Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will the new county fire chief change emergency response here?

Spotted on the Santa Barbara calendar: Longest NIght Memorial

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Sunday December 21st Patch AM
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Good morning Santa Barbara! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will the new county fire chief change emergency response here?
  • Which California train routes give Santa Barbara riders the best views?
  • How volunteers secretly transformed one North County family’s Christmas

Also on today's calendar: Longest NIght Memorial and 1 more event.

Find out what's happening in Santa Barbarafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Santa Barbarafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: Clouds breaking for some sun, with a high of 66 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Monday: Low clouds, then some sun, temps: high: 63, low: 53.
  • Tuesday: A shower and thunderstorm, with a high of 64 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New County Fire Chief Garrett Huff Ready to Step Into Role (noozhawk.com) — Santa Barbara County’s new fire chief, Garrett Huff, has officially taken command of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and plans to build on recent improvements in emergency medical services, behavioral health support, and the Regional Fire Communications Center. Splitting his time between Santa Barbara and Templeton, he says he’s committed to upgrading aging fire stations and strengthening countywide collaboration so local agencies can respond faster and more effectively to major incidents.
   

2. 10 Quiet Train Routes In California That Locals Use For Scenic Journeys (takingthekids.com) — If you’d rather skip Highway 101 traffic, several scenic train routes highlighted here run right through Santa Barbara, including stretches between Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area. The guide explains how locals use these quieter coastal and valley lines for relaxed getaways, commutes, and wine-country or mountain escapes, all while enjoying standout ocean and landscape views from a window seat.
   

3. Volunteers rally to surprise local family with Christmas magic (ksby.com) — North Santa Barbara County residents kept the holiday spirit bright this weekend as volunteers joined the 12th annual “Breaking and Entering Christmas” surprise for a local family in need. Organized by “Up+Adam” podcast host Adam Montiel, the group secretly decorated the family’s home with a tree, gifts, food, and financial help. The chosen family remains anonymous while still receiving broad community support.
   

4. Interfaith Gathering Marks Next Step in La Casa de Maria's Post-Debris Flow Rebuilding (noozhawk.com) — La Casa de Maria in Montecito has reopened as a gathering space after years of rebuilding from the 2018 debris flows, marked by a Dec. 13 interfaith celebration. Spiritual leaders from Old Mission Santa Barbara, the Interfaith Initiative of Santa Barbara County, and other local communities reflected on climate challenges, shared practices for “deep resilience,” and welcomed the retreat center’s next chapter.
   

📸 Around Santa Barbara

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Temporary Foster Needed!
    12/23-12/30 I'm currently fostering a really sweet 1 year old pup named Socks from SBCAS. We are traveling for the holiday and are hoping to keep… (Nextdoor West Downtown)
  • Sorry if this has been covered before, but I can't find it.
    Does anybody know where I can go to adopt a family for Christmas? (Nextdoor Miramar)
  • Partners Personnel Management posted a job opening for Customer Service Administrator (ID #473354) in Santa Barbara. Apply here.
  • Insomnia Cookies posted a job opening for Shift Leader in Santa Barbara. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Santa Barbara here.

Ok Santa Barbara! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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