Daily
Santa Barbara
Monday, January 26th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 26th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara County Animal Services and BUNS are waiving adoption fees for rabbits and guinea pigs through February 15. The promotion runs Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at shelters in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Santa Maria (local offices). Edhat
- ➤ Community Friends of Santa Barbara (CFOFSB) has raised its flag at the Breakwater as part of the collaborative Breakwater Flag Project with philanthropic groups, the Santa Barbara Yacht Club and the city Waterfront Department; the flag stands as a symbol of local pride and historical continuity. Noozhawk
- ➤ In 2025, Santa Barbara Humane provided lifesaving care for thousands of animals through adoptions, mobile veterinary services, and outreach while supporting families with its Pet Food Pantry and dog training programs. The organization raised over $15 million to modernize its campus (including a Phase I groundbreaking) and earned community awards. Noozhawk
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Between October and December 2025, seven new businesses opened in downtown Santa Barbara along State Street and historic corridors, offering luxury, dining, fitness, and retail options. Mighty Pilates will hold its grand opening on Jan. 29 at its new studio (1014 State St. #A) to bring a fresh twist to local fitness. Edhat
- ➤ 19 Blue Salon in downtown Santa Barbara will close at the end of January after 18 years at 19 W. Ortega Street (rising rent and higher costs forced its closure), and owner Ann Kelleher will offer services at Amari Salon on Anacapa Street starting in February. Clients should contact stylists. Edhat
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local resident Judy Foreman is learning mahjong through a series of lessons at a bookstore as the classic game sees renewed interest among Santa Barbara locals seeking social connection and mental challenge; she draws inspiration from cherished family memories and recent media attention + modern trends. Noozhawk
- ➤ Renowned artist Rod Lathim will debut his largest solo show, LIT: Love, Illumination, Transcendence, on February 5 at Art and Soul Gallery — featuring 30 neon and assemblage pieces that reveal his journey from stage to studio. The exhibit is part of the 1st Thursday Art Walk. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ The Grace Fisher Foundation hosted a book launch for the book We Are Resilient today at its Inclusive Arts Clubhouse on Hope Ave. The authors signed copies, celebrating voices of perseverance (a collection that highlights overcoming adversity). KEYT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Goleta Valley Library will update its children’s area with $550,000 from the John C. Mithun Foundation to fund modern seating, interactive activity stations (and a teen area) that support early literacy. The library will soon begin a capital campaign for further building improvements. Noozhawk
- ➤ Sara from the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County is one of 22 finalists in a phone case design contest themed A World Within Reach Future Icons; judges will select a winner in February who will earn a $25,000 scholarship and a $25,000 tech grant. Noozhawk
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Los Padres ForestWatch is launching a community science project to protect local wildlife by collecting data on animal sightings and roadkill via a free mobile survey, which will guide conservation and planning. Webinars run Wednesday, Jan. 28 (6-7 p.m.) and Saturday, Jan. 31 (1-2 p.m.). Noozhawk
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The city of Santa Barbara decided SB ACT will continue operating the FARO Homeless Center at 621 Chapala St. until Feb. 4 (2027) after noting improvements and addressing neighbor concerns; SB ACT will enhance its outreach and operations to support positive community relations. Noozhawk
- ➤ Drivers on Highway 101 can expect lane closures and reduced speeds with nighttime noise over the next two weeks as crews begin a ($15.8M) project to upgrade bridges and improve safety across Santa Barbara and Montecito. Edhat
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Organic Soup Kitchen is asking community members, donors and partners to provide emergency funding so low-income residents living with serious illness continue receiving medically tailored meals—rising food costs now limit support to 12 weeks. The call targets sustaining nutrition in Santa Barbara and Goleta, urging immediate, collective action. Edhat
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ U.S. Soccer will host an international friendly at Harder Stadium on Tuesday at 7 p.m. as the U.S. Women’s National Team prepares to face Chile; the match draws on the historic legacy of a 1991 exhibition (tickets remain available online) that helped shape the game. Noozhawk
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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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Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
6:15-7:14 p.m. — Music Academy of the West — Ticketed event — Experience Taylor Swift's hits performed by Vapour String Quartet in a magical candlelight setting.
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Open Season Lucha Libre Pro Wrestling
7 PM — Franklin Elementary School — Tickets available — Experience high-energy lucha libre with renowned luchadores from Tijuana.
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Sunday Yin Chill
7-8 p.m. — Yoga Soup — Cost not specified — Unwind with a restorative Yin class focused on breath and relaxation.
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Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
7-10 p.m. — Arlington Theatre — $26 General Public / $18 Youth / $15 UCSB students — Experience thrilling outdoor adventure films at a larger-than-life scale, showcasing the best mountain adventures.
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No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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