How dry is it in Southern California? See the drought levels and recent rainfall totals for several counties in the region.

Soil moisture levels across much of the region from Santa Barbara to San Diego hover between just 2% and 5% of average — leaving dust where there should be mud.

In the midst of the continuing wildfires in Los Angeles, neighboring communities are offering their assistance to those affected by the disaster. Hotels in cities including Santa Barbara, San Diego have opened their doors at reasonable prices to accommodate the individuals impacted by the wildfires.

The blazes have grown to more than 37,000 acres, killing at least 25 people and destroying thousands of structures.

UC Santa Barbara’s location provides a refuge from wildfires. The university protrudes into the ocean, which limits the direction from which a fire can approach. And the campus is flanked to the north by the airport and surrounding wetlands, not a likely conduit for fire.

"If fire ignition occurs, conditions are favorable for very rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior," the NWS warns.

ORANGE, Calif. — The Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency is offering $10 fares on the Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® train service for travel anywhere on the LOSSAN Rail Corridor to assist those impacted by the Southern California wildfires with low-cost travel throughout the region.

The UC San Diego men’s basketball team fell to UC Riverside Saturday 85-81, despite a 32-point performance from Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones.

Developer Peter Lewis cashed out. The prominent, well-connected Santa Barbara developer explains why he sold his 81-unit Soltara Apartments and Staples

A new UC Santa Barbara Gaucho shop has opened in downtown Santa Barbara. UCSB has also purchased real estate for staff and faculty housing nearby.

Everyone has the power for greatness — not for fame, because greatness is determined by service.” — MLK Jr. 1968

California firefighters often say there is no longer a “fire season” and the threat of a wildfire sparking and spreading quickly is year-round.