Daily
Santa Barbara
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Angels Foster Care (a nonprofit organization) of Santa Barbara welcomed Dr. Jacqueline McDonough as its new executive director. She brings expertise in trauma-informed care and will strengthen outreach for young children while the organization prepares for expanded services. Santa Barbara Independent
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Cajun Kitchen Cafe at 6831 Hollister Avenue in Goleta will reopen the week of Feb. 16 after extensive renovations (located in the Target shopping center) refreshed its dining area and breakfast counter, and it will serve Cajun-style breakfast and lunch daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Edhat
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local director Amy Wendel's dark comedy 'Relatively Normal' premieres at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Friday, Feb. 6 at the Riviera Theatre, with additional screenings on Feb. 7 and Feb. 9 at the SBIFF Film Center (the film features a teen facing family lockdown challenges). Noozhawk
- ➤ Santa Barbara is celebrating Black History Month throughout February in partnership with local groups, hosting film screenings, art receptions, book events, and family programs — with a Central Library art reception on Feb. 5 and a family celebration on Feb. 28. Edhat
- ➤ On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Opera Santa Barbara will show Farinelli at Center Stage Theater (751 Paseo Nuevo Center) with a panel discussion following a complimentary reception from 6 to 6:45 p.m. The screening runs from 6:50 to 9:30 p.m. and encourages a suggested $25 donation for opera education. Noozhawk
- ➤ Today marks the start of the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which runs until Feb. 14 at the Arlington Theatre and McHurley Film Center. The festival features panels with Oscar-nominated filmmakers on Feb. 7, 8 and 14 — including a Jessie Buckley retrospective on Feb. 11. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ UCSB professor João Pedro Oliveira was chosen from 12 composers worldwide for the 2025 Fromm Music Foundation commission — he will compose a new work blending acoustic and electronic sounds for the Tempo Ensemble, set to premiere at UCSB in 2027. Santa Barbara Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Teacher Librarian Chris Greeley of Santa Barbara Junior High launched the 'Picture Me Grom' photography project that gives students analog cameras to capture meaningful moments. Funded by a $1,395 grant from the Santa Barbara Education Foundation, the project will expand next year + include darkroom training. KEYT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara Health Department warned residents not to collect or eat wild mushrooms because recent rains have increased poisonous varieties. Health officials reported 39 hospitalizations (including 4 deaths and 3 liver transplants) from mushroom poisonings across California between Nov. and Jan., advising everyone to stay cautious. Santa Barbara Independent
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, Feb. 2, high school student-athletes from Carpinteria to Goleta gathered at the Earl Warren Showgrounds for the annual SBART Women In Sports Luncheon. Panelists (Jo Evans, Sandrine Krul, and Jill Lin) shared their expertise in leadership and athletic development to inspire future female athletes. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Freshman twins Shane and Shammah Kwizera boosted Bishop Diego’s Cardinals with strong play in Tri-Valley League, helping the team reach a 21-3 record and setting up a promising playoff run. Coach Caleb Richey praised their versatile defense and chemistry with returning players (drawing on their international experience). Santa Barbara Independent
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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.
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Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer
6:15-7:14 p.m. — Music Academy of the West — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting music of Hans Zimmer in an intimate candlelit setting.
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Kyle Watson Live Performance
9:00 p.m. — EOS Lounge — $12.36 — Experience Kyle Watson's unique blend of house music with rolling basslines and punchy grooves.
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