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• July 04, 2008
• 9:31

  9AM FIRE Update: FIRE STATS, RESOURCES AND CURRENT STATUS

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  Latest Gap Fire information and status updates.

• 8:39

  If you need to evacuate

   » ‎view full story at SantaBarbarasBlog.com

  Tags:  News  

  Don’t make any assumptions about the seriousness of evacuation. Once you’re asked to leave your home, you may not allowed back until the fire has been fully contained, days later.

  Family
  Make sure everyone stays together and that you pack toiletries, clothes, etc. for at least three days.

  If you have young children, explain to them the situation ahead of time so that they are prepared. Let them choose their favorite toys and possessions to take with them.

  Don’t forget pet food and any necessary pet medication. If you have ID or records for your pets bring them.

  Prescriptions and Medicines
  Assume that you will be away from home for three days or more. Bring any prescription information with you.

  Identification, Insurance and Important Papers
  Birth certificates, social security cards, house deed, insurance papers, passports, banking information and your last year and current year’s tax information are essentials. You may need these items in the event your home is destroyed and you need to request federal assistance.

  Make sure you also have access to your homeowners or rental insurance policy. Try to include any photo/video documentation you’ve made of your valuables and receipts and/or proof of purchases.

  Photos, Precious Items
  Items such as family photos and videos or important heirlooms can never be replaced. Make sure that you can easily access your photo albums, videotapes, backup hard drives, etc.

  If you must go to a public shelter, consider taking the following items:
  * First-aid kit
  * Blankets or sleeping bags and pillows
  * Any special dietary needs and non-perishable foods for snacks
  * Enough water for 3 days (one gallon per person per day)
  * Battery operated radio, flashlights and plenty of spare batteries

  Other things to consider:
  * Stay calm and cooperate with fire and police officials.
  * Move combustibles such as garden furniture, wood, etc. away from your house.
  * Know how to open your electric garage door even if the power fails.
  * Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes. The most common injury following any type of disaster is cut feet.

• 6:27

  Corrected Evac Orders (07/04/08)

   » ‎view full story at BlogaBarbara
  This will be a Fourth of July we will never forget -- the evacuation orders from last night have been changed slightly since my post last night. -- Sara
  
  Santa Barbara County Emergency Management Officials are providing this updated information to help clarify the geographic boundaries for the series of Evacuation Orders and Warnings issued by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff and Fire authorities due to changing conditions of the Gap Fire.
  
  About 1,700 homes spread throughout the following areas or communities are under mandatory EVACUATION ORDERS:
  
  Painted Cave, Hidden Valley and the Trout Club
  
  West Camino Cielo, west of Highway 154, Kinevan Road and the Haney Tract.
  
  Glen Annie and La Patera Canyons
  
  From Glen Annie Road going east to just west of, but not including, San Marcos Road, north of Cathedral Oaks Road.
  
  EVACUATION WARNING is in effect for about 250 homes north of Cathedral Oaks Road from Winchester Canyon Road to Glen Annie Road
  
  An American Red Cross Evacuation Center has been established at San Marcos High School at 4750 Hollister Avenue at the intersection of Turnpike Road and Hollister Avenue.
  
  As a reminder, an Evacuation Order means residents are being directed to leave their homes immediately. An Evacuation Warning means residents should be prepared to leave immediately if their area is upgraded to an Order.

• 6:00

  CHP Plans “Maximum Enforcement” for July 4 Weekend

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Urges motorists to use common sense when celebrating nation’s birthday.

• 5:31

  This Date in History… Zaca Fire

   » ‎view full story at SantaBarbarasBlog.com

  Tags:  News  

  The Zaca Fire was reported on July 4th , 2007 at 10:53 A.M. in a area north of Los Olivos, California near Zaca Lake.

  The fire started on July 4, 2007 and by August 31, it had burned over 240,207 acres making it California’s second largest fire in recorded history after the Cedar Fire of 2003. The fire was 100% contained on September 2, 2007. It was declared controlled on October 29, 2007.

  PS: The fire was started as a result of sparks from a grinding machine on private property which was being used to repair a water pipe.

• 4:30

  Tenuous Remission for Parts of Gap Fire

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Firefighters continued to battle flare ups throughout the night and into the wee hours of the morning.

• 4:08

  Local rescue flight crews discuss safety in wake of deadly crashes

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 4:08

  Neighbors help put out Orcutt mobile-home fire

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 4:08

  Planners approve SM retail projects

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 4:08

  South Coast shows canceled

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 4:08

  Planners get peek at Gold Coast expansion

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 4:08

  Alternative growth initiative going on Buellton ballot

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 4:08

  County Lines for July 4, 2008

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 4:08

  Growing Gap Fire forces more to flee

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 0:55

  Power outage delays paper

   » ‎view full story at Santa Barbara Daily Sound
  Due to a power outage a our printing facility, the Daily Sound was delayed in reaching all distribution locations. If you didn't get a copy of the Daily Sound CLICK HERE to read the online edition or visit our office at 411 E. Canon Perdido to pick up a copy. Home delivery subscribers can call (805) 564-6001 ext. 213 to request a copy be delivered on Saturday. The Daily Sound apologize for the

• 0:47

  Gap Fire Reaches Critical Stage

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Gap Fire turns into a monster as it spreads, east, west and over the mountain.

• 0:22

  Smoke On The Waterfront?

   » ‎view full story at Craig Smith's Blog
  
  It's an abbreviated edition of the blog on this Fourth of July holiday. Make that a smokey Fourth of July.
  
  
  
  The picture of the smoke filtering the sun was taken by me around 6:30 p.m. yesterday from Carrillo Boulevard.
  
  Fireworks shows that were scheduled for Girsh Park and Stow Grove, both in Goleta, have been cancelled due to the fire.
  
  As I write this, the Sparkle show and firework's display down at the beachfront in the City of Santa Barbara is still scheduled to go on.
  
  
  
  Have a safe and sane Fourth!
  

• 0:00

  Fleet Foxes

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Calling Fleet Foxes’ debut “lush” is about as grand an understatement as one could make.

• July 03, 2008
• 23:50

  Shelters expected to be busier over night since evacuations continue.

   » ‎view full story at KCOY: Local News

  Tags:  News Local  

  The Red Cross shelter at San Marcos High School set up for any residents needing a place to stay with all the evacuations.

• 22:58

  URGENT EVACUATION ORDERS FOR PAINTED CAVE

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  URGENT EVACUATION ORDERS FOR PAINTED CAVE

• 22:00

  Adam Racusin Reports: Gap Fire burns 5,400 acres

   » ‎view full story at KCOY Video: Local News
  Adam Racusin Reports: Gap Fire burns 5,400 acres

• 21:56

  UPDATE: GAP Fire Latest Statistics

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  UPDATE: GAP Fire Latest Statistics

• 21:20

  New Evac Warnings

   » ‎view full story at BlogaBarbara
  Here's the most recent info I've seen on evacuations -- North of the Patterson Curve would be towards the mountains. The Santa Barbara Independent has an informative Google Map that shows where the fire is located. With all the smoke and ash, it is hard to not feel it is right on top of us. Traffic is also heavy at this hour with people heading south for the long weekend and likely many locals playing it safe and getting away from the fire.
  
  

  Effective immediately, an Evacuation Order has been issued for all residents North of Patterson Avenue (North of the Patterson curve) between Fairview Avenue and Patterson Avenues.
  
  Evacuation Order remains for the communities of Hidden Valley and the Trout Club.
  
  Evacuation Order remains for homes along West Camino Cielo, west of Highway 154, including Kinevan Road and the Haney Tract.
  
  Evacuation Order remains for the Glen Annie and La Patera Canyon areas.
  
  An American Red Cross Evacuation Center has been established at San Marcos
  High School at 4750 Hollister Avenue at the intersection of Turnpike Road and Hollister
  Avenue.
  
  Evacuation Warning remains for residents north of Cathedral Oaks Road between
  Winchester Canyon Road and Fairview Avenue. Residents in Evacuation Warning Area
  should remain alert and prepared to leave if so ordered.

  
  
  The link in the post below to the Wildland Residents Association is well-updated and a good source of information. The Independent has also been doing frequent updates as news comes in.

• 21:01

  Winds continue to stoke Gap Fire

   » ‎view full story at Santa Barbara Daily Sound
  BY ERIC LINDBERG DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER Flames dotted the hills above Goleta for a third evening in a row as the Gap Fire grew well beyond 2,400 acres, the latest figure available, in an explosion fueled by heavy brush and stiff sundowner winds. The fire moved largely to the east and inched to the south, County Fire Capt. Eli Iskow said, raising concerns that flames could make serious headway
• 21:00

  Some 4th of July events cancelled, others go on

   » ‎view full story at Santa Barbara Daily Sound
  BY ERIC LINDBERG DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER With the Gap Fire raging in the hills above Goleta, authorities pulled the plug on a fireworks show planned for Girsh Park on Friday, as well as the annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration at Rancho La Patera & Stow House. Goleta Mayor Michael Bennett announced the news during a press conference Thursday afternoon, citing concerns about flames

• 20:54

  Foresters Step Up to the Plate for Little League’s Challenged Players

   » ‎view full story at Noozhawk
  The young players will join the semi-pro baseball team on the field before Saturday's game.

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 20:54

  Santa Barbara County Evacuation Orders Extend Into Goleta

   » ‎view full story at Noozhawk
  Residents north of "North Patterson curve" ordered to leave immediately.

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 20:54

  Assault and public intoxication in police blotter

   » ‎view full story at Santa Barbara Daily Sound
  DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER Two cases of assault with a deadly weapon — the weapons being a vehicle and a golf club — as well as a public intoxication call made life interesting for local law enforcement officers. June 25, 1:59 p.m. — While preparing to tow a vehicle with multiple parking tickets at 215 E. Figueroa St., a parking officer watched a man enter the vehicle and start the engine. After

• 20:53

  URGENT: GOLETA EVACUATIONS ORDERS

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  URGENT: GOLETA EVACUATIONS ORDERS

• 20:38

  Further Gap Fire Evacuations Ordered

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Update: Evacuation Order has been issued for all residents North of Patterson Avenue (North of the Patterson curve) between Fairview Avenue and Patterson Avenues.
• 19:55

  Patterson Avenue Area Now Under Evacuation Order

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Painted Cave is added to tonight's evacuation orders as well as residents North of Patterson Avenue between Fairview Avenue and Patterson Avenues.
• 19:42

  Fire Causes Cancellation of Goleta’s July 4 Festivities

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Fire in hills means no fireworks in sky.

• 19:21

  Gap Fire Burn Area Map

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  Updated 8:35pm
• 19:21

  URGENT GAP FIRE EVACUATION UPDATE AS OF 6:30pm

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, AN EVACUATION ORDER HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE COMMUNITIES OF HIDDEN VALLEY AND THE TROUT CLUB.

• 18:29

  Evacuation Order Issued for Hidden Valley, Trout Club

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  All previous Gap Fire-related evacuations warnings still in effect.
• 18:28

  Goletans Advised of Blackouts, Reverse 911 Calls, Air Quality

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Direct Relief to distribute breathing masks to the protect against Gap Fire smoke.
• 18:20

  Edison Offers Pointers in Case of More Blackouts

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Power loss predicted as long as Gap Fire burns.
• 18:14

  Get Gap Fire Info From Your Cell Phone

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Cell phone information will be provided should we be without power or when you are away from your computer.

• 18:01

  Amtrak Train Collides With Car, Leaves 1 Dead

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  Amtrak Train Collides With Car, Leaves 1 Dead
• 18:01

  URGENT BREAKING NEWS: NEW GAP FIRE EVACUATION ORDERS

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  URGENT BREAKING NEWS: NEW GAP FIRE EVACUATION ORDERS

• 17:08

  Mandatory Evacuation Issued for West Camino Cielo

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Warnings issued for Hidden Valley and the Trout Club.

• 16:11

  Goleta Fireworks Celebration Cancelled

   » ‎view full story at KCOY: Local News

  Tags:  News Local  

  The Rotary Clubs of Goleta, Organizers of the July 4th Fireworks Event, in close collaboration with the City of Goleta, have decided to cancel the fireworks show and related activities.

• 16:09

  Edison issues power warning

   » ‎view full story at Santa Barbara Daily Sound
  DAILY SOUND STAFF REPORT Southern California Edison (SCE) wants to remind customers that the wildfire continuing to burn near Goleta could cause power outages, as it did Wednesday night, and the utility urges customers to prepare for that possibility. Outages have already been reported today in the Goleta area. If outages occur, it is critical that customers living in the southern half of Santa

• 16:05

  Gap Fire Map Online

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Indy Fire Map displays burn area and major points of interest; will be updated daily.

• 15:40

  BREAKING NEWS: 1 Dead After Train Slams Into Car

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  BREAKING NEWS: 1 Dead After Train Slams Into Car
• 15:40

  UPDATE: Latest GAP Fire Media Briefing

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  Click on the camera icon to watch the briefing.

• 15:03

  Farmer's Market

   » ‎view full story at KCOY: Local News

  Tags:  News Local  

  San Luis Obispo Farmer's Market is 25 years old Thursday night.

• 14:42

  KCSB 91.9 FM’s Gap Fire Coverage

   » ‎view full story at KCSB-FM 91.9

  Tags:  Air the On  

  
  (Photo of the Santa Barbara County Gap Fire, courtesy of UCSB student Ryan Gangstamari, taken on a rooftop on Del Playa drive in Isla Vista.)

  KCSB 91.9 FM broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from the base of Storke Tower at the University of California, Santa Barbara campus. Our staff and programmers are working overtime to provide comprehensive information and breaking news about the Gap Fire and its effects, including evacuations, blackouts, and health advisories. KCSB is also a broadcast hub in the County’s and State’s Emergency Alert System.

  KCSB will be providing ongoing on-air coverage of the Gap Fire, but staff restrictions mean that we will have limited web updates over the long holiday weekend. Stay tuned to KCSB throughout our current state of emergency for all the latest news and information. KCSB also wholeheartedly encourages listener and community calls about Gap Fire developments: please call the KCSB Request Line at (805) 893-2424 with eyewitness reports or other comments.

  Additional information regarding the status of the Gap Fire and emergency operations is available at:

  Incident Information System
  Santa Barbara County website
  Santa Barbara City website

  KCSB also recommends that community members rely on battery-powered radios during any extended power outages (tuned to KCSB 91.9 FM, we hope). Keep listening to KCSB for our ongoing coverage, and please consider adding (805) 893-2424 to your phone directories.

• 14:28

  1:30pm GAP FIRE Update: FIRE STATS, RESOURCES AND CURRENT STATUS

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  Latest Gap Fire information and status updates.
• 14:28

  UPDATE: Goleta Fireworks/Stow House July 4th Festivities Canceled

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  UPDATE: Goleta Fireworks/Stow House July 4th Festivities Canceled

• 14:25

  More Blackouts Likely

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Chief Franklin warns the supervisors that more blackouts should be considered extremely likely, as a portion of the fire is blazing under Southern California Edison’s lines near Glen Annie.
• 14:00

  Gap Fire at a Glance as of Thursday, July 3, 11:30 a.m.

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  The Gap Fire's activity as of July 3, 2008 as of 11:30 a.m.

• 13:28

  Info for wildfire evacuees

   » ‎view full story at Santa Barbara Daily Sound
  DAILY SOUND STAFF REPORT Fast moving wildfires like the Gap Fire in Goleta can force sudden evacuations, giving homeowners little time to prepare and leaving them with many questions. If you ever think an evacuation may occur, brief preparation now can help make the process easier on you and your family. Before you leave….. • Collect all your important papers and documents. This includes

• 13:24

  Stow House Independence Day Festivities Canceled

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  Stow House Independence Day Festivities Canceled

• 12:57

  Governor declares State of Emergency

   » ‎view full story at Santa Barbara Daily Sound
  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today proclaimed a state of emergency in Santa Barbara County as a result of the Gap Fire which has already burned over 2,400 acres and is causing imminent danger to 200 residential property and structures. “We have responded immediately to the Gap Fire by sending additional resources to Santa Barbara County to battle this blaze that is threatening life and
• 12:50

  Power still out in parts of UCSB

   » ‎view full story at Santa Barbara Daily Sound
  UPDATE: Power has been restored to UCSB and neighboring areas as of Thursday afternoon, according to university officials. Authorities warn that conditions at the Gap Fire still have the potential to cause a similar outage. Due to the Gap Fire, UC Santa Barbara was without power last night, July 2. Power was restored to most of the campus by midnight, but portions of Isla Vista and the West

• 12:41

  Cancel the Fireworks?

   » ‎view full story at SantaBarbarasBlog.com

  Tags:  News  

  As one blogger noted… isn’t it time for our elected officials to cancel the City’s 23-minute, 4th of July fireworks show? The event, handled by “Pyro Spectaculars by Souza” is scheduled for West Beach tomorrow at 9:30 p.m.

• 12:37

  Semana Nautica kicks off 71st year

   » ‎view full story at Santa Barbara Daily Sound
  BY PETER DUGRE DAILY SOUND SPORTS WRITER Kicking off its seventy-first year, the Semana Nautica Annual Summer Sports Festival is the grandfather of Santa Barbara sporting traditions. If it’s the grandfather, then Nite Moves, now in its twentieth year, is like an exuberant grandchild that carries on the spirit of promoting recreational sporting in the community. Last night, Semana Nautica
• 12:33

  Muldaur kicks off concert series

   » ‎view full story at Santa Barbara Daily Sound
  BY STEVEN LIBOWTIZ DAILY SOUND ARTS EDITOR The July 4th weekend is here, and that means picnics, barbecues, beaches – and lots of music being played in the great outdoors. In a strange twist of fate, the Santa Barbara Bowl – the biggest open air venue of them all in Santa Barbara’s South Coast – will be dormant for four solid midsummer weeks dating back to last Thursday’s 311/Snoop Dogg concert

• 12:30

  Warren Jones Vocal Masterclass at the Lobero

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Renowned pianist Warren Jones shares his musical skill and experience with Music Academy of the West fellows in a vocal masterclasses on Saturday, July 5 at the Lobero Theatre.

• 12:22

  2 p.m. GAP Fire Briefing

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  2 p.m. GAP Fire Briefing
• 12:22

  Gap Fire Latest Information

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  Gap Fire Latest Information

• 12:15

  Allan Hancock College Without Power

   » ‎view full story at KCOY: Local News

  Tags:  News Local  

  Classes will remain in session until 4 p.m. tonight due to a power outage.

• 12:09

  "Naked Ashland woman" in the news... again

   » ‎view full story at The Ojai Post

  Oy.

  But Moss ran into a conflict in her new city when she announced in an online posting that she planned to in-line skate in the parade while wearing only a hemp G-string.

  The chamber quickly thwarted the plan, saying it sets the rules for its parade and toplessness is inappropriate for a family friendly event.

  After threatening to sue, Moss appeared to relent this week, telling the Ashland Daily Tidings she had agreed to wear a bikini.

  "It's unfortunate that on the day Americans are celebrating their civil liberties, mine are being taken away," she said.

  But Slattery said that when Moss arrived to fill out an entry application Wednesday afternoon she decided she wasn't going to wear a bikini and declined to fill out the form.

  "So we will not allow her in the parade," Slattery said.

• 12:00

  Horny Toad Activewear Purchases Bankrupt Nau, Inc.’s Remaining Assets

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Horny Toad Activewear, Inc. purchased the remaining assets of Portland-based Nau, Inc.

• 11:50

  Gap Fire: Human Caused

   » ‎view full story at KCOY: Local News

  Tags:  News Local  

  Experienced Arson investigators looking for exact cause

• 11:46

  Emergency County of Board of Supervisors Meeting on Gap Fire LIVE

   » ‎view full story at KCSB-FM 91.9

  Tags:  News  

  KCSB is currently broadcasting the emergency meeting of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors regarding the Gap Fire. Tune into 91.9FM or listen to our webcast to hear the session.

• 11:40

  Stow House cancels 4th of July festivities

   » ‎view full story at Santa Barbara Daily Sound
  The 34th Annual Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration at Rancho La Patera & Stow House has been CANCELED due to the Goleta Gap Fire, it was announced today. The 34th annual festival is Goleta Valley Historical Society's largest fundraiser, with expected crowds of 2000-plus people. The celebration features live music, hayrides, games, and more. Cancellation of the event will negatively impact the
• 11:31

  Declaration of Independence

   » ‎view full story at Santa Barbara Daily Sound
  BY CHERI RAE Is there a better day in all of America than the Fourth of July? It’s a day for joyful celebration of freedom, independence and happiness. Even the food is fun, and meant to be eaten by hand: cakes decorated with strawberries and blueberries to look like flags, watermelon, corn on the cob, and barbecued anything on a bun. It may be the one day of the year when political affiliations

• 11:23

  Investigators Comb Fire Scene for Evidence

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  An report on the investigation into the cause of the Gap Fire.

• 11:20

  Live Video Event: Gap Fire Press Conference at 2 p.m.

   » ‎view full story at KCOY: Local News

  Tags:  News Local  

  Watch the press conference live on kcoy.com/live

• 11:20

  GAP Fire Emergency Meeting: State Of Emergency Declared

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  GAP Fire Emergency Meeting: State Of Emergency Declared

• 11:12

  Stop The Trucks - Freedom Edition

   » ‎view full story at The Ojai Post

  

  Free speech is alive and well in Ojai ! Happy 4th of July !

• 11:07

  Stow House cancels 4th of July festivities

   » ‎view full story at Santa Barbara Daily Sound
  The 34th Annual Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration at Rancho La Patera & Stow House has been CANCELED due to the Goleta Gap Fire, it was announced today.
• 10:29

  County declares State of Emergency

   » ‎view full story at Santa Barbara Daily Sound
  DAILY SOUND STAFF REPORT As a result of the Gap Fire the Board of Supervisors declared a Local State of Emergency last night, (Wednesday July 2, 2008 at 9:55 PM. The BOS will meet at 11:30 AM today in the County Administration Building in Santa Barbara (with teleconferencing available from the Betteravia Government Center in Santa Maria) to adopt a resolution ratifying the declaration and to

• 10:13

  GAP Fire: State Of Emergency Declared

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  GAP Fire: State Of Emergency Declared

• 10:00

  Santa Barbara Independence Day Celebrations To Be Held at West Beach

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Free fireworks show scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
• 10:00

  Calling All Filmmakers

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Santa Barbara International Film Festival now open for submissions.

• 9:04

  A Failure to Communicate

   » ‎view full story at SantaBarbarasBlog.com

  Tags:  News  

  With a town on edge, nearby foothills burning, and many residents stuck without power… Santa Barbara’s mayor, Marty Blum, was busy penning a 573-word rebuttal to an opinion writer’s column. Here are some excerpts:

  On July 2, the Santa Barbara News-Press editorial page editor launched a number of mudballs at me… I did not cause a “deadly youth gang crisis.” Saying that I am “approving overdevelopment that is changing the essence of Santa Barbara” assumes that I act alone and that there is overdevelopment going on. The editorial page editor says that I twice tried to get him fired. Show me the letters or the e-mails to that effect. He can’t because they don’t exist. Show me any proof that I resent former Mayor Harriet Miller. I have no idea about the other mudballs he threw. Mud is better when it is not flung around. - Mayor Marty Blum.

  Infamously absent when a deadly gang melee rocked the town last March, the lame-duck mayor once again appears to be more concerned about petty personal squabbles than a town under fire.

• 8:16

  The Salad States of America?

   » ‎view full story at The Ojai Post

  TRUE or FALSE:

  The motto of the United States, E pluribus unum, was taken from an ancient Roman salad recipe.

  TRUE.

  E pluribus unum ("From many, one") comes from Virgil's poem "Moretum," which describes how to make a garden salad.

  So this Independence Day, have a salad; it's the only really patriotic thing to do. (Besides, reducing our meat consumption by just 10% does tremendous things to reduce the greenhouse gases used to process animals for eating, as well as the moral implications of how we do so...all of which spells physical and spiritual health for the greatest nation on earth)

• 7:44

  Gap Fire Latest Information as of: 7/3/2008

   » ‎view full story at KEYT - News - Local
  Gap Fire Latest Information as of: 7/3/2008

• 6:19

  Reverse 911 for Cellular Phones

   » ‎view full story at BlogaBarbara
  If you do not have landline home phone service, you can register your cellular phone for Reverse 911 service on the sheriff’s website. Using pre-recorded voice push technology, you could be made aware of evacuation news as they will call you with information.
• 6:15

  Gap Fire Cause

   » ‎view full story at BlogaBarbara
  The Santa Barbara Independent is reporting a possible cause of the Gap Fire:
  

  Investigators suspect the fire may have started at an old shooting spot. Some reports indicate that fire fighters found a can of cold Coca Cola at the spot of origin, suggesting some human involvement in the fire. Volunteer fire fighters also reported they saw three cars drive by with bike racks and bicycles at about the same time. They did not say that they suspected the people in these vehicles as having started the fire.

• 5:34

  Gap Fire Coverage

   » ‎view full story at BlogaBarbara
  After spending most of yesterday wondering whether I would have to help move one of my relatives out of the hills of Goleta, I came home to candlelight and visions of the Painted Cave Fire and listening to the radio for more detailed information. Was it the late Dick Williams who always seemed to be right in the middle of the fire, sending in updates at KTMS? Times have changed but perhaps we have not changed along with it.
  
  I'm not sure about the most recent status of evacuations but GLEN ANNIE AND LA PATERA CANYON RESIDENTS were asked to evacuate last night.
  
  For updates, one of our readers pointed us to a nice site by the Wildland Residents Association which I assume is made up of Trout Club and Cold Spring Tavern types...they do a really good job at putting it all together. Here's what they had from the county at their site:
  
  

  At 7:28 p.m. as a result of the Gap Fire, Edison lines were temporarily damaged causing power outages on the South Coast.
  
  We urge all South Coast residents, if you have power, to reduce power usage immediately. At this time there is not an estimated time for restoration of power. Please stay informed through the following media.
  
  Residents are advised to stay alert for additional information by listening to County Government cable TV station Channel 20, or the following AM or FM radio "Stations of Choice" for Emergency Public Information or other local television stations.
  
  AM Stations: KTMS-990 KUHL-1410 KZSB-1290 KINF-1440
  FM Stations: KCSB-91.9 KSPE-94.5 (Spanish) KSYV-96.7 KTYD-99.9 KSBL-101.7 KRAZ-105.9 KIST-107.7 (Spanish)

  
  
  For other updates, InciWeb has a map and general information about the fire as well.
• 5:28

  Mayor to TKA: Mud is Better When Not Flung Around

   » ‎view full story at BlogaBarbara
  First reported at Craig Smith's Blog -- Mayor Marty Blum responded to yet another nasty op-ed piece by her man at De la Guerra. Don't you guys have a fire to cover, Travis? -- Sara
  
  Travis,
  
  I hope you will print this answer. If not, the other people I have copied may print it.
  
  Marty Blum
  
  
  On July 2nd Editorial Editor Travis Armstrong launched a number of mudballs at the Mayor. I respond below:
  

  
  
  • This Mayor did not cause a "deadly youth gang crisis". The truth is that the budget for the Police Department has climbed each year I have been Mayor. The fiscal year we just ended, it was $32,206,702 and this new fiscal year has an increase to $32,960,553. The overall crime rate has fallen steadily over the past decade, and this city has stepped up to pull together youth-serving organizations for a short term summer strategy focussing on core gang members and a longer term strategy preventing and intervening in gang activities. It is working. Government, nonprofits, schools, businesses are all working together, making a difference in the lives of our youth.
    
    
  • Saying that this Mayor is "approving overdevelopment that is changing the essence of Santa Barbara" assumes that I act alone and that there is overdevelopment going on. The fact is that I don't act alone, and we are a well-planned and well-managed city. Do I like the two buildings on Chapala Street that are so controversial? Not much, but I did not have anything to do with their approval. They were approved at the Planning Commission without an appeal. Yes, this town is changing, a steady growth rate over the past 50 years of a little over 1% a year. Now the growth rate has leveled off, less than 1% each of the last couple of years. Do I like the way this town has evolved? Yes, very much. We have managed our growth well here. It is one of the best places to live in the world, not only for its physical beauty but for its wonderful people who live here. We are a caring compassionate people, ready to help our neighbors and to celebrate this place.
    
    
  • Mr. Armstrong says that I twice tried to get him fired. Show me the letters or the emails to that effect. He can't because they don't exist. Early in his career, I tried to get then-publisher Joe Cole to get Travis out into the community so he can see who we are and what we are about in order to write better editorials and opinion pieces. I have never tried to get him fired, although everyone knows I have had many reasons to. Mr. Armstrong cannot come up with any proof of this.
    
    
  • Show me any proof that I resent former Mayor Miller. It does not exist. I don't. She has her style and I have mine which is the way it should be. It was Mr. Armstrong who cancelled my apearance on her radio show for no reason that I know of. I stand ready to come on the News Press radio station anytime, and I have an open invitation to Mr. Armstrong for him to come on my radio program.
    
    
  • I have no idea about the other mudballs Mr. Armstrong threw. I don't remember refusing to have a picture taken with Bruce Rittenhouse on the beach of Puerto Vallarta, nor do I know of any letters about former Mayor Miller I would have delivered to the News Press. Why would I do either of those? Nor have I ever ordered my husband to do anything. We are married 44 years because of a mutual respect for each other, not for any ordering around.
    

  
  Mud is better when it is not flung around.
  
  Marty Blum
  Mayor

• 5:15

  As Blaze Rages, Evacuee is Forced Out of His Home Away from Home

   » ‎view full story at Noozhawk
  An SBCC student from Redding living in a house threatened by the Gap Fire finds solace at San Marcos' Red Cross shelter.

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 5:15

  Goleta Council Approves Growth Plan for Fairview Gardens

   » ‎view full story at Noozhawk
  A five-year improvement project is designed to get the organic farm's labor camp up to code — and away from neighbors.

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 5:15

  County Declares State of Emergency as Gap Fire Swells to 1,200 Acres

   » ‎view full story at Noozhawk
  Goleta on high alert as flames encroach. Heavy smoke blamed for widespread power outage.

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 5:15

  Wind, weather relief needed

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 5:15

  Mahoney Ranch proposal favored

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 5:15

  Lipizzaner Stallions entertain Santa Maria

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 5:15

  SM man found guilty of attempted manslaughter

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 5:15

  Fireworks shows set for Central Coast

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 5:15

  Oil drilling item pulled off meeting agenda

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 5:15

  Report mixed on leadership program

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 5:15

  County Lines for July 3, 2008

   » ‎view full story at Santa Maria Times

  -- Delivered by Feed43 service

• 5:00

  Citizen News : is canceled

   » ‎view full story at Edhat Santa Barbara
  Summer school at Dos Pueblos High School is canceled for Thursday, July 3, 2008, because of the nearby Gap Fire.
• 5:00

  Citizen News : Edhat office

   » ‎view full story at Edhat Santa Barbara
  Power is out at the Edhat office updates will not be available until that is solved.
• 5:00

  Citizen News : some photos

   » ‎view full story at Edhat Santa Barbara
  Dan Seibert took some photos Wednesday evening from Sea Landing. The scary smoke made for a beautiful sunset. [pics]
• 5:00

  Citizen News : citizen report

   » ‎view full story at Edhat Santa Barbara
  J' Amy Brown provides her citizen report of the fire including some pictures she took on Wednesday evening.[pics]
• 5:00

  Citizen News : some pictures

   » ‎view full story at Edhat Santa Barbara
  Meg Tibbetts sent in some pictures of the Gap Fire taken Wednesday morning from three locations in Goleta. [pics]

• 4:00

  Animal and Fireworks Don’t Mix

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  How to keep your pet safe this Fourth of July.
• 2:00

  Early Morning Gap Fire Update

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Power is restored gradually to areas of the South Coast.

• 1:14

  Two Years and Counting

   » ‎view full story at Craig Smith's Blog
  
  With tomorrow being a holiday, the start of a three-day weekend, in fact, I thought that today would be the most appropriate time to note that Sunday will be the two-year anniversary of the News-Press meltdown.
  
  
  
  Don Murphy, a deputy managing editor, resigned in the early afternoon of July 5, 2006. George Foulsham, the managing editor, quit later that afternoon.
  
  The following day, a Thursday, News-Press editor Jerry Roberts, who had also tendered his resignation but had offered to stay on for 30 days to ease the transition, was escorted out of the building, having been barely given time to pack his brief case. By the end of the day, city editor Jane Hulse, business editor Michael Todd, and columnist Barney Brantingham had also quit.
  
  I think most of you know the rest of the story.
  
  * * *
  Tuesday, it was the same old story at the News-Press. Editorial page editor Travis Armstrong devoted his entire op-ed column to bashing Mayor Marty Blum.
  
  Blaming her for everything but the defeat of the Union armies at Bull Run, it's a classic Travis rant.
  
  As far as I can tell, there's nothing in the column that he hasn't said before about the mayor. With Blum term-limited out, she won't be running for re-election and as far as I know, doesn't aspire to any other elective office, so I'm wondering: why another hit piece?
  
  My guess is that Wendy sent him a memo saying something like, "You know, I'd kind of like to see you do another number on Marty Blum."
  
  If it's Fourth of July week, you can count on Travis to pop off.
  
  Mayor Blum sent me and several other local media outlets a response to the column. You can read it in its entirety here.
  
  * * *
  A number of readers wrote in to note how slow the News-Press was to update its website with any news of the "Gap Fire" burning in northern Goleta.
  
  One example was a crawl across the top of the newspress.com site time-stamped 4:15 p.m., noting that summer school classes at Dos Pueblos High School have been cancelled.
  
  Don't you think most of the summer school students at Dos Pueblos had figured it out by then?
  
  Fortunately, other online outlets including Edhat, The Independent, Noozhawk and the Daily Sound had fire updates throughout the day.
  
  * * *
  South of us, the L.A. Times announced plans to cut 250 positions across the company, including 150 positions from the news staff. The Times will reduce the number of pages it publishes each week by 15%.
  
  * * *
  Yesterday, in writing about the next court hearing in the Rob Lowe nanny-gate case I alluded to some of the latest allegations that the Lowe's were making against Jessica Gibson. Wednesday Gibson filed her own declaration in opposition categorically denying every one of the claims.
  
  * * *
  Heidi's Gifts and Cards, which has been located in the Mesa Shopping Center for as long as I can remember, has lost its lease.
  
  They will be open for another 60 days, and then that will be it. They may relocate to the small shopping center over at Las Positas and Modoc.
  
  I learned the news yesterday afternoon when I walked over there from my nearby home to buy some stamps from the Post Office contract station at the back of the store.
  
  The Mesa Shopping Center, which for almost a year now has been undergoing an extensive remodeling, is due to have it's "grand opening" next Tuesday.
  
  The shopping center won't be the same without Heidi's and the friendly people who work there.
  

• 0:11

  Fire Caused Outage (Updated)

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  UPDATED: Lines were damaged causing power outages on the South Coast; Board of Supervisors declares emergency status for Gap Fire

• 0:02

  Santa Barbara County issues State of Emergency

   » ‎view full story at KCOY: Local News

  Tags:  News Local  

  GAP fire burns 2400 acres, County declares local state of emergency

• 0:00

  No Amended Sentence for Pregnant Hit and Run Driver

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Mother-to-be Heather Hulsey should serve six-year sentence, judge rules.
• 0:00

  Three Reasons to Sign Up for the Granada’s Youth Summer Drama Class

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  All up-and-coming theater folk, take note: For the first time ever, the newly restored Granada Theatre will be hosting its very own summer session of applied drama classes for kids, starting Monday, July 14.
• 0:00

  Nuclear Age Peace Foundation Trains Community Peace Leaders

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Santa Barbara may have more nonprofit organizations per capita than almost any other city in the country, but few of them act on an international stage.
• 0:00

  McKinley Retires from DA’s Office

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  For years, Patrick McKinley liked to describe himself as “arguably the best assistant district attorney along the Pacific Rim.”
• 0:00

  High Turnover and Fragmented Focus Plague Foster Care

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Of the 38 children emancipated from foster care last year throughout Santa Barbara County, 12 wound up homeless within six months.
• 0:00

  Medi-Cal Doctors Take Pay Cut

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Those in Santa Barbara get reprieve, however.
• 0:00

  Construction Fits and Starts

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Santa Barbara Planning Chief Paul Casey said he’s not troubled that construction has abated at the site of Fess Parker’s proposed new waterfront hotel on Cabrillo Boulevard for the past six weeks.
• 0:00

  The Cost of Death Penalty

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  The State of California could save $100 million a year if the death penalty were abolished and those currently on death row were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, according to the California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice.
• 0:00

  Goleta Tax Won’t Endanger Measure A

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  While slow-moving tedium usually defines City Council meetings, Goleta’s was abuzz with meaningful activity on Tuesday evening.
• 0:00

  Montecity?

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  The pros and cons of incorporation.
• 0:00

  New Anti-Gang Effort Makes Debut

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Last year’s fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Luis Angel Linares during a State Street melee focused all of Santa Barbara’s attention on its gang problem.
• 0:00

  Oakland Folksters Port O’Brien Prepare to Dock at Muddy Waters

   » ‎view full story at Independent.com
  Port O’Brien is America’s answer to the New Zealand folk rock movement.
• 0:00

  Let the Dog Days Begin