Friday, March 13th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara Clean Energy customers can reserve free drought-resistant trees through the city’s community tree program; while pickups started last weekend, 50 trees remain available for reservation until March 21. Participants get one five-gallon tree per household (planting on private property) to help meet climate goals. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ The Santa Barbara Public Library is launching its second mobile unit on Wednesday, Mar. 25 at Biblioteca Central (40 E. de la calle Anapamu); the event will offer guided tours and a chance to meet the staff behind the expanded library service. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ The 13th Annual St. Patrick's Day Car Show is set for Saturday, March 14 at St. Louis de Montfort Church (1190 E. Clark Ave.) in Orcutt from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the free event will offer over 100 vehicles, live music, and vendors for family fun. Noozhawk
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Home Plate Grill in Goleta is closing on March 31 after a decade at 7398 Calle Real; ReStore will start accepting donations at 400 State St with a summer opening planned, Santa Barbara Sunshine Café now serves dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, and SuperMoss will hold a ribbon-cutting at 4 p.m. on March 19. Noozhawk
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Sushi by Scratch at the historic Montecito Inn offers an intimate 10-seat omakase performance where chefs prepare bite-sized sushi blending tradition with modern twists. The husband-and-wife team, Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee, invite diners at 1295 Coast Village Road to experience close-up hospitality. Noozhawk
- ➤ The city unveiled plans for an asphalt art project at State and Carrillo featuring designs inspired by Zapotec weaving to boost art and pedestrian safety. Painting will begin Monday, April 9 and staff will host a design session at the Farmers’ Market on Saturday, March 21 (for updates). Santa Barbara Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UCSB’s Army ROTC Surfrider Battalion earned an invite to compete in the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at West Point after finishing second among 34 teams at Fort Hunter Liggett in February. The two-day event will take place May 1 to 2. Noozhawk
- ➤ Nearly 70 children are now learning Mandarin at Santa Barbara Chinese School, where immersive lessons use playful storytelling + cultural traditions to connect voices from many backgrounds. KEYT
- ➤ The Santa Barbara Public Library will host a free Children’s Resource Fair on Sunday, Mar. 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Central Library (Michael Towbes Library Plaza) to share childcare, preschool registration, summer camp details and more from over 30 community organizations. Santa Barbara Independent
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara is working on a Waterfront Adaptation Plan to reduce coastal flooding and erosion and improve beach access. City staff will host community events for feedback over the next three months as they refine options for a draft plan expected in early 2027. Edhat
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Kevin Casey of Santa Barbara Vascular Specialists said UnitedHealthcare’s delay in approving an 82-year-old patient’s nursing facility transfer contributed to her preventable death — a setback that left his team struggling for timely care and prompted him to contact the California Medical Association and local officials for review. Santa Barbara Independent
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Local high school boys soccer teams were recognized this winter in the Channel League for standout play across Santa Barbara. The San Marcos Royals, Santa Barbara High Dons, and Dos Pueblos Chargers earned top selections and honorable mentions (highlighting local talent and future potential). Noozhawk
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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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Disclosure Live in Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Santa Barbara Bowl — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electronic duo Disclosure as they bring their acclaimed sound to the stage.
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Invasion Latina Live at SOhO
8:30 PM - 1:30 AM — SOhO Restaurant & Music Club — Pre-sale tickets $20 — Enjoy an exciting night with Invasion Latina and dance to Latin beats!
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