Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is sharing tips to plan for poor air quality caused by potential future wildfire smoke. Smoke and ash contain very small particles known as particulate matter (PM), which can travel from wildfires even hundreds of miles away. These particles harm the lungs and heart, and can cause coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and nausea. Kids, seniors, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung conditions are especially vulnerable to smoke. The best protection against wildfire smoke is to stay indoors as much as possible.

With enrollment in the 2026 season reaching a record-breaking 60 shipping lines, the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) program is pleased to report that the early-season data is demonstrating continued strong industry cooperation with the voluntary vessel-speed reduction (VSR) program to protect endangered whales and reduce air pollution and ocean noise. 

With the 4th of July holiday coming up, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) reminds Santa Barbara County residents that fireworks cause air pollution that can affect health, especially for sensitive groups like children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung conditions.

WHAT: Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) Fire Department will be conducting prescribed burns of approximately 5-10 acres per day of grassland and coastal sage scrub.

WHEN: June 5-12. These burns will occur over multiple days. Burning operations may or may not occur on consecutive days, depending on conditions.

Earth Day marked several important milestones for California’s coast, benefiting both people in coastal counties and marine life. On April 22, Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) launched the 2026 voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Season, now along the entire California coast as set forth in California Assembly Bill 14, authored by Assemblymember Gregg Hart and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom last year.

Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) is proud to report the 2025 Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Season results from the efforts of participating shipping lines. Over the VSR Season, from May 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026, 787 participating vessels traveled more than 481,000 nautical miles at whale-safer speeds of 10 knots or less. This is up from approximately 425,900 nautical miles and 743 participating vessels in the 2024 VSR Season.

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) staff distributed 400 air purifiers to residents of Old Town Goleta on Saturday, as part of APCD’s Clean Air Rooms Program. The air purifiers were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to one per household, and proof of address was required to participate. Air purifiers help keep indoor air clean — creating a “clean air room” — when wildfire smoke is affecting air quality,

Eligible residents of Old Town Goleta — as defined by this State of California map — who weren’t able to attend Saturday’s event can now fill out an online application to have a free air purifier shipped directly to their home.

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is pleased to share that Buellton Mayor, David Silva — who also serves on APCD’s Board of Directors — earlier this week was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) is sponsoring an upcoming event at the Goleta Community Center where residents of Old Town Goleta only will be able to pick up a free air purifier. The event will also offer free test drives of electric cars, open to all members of the public. Participants at each event will also receive a free meal (while supplies last). APCD is proud to partner with the City of Goleta to host this event.

Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) is proud to report the 2025 Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Season results from the efforts of participating shipping lines. Over the VSR Season, from May 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026, 787 participating vessels traveled more than 481,000 nautical miles at whale-safer speeds of 10 knots or less. This is up from approximately 425,900 nautical miles and 743 participating vessels in the 2024 VSR Season.