Give Marijuana a Fair Trial: Government is meant to serve the people, which means the burden lies with our lawmakers to determine what is illegal and provide the rationale behind that decision. Marijuana, however, never had its fair trial. Photo by Hendrike, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Santa Barbara Readies for Wide Road Ahead-Eventually: After years of anticipation, a modest groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday afternoon will mark the beginning of a $53 million project to widen a portion of Highway 101 between Santa Barbara and Montecito.

Beach Water Quality Put to the Test; SB County Scores High:Heal the Bay's 18th Annual Beach Report Card provides water quality information to the millions of people who swim, surf or dive in California coastal waters. Photo by Muns, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.