Daily
Santa Barbara
Sunday, February 15th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 15th of February.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A surfer swept away in heavy surf off Goleta was rescued at Haskell’s Beach on Feb. 6 after gripping a lobster trap buoy—rescue swimmers guided by drones reached him and escorted him to safety. Noozhawk
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Kate Hudson was honored with the 2026 Arlington Artist of the Year Award at SBIFF on Friday, Feb. 13 (celebrating her role in Song Sung Blue and a career spanning over twenty years) when Gwyneth Paltrow presented the award. Edhat
- ➤ The Santa Barbara International Film Festival announced its winning films at an awards breakfast held at El Encanto in Santa Barbara with both Jury and filmmakers in attendance. Three short film award winners are now eligible for the Academy Awards, which includes entries like 'STEAL THIS STORY, PLEASE.' KEYT
- ➤ On the End, a film about an underdog’s fight amid gentrification, was shown at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival held Feb. 4–14 at venues including the historic Arlington Theatre and the new McHurley Film Center. The film draws on true events to offer an authentic take on resilience. Edhat
- ➤ American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez is screening at SBIFF today and highlights his impact on Chicano culture with archival materials from UCSB and narration by Edward James Olmos to connect local heritage with a broader legacy. Santa Barbara Independent
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Feb. 10, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office reminded families, teens, and caregivers to review its Exploitation Awareness Card which outlines online threats, warning signs, and steps for safe interactions — as cases of sextortion have risen; help is available through trusted adults and authorities. Edhat
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Maple High School Friday Night Live launches a youth-led media campaign today in Santa Barbara to reduce underage drinking by inviting community input through a new survey. The program features posters, digital PSAs, and training sessions to empower teens and shape healthier social norms. Edhat
- ➤ Santa Barbara Humane, Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, and ASAP Cats will host a county-wide Spay and Neuter Day on Tuesday, Feb. 24, offering pet surgeries for $5 (plus additional services available) at multiple locations. Community members must reserve appointments online. Edhat
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UCSB completed a season sweep with a 63-54 win over Cal Poly as Zoe Borter scored 18 and Maddie Naro added 10 points, while Olivia Bradley contributed 9 and 6 rebounds. The win improved UCSB’s record to 9-6 in the Big West as Cal Poly fell to a 1-14 record. KEYT
- ➤ UCSB fell to Southern Miss 8-6 after an early lead in Hattiesburg today. The tied series means UCSB will start Kellan Montgomery at 1 p.m. from Pete Taylor Park, setting up a decisive rubber match. KEYT
- ➤ San Marcos High girls' water polo team advanced to the CIF-SS Open Division semifinals after winning a 17-11 quarterfinal game at Santa Barbara High on Saturday. The Royals, led by standout Charlotte Raisin’s eight goals, will face top-ranked Mater Dei on Wednesday at Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Santa Barbara High girls' water polo rallied from a 6-3 deficit early in the second quarter to win 13-12 over Temple City in Friday’s quarterfinals. The Dons will host Murrieta Valley Tuesday at 5 p.m. in their home pool, with Jules Horton leading with four goals. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Charlotte Raisin led San Marcos to a 17-11 win over Corona del Mar in a water polo game today, scoring 8 goals and grabbing 7 steals. The Royals advance to the semifinals and will face Mater Dei on Wednesday at Woollett Aquatics Center & aim to carry their momentum. KEYT
- ➤ Dos Pueblos beat San Juan Hills 52-45 in the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs and will host Rosary Academy on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Bishop Diego edged Fullerton 55-44 and is set to host Sunny Hills on Wednesday at the Brickhouse. Santa Barbara Independent
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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.
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March 2026 Area Meeting
6-8 p.m. — The Community Arts Workshop — Free entry — Engage in an open forum of critiques and insights from local artists while enjoying a keynote from ceramicist Erin Smith.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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