Collin Harmon: ArtLabbé a Funk Zone Gallery with a Purpose Beyond the Walls
Noozhawk
August 15, 2026
There's a new spot in the Funk Zone that's flipping the script on what a gallery can be. ArtLabbé Santa Barbara, a 1,000-square-foot space, isn't just about the art on the walls—it's about what happens beyond them. Owner Collin Harmon has created a place where creativity meets community, and honestly, that's exactly the energy our little corner of the 805 needs.
Whether you're a longtime local or just wandering through the Zone on a wine-tasting afternoon, ArtLabbé feels like a breath of fresh air. It's a reminder that Santa Barbara's arts scene is more than just galleries and tourists—it's about connection, purpose, and making space for something meaningful. Noozhawk's story captures the heart of it, and it's worth a read before you stop by. If you haven't checked it out yet, consider this your nudge.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Noozhawk.
City
Santa BarbaraSource
NoozhawkPublished
August 15, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
Explore Santa BarbaraAll Santa Barbara NewsMore News from Santa Barbara
Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara City Council on verge of approving Rent Stabilization Ordinance and Registry
Santa Barbara's renters have been waiting a long time for this one. The City Council is close to adopting a Residential Rent Stabilization Ordinance and Rental Registry, and this week they heard from the public before formally introducing it. Most speakers who showed up asked the council not to carve out Section 8 housing from the protections — a sign of just how much this matters to some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Councilmember Meagan Harmon pushed back, warning that including Section 8 could discourage more landlords from participating at all. It's a real tension: do you write the strongest possible ordinance, or the one that gets the widest buy-in? Either way, this is the kind of local decision that shapes who gets to keep living here. As KEYT News Channel 3-12 reported, the ordinance and registry are now on the verge of approval. If you rent in Santa Barbara — or know someone who does — this is worth following closely. Details on the registry and what it means for tenants and landlords will matter long after the vote.
Santa BarbaraJim Knell’s Big Move: Santa Barbara Real Estate Mogul Launches Drive to Get Cars Back on State Street
Big news for anyone who walks, bikes, or drives downtown: Jim Knell, the Sima Corp founder who's shaped a lot of Santa Barbara's skyline, is bankrolling a petition drive to put the future of State Street directly in voters' hands. The Santa Barbara Independent reports he's pushing for a referendum to overturn the recently passed State Street Master Plan — the one that keeps the promenade car-free and reimagines our most famous stretch of downtown. This one hits close to home. State Street is our collective front porch — where we grab coffee, meet friends, and show off our town. Whether you love the open promenade or miss pulling up to your favorite shop, the debate over cars vs. pedestrians is really a debate about what kind of downtown we want to be. Expect petitions, counter-petitions, and plenty of chatter at the Farmers Market. Whatever side you're on, this is a rare chance for locals to weigh in directly. Stay tuned — and register to vote if you haven't.
Santa BarbaraLimuw St. to replace Calle Cesar Chavez
Santa Barbara just made history in a small but meaningful way. The City Council voted 6-to-1 to rename Calle Cesar Chavez to Limuw St., honoring the Chumash name for Santa Cruz Island — the island you can literally see from that street on a clear day. Chumash residents spoke before the vote, sharing why this matters: their heritage is written into this coastline, and now it's written into our street signs too. It's a quiet but powerful reminder that this land has a name and a story far older than any of us. As KEYT News Channel 3-12 reported, the change passed Wednesday. Whether you're driving through or just passing by, take a moment to look toward the islands. Limuw isn't just a new street name — it's a piece of local history finally getting its due.