A drought in paradise as Santa Barbara struggles with a very dry year

Communities across California are implementing emergency conservation measures to save water during what has become one of the state’s worst droughts.

One of the places most affected by the drought is also one of the state’s richest communities: Santa Barbara.

For decades, Santa Barbara has sold itself as a kind of seaside Shangri-La. It’s a place of beautiful beaches, gorgeous Spanish-inspired architecture and lush gardens. But Santa Barbara and surrounding communities have a remarkably fragile supply of water, which is particularly apparent during periods of drought.

Below, we take a closer look at the drought through a Santa Barbara lens.