Edhat Staff
By edhat staff
It’s time to review the past twelve months and pick out some of our most read and most commented stories for our “2020 Year EnD Review.”
It’s no surprise that most of the top stories were coronavirus-related as new information was constantly being issued by local and state authorities.
Even while in a global pandemic, quite a few non-covid events still took place. There were triumphs and success, while also setbacks and heartbreak.
Below are some of the most interesting topics, photos, and discussions from 2020 to highlight a year full of events. Check them out below and leave your comment on the most memorable 2020 story.
January
At the start of the year, the City of Santa Barbara announced they would tackle the Chick-fil-a traffic congestion on Upper State Street.
Over a thousand people gathered at the Sunken Garden and marched for the fourth consecutive Women’s March.
Ed announced the winner of our caption contest, which still gives him a chuckle.
February
The community rallied around four local children who lost their parents after a DUI driver struck and killed them in Goleta. An online fundraiser raised nearly $240,000.
Local celebrity and famous newsman John Palminteri got a little more famous for being caught on camera shoving someone trying to interfere with his reporting.
Amazon announced its workforce expansion in Santa Barbara with plans to create an additional 150 jobs in the technical field.
March
Goleta’s famous “Witness Tree” lost a large limb.
The cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were officially documented in Santa Barbara and slowly started to increase.
Edhat broke the story of the University of California directing staff and employees to stop donating medical supplies to hospitals in need.
A mountain lion was captured in an Orcutt resident’s backyard.
April
In April officials confirmed the first person died from COVID-19 within Santa Barbara county.
An edhat reader sent this photo of a shark sighting off Santa Claus Beach.
Tom Modugno created a fascinating historical video about the prisoner of war camp that used to be located in western Goleta.
May
Governor Newsom was at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic enacting swift restrictions and stay at home orders to slow the spread of the virus and save lives.
A teenager was arrested for DUI, vehicle theft, and other crimes after crashing a stolen vehicle on Cliff Drive.
The City of Santa Barbara closed State Street to vehicles for outdoor dining.
A bear was captured after hanging out in the backyard of a Lompoc home.
A new mural was painted in downtown Santa Barbara to honor George Floyd.
June
Leaders of Healing Justice Santa Barbara: Black Lives Matter led a powerful protest against police brutality and injustice after the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.
A stunning drone video of four Great White Sharks feeding of the coast of Carpinteria marveled readers and scared others.
An inspirational mural promoting unity was painted on the side of a W. Haley Street building.
Our hearts and stomachs sighed when local restaurants such as Dutch Garden, Enterprise Fish Co, Chuck’s Waterfront Grill, and Zizzos’ permanently closed their doors.
The Drum Fire off Highway 246 in Drum Canyon was 100% contained after reaching nearly 700 acres.
July
Community members were sad to learn the Public Health Department closed beaches for the July 4th holiday weekend.
Edhat readers had a lot to say about a newly proposed large-scale development in the Funk Zone.
Longtime restaurant Sambo’s officially rebranded itself to Chad’s following a petition by locals who pointed out the chain’s racist roots.
A retired probation officer was charged by the District Attorney for embezzlement.
Comet Neowise lit up the sky and dazzled readers.
August
Members of the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, chose to settle with their child in Montecito and purchased a home.
California suffered intense and widespread wildfires in surrounding counties causing a hazy and smoky view for several weeks.
Local residents and politicians worked together to keep the drive-through post office boxes after they were removed on Patterson Ave in Goleta.
A mega yacht turned mega heads as it glided into the Santa Barbara harbor.
September
Emergency personnel responded to Goleta Beach after a small plane crashed into the water killing the pilot.
A fundraising effort picked up steam to buy the San Marcos Foothills after receiving a $1,000,000 donation.
A military flyover of T-6 Texans was done in honor of Lt. Colonel Jack Harris USMC, Retired.
October
A team from Santa Barbara County Animal Services impounded 104 dogs from inside a home in Lompoc.
A Santa Barbara woman won the 2020 America’s Best Front Yard Contest by Better Homes & Gardens.
Congressman Salud Carbajal announced he tested positive for COVID-19 after being exposed by someone in his building.
November
As the weather got colder, firefighters were busy putting out numerous brush fires at homeless encampments, most of which were along the railroad tracks.
Police searched for a suspect who shoved a Trump supporter near East Beach. He was arrested several days later.
The mystery continues surrounding the death of UCSB employee Geoff Jewel who was found on the beach after a reported altercation.
December
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office tweet about the pending toxicology report regarding the death of a 45-year-old Brandy Vaughan, anti-vaccine activist, stirred up a lot of speculation on the comment board.
The City of Santa Barbara officially renamed Indio Muerto Street to Hutash Street after petitions from local Chumash tribes.
Local hospital workers received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Public Health Officer Dr. Ansorg pleaded with residents to not gather for the upcoming holidays to slow the spread of COVID-19.
In Memoriam
We lost two prominent edhat contributors this year. Rest in peace Judy Pearce (aka “Flicka”) and John Dell (aka “RexofSB”).
Judy Pearce
A Global Review of 2020
Google: In times of uncertainty, people seek understanding and meaning. This year, the world searched “why” more than ever. This film features the questions we asked this year, with words and narration by Kofi Lost.
TIME: As we look back on 2020, we remember a year dominated by a staggering loss of life across the world. But it’s a world still filled with courage, compassion and heart.
The Dedicated Staff of edhat.com wishes you all a happy, safe, and healthy new year.
