The collective efforts following the 1925 earthquake not only rebuilt Santa Barbara, but also redefined its identity. The city's transformation into a hub of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture stands as a testament to the community's resilience and vision. As we commemorate the centennial of this pivotal event, we reflect on the spirit of unity and determination that continues to inspire Santa Barbara today.

June 2025

Santa Barbara is commemorating the centennial of the 1925 earthquake with a series of events that honor the city's resilience. The series of events provide a meaningful opportunity to reflect on Santa Barbara’s remarkable transformation; from the devastation of the 1925 earthquake to its rebirth as a city celebrated for its architectural charm and strong sense of community.

In a significant step forward for housing reform in California, Senate Bill 79 (SB 79) passed the Senate floor on June 3, 2025, with a 21–13 vote. Introduced by Senator Scott Wiener, this bill aims to address the state's housing shortage by allowing more residential development near public transit hubs.

California’s housing crisis has pushed lawmakers to take a hard look at one of the state’s most influential environmental laws; the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). While CEQA plays a vital role in protecting the environment, it’s also been criticized for delaying or blocking housing projects, especially in urban areas where development is needed most. We break down the key reforms currently in the works, what they aim to fix, and how they could reshape the future of housing and development across the state.

​In a time when housing challenges are at the forefront of urban conversations, creative solutions are more important than ever. That’s why we were excited to take part in UCLA CityLab’s Small Lots, Big Impacts design competition; an initiative focused on transforming overlooked urban spaces into affordable housing opportunities. Here’s what we learned and why it matters for California communities.

​While CEQA remains a vital tool for environmental protection, its misuse has hindered efforts to address California's housing crisis. Reforming CEQA to prevent its weaponization, while preserving its core environmental safeguards, is essential for the state's future. By streamlining the environmental review process for urban housing projects and curbing frivolous lawsuits, California can promote sustainable development that meets the needs of its growing population.

In a move that has stirred both nostalgia and controversy, the iconic Pea Soup Andersen’s restaurant in Buellton, is slated for demolition to make way for a substantial mixed-use development. As the redevelopment plans move forward, the community watches closely, hopeful that the new project will honor the legacy of Pea Soup Andersen’s while contributing positively to Buellton's future.

As our population ages, the desire to remain in one's own home, commonly referred to as "aging in place", has become increasingly prevalent. Recognizing this trend, the 2022 California Residential Code (CRC) introduced Section R327, titled "Aging-in-Place Design and Fall Prevention," to ensure that new residential constructions are equipped to accommodate the evolving needs of residents as they grow older.

In the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, just steps away from the vibrancy of State Street, a quiet revolution in supportive housing is making a lasting impact. Vera Cruz Village is more than just a new housing development, it’s a community designed to uplift and empower some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.

​On April 15, 2025, the Oxnard City Council unanimously approved the Teal Club Specific Plan, a transformative development poised to reshape the city's western edge. Situated on approximately 174 acres of former farmland near Ventura Road and Teal Club Road, this ambitious project will introduce 990 residential units, aiming to address the region's pressing housing needs.

May 15, 2025

There’s nothing quite like a spring evening in Santa Barbara—especially when it’s filled with great food, fine wine, live art, and a vibrant community spirit. That’s exactly what you can expect at this year’s Downtown Santa Barbara LIVE Art & Wine Tour, a beloved annual event that brings together locals and visitors alike for an unforgettable night in the heart of downtown.

May 3, 2025

The City of Goleta is hosting its next Coffee & Community event on Friday, May 3, providing residents with an opportunity to meet District 3 Councilmember Jennifer Smith, connect with neighbors, and discuss local issues in an informal setting.

Santa Barbara County is at the crossroads of state housing mandates and local planning control, and the latest flashpoint is the Richards Ranch project in Orcutt. On April 8, the Board of Supervisors unanimously overturned a previous staff ruling, marking a pivotal moment for the controversial mixed-use development, and reaffirming California’s powerful Builder’s Remedy provision. Here's a breakdown of what the decision means and why it matters.

Housing affordability and availability remain critical challenges in California. With the enactment of SB 684 and the upcoming implementation of SB 1123, new avenues for small-scale residential development are opening up, promising to bring much-needed relief to homebuyers and the broader community. These laws streamline the entitlement process for small "starter" home developments, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and allowing for more efficient housing production. But how exactly will these changes impact California as a whole?

Thousand Oaks is witnessing significant developments in its housing landscape, with two major multifamily projects poised to reshape the community. These initiatives aim to address the city's growing demand for residential and mixed-use spaces.

In a meaningful step toward addressing California’s ongoing housing crisis, the city of Simi Valley has approved a plan to construct a 26-unit affordable housing complex on the site of an existing church. This innovative project not only represents a creative use of underutilized land but also highlights the power of community partnerships in creating sustainable, affordable housing solutions.

California's housing crisis has prompted innovative solutions to increase housing availability and revitalize underutilized spaces. One such approach involves transforming existing structures and areas—like parking lots, vacant retail spaces, and shopping malls—into mixed-use developments that incorporate residential units. A notable example is the recent proposal for the Simi Valley Town Center.

Santa Maria, CA – March 27, 2025

The Santa Maria Valley Housing Summit served as a critical platform for industry leaders to confront the multifaceted challenges of housing development in California. Through collective efforts and innovative approaches, there is hope for a more efficient and responsive housing development process that aligns with both environmental stewardship and the pressing need for affordable housing.​

Santa Barbara, CA – March 21, 2025

Santa Barbara’s housing crisis has long been a pressing issue, with affordability and accessibility posing significant challenges for working families. To address these concerns, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County (Habitat Santa Barbara) convened a groundbreaking Housing Innovation Event. Bringing together policymakers, architects, developers, and community leaders, this event served as a catalyst for actionable solutions to expand homeownership opportunities in the region.

After more than seven years, reconstruction has begun on the former Hawaiian Village apartment complex in Ventura, which was destroyed in the 2017 Thomas Fire. The new 52-unit project, now named Bella Vita, is expected to welcome residents by early 2027. The first of four buildings is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year. The complex aims to recapture its previous charm, offering beautiful views and modern amenities. The developers hope to attract former residents back to the community.