Articles From : Melinda Burns
Cannabis Gets a Big Win in Wine Country
Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors upholds a permit for the Busy Bee Organics outdoor cannabis “grow” near Buellton.
Cuyama Valley Carrot Growers get a “Past Due” Notice
Under a new state law, Cuyama Valley carrot farmers face massive pumping reductions to help restore the depleted groundwater basin.
Signs of Life on Montecito’s Deadliest Block
Rebuilding is slow in Montecito following the 1/9 Debris Flow, but survivors say it “mends the heart.”
Refining Montecito Water Rates for Desal: A Balancing Act
Which Montecito water customers should bear the greatest share of the $4.3 million yearly cost of purchasing Santa Barbara water for the next 50 years?
Making Montecito Safer: Part 2
Vowing to “keep it in the creeks,” a new group explores ways to permanently reduce the damage from recurrent debris flows.
Making Montecito Safer, Part 1
A large debris basin will be constructed on San Ysidro Creek within two years, county officials say.
Montecito’s “Lousy” Ground Water Basin
Shallow water table, proliferation of private wells will limit injection of a recycled water supply, geologists say.
How Thirsty is Montecito?
The Montecito Water Board weighs rate hikes to buy a $4 million annual supply from Santa Barbara.
Montecito Takes A Step Toward Recycled Water
On the heels of a severe drought and years of water rationing, a longstanding plan to provide recycled water for the vast lawn at the Santa Barbara Cemetery is finally gaining some momentum.
Goleta Water Moratorium Continues
Despite winter rains, the Goleta Water District can’t lift its ban on new water meters.
Does Montecito want greater self-governance?
County Supervisor Das Williams agrees to start “a conversation" over Montecito's self-governance
Montecito Water Rate Study Gets Delayed
A deal to buy a long-term share of Santa Barbara’s water is now 32 months in the making.
Goleta Valley Grassroots Organizer Dies at 96
Lifelong activist and grassroots organizer defending the Goleta Valley, Harriett Phillips, died at age 96 last month.
No Truce in Montecito’s Water Wars
The plans for a new operations building at the Montecito Sanitary District – a project 15 years in the making – are suddenly in limbo, a potential casualty of Montecito’s divisive water wars.
Major Prehistoric Debris Flow is Found on Montecito Creek
A major debris flow that's at least 1,000 years old was found on Montecito Creek, and that’s reassuring, UC Santa Barbara geologist says.
Commercial Sprayers Pull Out of Carpinteria Cannabis Deal
Oxnard pest control companies that spray avocados in the Carpinteria Valley have pulled out of a proposed agreement with cannabis greenhouse operators, saying they can’t risk contaminating the marijuana crop.
Bob Sollen Passes at 97
Bob Sollen, the dean of local journalists and the Boswell of the environmental movement, passed away on May 10.
The Unintended Consequences of Cannabis
Can avocado and marijuana growers peacefully coexist in Carpinteria? Melinda Burns investigates.
Water Recycling Stalls in Montecito
After promising wastewater recycling program, the Montecito Water Board is stalling while reviewing one project that would cost $31 million.
Montecito Journal Editor, Public Officials Get a Lesson in the Brown Act
The Montecito Sanitary District lawyer has told board members they are violating the state Brown Act by engaging in group emails with a columnist for the Montecito Journal.