Sunday, February 1st, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 1st of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara County Association of Governments is offering mini-grants up to $700 to support CycleMAYnia activities that boost bike safety, education and community fun + local groups must submit their applications by Feb. 27. Edhat
- ➤ United Way will offer free tax filing for qualifying residents from Feb. 2 to April 15 using IRS-certified volunteers at locations including Goleta Community Center + UC Santa Barbara. Households earning $67,000 or less can also get assistance with ITIN applications and Spanish interpretation on select days. Noozhawk
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is celebrating 100 years as the nation’s first native plant garden with community events throughout the year (including a conservation symposium on Jan. 31, a Beer Garden on March 14, and art exhibitions) at its scenic Mission Canyon location. Edhat
- ➤ Santa Barbara Literary Festival debuts May 2-3 with keynotes, panels, and workshops hosted downtown at venues such as the Lobero Theater and the Public Library Plaza. Organizers are seeking volunteer support and local partnerships (to boost community access) for this vibrant celebration of literature. Noozhawk
- ➤ Dr. Bonnie Franklin writes a reflective column on the special bond between Dalmatians and firefighters, drawing on local memories from Montecito including Jasper at Fire Station 91 on San Ysidro Road + recounting how these dogs historically aided fire efforts. Noozhawk
- ➤ Ethan Hawke will be honored with the American Riviera Award at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Friday, Feb. 6 at 8:00 p.m. at Arlington Theatre, where an in-person conversation with moderator Dave Karger will celebrate his career, including his role in BLUE MOON. Edhat
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Industry experts spoke at a summit on Wednesday about Santa Barbara’s tourism industry, which exceeds $2B and supports 15,000 jobs. They noted hotel demand will rise with rate-driven revenue increases and upcoming events such as the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. Noozhawk
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UCSB's men's basketball team extended its six-game winning streak with an 83 to 69 win over Cal State Fullerton at the Thunderdome on Saturday—reserve players provided key rebounds and points. They will travel on Thursday to face UC Davis ahead of a nationally televised game. Noozhawk
- ➤ UCSB women’s basketball lost a close game on Saturday when Fullerton’s Cristina Jones scored a buzzer-beater for a 62-60 win at Titan Gym. The loss dropped the Gauchos into fifth place in the Big West standings. Noozhawk
- ➤ On Saturday, Dos Pueblos beat Pacifica 50-39 at Oxnard after a dominant first quarter, San Marcos won 56-25 at Thunderhut, and Santa Barbara High triumphed with Shea Gannon’s 31-point double-double; Bishop Diego lost 29-58 to St. Bonaventure at Brick House — all teams face Tuesday’s season finales. Noozhawk
- ➤ Santa Barbara High boys soccer won a 2-0 non-league game on Senior Night at Peabody Stadium Saturday, led by EJ Manamea’s two goals and a strong senior goalkeeping squad (8-9-3 record). The Dons will play Rio Mesa on Tuesday. 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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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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