Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Licensed beautician and nurse Sister Oanh Tran gives free haircuts to nearly 30 homeless residents each week in Santa Barbara, restoring dignity and building confidence with every trim.

Kneaded & Loaved, led by Ellena Munoz, hosts outdoor sourdough workshops at Islay Gardens that let locals mix starter, shape dough and share a meal while learning the art of baking from her hands-on, supportive approach.

The bakery also serves Flow Yoga & Wellness and farmers markets.

Crown Collective, a student-owned pop-up that makes Black hair care products accessible to UCSB students, celebrated one year in business by hosting community events that brought the local Black community together and training interns to lead the business after the founders graduate.

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approved an outdoor license on March 3, 2026 for Spring Fest in Isla Vista as a safer alternative to Deltopia, featuring new safety measures + shared funding from IVCSD and UCSB to support on-site security and medical services.

CALM welcomed Dr. Chuck Merrill and Megan Rheinschild to its board, adding leaders with decades of work in healthcare and victim advocacy.

Their experience is set to strengthen local programs for children and families (Santa Barbara County).

Chase Restaurant & Lounge reopened at 1012 State St. on Sunday after repairs following a fire in October 2024, with owners George Bitar and his wife Nicole updating floors, walls and ceilings to restore the iconic 47-year-old venue.

Maker House secured a new lease for its downtown space at 1351 Holiday Hill Road, ensuring a stable home for art classes, workshops, and exhibitions.

Board President Yvonne DeGraw said the lease lets them invest in improvements and community events (including a summer Emerging Artists program and internships).

Cottage Health donated $1.5 million to fund a mini-campus for health careers at San Marcos High School, which will expand its wellness center and raise enrollment with a Project Lead the Way curriculum.

Construction will begin this summer as the district builds a local healthcare pipeline (benefiting students).

At UCSB, during pass 3 course registration, priority status students continuously mention their advantage, a practice reportedly causing flashbacks of past waitlists and prompting more visits to Counseling & Psychological Services.

Associated Students hosted its quarterly State of the Association meeting where UCSB groups discussed a meal plan reform, laundry dispensers installation (expected next week), a textbook grant program, a bike path opening Sept.

15, and an updated GoGaucho app.

UCSB students are updating the Eternal Flame with LED lights to honor the Black community & address climate change while retaining its classic design.

They secured partial funding and plan to complete the campus renovation by mid-summer.

Montecito Fire Chief David Neels will retire on March 31 after 36 years of service; he informed the Board in October 2025 and will hand over to Brian Fallon (pending pre-employment approval), who will begin on April 1.

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approved the 3C REN energy plan that will bring $7 million from statewide utility surcharges over four years from 2028 to 2031 to expand local energy efficiency programs—helping vulnerable residents and local contractors save on utility costs.

Colliers announced the sale of the 53-room Franciscan Inn and Suites in West Beach to Warren Resort Hotels for $22.5M on Mar.

5—local developer Ed St. George, who bought it in 2022 for $21M, said the new owners will begin a remodel to restore its Spanish architecture and guest-first focus.

Dos Pueblos boys golf edged Santa Barbara High by one stroke (218–219) in a non-league match on Thursday at Rancho San Marcos, and Bishop Diego won against Laguna Blanca with strong rounds from Luke and Jack Eliassen, setting up next week’s events.

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.