Gabriela Fernandez

California Democrats are demanding answers from an oil company that overstepped state law to restart offshore oil production near Santa Barbara.

Santa Maria City Hall. The council will vote on the issue this Tuesday.

Santa Barbara city leaders are moving forward with a proposal to revive a vacant shopping center in its downtown core. The plan would re-develop the Macy’s building into a local software company’s headquarters and the old Nordstrom space into housing.

The San Luis Obispo City Council has unanimously approved the city’s nearly $225 million budget for the next fiscal year. Officials say the spending plan avoids staff layoffs and major service reductions.

Santa Barbara city leaders are moving forward with a proposal that would create the city’s first rent stabilization program. The city council this week reviewed a draft ordinance and voted to release it for a 30-day public comment period.

The Santa Barbara City Council is moving forward with a proposed budget for the next fiscal year, but officials say difficult financial decisions lie ahead.

The Bureau of Land Management said the updated plans do not affect the Carrizo Plain National Monument, which is managed under a separate resource management plan. He said the monument remains closed to new oil and gas leasing, although a small number of preexisting leases remain active.

Salinas is temporarily putting the brakes on new tobacco retailers, while city leaders consider stricter rules to prevent children from accessing tobacco products.

The Diablo Canyon Power Plant, located near Avila Beach, is operated by the utility PG&E.

Health care advocates gather at the Monterey County Government Center in Salinas on Thursday to launch a statewide campaign calling for action to address rising medical costs.