Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Google’s new Local Year in Search feature displayed Santa Barbarans’ most popular queries from 2025 — showing trending topics like slang, songs, tickets, and jerseys.

More than 400 residents plunged into the chilly ocean at Leadbetter Beach on New Year's Day, marking the Polar Dip's return after its cancellation last year due to city restrictions.

Organizers received a $4,000 donation to cover lifeguard and sanitation needs & ensure a safe celebration.

The Central Coast is hosting festive events this weekend as locals welcome 2026.

In Santa Barbara, Zoo Lights run nightly (4:30-8:30 p.m.) and MOXI offers Seaside Sock Skating, while nearby communities hold art walks, comedy shows and holiday festivals.

SpaceX will launch an Italian satellite today at 6:09 p.m. from Vandenberg Space Force Base and return its first-stage booster about eight minutes later to Landing Zone 4 (west of the pad), letting residents in nearby counties hear sonic booms after delays caused by ground equipment issues.

Chicken restaurant Raising Cane’s will take over the Hollister Village spot at 7000 Hollister Ave—Kyle’s Kitchen will move down the street to Storke Plaza near Target in early 2026, owner Jay Ferro confirmed.

Local bestseller Howard Jay Smith will speak about and read from his new novel Viva Violetta & Verdi at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan.

13 at the Santa Barbara Women's Club, 670 Mission Canyon Road. Admission is free and copies will be available for purchase and signing.

Recent storms in southern Santa Barbara County brought heavy rain that refilled debris basins with coarse sediment, prompting experts to advocate moving the material back onto beaches to restore natural cobble flow.

They say the restoration will support kelp forests and lower coastal repair costs.

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital welcomed its first baby of the new year when Isla was born at 4:41 a.m. Thursday, Jan.

1; the newborn weighed 8 lbs 16 oz (measuring 20.5 inches) and her parents, Jessica and Laurence, are enjoying a joyful start to 2026.

Jessica and Laurence welcomed Isla, their first baby born this year, at Cottage Hospital on Thursday, Jan.

1 at 4:41 a.m. The healthy baby, weighing nine pounds and measuring 20.5 inches, marked the start of 2400 annual births at the hospital.

Santa Barbara locals embraced a positive start to the year by enjoying New Year’s Day dining at local eateries.

At Shoreline Café (a waterfront venue), diners experienced ocean views and a brunch menu that helped kick off the day.

UCSB men's basketball fell behind early and lost 95 — 84 to Cal State Fullerton on Thursday due to turnovers and a weak defense.

Coach Joe Pasternack said the team will work to improve as they prepare for Saturday's road game at Cal State Northridge.

Cal State Fullerton snapped UCSB’s nine-game winning streak when it won 62-61 on New Year's Day at the Thunderdome (Cristina Jones scored the decisive put-back with one second left).

A last-second putback by Cal State Fullerton ended UCSB’s nine-game winning streak in women’s basketball on Thursday at the Thunderdome.

The Gauchos will try to bounce back Saturday at 2 p.m. in their home game against Cal State Northridge.

Reading Skills 101 Workshop

2-4 p.m. — Santa Barbara Public Library — Free entry — A community workshop designed to empower families with essential reading skills and understanding for children across all grades.