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Sheriff’s Office Outlines Enforcement Plan and New Ordinance Changes Ahead of Deltopia Weekend
Tuesday 02/17/2026
Isla Vista, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is providing important information ahead of Deltopia weekend, including enforcement expectations, applicable laws, and significant updates to county ordinances that take effect in 2026. Deltopia is an unsanctioned street party and is not permitted or licensed, with the exception of permitted events approved by the County…
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On Immigration, Two Viewpoints Can Both Be Valid: By Santa Barbara Sheriff Bill Brown
Tuesday 02/17/2026
Last week at the U. S. Capitol, in one of my final duties as president of the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), I presented Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota with our organization’s Legislator of the Year Award for her commitment to public safety and her record of collaborative problem solving. In accepting the award, Senator Klobuchar…
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Sheriff’s Office Requests Continued Grant Funding for OHV Enforcement
Thursday 02/12/2026
Santa Barbara, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is seeking grant funding to provide continued patrols and enforcement of areas where illegal off-road vehicles are being used. The Sheriff’s Office continues to receive complaints about individuals on ATV’s primarily in the Santa Ynez riverbed and surrounding areas bordering the City of Lompoc who…
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Monday 02/09/2026
In recognition of Internet Safety Day on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is reminding families, teens, and caregivers that online exploitation can happen to anyone—and that help is always available. As children and teens spend more time online through social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps, law enforcement continues to…
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*Unsanctioned* Deltopia Weekend: What You Need to Know
Monday 02/09/2026
Laws, Enforcement, and 2026 Ordinance Update The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is sharing important information about Deltopia weekend, including what the event is, how laws will be enforced, and significant ordinance changes that take effect in 2026. This information applies to Isla Vista and The Cove (Ocean Meadows Lane). What Is Deltopia? Deltopia is…
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Sheriff’s Office Outlines Enforcement Plan and New Ordinance Changes Ahead of Deltopia Weekend. Read more here:
Sheriff’s Office Outlines Enforcement Plan and New Ordinance Changes Ahead of Deltopia Weekend –...
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Sheriff’s Office Requests Continued Grant Funding for OHV Enforcement. Read more here:
Sheriff’s Office Requests Continued Grant Funding for OHV Enforcement – Santa Barbara County...
Proud to Protect and Serve Santa Barbara County The men and women of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office ...
www.sbsheriff.org
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*UPDATE: class is full- stay tuned for the next offering 📺*🚔✨ Ever wondered what happens behind the badge?
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for our Community Academy—a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement in Santa Barbara County!
👮♂️ What you’ll experience:
📜 History of law enforcement
⚖️ Criminal law & patrol tactics
🗣️ De-escalation communication
🧪 Forensic evidence collection
This program is perfect for community members who want to learn more about the Sheriff’s Office—or anyone considering a future in law enforcement. Get an inside look at what it truly takes to serve and protect our communities.
📅 Class Schedule:
🗓️ Begins Monday, March 2, 2026
⏰ Mondays from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. through May 4, 2026
📍 Primarily at the Lompoc Substation, with some sessions in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria
🎉 Graduation BBQ/Luncheon: Saturday, May 9, 2026
⚠️ Space is limited and classes fill quickly!
📝 Apply by Monday, February 16, 2026
🔞 Must be 18 years or older
👉 Apply now at www.sbsheriff.org or email 📧 CommunityAcademy@sbsheriff.org with questions.
🚓 Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting and educational experience!
Congratulations to Acting Lieutenant Neil Gowing (center) on graduating from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute! 🎓👏 This achievement reflects months of intensive leadership training focused on ethical decision-making, effective supervision, accountability, and leading with integrity. We’re proud of Acting Lieutenant Gowing’s commitment to professional growth and thankful for the leadership he brings back to our agency and the community we serve. 💙🚓
Congratulations to the 12 members of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office who were officially promoted today 👏⭐
This ceremony recognized dedicated professionals from across the organization, including three key additions to the executive leadership team:
Undersheriff Brad Welch
Chief Deputy Kevin Huddle
Custody Chief Deputy Ryan Sullivan
Each brings decades of experience spanning patrol, investigations, custody operations, and executive command—strengthening the leadership of our agency at every level.
Also honored were newly promoted commanders, lieutenants, sergeants, and professional staff, whose leadership and commitment support our mission every day.
“These promotions reflect the caliber of our people and the rigor of the process,” said Sheriff Bill Brown. “Those who advance have earned the confidence of this organization.”
As they step into their new roles, these leaders are charged with upholding the values behind the word SHERIFF:
Service • Honor • Ethics • Respect • Integrity • Fairness • Faithfulness ⭐
🔈Audio on for a BOL from our Communications Dispatch Center 🎅🏼👀
🚨 Public Service Announcement: Text to 911 🚨
📍 Santa Barbara County, including UCSB properties
Call if you can. Text if you can’t.📱Dispatchers are available and ready to help 👩💻👨💻
A voice call is still the fastest and most effective ☎️
Text to 911 is essential for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired ♿
It is critical in dangerous situations where speaking out loud could put you at risk ⚠️
It can help during medical emergencies when you cannot speak 🏥
During major network disruptions, texts may go through even when calls fail 📶
📌 Tips for Using Text to 911:
Text your exact location so help can be sent quickly 📍
Use clear, plain language
Avoid emojis, slang, or abbreviations in your text
Send a one-on-one message. Group texts do not reach 911
Text to 911 is for emergencies only
📲 Text to 911- Help is just a message away.
☕👮♂️ Join us for Coffee with a Cop in Orcutt!
The Sheriff`s Office is teaming up with Gina’s Piece of Cake for a relaxed, no-agenda meet-up on Saturday, December 20, from 9–11 a.m. Swing by, grab a free cup of drip coffee, and chat with the deputies who serve your community — including Community Resource Deputy Shawn Banks.
These casual conversations help us stay connected, hear what matters to you, and build stronger relationships one cup at a time.
📍 Gina’s Piece of Cake — 205 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt
🕘 Saturday, Dec. 20 | 9–11 a.m.
🍵 Free drip coffee for attendees!
We hope to see you there! #CoffeeWithACop #Orcutt #SBSheriff
🎓✨ Congratulations to Community Academy Class 25-2!
Over the past several weeks, this incredible group learned about everything from investigations and patrol operations to custody, communications, and the many specialty units that keep our county safe. 🚓
Programs like this help build a stronger, more connected community by opening doors, answering questions, and creating partnerships that last long after graduation. 🤝💛
We’re grateful for your time, curiosity, and commitment to understanding how your Sheriff’s Office serves you.
👏🎉 Great job, Class 25-2!
Today we celebrated four new deputies upon their graduation from the Allan Hancock College Law Enforcement Academy! 🎓💛 Big congratulations to Deputies Durnin, Pursifer, Weber, and Woolley — and an extra round of applause for Deputy Woolley, who received the Leadership Award! 👏⭐
