Daily
Santa Barbara
Monday, February 16th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 16th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The City is launching Own Your Impact, a campaign that invites residents to take small actions to protect their environment starting in February and running through December. The program offers monthly themes, digital badges, and prize opportunities for local individuals and groups. Edhat
- ➤ Zara is a 4-year-old red and black German Shepherd dog weighing 65 lbs and available for adoption at the Lompoc Animal Center. The shelter, located at 1501 West Central in Lompoc, welcomes visitors Tuesday through Sunday and charges fees that cover spaying, microchipping, vaccinations and a wellness exam. Edhat
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Kate Hudson received the Santa Barbara International Film Festival Arlington Artist of the Year Award on Friday, Feb. 13 at the Arlington Theatre, where Gwyneth Paltrow presented it amid reflections on a long film career. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation has begun a roof restoration at the historic Cañedo Adobe (in El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park). The project, funded by a Prop 68 grant, will use traditional materials to protect this key local landmark. Edhat
- ➤ SBIFF 2026 ended on Sunday with the US premiere of 'Laundry' at the Arlington Theatre, marking a week of film screenings that spotlighted social issues and honored festival staff. Festival awards recognized filmmakers during the closing ceremony — a fitting end to the event. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ UCSB professor João Pedro Oliveira received a 2025 commission from the Fromm Music Foundation to compose a new piece for the Tempo Ensemble & his work will premiere at UCSB in 2027 as part of the Corwin Concert Series. Edhat
- ➤ Frank Lanzone announced his retirement from KCBX Public Radio after 45 years of service and will remain as executive director for the upcoming Live Oak Music Festival (currently in planning). Assistant General Manager Chris McBride will lead the station forward. Edhat
- ➤ FestForums celebrated local music and festival leadership at Soho Restaurant & Music Club and the Mar Monte Hotel, with performances by Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter and panels honoring Kevin Lyman and winemaker Fred Brander, along with a women's industry panel and puppy adoption. KEYT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ State officials voted to list mountain lions in the Central Coast and Southern California as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, a decision that could prompt habitat reviews to protect about one third of California’s roughly 4,200 big cats. Santa Barbara Independent
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services warns residents about health risks from storm water runoff due to recent rain and a storm expected Sunday; beachgoers should avoid swimming + surfing for at least three days while shellfish harvesters wait 10 days to collect safely. Edhat
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Willow, a three-month-old domestic shorthaired kitten who was abandoned, has blossomed into a playful companion under a caring foster family (details available online). Prospective adopters are encouraged to learn more and submit an application. Edhat
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday, the UC Santa Barbara women’s tennis team lost to No. 22 Stanford 4-3 after winning key doubles matches but falling in singles. They will play UC Riverside Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Arnhold Tennis Center. KEYT
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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.
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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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Santa Barbara
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