Watch: Fallout on Sable Pipeline Dispute Spreads; Housing, Hotels, Bears - Oh My!
All-Star panel of SB's top journalists break down state Attorney General's entry into the fray over an oil company's bid to restart a troubled pipeline, plus the City Hall latest and IV bear scare
After months of public protests and political pressure, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has finally joined Santa Barbara environmentalists and the Coastal Commission in trying to block the effort to restart a failed pipeline that caused the disastrous Refugio oil spill.
Margaux Lovely returns to Newsmakers TV this week to update the latest developments in the complex and contentious story, along with her Independent colleague Nick Welsh, who offers some thoughts on the county Planning Department’s weak performance on the issue and some long-view perspective on how the public perception of the once-sacrosanct Coastal Commission has changed.
Josh Molina and Ryan P. Cruz offer analysis and insight on the biggest stories emanating from Santa Barbara City Hall, including the long-running battle over a 250-room hotel proposed on Garden Street, the city’s newest maneuvering and machinations over downtown parking finances and a low-profile move to widen sidewalks on State Street.
Plus: new reporting on the county budget, the city’s problems hiring new employees and - hey - how about that bear!
Check out the new episode of Newsmakers TV via YouTube below, or by clicking through this link. The podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and Soundcloud here. TVSB, Channel 17, airs the show every weeknight at 8 p.m. and at 9 a.m. on weekends. KCSB, 91.9 FM, broadcasts the program at 5:30 p.m. on Monday.
Image: Black bear spotted in tree on UCSB campus April 15, 2025 (Photo: Skyler Palatnick, @skyswildart on instagram)
Further reading:
Rob Bonta steps into the ring.
Coastal Commission makes waves in Santa Barbara.
Commission rejects appeal for 250-room hotel.
City looks to curb free parking shuffle.
SB to test sidewalks extensions.
County needs to show up on Sable controversy.
Supervisors told to be leaders in face of Trump cuts.