coronavirus community

Central, South Coast Officials Say Trick-Or-Treating This Year Is A Boo-Boo

By • Oct 30, 2020

Public health officials on the Central and South Coast are warning people that this year is not the year for traditional trick-or-treating activities or Halloween parties because of coronavirus concerns.

Architects Commission Poll On Santa Barbara Promenade; Most Surveyed Think It Should Be Permanent

By • Aug 19, 2020

Some architects say the community likes the idea of making temporary street closures in Santa Barbara to support businesses hard hit by coronavirus permanent.

The Santa Barbara Chapter of the American Institute of Architects did its own survey of nearly 5000 people.  Their study shows that more than 90% of those polled like the idea of permanently closing parts of State Street to vehicle traffic for a promenade. 

South Coast Theater Company Comes Up With Unique Answer To Coronavirus; Drive-In Concerts

By • Jun 17, 2020
Rubicon Theater Company photo

Forget about live theater being completely shut down on the Central and South Coasts because of coronavirus safety concerns. 

A Ventura theater company has figured out a way for audiences to see shows, using the Ventura County Fairgrounds as a safe venue.

Coronavirus Related Death Toll Hits 49 On Central, South Coasts; More Than 3100 Diagnosed Cases

By • Jun 2, 2020

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases on the Central and South Coasts now tops the 3100 mark.

Ventura Set To Reopen City Beaches Friday For Sitting, Sunbathing

By • May 27, 2020

A South Coast city will allow people to sit and sunbathe on its beaches for the first time since the coronavirus crisis hit. 

Coronavirus Death Toll Hits 45 On Central, South Coasts

By • May 26, 2020

The death toll has risen to 45 on the Central and South Coasts from coronavirus. More than two thirds of the deaths occurred in Ventura County. 

The county has now had 32 coronavirus related deaths.

Governor Sets Stage For Places Of Worship, Barbershops And Hair Salons To Reopen

By • May 26, 2020

The governor has set the stage for the reopening of churches, as well as barber shops and hair salons on the Central and South Coasts

The ball is now in the court of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties to decide if they are ready for the additional steps.

Masks Focus Of Virtual Art Show By Central Coast Museum

By • May 26, 2020

Masks have become a part of our lives, including artists on the Central Coast.  In fact, in Santa Barbara County, face coverings have become mandatory apparel in many cases as of Tuesday.

While we’re wearing them to try to protect ourselves and others, many people are trying to add a little style to them, with unique materials and colors.  A Central Coast museum is celebrating the art of masks with a new online exhibition.

South Coast Bus System Allows More Riders On Buses, But Masks And Social Distancing Still Required

By • May 25, 2020
Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District / Facebook

The coronavirus crisis led to bus systems on the Central and South Coasts reducing the number of passengers to try to insure social distancing. 

But, one bus system on the South Coast is actually allowing more people on its buses.

DIY Home Brush Clearing Leads To Increase In Animals Needing Care In Santa Barbara County

By • May 21, 2020
Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network / Facebook

As people staying home take on projects clearing brush and debris, a South Coast nonprofit has seen an increase in birds and small animal displaced from their nests.

The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network, which focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating birds, reptiles, and terrestrial mammals, has seen a big uptick of cases.

Foodbank Teams Up With Restaurants To Help Seniors Sheltering At Home On Central, South Coasts

By • May 20, 2020

Nick Ramirez is a chef at Loquita, an acclaimed Spanish style tapas restaurant in Santa Barbara.  The restaurant made USA Today’s top new restaurant list when it opened three years ago.  Like many restaurants on the Central and South Coasts, coronavirus led to its shutdown.

Central, South Coast Food Bank Using Text System To Help People Find Closest Food Pickup Spots

By • May 18, 2020

A foodbank serving the Central and South Coasts is using technology to make it easier for people in need to find out where they can get free food close to them.

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County has launched a text program to link people to its SAFE food program locations.  There are 54 location in Santa Barbara County.

South Coast Foundation Hands Out More Than $6 Million Dollars In Scholarships

By • May 18, 2020

A more-than-half-century-old foundation has awarded more than $6 million dollars in scholarships to students in Santa Barbara County. 

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara gave out nearly 1800 scholarships this year.

Los Padres National Forest Keeps Coronavirus Camping Restrictions In Place For Memorial Day Weekend

By • May 16, 2020

The Los Padres National Forest has announced that some of its most popular campgrounds are going to remain closed through Memorial Day weekend.

The campgrounds are set to stay closed at least through June 1st to comply with state and local health guidelines. 

New Grant Program Aims To Help Santa Barbara County Arts, Cultural Groups Impacted By COVID-19

By • May 5, 2020

A new grant program in Santa Barbara County is trying to help arts and cultural groups impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

The Santa Barbara County Arts Commission, the Santa Barbara Bowl, and the Santa Barbara Foundation set up a $75,000 relief fund.

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