Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara County Association of Governments is accepting mini-grant applications (up to $700) to fund CycleMAYnia activities during National Bike Month in May, with submissions due by Feb. 27 so local groups can plan bike events that promote safety and education. Santa Barbara Independent
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Takashi Ramen owner Natacha Chaiseree has launched a fundraising drive (via GoFundMe) to help cover her father's stage III cancer treatment costs and sustain her restaurant's cash flow in Goleta. She is also seeking equity partners for the family-run business at 7060 Hollister Avenue. Edhat
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Artist Phoebe Brunner opens her new exhibit, A Radiant Solitude, at Sullivan Goss Gallery (11 E. Anapamu St.) from Jan. 30 to March 23 with a first Thursday reception on Feb. 5, 5-8 p.m.; her paintings show Santa Barbara nature in a fresh and imaginative way. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ SBIFF will honor Adam Sandler with the Maltin Modern Master Award on Thursday, Feb. 5 at the Arlington, marking his journey from comic to serious actor (his 1996 UCSB performance of 'The Chanukah Song' links him to local history). Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Ethan Hawke will be honored with the American Riviera Award at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Feb. 6 — a conversation moderated by TCM’s Dave Karger will spotlight his celebrated career and his role in Blue Moon during this in-person event. Noozhawk
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara Airport recorded 1.48 million passengers in 2025, its busiest year ever. In 2026, airlines will bring back nonstop flights, including a Chicago route on April 6 (and additional service to San Diego and regional hubs), while the airport earned a community impact award for its local work. Edhat
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ SBCC celebrated the grand opening of its fully renovated Radiography Lab on Jan. 21. The updated lab offers modern imaging equipment and problem-based learning to boost student skills and job readiness along the Central Coast — reinforcing the college’s commitment to workforce innovation. Noozhawk
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara County officials said a 50% cut in greenhouse gases by 2030 is likely out of reach after a report showed a 1% rise in emissions over the past 5 years despite green initiatives & increased electric vehicle use. County leaders now consider smaller, step-by-step targets. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Los Padres National Forest officials scheduled a controlled burn for 20 acres in the Camino Cielo area (west of Highway 154 and Painted Cave Road) on Wednesday to reduce wildfire risk; staff will monitor the burn 24/7 to direct smoke away from populated areas. It follows a Jan. 20 burn that raised community concerns. Noozhawk
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The California Dream For All program opens its 2026 application window on Feb. 24 in Santa Barbara for eligible first-time homebuyers needing down payment help, offering up to 20 percent of the purchase price (max $150,000) with funds distributed by random selection from up to $200 million. Noozhawk
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ San Marcos secured its fifth straight Channel League title in girls water polo after defeating Dos Pueblos 18-6, with Charlotte Raisin scoring 8 goals & senior Chuckie Roth retiring from the team after the season. 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.
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La Chupitos Comedy and Mariachi Show
7-9 p.m. — Arlington Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a vibrant fusion of Mexican comedy and mariachi music featuring La Chupitos and the Grammy-winning Mariachi Divas.
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.
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