Wednesday, January 28th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 28th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ About 800 people gathered on Monday evening at Stearns Wharf to hold a candlelight vigil for Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by federal agents, uniting community members and celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi in a shared moment of grief. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Prince Harry and Watch Duty CEO John Mills visited local fire stations today to see firefighting and rescue equipment and learn how real-time alerts help first responders protect the community—supporting ongoing efforts to keep neighborhoods safe. Edhat
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is showing a benefit exhibit called 'Where the Mountains Meet the Sea' through March 29. Twelve local artists capture familiar landscapes in their work to support the museum. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Variety’s 12th annual Artisans Awards will honor film artisans on Feb. 7 at the Arlington Theater during the Santa Barbara Film Festival. The event will include one-to-one conversations (with a panel discussion by Variety’s senior artisans editor Jazz Tangcay) to celebrate craftsmanship in film. Edhat
- ➤ Westmont College staged its annual opera production of Pirates of Penzance on Jan. 23 and 25 at Porter Theatre. The student cast, led by music director Dr. Ruth Lin (with Christina Jensen directing), delivered a spirited performance despite challenges with vocal clarity. Santa Barbara Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UCSB Professor Stephen Wilson's lab is researching unusual magnetic behavior with frustrated lattice designs to probe quantum materials for future devices. The study, published in Nature Materials, examines how strain might control intertwined magnetic states in an unprecedented system. Edhat
- ➤ Santa Barbara City College celebrated on Jan. 21 the grand opening of its renovated Radiography Lab (boosting hands-on training) with modern imaging equipment and clinical partnerships that strengthen the local healthcare workforce. Edhat
- ➤ The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara earned its eighth consecutive Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid+ the highest nod for nonprofit financial openness. The nonprofit, which has granted over $167 million in college scholarships since 1962, achieved the seal yesterday. Santa Barbara Independent
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Due to recent storms, a section of the east end of Goleta Beach County Park is closed today for beach operations. Site preparation is underway while sediment hauling begins Monday, Feb. 2 to rebuild the beach and improve flood control. Edhat
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The MedCenter, at 2954 State Street, offers immediate physician-led care—validating online AI diagnoses and providing on-site tests and treatments. It is open seven days a week with walk-ins and same-day appointments to meet urgent health needs. Noozhawk
- ➤ Santa Barbara Humane clarified that nail trims remain legal under California law (AB 867) that bans declawing procedures unless medically necessary. The organization now offers guidance to help local cat owners safely care for their pets. KEYT
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Bishop Ranch, a historic open space near Goleta (valued by locals for its wildlife and mental health benefits), remains protected after a 2011 housing project was blocked. Developers are expected to propose new plans in the future as the community continues to cherish the land’s rich heritage and environmental benefits. Noozhawk
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ San Marcos defeated Santa Barbara 17+4 in the Channel League semifinals after Charlotte Raisin and Natalie Klan each scored five goals while Dos Pueblos won 20+2 over Rio Mesa and 14+10 over Buena; the league final is set for today at 4:20 p.m. at Dos Pueblos. KEYT
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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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Bored Teachers Comedy Tour
11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. — Arlington Theatre — Check venue for pricing — Enjoy an uproarious comedy night with the 'Teachers Off Duty' Podcast stars.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Santa Barbara
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