https://www.kcbx.org/kcbx-top-regional-stories KCBX Top Regional Stories en-US Copyright Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:24:30 GMT https://www.kcbx.org/infrastructure-housing-and-development/2026-06-11/slo-county-study-explores-desalination-as-water-supply-option A regional study is exploring whether ocean desalination could help protect Central Coast communities from future droughts. Cambria officials received an update this week on potential project sites across San Luis Obispo County. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:24:30 GMT https://www.kcbx.org/infrastructure-housing-and-development/2026-06-11/slo-county-study-explores-desalination-as-water-supply-option Gabriela Fernandez https://www.kcbx.org/infrastructure-housing-and-development/2026-06-10/santa-barbara-advances-rent-stabilization-proposal-opens-public-comment-period Santa Barbara city leaders are moving forward with a proposal that would create the city’s first rent stabilization program. The city council this week reviewed a draft ordinance and voted to release it for a 30-day public comment period. Thu, 11 Jun 2026 01:08:00 GMT https://www.kcbx.org/infrastructure-housing-and-development/2026-06-10/santa-barbara-advances-rent-stabilization-proposal-opens-public-comment-period Gabriela Fernandez https://www.kcbx.org/government-and-politics/2026-06-10/slo-county-rejects-das-request-for-more-funding District Attorney Dan Dow had wanted to carve out funding in next year’s budget for five new staff members, including one dedicated to elder abuse. Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:17:01 GMT https://www.kcbx.org/government-and-politics/2026-06-10/slo-county-rejects-das-request-for-more-funding Kendra Hanna https://www.kcbx.org/infrastructure-housing-and-development/2026-06-09/grover-beach-voters-to-decide-on-building-height-initiative-in-november-election A citizen-led initiative aimed at limiting building heights in Grover Beach is headed to voters in November. Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:42:48 GMT https://www.kcbx.org/infrastructure-housing-and-development/2026-06-09/grover-beach-voters-to-decide-on-building-height-initiative-in-november-election Gabriela Fernandez https://www.kcbx.org/arts-and-life/2026-06-09/slo-hosts-annual-tree-climbing-competition-for-western-states “It's kind of like a labor of love,” said Edward Lai. “If you're passionate about tree work and not just there for a job, you come here to do competitions.” Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:29:08 GMT https://www.kcbx.org/arts-and-life/2026-06-09/slo-hosts-annual-tree-climbing-competition-for-western-states Kendra Hanna https://www.kcbx.org/government-and-politics/2026-06-08/san-luis-obispo-passes-budget-that-preserves-services-and-staffing-levels The San Luis Obispo City Council has unanimously approved the city’s nearly $225 million budget for the next fiscal year. Officials say the spending plan avoids staff layoffs and major service reductions. Mon, 08 Jun 2026 22:27:36 GMT https://www.kcbx.org/government-and-politics/2026-06-08/san-luis-obispo-passes-budget-that-preserves-services-and-staffing-levels Gabriela Fernandez https://www.kcbx.org/government-and-politics/2026-06-05/no-pool-closure-for-santa-maria-other-budget-cuts-could-be-on-the-way City staff's budget proposal for fiscal years 2026-2028 had included a recommendation to close the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center from December to May. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:09:47 GMT https://www.kcbx.org/government-and-politics/2026-06-05/no-pool-closure-for-santa-maria-other-budget-cuts-could-be-on-the-way Kendra Hanna https://www.kcbx.org/business-and-economy/2026-06-04/santa-barbara-advances-paseo-nuevo-re-development-plan Santa Barbara city leaders are moving forward with a proposal to revive a vacant shopping center in its downtown core. The plan would re-develop the Macy’s building into a local software company’s headquarters and the old Nordstrom space into housing. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:48:51 GMT https://www.kcbx.org/business-and-economy/2026-06-04/santa-barbara-advances-paseo-nuevo-re-development-plan Gabriela Fernandez https://www.kcbx.org/government-and-politics/2026-06-03/early-primary-election-results-pour-in-from-across-the-central-coast Preliminary results continue to come in showing some candidates with early leads. But with ballots still being counted, it may take days to call many county-level and local races. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:53:40 GMT https://www.kcbx.org/government-and-politics/2026-06-03/early-primary-election-results-pour-in-from-across-the-central-coast Kendra Hanna https://www.kcbx.org/government-and-politics/2026-06-01/santa-maria-city-council-will-vote-on-user-fee-price-hike Fueling the proposed increase is the idea that residents using a specific service should reimburse the local government for the whole cost of providing that service. Mon, 01 Jun 2026 23:49:28 GMT https://www.kcbx.org/government-and-politics/2026-06-01/santa-maria-city-council-will-vote-on-user-fee-price-hike Kendra Hanna