Economy Archives

Change Is Here: New Workplace Laws Affect Santa Barbara Businesses

February 17, 2026 5:14 pm Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - Change isn’t coming — it’s here. And for small businesses across Santa Barbara, that change is hitting hard. “I… Continue Reading

Proposed Verizon Cell Tower Site in Carpinteria on Hold While New Location is Reviewed

February 9, 2026 11:14 am John Palminteri

A controversial cell tower plan in Carpinteria may get a change. After concerns a new location is now under… Continue Reading

‘Dine Out Santa Maria Style’ Promotion Looking to Serve Up Sales to Local Restaurants

January 29, 2026 10:57 am Dave Alley

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber recently kicked off its annual Dine Out Santa Maria Style promotion in an effort to help boost sales at local… Continue Reading

Tourism Leaders Share Plans to Boost Visitors in 2026

January 28, 2026 12:04 pm John Palminteri

A tourism summit will lay out plans to boost visitors in 2026. It will include outreach plans and trends… Continue Reading

Santa Maria City Council Cuts Into $25 Million Deficit, Now Looking at New Revenue Streams

January 21, 2026 11:55 am Dave Alley

The Santa Maria City Council cut into a $25.1 million deficit on Tuesday night by approving a number of a number of "budget… Continue Reading

Record-Breaking Amount of Passengers Traveled Through SLO County Airport in 2025

January 20, 2026 11:29 am Dave Alley

A record-breaking amount of passengers traveled through the San Luis Obispo County Airport (SBP) in… Continue Reading

Santa Maria Valley Chamber unveils plans to increase tourism to the region

January 15, 2026 11:58 am Dave Alley

he Santa Maria Valley Chamber will unveil plans Thursday afternoon that are currently being developed to help in boost tourism in the region in the… Continue Reading

Big Shopping Day Underway for Gift Card Holders on the Central Coast

December 26, 2025 12:37 pm John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - The popular, safe and sure gift for someone for the holidays can be a gift card if you know their likes, but whether… Continue Reading

Rain Forecast Adds to the Travel, Shopping, and Logistical Rush for the Holidays

December 19, 2025 12:00 pm John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - There is a rush for some people to step up their holiday shopping, travel and even cooking plans with an incoming wave… Continue Reading

Kids Day Offers Children a Free Eye Exam and Free Glasses

December 20, 2025 11:12 am John Palminteri

The Eyeglass factory has its annual kids day with free check ups and glasses. This is the 31st… Continue Reading

Conditions Looking Good for Last-Minute Shoppers With Just a Week Before Christmas

December 17, 2025 12:40 pm John Palminteri

Holiday shopping could be softer than 2024, based on research this month. An ABC news report shows about 40 percent of the buying public will spend… Continue Reading

New holiday promotion encouraging people to ‘Shop Small’ in the Santa Maria Valley

December 15, 2025 8:37 pm Dave Alley

A new promotion in the Santa Maria Valley is encouraging shoppers this holiday season to support local… Continue Reading

Housing Conference Shows Multiple Permit and Financial Deals are Needed to Build Forward

December 11, 2025 1:25 pm John Palminteri

Housing and planning experts meet to discuss options to meet growing needs on the South Coast. Regulations and financial challenges continue to be… Continue Reading

Paseo Nuevo Housing Project Still Alive Despite Frustrating City Hearing

December 3, 2025 11:59 am John Palminteri

The Paseo Nuevo housing plan is still alive after a frustrating City Council discussion Tuesday. … Continue Reading

Ice in Paradise Joins Giving Tuesday to Support Community Ice Sports in Goleta

December 2, 2025 11:23 am Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - Ice in Paradise, the popular local ice rink celebrating its 10th anniversary, is participating in Giving Tuesday to… Continue Reading

Shoppers Compare In-Person & Online Sales for Best Holiday Deals

November 28, 2025 12:34 pm John Palminteri

In person shopping continues to reinvent itself with online shopping remaining very popular this holiday season. It also gives the buyer the right… Continue Reading

On the Move for Thanksgiving Weekend? Expect a Crowd Nearly Everywhere

November 26, 2025 12:01 pm John Palminteri

The Santa Barbara airport will have a busy Thanksgiving weekend with indicators showing strong reservations on the major airlines. The airlines will… Continue Reading

Grocery prices “take a bite of the budget” ahead of Thanksgiving festivities

November 25, 2025 6:37 pm Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) — When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, some of your favorite food might take a bigger bite out of your budget than… Continue Reading

Game Seeker Ready to Roll the Dice Again at a New Location

November 25, 2025 6:55 pm John Palminteri

The Game Seeker has opened at 920 State Street in Santa Barbara after closing earlier this year four blocks away. The site will have a full stock of… Continue Reading

Farmers Rebound from Heavy Rain, Produce Demand Expected Ahead of Thanksgiving

November 25, 2025 12:13 pm John Palminteri

The Santa Barbara Farmers Market will have one of its busiest days of the year prior to Thanksgiving. The recent rains helped the water supply but… Continue Reading