Daily
Santa Barbara
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Housing Authority named Foodbank of Santa Barbara County its Partner Organization of the Year during a recent event — recognizing its role in distributing nearly 60,000 lbs. of food to low-income residents. Noozhawk
- ➤ The municipal tennis and pickleball center in Santa Barbara is closed due to storm damage. Yellow tape marks the area with downed trees on Old Coast Highway, and cleanup is needed before it reopens. KEYT
- ➤ The Santa Barbara Planning Commission approved Cottage Hospital’s red schoolhouse-style child care expansion (a community benefit project) at Castillo and Los Olivos streets, doubling spots from 80 to 160 and boosting staff from 28 to 50. Construction is scheduled to begin early 2027. Noozhawk
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Umbra, a Santa Barbara satellite manufacturer, announced last week plans to open a 20,000-sqft facility in Reston, Virginia, which will create over 100 jobs and include a $6.75M investment. The company is expanding its coast-to-coast operations with support from Virginia grants + training programs. Noozhawk
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival announced its award-winning films and Filmmaker Fund winners. The event awarded four independent filmmakers $10,000 each and held a ceremony Saturday morning at Belmond El Encanto where industry professionals selected the winners. Edhat
- ➤ Santa Barbara International Film Festival wrapped up its 41st edition on Feb. 14 with the U.S. premiere of Laundry (Uhlanjululo), introduced by writer-director-producer Zamo Mkhwanazi. An Academy Award–nominated writers panel discussed filmmaking techniques at The Arlington Theatre. Edhat
- ➤ Santa Barbara preserves landmarks that trace its evolution from Spanish colonization to American statehood. Old Mission finished in 1820 and Stearns Wharf built in 1872 are among the sites showcasing lasting resilience + unique architecture. Edhat
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Researchers led by Casey O’Hara at UC Santa Barbara are mapping methods to measure how Earth Science Information benefits society from sensors and satellites – work that could improve conservation and disaster response decisions. The study seeks to capture both monetary values and social benefits often overlooked by standard metrics. Edhat
- ➤ Hazardous conditions from Monday's heavy rain and thunderstorms impacted the region, and a winter storm watch is in effect from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning for mountain areas — high surf and strong winds continue along coastal zones in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Edhat
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara schools achieved more than 95% vaccination among incoming kindergartners—up from 92.1% in recent years—while some clusters still show rates as low as 55%, increasing measles risk for vulnerable residents (Strive for 95). Health officials advise parents to keep immunizations current to protect community immunity. Noozhawk
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A new ranking by Nextdoor and WorldAtlas has spotlighted the friendliest towns in California, featuring coastal gems and mountain havens noted for neighborly charm (including Solvang, a popular Danish-style destination near Santa Barbara). Residents are invited to explore these welcoming communities. Edhat
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The Carpinteria Architectural Review Board approved Hotel Harmony after more than 13 years of planning last Feb. 12, clearing the way for a 72-room boutique hotel on Via Real to replace an old church building (project 161822). The design features an ocean-inspired look with eco-friendly measures. Edhat
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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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Santa Barbara
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