Daily
Santa Barbara
Sunday, January 4th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 4th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, a storm tested the De La Vina Bridge widening project across Mission Creek and while the construction zone held up well, local roads remain hazardous with mud, flooding, and falling boulders. KEYT
- ➤ An 86-year-old Santa Barbara resident warned that new fees will force the free drum circle at Chase Palm Park to end, a long-held tradition (free community engagement) that many value. Santa Barbara Independent
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Highway 192 is closed in both directions between Mission Canyon Road and Mountain Drive because a rockslide has blocked the route — CalTrans said there is no estimated reopening time as Highway 101 also remains closed today due to rainy conditions. KEYT
- ➤ Firefighters responded early Saturday to a small structure fire at Cesar's Place restaurant on the Eastside after food left on the stove caused light smoke. Crews quickly cleared the smoke, and there were no injuries or significant damage. Noozhawk
- ➤ Heavy rains and high tides caused flooding in Santa Barbara County on Saturday, forcing road closures near Goleta due to mudslides and rising water — one man died after being swept into a creek, officials said. KSBY
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Michael Glassow (known as Mike), a pioneering archaeologist and UCSB professor, died at 85 on Dec. 17 from bladder cancer. He advanced local heritage and Cultural Resource Management; his final book will be published by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History with a celebration of life planned for May. Noozhawk
- ➤ An article reviews a rare 1983 issue of Breakout Magazine that covered the Santa Barbara surf scene, featuring local icons like Joe Mickey and ads from Spindrift Surfboards (founded in Goleta). The issue offers a glimpse into the era when Tommy Curren’s rise and local surf culture reshaped the sport. Edhat
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Heavy rain caused debris flows that closed Highway 101 in the Gaviota area from Highway 1 to Winchester Canyon Road on Saturday, Jan. 3. Drivers were advised to use Highway 154 as an alternate route, and additional closures affected Highway 1 and Rosemary Road. KSBY
- ➤ The Sea Center invites families to explore Underwater Parks Day on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a free event where interactive booths and tidepool exhibits show how marine protected areas preserve local ocean life — a close look at conservation at work. Noozhawk
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A ranch worker captured video on Saturday of a roaring creek near Refugio Canyon Road, where his husband, a wrangler at Circle Bar B, was delayed by rain. Caltrans shut Highway 101 for mudslides—redirecting traffic to Highway 154—and closed Highway 1 by Orcutt due to flooding. Edhat
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital welcomed its first baby of the new year when new parents Jessica and Laurence welcomed baby Isla at 4:41 a.m. on January 1 (weighing 8 lbs 16 oz), and the family is doing well. Edhat
- ➤ A new law requires tortilla and corn masa products in California to include folic acid starting Jan. 1, 2026 to help reduce birth defects among Latinas. Manufacturers must add 0.7 milligrams per pound (small batch producers are exempt). Santa Barbara Independent
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Boys Basketball roundup had Bishop Diego beat Oxnard High 55 to 39, Ventura edge Dos Pueblos 49 to 38, and Dunn win 57 to 47 on Saturday. Dos Pueblos faces Santa Barbara High on Monday at 7 p.m. while Dunn hosts Coastal Christian. Noozhawk
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Santa Barbara
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