Daily
Santa Barbara
Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On MLK Day, Jan. 19, Santa Barbara stores and restaurants will stay open while government offices, schools, and libraries will be closed (please call ahead to confirm hours) as the community honors Martin Luther King Jr. Edhat
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Bingo Wathen, son of a local winemaking pioneer, launched Barieau Wines in 2015 and doubled production to 350 cases. He will attend Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure in Solvang on February 7 — his wines carry names inspired by natural forces such as sea, sun, earth, and man. Santa Barbara Independent
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Chicago Symphony will perform at The Granada Theatre on Friday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m., led by Riccardo Muti as part of CAMA’s International Series. The renowned orchestra promises Brahms, Stravinsky and Boléro in a winter tour. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Peter Noone and his Herman’s Hermits thrilled a full audience at the Lobero Theatre as they performed a mix of 1960s classics to raise funds for Notes for Notes (a program that gives local youth free music lessons, instruments, and studio time). Edhat
- ➤ Easy Street Wine Collective in Buellton will host an open-bottle tasting event — featuring ten wine brands, live music, and food — on Saturday, January 31 from noon to 3 p.m. Guests can purchase $99 tickets and sample wines in the working facility where local winemakers share tools and ideas. Santa Barbara Independent
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ East Beach near Mission Creek remains closed after 4,500 gallons of untreated sewage spilled during a late-December storm due to a pump bypass failure, & officials continue testing water samples & will reopen the beach when bacteria levels meet state health standards. Edhat
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Parks and Rec has agreed to lower the drum circle’s permit fee from $33 per hour to $16 per hour for 2026 gatherings near East Beach. Some members still oppose the fee, saying it violates constitutional rights. Santa Barbara Independent
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Blind Fitness members will play in the 28th Annual Howard Shaw Memorial California Blind, Adaptive + Disabled Winter Golf Classic on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at Sandpiper Golf, with a focus on inclusive sports participation. Noozhawk
- ➤ The No. 18 UC Santa Barbara Women’s Water Polo team played in the Joust tournament in Riverside Friday afternoon and lost against USC and Cal Baptist — several players scored for the first time. The team is set to face USC on Jan. 23. Noozhawk
- ➤ Dos Pueblos High girls’ basketball team won 46-38 on Thursday night at Sovine Gym — highlighted by standout plays from Kindah Ahmad-Reda and Carly Letendre who combined for 35 points — to improve their record to 6-2 in Channel League play. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ The Foresters will honor former stars Jace Jung and Matt McLain during their Hall of Fame induction on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 4 p.m. at Cabrillo Pavilion — the event will also recognize longtime advisor Dr. Chris Proctor, trainer Kristy Lash, and late volunteer Howard Cantor. KEYT
- ➤ Westmont Men’s Basketball swept Biola 67-55 on Thursday in La Mirada to end a three-game skid. The team built a strong first half and forced turnovers, with Aidan Mandel and Jarrett Bryant leading the win and setting up their next home game on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. Noozhawk
- ➤ Three high school athletes earned honors from the Northern Santa Barbara County Athletic Round Table. Jordan Medina scored 50 points at Santa Maria High, Lucas Ollenburger averaged 15 points and six rebounds at Santa Ynez Valley Union High, and Hannah Ricci scored in three consecutive games for Santa Ynez High on Jan. 9. 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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Outstanding Performer of the Year Award for Michael B. Jordan
8 PM – 2 AM — Arlington Theatre — $35 General Admission, $100 Priority Seating — Celebrate the incredible achievements of Michael B. Jordan at this prestigious film festival event.
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Sunday Yin Chill
7-8 p.m. — Yoga Soup — Entry fee not specified — Experience a restorative yoga class focused on connecting breath and body in a slow-paced environment.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Santa Barbara
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