The Naked Untruth
Santa Barbara Independent
August 13, 2026
It's easy to scroll past headlines about AI, but this one hits close to home. The Santa Barbara Independent's report on 'nudify' apps is a stark reminder that our digital lives—from beach photos to family snapshots—can be weaponized without our consent. For a community that prides itself on openness and trust, from the Funk Zone to the Mesa, this isn't just a tech story; it's a personal safety issue.
As neighbors, we need to talk about this at dinner tables and in local forums. The Independent's piece isn't just about protecting ourselves—it's about protecting our kids and friends. Let's stay informed, advocate for stronger regulations, and have each other's backs online just as we do on State Street. Knowledge is our best defense.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Santa Barbara Independent.
City
Santa BarbaraPublished
August 13, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
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Our Dons are on a roll! Santa Barbara High's girls volleyball team opened the CIF State Division 3 tournament with a win over Villa Park, and as the top seed, they'll be back home at the Thunderdome on Thursday to host Steele Canyon. There's nothing quite like playoff volleyball under the lights on the Mesa — the student section, the parents in their Dons gear, the whole gym buzzing. For a town that loves its high school sports, this is the kind of run worth showing up for. These players have worked all season for a shot at a state title, and now they get to chase it in front of their own crowd. If you've got Thursday evening free, head over and pack the stands — let's make it loud for the Dons. The Santa Barbara Independent has the full rundown on the opener and what's next. Go Dons!
Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara Girls Volleyball Ends State Tournament Drought
Dons fans, you can finally exhale — it's been a minute! Santa Barbara High's girls volleyball team snapped a state tournament drought that stretched back to 2006, beating Villa Park in four sets Tuesday night at J.R. Richards Gym. The scores (25-20, 25-15, 22-25, 25-15) show a squad that bounced back after dropping the third set and closed it out with authority. For those of us who've followed Dons athletics through the years, this one hits different. J.R. Richards Gym has seen plenty of big nights, but a first state tourney win in nearly two decades is the kind of moment that brings alumni out of the woodwork and gives current students something to remember. It's a reminder that the 805 keeps producing teams worth showing up for. Props to Noozhawk for catching the milestone. If you've got a Dons alum in the family, give them a call — they'll want to hear about this one.
Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara Extends State Street Closure Pending Referendum to Overturn Master Plan
Well, neighbors, the State Street saga just got another chapter. The City Council voted 5-1-1 on Tuesday to keep the temporary closure of State Street in place while a referendum tries to overturn the State Street Master Plan—the blueprint years in the making for reimagining our downtown core. Love it or hate it, this decision means the street stays car-free for now, pending what could be a citywide vote. This matters to all of us who walk, bike, shop, or drive through downtown. The Master Plan was supposed to be the long-term vision, but now it's caught in a political tug-of-war. Whether you're a business owner worried about deliveries, a resident who loves the pedestrian vibe, or just someone who wants a clear answer, the uncertainty isn't easy. Noozhawk reports the extension is temporary, but the referendum could put the whole plan on the ballot. So stay tuned—and stay engaged. This is one of those local decisions that shapes how our city feels for years to come. Have thoughts? Share them at the next council meeting or in the comments. We're all in this together, 805.