Daily
Santa Barbara
Sunday, March 8th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 8th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday, Guide Dogs for the Blind took six Labrador and Golden retriever puppies on a one-hour cruise aboard Lil' Toot from Santa Barbara Harbor (in front of the Maritime Museum) at 10:30 a.m., giving them exposure to water and new environments to help prepare for guiding visually impaired people. Noozhawk
- ➤ Residents and families are invited to the second Public Design Workshop for the new Orcutt Library at Oasis Center, 420 Soares Ave — Tuesday, March 31, 6:00 p.m. — 7:30 p.m. The session will let attendees review updated design plans and offer input to shape a modern, welcoming community hub. Edhat
- ➤ Olive Crest will host the Hope Shines community fundraiser on Sunday, Apr. 26 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez — the event supports Hope Refuge Campus for local girls who have survived sex trafficking and features local advocate Shantel Ortiz-Cesario, with lunch and desserts served. Noozhawk
- ➤ Veggie Rescue will host Sweet 16 on Thursday, May 21 at Bernat Vineyard & Cafe Farm to celebrate 16 years and 5 million lbs of rescued food with live music, local food & auctions supporting food rescue operations for local nonprofits. Noozhawk
- ➤ LEAP celebrated its 55th anniversary and 50 years of childcare at the LEAP Awards Brunch held at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort on Saturday, Feb. 28. The event raised $81,715 to support local families + honored community leaders and a distinguished alumnus. Edhat
- ➤ Local firefighter James Mellor is recovering from a stroke and his GoFundMe fundraiser has raised nearly $68,700 of a $70,000 goal — donations support his medical treatment, lost wages and ongoing recovery. Noozhawk
- ➤ The Santa Barbara Police Department invites community members to attend Buckle Up With First Responders, a family event on Saturday, Mar. 14 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Westside Neighborhood Center at 423 W. Victoria St. — offering free car seat inspections, a pancake breakfast, and interactive displays of police and fire vehicles. Noozhawk
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ One805LIVE! is expanding to a two-day benefit concert — supporting county First Responders — set for Sept. 25 to Sept. 26 at Kevin Costner’s oceanside estate in Summerland. Rock icons Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo and George Thorogood will perform while additional major acts are in discussion. Edhat
- ➤ Santa Barbara Revels will host its 18th Annual Pub Sing from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, March 22 at Creekside Restaurant & Bar, 4444 Hollister Ave — featuring folk songs, sea shanties and a karaoke session from 6-8 p.m., with tickets at $15 for adults and $10 for students and children. Noozhawk
- ➤ The Marjorie Luke Theatre will open its season with a Spring Gardening Festival & Marketplace on Sunday, Apr. 12—partnered with Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. The event includes a Community Marketplace at 2:30 p.m., a film screening at Eling’s Park at 4 p.m., and a panel with former Mayor Helene Schneider. Noozhawk
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Scholarship Foundation received 3,481 applications for financial aid for the 2026-27 school year, a 5% increase from last year's total, and will announce awardees in April and May to support local students pursuing higher education. Edhat
- ➤ Santa Barbara’s CADA Mentorship Program pairs local adults with third through eighth graders and has supported kids for 30 years — mentors meet with them weekly. It will host its 15th annual Gratitude Luncheon on March 12 at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort to honor these community efforts. Noozhawk
- ➤ UCSB Library launched its free AI in Action speaker series to unite campus scholars, students, and community members in learning about AI in research. The next event is set for April 9 at 4 p.m. in the library's first-floor Instruction (Training Room 1312). Edhat
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UCSB's ace Jackson Flora pitched six innings, allowing two runs and striking out seven, as the Gauchos defeated Long Beach State 4—3 in their Big West opener with key hits from Cole Kosciusko and Rowan Kelly. The win extended UCSB’s game streak to eight. KEYT
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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