Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Bob Kieding, founder of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and writer of the weekly 'Scuttlebutt' column, died peacefully on Feb.

16 (aged 88); he is remembered for his lifelong passion for sailing and community and is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and relatives.

Downtown Eats will celebrate its grand opening today at 4:00 p.m. at 634 State Street with a ribbon cutting, complimentary sample bites, and live music.

The new eatery offers a diverse menu (burgers, tacos, burritos) and both street-side and indoor dining.

The Santa Barbara Chapter of National Charity League will honor 25 graduating seniors at its Senior Recognition Event on Sunday, Mar.

22 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The celebration recognizes six years of service & leadership, including over 700 volunteer hours this year.

A five-story campus on Anapamu Street is nearing completion and will soon offer supportive housing, a medical clinic, and expanded behavioral health services for vulnerable residents as crews finish construction and work to secure a three-million-dollar funding gap.

The Women Winemakers & Culinarians Foundation will kick off two fundraisers with a Grand Tasting at 27 Vines in Santa Ynez at 11 a.m. this Saturday to benefit SYV Community Outreach, and will host a Denim & Diamonds event on April 11 that spotlights women in wine & food leadership.

Master cellist Yo-Yo Ma returned last Sunday to the Granada Theatre for a solo concert that featured new works including Camille Pépin's world premiere and classics like Bach’s suite — highlighting his enduring ties with the community.

The annual Buellton Wine & Chili Festival will be held on March 15 at 12 p.m. at the Flying Flags RV Resort campground — featuring 30+ local wineries, breweries and chefs competing in chili and salsa tastings with live music.

Guests will vote for their favorite recipe.

On Tuesday, March 3, Santa Barbara supervisors heard economist Peter Rupert’s report showing the creative economy employs 4,136 people and supports 7,100 while generating $3.8 billion and $469 million in taxes (workers earn 10-15 percent above average).

The report was commissioned by the Office of Arts and Culture.

Officials announced the newly renamed Cottage Health Careers Academy (in partnership with Cottage Health) at San Marcos High School on Wednesday at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

The academy will replace portable classrooms with a new facility starting June 2027, backed by a $1.5M donation and matching funds for ninth-grade enrollment.

On Feb. 27, Goleta West Sanitary District finalized a $1.5 million penalty with the Central Coast Regional Water Board over a spill of one million gallons in Goleta Slough.

The district will fund well water sampling at 30 wells for two and a half years (to protect nature).

On Tuesday, Habitat for Humanity installed Santa Barbara’s first accessory dwelling unit sold as affordable housing on E.

Cota St, using a crane to place the unit behind a century-old house; buyers Tony and Sierra will move in this summer after completing sweat equity+ under a ninety-year affordability covenant.

UCSB Baseball swept LMU with an 11-1 win at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium Tuesday.

The game saw a brief delay when a pelican got caught in the net (a pause in play) and strong performances set the stage for Big West action this weekend.

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.

Richard Thompson Concert with Zara Phillips

7-9 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of captivating music with the legendary Richard Thompson and the talented Zara Phillips.