Our Journalists
Samuel Ortiz
Coast & Environment reporter · Harbor, beaches, water, wildlife, the Channel
Samuel Ortiz covers the coast and the environment: the harbor, the beaches, water supply, wildlife and everything that moves through the Santa Barbara Channel.
Stories by Samuel
Extreme Heat Warning Covers Santa Barbara County Coast Through Oct. 8
The National Weather Service warns of dangerously hot conditions, with temperatures up to 85 at the coast and 100 in the mountains and the Cuyama Valley.
Oct. 2
Hundreds Join Hands Across the Sand at West Beach in Protest of Offshore Drilling
Saturday's human chain marked the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act and joined a coordinated day of demonstrations against new offshore oil drilling.
Sept. 29
How Water Works Here
Reservoirs, a river, a tunnel, imported water and a desalination plant: the pieces behind every Santa Barbara tap.
Sept. 29
Electric Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle Wraps Its Summer Season
The all-electric circulator ran May 29 through Sept. 7, linking the Harbor, the Zoo, the train depot and downtown for 50 cents a ride.
Sept. 28