Good morning, Santa Barbara.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Twilight mission will launch today from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base (from 5:19 to 6:16 a.m. PT) and may create sonic booms about 8 to 10 minutes after liftoff for nearby residents.

On Jan. 9 at 6 p.m., Montecito Union School (385 San Ysidro Road) hosted the Raising Our Light remembrance event to honor 23 victims of the 2018 debris flow, with 23 bell chimes, 23 candles lit by firefighters, and community fellowship supported by on-site wellness services.

Santa Barbara resident Jay Casbon has published his poem (Unraveling Into Light) that explores caregiving through vivid imagery and gentle language.

An educator with key academic roles, he offers a reflective tribute that connects personal history with universal care.

Recent winter storms caused flooding, landslides, and damage to trails, roads, and parking areas at Arroyo Hondo Preserve on the Gaviota coast, forcing the site to close for safety — recovery planning is underway and repairs will start once the ground dries.

On January 9, Santa Barbara County declared a local emergency in response to holiday storms that brought heavy rain, flooding, road closures, and an airport shutdown between December 23 and January 4.

County officials say the measure will allow them to seek state disaster aid pending board ratification on January 13.

Santa Barbara’s proposed rent freeze would lock rental rates at December 16, 2025 levels for one-year leases, which means rents can stay frozen into 2027 even after the policy officially ends.

Local property owners may face challenges as this measure alters rental income expectations.

The Santa Barbara Health Department said it will follow evidence-based vaccine guidelines from the CDPH (California Department of Public Health) despite federal changes that reduced the national childhood vaccine schedule.

Officials reaffirmed that local immunizations will remain safe and available to families.

Westmont men's basketball lost to Fresno Pacific 73-69 Saturday night.

They struggled with free throws and shot selection in the second half — and will play Biola in La Mirada at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Molly Garnand tied her career scoring record with 22 points to lead Westmont Women’s Basketball to a 62-49 win over Fresno Pacific on Sunday, Jan.

11. The Warriors will head to La Mirada on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. to play Biola in their final road game.

San Marcos boys’ basketball team won 79-35 against Buena on Friday night (Koji Hefner led with 16 points while teammates Brody Green and Aidan Conlan scored 14 each) as the win follows a tough loss to Dos Pueblos and raises hopes ahead of upcoming games against Pacifica and Santa Barbara.

Carpinteria High girls beat Cate 44-25 on Saturday in Carpinteria as their full-court defense led to a strong win & Dos Pueblos, San Marcos and Bishop Diego posted solid prep basketball victories across the region.

Carpinteria will host Fillmore on Monday while Dos Pueblos takes on Buena on Tuesday.

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.