Central Coast

For the past month, hair and nail salons in California have been able to reopen outdoors only, with masks and strict sanitary protocols in place.

from Greater LA

Counties and cities across the state are still working out how the legal cannabis market works in their jurisdictions.

from KCRW Features

The meteoric rise of cannabis is thanks to a close relationship between the industry, its lobbyists, and local political leaders.

Santa Barbara grows a third of California’s pot, thanks to political loopholes

The meteoric rise of cannabis is thanks to a close relationship between the industry, its lobbyists, and local political leaders.

from Greater LA

As coronavirus restrictions continue to be loosened, some smaller cities in Southern California have been getting back to a version of normal.

California tourism is banking on local getaways; the ‘American Riviera’ is just a car ride away

As coronavirus restrictions continue to be loosened, some smaller cities in Southern California have been getting back to a version of normal.

from Greater LA

In Santa Barbara, hungry locals have returned to restaurants. Most are sitting outside in the fresh air, though eating inside is an option too.

Santa Barbara is moving the dining room to the sidewalk. Will LA follow?

In Santa Barbara, hungry locals have returned to restaurants. Most are sitting outside in the fresh air, though eating inside is an option too.

from Greater LA

At a federal prison along the Central Coast in Santa Barbara County, more than 1,000 inmates and correctional officers have tested positive for COVID-19.

Santa Barbara is home to federal prison system’s worst COVID-19 outbreak

At a federal prison along the Central Coast in Santa Barbara County, more than 1,000 inmates and correctional officers have tested positive for COVID-19.

from Greater LA

As wine tasting rooms sit empty during the coronavirus pandemic, producers are coming up with new models of showcasing and selling their wine, from free delivery and curbside pickup to…

From virtual tastings to free delivery, California wineries get creative

As wine tasting rooms sit empty during the coronavirus pandemic, producers are coming up with new models of showcasing and selling their wine, from free delivery and curbside pickup to…

from KCRW Features

Several clinics in Santa Barbara have begun testing patients for COVID-19 from their cars, but only certain people qualify.

Car-based COVID-19 testing in Santa Barbara: How it works

Several clinics in Santa Barbara have begun testing patients for COVID-19 from their cars, but only certain people qualify.

from KCRW Features

Three lightly trafficked hikes in the Los Padres National Forest offer physical and emotional stress relief amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Three Los Padres National Forest hikes for outdoor social distancing

Three lightly trafficked hikes in the Los Padres National Forest offer physical and emotional stress relief amid the coronavirus outbreak.

from KCRW Features

With restaurants, concert venues and bars closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, those who work in the hospitality and music industries won’t collect pay at the end of March.

With music venues closed, artists reach out to fans online

With restaurants, concert venues and bars closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, those who work in the hospitality and music industries won’t collect pay at the end of March.

from KCRW Features

This week, bars, nightclubs, wineries and breweries in California were asked to close immediately, and restaurants to offer delivery or takeout service only.

Last call: How long can bars survive without business?

This week, bars, nightclubs, wineries and breweries in California were asked to close immediately, and restaurants to offer delivery or takeout service only.

from KCRW Features

Many retirement homes are on lockdown in an attempt to protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19.

Retirement homes on lockdown along Central Coast

Many retirement homes are on lockdown in an attempt to protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19.

from KCRW Features

The preventative measures taken by Ventura and Santa Barbara counties against COVID-19 have warped daily routines as schools close, businesses shut, and homes become a forced refuge.  …

Six things to do while social distancing on the Central Coast

The preventative measures taken by Ventura and Santa Barbara counties against COVID-19 have warped daily routines as schools close, businesses shut, and homes become a forced refuge.  …

from KCRW Features

With newfound time on your hands during the COVID-19 outbreak, you may want to help those in need. We get some tips on how to do this while staying a safe six feet away.

How to lend a hand while social distancing

With newfound time on your hands during the COVID-19 outbreak, you may want to help those in need. We get some tips on how to do this while staying a safe six feet away.

from KCRW Features

The COVID-19 pandemic is now on the doorstep of California’s Central Coast. KCRW spoke with local officials and decision makers about their emergency plans.

Coronavirus preparations underway in Santa Barbara and Ventura

The COVID-19 pandemic is now on the doorstep of California’s Central Coast. KCRW spoke with local officials and decision makers about their emergency plans.

from KCRW Features

At the new exhibit “ Current in the Shadows ,” long gold and yellow strands of seaweed hang from the walls and ceiling of Ventura College’s New Media Gallery.

Ojai artist weaves seaweed for new exhibit in Ventura

At the new exhibit “ Current in the Shadows ,” long gold and yellow strands of seaweed hang from the walls and ceiling of Ventura College’s New Media Gallery.

from KCRW Features

A slew of events celebrating Julia Child and her love of food and drink will hit Santa Barbara during March 13-15, 2020.

Julia Child's coastal cuisine comes alive along the American Riviera

A slew of events celebrating Julia Child and her love of food and drink will hit Santa Barbara during March 13-15, 2020.

from KCRW Features

Global warming is changing California in profound ways, says New York Times Magazine’s climate columnist David Wallace Wells

California wildfires wipe out the state’s green energy gains

Global warming is changing California in profound ways, says New York Times Magazine’s climate columnist David Wallace Wells

from KCRW Features

On February 25, 1970, young protestors stormed the Bank of America building in the UCSB-adjacent community of Isla Vista and set it on fire.

UCSB students remember 50th anniversary of Isla Vista’s Bank of America burning

On February 25, 1970, young protestors stormed the Bank of America building in the UCSB-adjacent community of Isla Vista and set it on fire.

from KCRW Features

Japanese artist Tatsuo Miyajima’s digital installations are on view at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. “I'm very interested in this life and death dynamic.

Miyajima’s LED art illuminates the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Japanese artist Tatsuo Miyajima’s digital installations are on view at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. “I'm very interested in this life and death dynamic.

from KCRW Features