UPDATE: 'Suspicious package' outside Santa Barbara Courthouse deemed safe

UPDATE (1:58 p.m.) - Sheriff's officials say the scene has been determined safe after the bag was opened and non-dangerous personal items were found inside.

Area roadways will be reopening to traffic.
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(12:41 p.m.) - The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Bomb Squad is investigating what authorities are calling a "suspicious package" found outside the Santa Barbara County Courthouse on Thursday.

The courthouse is located at the corner of Figueroa and Santa Barbara streets in Santa Barbara.

Sheriff's officials say pedestrian and vehicle traffic is being diverted north at Carrillo and Santa Barbara Street, and in both directions along Figueroa from Anacapa to Garden streets.

People are being asked to avoid the area during the investigation.

This is a developing story and will be updated with new information as it becomes available.