Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District and the City of Goleta are hosting free air purifier pick-ups for Old Town residents and free electric car test drives at the Goleta Community Center, 5679 Hollister Avenue, Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Supplies are limited + free meals are offered while available.

The Housing Authority of Santa Barbara launched its Adopt-a-Home campaign on Monday to raise $50,000 for furnishing 31 studio units at 3055 De la Vina Street, which will serve chronically homeless and formerly homeless residents.

Supporters can donate through an Amazon wish list or the campaign’s general fund.

On New Year’s, the Humanist Society hosted its annual Mission Ridge hike with a dozen local participants enjoying perfect weather and stunning views from Tunnel Trail (despite parking challenges).

The group included community members and local professors who made lasting memories on a challenging, scenic route.

Chase Restaurant in Santa Barbara has announced its grand reopening on State Street after a 16-month closure following a fire in October 2024.

Reservations are open and the restaurant will serve its classic Italian menu (including pork, veal and eggplant parmigiana) along with new catering services.

A UCSB study led by doctoral student Roark Chao shows that hair-width microLEDs can replace lasers for short-distance data links — offering higher efficiency and reduced cooling needs.

The breakthrough may improve data centers, displays, and emerging AR or VR devices.

Dos Pueblos High School was named a recipient of the 2026 First Amendment Press Freedom Award by the Santa Barbara Unified School District (recognizing its strong student journalism) on Student Press Freedom Day and will be honored on April 16 at a national journalism convention in Minneapolis.

Santa Barbara County has released an interactive hazard map that lets residents enter their home addresses to view wildfire, flood, and tsunami risks.

Officials say the tool helps with emergency preparedness as locals use it to shape safety plans and supply kits.

Vandenberg Space Force Base set seasonal rules on March 1 at Surf Beach and Ocean Park to protect the threatened snowy plover until Sept.

30. Visitors may use a half-mile of open beach (with dogs allowed only on a connecting trail) and must follow posted signs to avoid fines.

MOVE Santa Barbara County named Sarah Iannarone as its new executive director Tuesday, Mar.

03 (she brings over 20 years of nonprofit leadership) and she will work to expand safe, affordable transportation options for residents across the county.

San Marcos boys golf won a four-team match on Monday at Sterling Hills Golf Club in Camarillo with a score of 369 (beating Dos Pueblos, Harvard Westlake, and St. Francis).

Andy Keenan earned medalist honors with an eagle on the 18th hole.

Local girls beach volleyball teams posted strong wins earlier this week—Dos Pueblos swept Oxnard High on Monday in Goleta, Santa Barbara High swept Buena on Tuesday in Ventura, and San Marcos defeated Ventura on Monday—and the results set the stage for upcoming contests.

Dos Pueblos boys volleyball won a four-set victory over Arroyo Grande Monday at Sovine Gym, 25-15, 25-14, 23-25, 25-13, with seniors DeMatteo and Andrews key in defense.

Santa Barbara High fell to Mira Costa and will face Cabrillo today, while Dos Pueblos hosts Rio Mesa Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

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.

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.

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.

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.

St. Patrick's Day in Ireland

7:30-9 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Ticket information not provided — Celebrate Irish culture with music, dance, and high-energy performances from champion dancers.

California Agave Symposium

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. — Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort — $125-$350 — Network with industry leaders and explore the future of California's agave industry.

Live Concert by Booker T. Jones

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening of soulful music by the legendary Booker T. Jones.

Los Inquietos Del Norte Concert

11 PM - 3 AM — Earl Warren Showgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable night with Los Inquietos Del Norte and Los Caimanes de Sinaloa.