Opinion: Celebrating the tri-county region’s Latino business community
By Kristina Alameda Although Hispanic Heritage Month is winding down, it gave us a unified opportunity to celebrate the richness and diversity of the Hispanic-Latino community and recognize our collective path forward to drive social and economic progress in the Tri-Counties. This year in particular, we recognize the resilience of small business owners impacted by Read More →
Our View: Alisal Fire a reminder of need for insurance reforms
The Alisal Fire in Santa Barbara County is big and nasty, and it has proven to be hard to contain. As the Business Times went to press on Oct. 13, it had consumed 15,000 acres and Highway 101 was shut northwest of Goleta. (The highway reopened Oct. 15.) So far, the Alisal Fire has lacked Read More →
Alisal Fire now 41% contained, Highway 101 reopened
Firefighters got the upper hand Thursday on the Alisal Fire in Santa Barbara County, and on Friday morning Highway 101 was fully open between Goleta and Buellton after a three-day closure. The fire started Monday afternoon in Refugio Canyon, a few miles north of Refugio State Beach. By Friday morning, it was 41% contained, according Read More →
Ventura County leaders discuss housing shortages at conference in Oxnard
In 2021, California lawmakers in Sacramento passed at least 35 measures to address the housing crisis in the state. Local municipalities across California are dealing with a flurry of new housing-related laws and measures that could reshape the state’s housing landscape, and shift the balance of power on housing regulations away from cities and counties Read More →
Mindbody to buy billion-dollar fitness company, fueling talk of new IPO
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was updated Oct. 15 with more information about the merger and an interview with Mindbody founder Rick Stollmeyer. After a year of pandemic-related struggles in the health and wellness industry, two companies are announcing a merger just as the sector is starting bounce back. San Luis Obispo-based Mindbody announced Oct. 13 Read More →
Fire closes Highway 101 near Goleta
Highway 101 remained closed Wednesday morning at its midpoint in Santa Barbara County as a wildfire that started Oct. 11 continued to burn through the hills northwest of Goleta. The Alisal Fire jumped Highway 101 along the Gaviota coast on Oct. 12 and sent smoke and ash into downtown Santa Barbara and even Ventura County. Read More →
Ventura County hires new airport director
The former Contra Costa County director of airports has been chosen to run the Ventura County-owned airports in Camarillo and Oxnard. The decision to appoint Keith Freitas as the new director of airports was made by Ventura County Executive Officer Mike Powers, according to a news release from the county on Oct. 8. Freitas will Read More →
