By Jorge Mercado Friday, October 23rd, 2026

Earl Warren Showgrounds CEO Ben Sprague confirmed that the event venue in Santa Barbara will not consider data center development on its property. No such project is being pursued, nor will it be, according to an Oct. 21 press release.

Questions that a data center could be coming arose after Global Stack, a company approaching fairgrounds throughout California with infrastructure proposals, contacted Earl Warren Showgrounds through the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Showgrounds leadership received the unsolicited inquiry but declined to enter into a memorandum of understanding, which would have been required before discussions regarding a potential project could advance. No meeting was held specifically to discuss Earl Warren Showgrounds hosting a data center.

“We want to be absolutely clear: Earl Warren Showgrounds will not consider a data center on this property,” said Showgrounds CEO Ben Sprague. “Our focus remains on preserving and strengthening the Showgrounds as a community asset, supporting agriculture and equestrian activities, recreation, public gatherings and emergency preparedness for generations to come.”

SPOOKY SEASON

Halloween is quickly approaching, so we here at the Business Times wanted to do a quick roundup of some activities you can do in your local community this spooky season!

• Allan Hancock College men’s basketball program is preparing once again to scare and delight the community with the return of the “Frightmare Forest” haunted maze.  The three-acre haunted maze is located at Hancock’s basketball and softball complex and is adjacent to the college’s vineyard at 800 S. College Drive in Santa Maria. Frightmare Forest will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 24, 30 and 31. Tickets for the maze are $15 per person and can be purchased on-site or online at ahcbulldogs.com/ticketing. 

• The annual Downtown Santa Barbara Halloween Trick-or-Treat will take place Oct. 24 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. More than 50 downtown businesses are participating in this free, family-friendly event. Look for the orange “Trick-or-Treat” window signs to find participating locations handing out treats and goodies.

• On Oct. 31, step inside Rosewood Miramar Beach’s The Manor Bar, which will be transformed into a shadowy venue full of delightful spooks and surprises. No reservations required. Walk-ins welcome, costumes encouraged.

• Pilates at Paseo Nuevo in downtown Santa Barbara is getting a Halloween glow-up, as after a free one-hour class on Oct. 31 beginning at 9 a.m., there will be a small market and fun-filled event. Learn more at eventbrite.com/e/pilates-at-paseo-spooky-sculpt-tickets-2002464025806?aff=oddtdtcreator.

• Families are invited to follow the trail and collect candy as they trick-or-treat at downtown businesses and farmers’ market vendors in San Luis Obispo. Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to start at Mission Plaza and follow the map through downtown. The map will be published online at DowntownSLO.com/Halloween as the date approaches.

• Paloma Cafe in downtown Santa Barbara invites guests to gather, celebrate and experience Día de los Muertos through food, music and community.  Throughout the weekend, honoring the Latin tradition of remembering the dead, Paloma offers full-service dinners and brunch, culminating in a special Día de los Muertos DJ brunch.

GAMING CENTER

California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks held the grand opening of its Gaming Center and the debut of its esports program on Oct. 16. “We wanted to have a center for esports, but also a place where non-traditional athletes and non-gamers can also hang out,” Cal Lutheran Chief Information Officer Zareh Marselian told the Business Times. The university says it is the largest collegiate gaming center in California.

CRUSH THE CRISIS

Los Robles Health System is participating in HCA Healthcare’s eighth annual national “Crush the Crisis” prescription drug take-back day. This event provides a safe and anonymous way to dispose of medications that may be left over from previous procedures or other medical visits. Any medications are accepted; however, needles, syringes, lancets or liquids will not be accepted. It will be held Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Los Robles Hospital’s corner lot, 215 W. Janss Rd. in Thousand Oaks.

FINAL SCENES

RAISING AWARENESS: The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is hosting Let the Good Times Roll, a walk-and-roll procession and event on Oct. 23 beginning at 10 a.m. This event will bring people with and without disabilities together to build connections and foster pride in our diverse community. Advance registration is requested. To participate, email [email protected].

TOP MARKS: Cal State Channel Islands’ Extended University has been recognized as one of the nation’s highest-performing colleges and universities for student satisfaction, earning a place on the inaugural 2026 Student Voice Score Honors List, released by higher education technology company EdSights. CSUCI’s Extended University ranked No. 8 in the nation.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Hammond organ master Vel Lewis and his new single “Smoovee,” featuring acclaimed saxophonist Marion Meadows, which debuted as the No. 1 Most Added recording at smooth jazz radio, will be playing a show at SOhO Restaurant & Music Club in Santa Barbara, California, on Nov. 28.