On September 28, about 400 guests enjoyed Sips & Ships, an annual event of the Santa Barbara Sea Shell Association (SBSSA) to raise funds for its family-run youth sailing program. The sprawling event ...

A long whistle sounds on Santa Barbara’s West Beach as a fleet of small sailing dinghies and skippers, ages 6-17, aim for an imaginary starting line between two anchored flags in Santa Barbara Harbor.

Many craft-based small businesses begin with a plentiful raw ingredient and creativity -- like seashell crafting. Entrepreneurs with ample access to a good source of shells, like a public beach, have ...