- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Santa Barbara Harbor Entrance Faces Urgent Dredging Needs
Federal funding uncertainty looms as sand buildup threatens to clog the channel
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Santa Barbara waterfront is urgently planning the next round of dredging at the Santa Barbara Harbor entrance, as sand buildup from recent storms is clogging the opening and creating concerns for vessel access. The city is working with the Army Corps of Engineers to target mid-March for the dredging, but future federal funding for the $4 million project is uncertain, potentially leaving the local budget to shoulder the burden.
Why it matters
The Santa Barbara Harbor is a critical access point for the city's commercial fishing fleet, which supplies local and regional restaurants. Clogging of the harbor entrance could disrupt this important economic activity and food supply chain. Additionally, the potential loss of federal funding for the dredging project raises concerns about the long-term maintenance of the harbor's navigability.
The details
The infill of sand is narrowing the harbor entrance, but it still has a path for vessels coming in and out, mainly at higher tides. The Harbor Patrol is checking the depth and width daily, especially after recent storms. Pacific Dredge will be brought in with the city's all-electric dredge to clear the sand, but this is only a temporary fix as the city has only one round of federal funding left for the $4 million project. After that, the burden will fall on the local budget. There are also concerns that another burst of sand could completely shut off the harbor entrance, especially if the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Blackfin is still docked.
- The Army Corps of Engineers is targeting mid-March for the dredging.
- The dredging is expected to take about one to two weeks.
The players
Mike Wiltshire
Waterfront Director for the City of Santa Barbara.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Blackfin
A U.S. Coast Guard vessel that is currently docked in the Santa Barbara Harbor.
What they’re saying
“We are in touch with the Army Corps of Engineers. They are targeting in mid-March. That is really tight. It is something we are thinking about every day.”
— Mike Wiltshire, Waterfront Director (KEYT)
“It is going to get narrow and dire for a week, potentially two weeks.”
— Mike Wiltshire, Waterfront Director (KEYT)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
