Santa Barbara. The free event will give local businesses, and community partners an opportunity to learn about how to do business with Santa Barbara County.

Coastal Access and Transportation Upgrades Coming to Summerland

Two construction projects will improve beach access at Santa Claus Lane and close a key gap in the Coastal Trail, enhancing safety for walkers, cyclists, and beachgoers.

Join the Out of the Darkness Walk at Goleta Beach

The Out of the Darkness Walk is

on October 3. Come together for hope, remembrance, and support.

Free registration,

open to all, with opportunities to

get involved and support

suicide prevention.

Practice Earthquake Safety During the ShakeOut

Mark your calendar for 10:15 a.m. on October 15 and join people around the world in the Drop, Cover, Hold On drill.

A Trusted Resource for the Community and Her Colleagues

October Employee of the Month Guadalupe Enriquez combines experience, compassion and a can-do spirit to support child support participants, coworkers and the County.

Highlights from the County Health Department’s

Back?to?School Health Fairs

The County Health Department held its fourth annual Back?to?School Health Fairs in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara, serving more than 3,500 community members with immunizations, sports physicals, free school supplies, dental and hygiene kits, and connections to over 50 community partners. Across the three events, 33 students received vaccines, 44 received sports physicals, and 1,800 backpacks were distributed to help families get ready for the new school year.

Safe Sidewalk Food Starts With Informed Choices

Did you know? Temporary restaurants also known as “pop-ups” are not considered Compact Mobile Food Operations and are not permitted under the law. Pop-ups may include food preparation and stationary tables with an overhead canopy. Learn more about safe sidewalk vending.

The California Department of Public Health and the West Coast Health Alliance have released vaccine recommendations for the 2026–2027 respiratory virus season, following guidance from national medical experts. Vaccines remain the best protection against COVID?19, flu, and RSV, helping prevent severe illness, reduce spread, and ease strain on health care systems.

Are you signed up for ReadySBC Alerts?

Stay in the know about actions you need to take during wildfires or other types of emergencies. Sign up or check your registration today at ReadySBC.org.