High gas prices increase demand for electric cars and charging stations
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Soaring prices at gas stations are driving up the demand for electric car purchases. Drivers say more charging stations…
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JetBlue makes offer for Spirit Airlines, could spark bid war
By DAVID KOENIG AP Airlines Writer JetBlue Airways is trying to buy Spirit Airlines and break up a plan for Spirit to merge with fellow budget…
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Gas prices near $6 a gallon now the local norm
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.– Ignoring gas prices is a luxury most people can’t…
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Southern California’s Metrolink sees ridership returning
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California’s Metrolink passenger rail service has added 26 trains as ridership lost during the coronavirus pandemic…
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Two new nonstop routes coming to Santa Barbara Airport this summer
The Santa Barbara Airport announced two new nonstop routes coming to the airport this summer, just in time for summer break…
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State and local tourism leaders see a post-COVID comeback along the Central Coast
Tourism leaders say hotel bookings are up for 2022 at a rate higher than expected in the post-COVID months. A summit with industry leaders and…
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CDC drops COVID-19 health warning for cruise ship travelers
By DAVID KOENIG AP Business Writer Federal officials are dropping a health warning that they have attached to sailing on cruise ships since the start…
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Summer Solstice poster contest underway and parade route moves to Santa Barbara Street
The Summer Solstice parade route on June 25 is shifting from State Street to Santa Barbara Street this year. …
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First decent rain of 2022 soaks Central Coast but critical areas avoid dangerous flooding
A Santa Barbara Funk Zone rain clogged on lower Anacapa St. Monday morning during the rain, catching this driver off guard. Santa Barbara Fire was…
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Southwest agrees to pay raises for customer-service agents
DALLAS (AP) — Customer-service agents at Southwest Airlines will be voting on a new contract that would give them pay raises totaling more than 16%…
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Spring break travel still in high gear for many people despite surging gas prices
Gas price increases have not kept many people home for their Spring break especially if they have plans in place and reservations on the books. This…
Continue Reading China Eastern crash is rare disaster for state-run airlines
By JOE McDONALD AP Business Writer BEIJING (AP) — China is, along with North America and Europe, one of the world’s top three air travel markets…
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Muscle car owner says a fill-up runs $140. but loves his wheels
With the rising gas prices, a muscle car fill up can now run $140. …
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First cruise ship since 2020 arrives in Santa Barbara with 2269 passengers
The first cruise ship since 2020 has arrived in Santa Barbara. The Majestic Princess will be one of 17 this spring. An estimated 31 will come to…
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Santa Maria Valley tourism industry positioned to remain strong despite high gas prices
Despite record-breaking gas prices, the Santa Maria Valley tourism industry looks to be well-positioned to remain strong heading into the travel…
Continue Reading UK to end all COVID-19 travel rules ahead of Easter break
LONDON (AP) — Britain says all remaining coronavirus measures for travelers, including passenger locator forms and the requirement for unvaccinated…
Continue ReadingCDC adds 1 destination to ‘very high’ risk category for travel
By Marnie Hunter and Forrest Brown, CNN The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added just one new destination, the Indian Ocean island…
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2021 Spirit of Fiesta dances in Spain
The 2021 Spirit of Fiesta Isabella Yturralde has just returned from Spain as a gift from Old
Spanish Days and the Spanish consulate. She spoke…
Skin Deep owners rally community support for Ukrainian-born employee and fundraiser
Skin Deep, a go-to spot in Santa Barbara for unique gifts, jewelry, beauty products and much more, is also a community hub of support during times of…
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Soaring fuel prices driving up costs for Santa Maria buses, but city also expecting a ridership increase
The skyrocketing price of fuel is driving up costs across all walks of life, including public…
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