Daily
Santa Barbara
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ AT&T wireless service is disrupted in Santa Barbara today, which may affect calling 911 from AT&T devices. Residents needing emergency help should text 911, use another provider or landline, or call local services at 805-882-8900 and 805-347-3911. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Over 400 people joined the annual Polar Dip at Leadbetter Beach on Jan. 1, welcoming 2026 amid cheers from organizer Hugh Margerum (despite early insurance challenges). Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ CommUnify will host its 4th annual 211 Community Day Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Dick DeWees Community Center in Lompoc (an event timed with National 211 Day) where free services, activities, and health screenings will be offered. Santa Barbara Independent
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn & Benicio Del Toro will be honored with the prestigious Hammond Cinema Vanguard Award on February 9 as part of the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which runs Feb. 4 to Feb. 14 with screenings and filmmaker Q&As across the city. Santa Barbara Independent
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ East Beach remains closed after untreated sewage spilled in December from a failed pump system during heavy rains; officials are conducting extra water tests and will reopen the area only when safety standards are met — residents are advised to avoid water contact. Noozhawk
- ➤ Coast Village Road in Montecito flooded around 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 4 as rainwater rushed down hillside properties, and a rainbow appeared afterward. Edhat
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Insurance Department announced that the new Safe Homes grant program is helping eligible homeowners in wildfire risk areas update roofs and create ember-resistant zones (Zone Zero) under a state law that took effect Jan. 1. The department expects to launch the online application portal by March. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ The U.S. Space Force released a request for industry input to build a heavy and super-heavy launch complex at Space Launch Complex-14 near Vandenberg. Companies must submit responses by Feb. 12 to support improvements in national security space capabilities. Edhat
- ➤ Renowned columnist Dan Walters will lead the inaugural Spotlight Santa Barbara speaker series on California politics on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre (ticket prices range from $35 to $73), where local residents can join a thoughtful discussion on state issues. Noozhawk
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Cottage Health’s Grotenhuis Pediatric Clinics have moved into a modern, family-centered space across from the hospital at 2401 Bath St. The new facility houses 15 pediatric specialties, doubles exam-room capacity, and supports coordinated, high-quality care. Noozhawk
- ➤ For over 26 years, cancer patients and caregivers have found comfort in Ridley-Tree Cancer Center's Finding Joy Through Painting class, led by local artist Rick Stich and supported by the Cancer Foundation. The program held the Art Heals exhibit on Oct. 20, showcasing artwork and stories of healing. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Santa Barbara county reported very low influenza-like illness and no RSV cases in December while statewide influenza activity rose due to a new H3N2 strain, according to the county report. Edhat
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara residents can take advantage of a 30% discount on staycations through early 2026 as South Coast hotels, resorts, and rentals offer special deals; a family chose The Eagle Inn near West Beach to overcome seasonal colds (with extra offers at local restaurants and e-bike rentals). Santa Barbara Independent
-
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
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