A green future
OpinionThe green economy holds great promise for the tri-county region. With thousands of jobs at stake, some interesting new players are emerging on the economic development scene. Sen. Tony Strickland, the Republican who won the narrowest of victories in a contested district, scored points when he backed a bill to exempt green manufacturing equipment from Read More →
Can the government make health care work?
OpinionWith speed that seemed amazing for a Congress that never seems in a hurry to do anything, nearly $1 trillion in new spending on health care has become the law of the land. While most pundits are focused on the upcoming political season and what it might mean for the Democrats and control of Congress, Read More →
PCBC turns 50 with a back-to-basics plan
UncategorizedHalf a century after its founding, Pacific Capital Bancorp, the parent of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, is looking to return to its roots. Santa Barbara National Bank opened March 18, 1960, at 20 E. Carrillo St. with 18 employees. A staid and tradition-bound community bank until an acquisition flurry in the 1990s, Pacific Capital Read More →
Cottage Hospital looks local for Goleta design inspiration
ColumnsWhen it wanted to bring a more hometown feel to its new Goleta facility, Cottage Hospital brought in a team of local designers. Cottage Hospital broke ground March 11 on its new 52-bed acute care Goleta Valley facility. The 52,000-square-foot, two-story building, which will cost an estimated $103 million, is expected to be complete in Read More →
Water fight puts property rights on trial
ColumnsVentura County property owners have won at least a partial victory in their ongoing battle to preserve some measure of rights. Going all the way to the state water board, the Building Industry Association won a re-hearing of new rules that could sharply have increased the cost of compliance with laws governing stormwater — the Read More →
A new Santa Barbara can lead rebound
OpinionAmong the region’s larger cities, Camarillo probably has the strongest retail environment — and a much better-than-average fiscal position. Oxnard, Santa Maria and Paso Robles probably have some of the best long-term growth prospects, thanks to affordable housing and a pro-business attitude. San Luis Obispo has a dynamic new city manager with a laser-like focus Read More →
