🌱 Two Injured In Hwy. 101 Crash + News-Press Moving To Goleta

Hey, everybody! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town today, including:

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Low clouds followed by sun. High: 68 Low: 51.
• Tuesday: Turning sunny; cool. High: 67 Low: 50.

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Here are the top three stories in Santa Barbara today:

1. Two people sustained minor injuries after a collision on Highway 101 on the evening of Saturday, Apr. 22. According to Santa Barbara County firefighters, the reported collision occurred near El Capitan Ranch Road, where a pick-up truck and Subaru crashed into each other, causing the truck to roll over. The driver of the truck was able to safely get out of the vehicle, while the Subaru motorist had to be assisted by first responders. Both were taken to Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital for treatment; the cause of the accident is still under investigation as of Apr. 23. (Santa Barbara Edhat)
2. The Santa Barbara News-Press announced on Saturday, Apr. 22, that it will be moving its offices to Goleta. According to Erik Torkells of Siteline, the News-Press has been "moribund for years," and what remains to be seen is what will happen to the historic 1922 building that will house News-Press until the move is complete on May 1. The Historic Landmarks Commission has recommended that the building be landmarked and maintained for historical significance since 2015. (Siteline Santa Barbara)
3. The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors considered tax measures during its Friday, Apr. 21 budget workshop, which voters may see on the ballot next November. Changes proposed include an increase to sales tax, a flood control assessment fee increase, an amendment to the cannabis tax to tie it to square footage rather than to gross receipts, and a new library tax. The Board of Supervisors hasn't committed to anything yet; it instead has directed county staff to research the potential consequences of the changes to the county tax code, and to explore how best to poll residents on their opinion of the proposed changes. (Noozhawk)

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Today and tomorrow in Santa Barbara:

Monday, April 24

• Kaleidoscope At Music Academy (11:00 AM)

Tuesday, April 25

• Stay & Play At Eastside Branch Library (9:00 AM)
• PhD in Leadership and Change Info Session | GSLC - Online For Antioch University (12:00 PM)
• Sex Education & Sex Therapy Lunch & Learn | AUS - Online For Antioch University (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Former administrative office worker Nina Johnson has filed a lawsuit against the City of Santa Barbara, alleging harassment, retaliation, discrimination, and that she was blacklisted prior to her resignation two years ago. Johnson was assistant to the city administrator, and claims in her lawsuit that she was paid less than her male coworkers with similar responsibilities, that she was given a title that didn't accurately reflect her responsibilities, and that she was stripped of her duties after complaining. The suit was filed the week of Apr. 17 by Johnson's attorney, Christina Humphrey, in Santa Barbara County Superior Court, with no response from the city as of Apr. 21. (Noozhawk)
• Santa Barbara County Muslims have been abstaining from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan, culminating in Apr. 21's Friday holiday, Eid. During Ramadan, Muslims are meant to fast during the day and abstain from gossiping, using profanities, engaging in sex, and any activity related to the seven deadly sins. (KEYT)
• Santa Barbara County's animal shelters urgently need adoptions. As per Santa Maria shelter clinic supervisor Nikki Ruhl, "We're at full capacity. We literally have no kennels open or available." Ruhl told KSBY News that the shelter system has seen a 58 percent increase in animals coming in since January. (KSBY News)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!