County Health Will Restore 15 Positions After Layoffs
Noozhawk
July 12, 2026
Good news for Santa Barbara County’s public health team: the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to restore 15 positions at the County Health Department, reversing some of the layoffs that hit dozens of employees earlier this year due to budget shortfalls. The move comes as a relief to many who rely on county health services, from immunizations to mental health support — programs that felt the strain when staffing was slashed.
This restoration reflects a broader conversation about how our county prioritizes essential services. While 15 positions won’t fully undo the cuts, it’s a meaningful step toward rebuilding capacity. Noozhawk reported the decision, and local advocates are hopeful it signals a commitment to keeping our community healthy. For families in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and beyond, this means shorter waits and more accessible care.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Noozhawk.
City
Santa BarbaraSource
NoozhawkPublished
July 12, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
Explore Santa BarbaraAll Santa Barbara NewsMore News from Santa Barbara
Santa BarbaraLocal Teams Capture Titles at Santa Barbara Open Beach Volleyball
There's nothing quite like the thrill of beach volleyball right here in our own backyard. This past weekend, the Santa Barbara Open brought together top talent from across the Central Coast, and it was our local veterans who truly shined. A pair of seasoned players from the 805 region used their experience and steady hands to capture the men's title at the California Beach Volleyball Association’s Michelob Ultra tournament. It's a reminder that our coast isn't just a beautiful place to live—it's a hub for competitive sports and community pride. Whether you're a player or a spectator, events like these bring us together and showcase the athletic spirit that makes Santa Barbara special. For the full rundown on the weekend's action, check out the great coverage from Noozhawk.
Santa BarbaraSeveral UCSB and Cal Poly players selected on second and final day of 2026 MLB Draft
What a weekend for Central Coast baseball! After UCSB pitcher Jackson Flora made history as the #4 overall pick by San Francisco on day one, five more Gauchos heard their names called on Sunday as the 2026 MLB Draft wrapped up. Left-hander Cole Tryba went in the seventh round at #217 overall, joining a strong local contingent heading to the pros. Cal Poly also had multiple players selected, proving the 805 is a true pipeline for talent. It's a proud moment for our community — from the bleachers at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium to Baggett Stadium, these are the kids we watched grow up. Thanks to KEYT News Channel 3-12 for keeping us updated on every pick.
Santa BarbaraMark Patton: Drive to be No. 1 Led to No. 4 MLB Draft Selection for UCSB Pitcher Jackson Flora
Santa Barbara baseball fans have a new reason to cheer: UCSB pitcher Jackson Flora was selected No. 4 overall in the MLB Draft, a stunning achievement that underscores the strength of Gaucho baseball. Coach Andrew Checketts, the winningest skipper in program history, knew exactly how to push Flora’s buttons last summer, and that drive to be the best paid off in a big way. Flora’s rise from local standout to top-five pick is a testament to the talent nurtured right here on the Central Coast. For a community that rallies around UCSB athletics, this is more than just a draft pick—it’s a point of pride. Flora joins a growing legacy of Gauchos making waves in professional baseball, and his story, first reported by Noozhawk, reminds us that world-class athletes are developed in our own backyard. Whether you caught him at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium or just follow the team from afar, this is a moment to savor for Santa Barbara sports fans.