Daily
Santa Barbara
Thursday, February 12th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A GoFundMe campaign aims to raise $140,000 to support the children of Jay and Kristen Ruskey after they died suddenly from a tragic accident near Cambria on Feb. 8 — community donations now total more than $101,000 from over 600 supporters. Edhat
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara filmmaker Cody Westheimer swam with wild orcas in a Norwegian fjord last November and turned his adventure into creative projects. His short film debuted at the film festival and he shared his experience at a middle school (introducing a kids podcast and planned TV series) to spark creativity. Noozhawk
- ➤ Grammy Award-winning artist Sierra Ferrell is set to perform her Heavy Petal Tour at the Santa Barbara Bowl on Aug. 6. Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m.—prices range from $45.50 to $85.50, with $1 from each ticket supporting the National Immigration Law Center. Edhat
- ➤ The Black Keys will perform Saturday, June 13 at the Santa Barbara Bowl with special guest Fai Laci. Tickets will go on sale Friday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. online and at the Box Office (prices range from $75.50 to $135.50). Edhat
- ➤ A story looks at the history of Santa Barbara’s Black community, sharing memories of past gatherings and celebrations (like cookouts and festivals) as residents now feel alone. Locals recall traditions from when the community was strong and bright. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Crews changed the Arlington Theatre marquee last Tuesday in the rain to honor actor Stellan Skarsgård, and yesterday he walked the red carpet between 7 and 8 p.m. after receiving a nomination for a supporting actor Academy Award for his work in a Norwegian family drama (Sentimental Values). KEYT
- ➤ Noon Concerts at Trinity Santa Barbara presents Baroque Love Songs with soprano Sophia Bakaev, tenor Grace Wenzel (harpsichordist Thomas Joyce) from 12:15-12:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St.; admission is free with a $10 donation accepted. Noozhawk
- ➤ Santa Barbara County vintners are intrigued by Michelin Guide’s recent plan to review wineries, noting that international recognition may boost wine tourism. Local winemakers said that if the guide eventually comes to the area, it will reinforce Santa Barbara’s reputation for artisanal winemaking while adding extra visitor appeal. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ A tribute event was held at the Arlington during SBIFF where outstanding directors—Ryan Coogler, Josh Safdie, Joachim Trier, and Chloé Zhao—were honored for their visionary work. The accolade followed Tuesday’s film slate that showcased groundbreaking and award-nominated cinema. Santa Barbara Independent
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Santa Barbara City Council voted 4+1 to advance new rules that limit Mylar balloons, plastic confetti, and disposable food ware to reduce plastic waste in local creeks and beaches. The ordinance will return for final council approval before taking effect. Santa Barbara Independent
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday, Feb. 7, the 25th Rincon Classic brought a record crowd as local surfers competed in 12 divisions at Rincon Point — sparkling conditions set the stage for impressive double overhead sets, and Dimitri Poulos won the pro division while organizers led a beach cleanup with Heal the Ocean. Santa Barbara Independent
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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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Nachle Deewane 2026
4:30-7:30 p.m. — Arlington Theatre — Proceeds aid South Asian charities — Experience a vibrant annual Bollywood-fusion dance competition featuring teams from across the country.
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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