Daily
Santa Barbara
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ CrossHatch Winery is relocating its tasting room from Santa Ynez to downtown Santa Barbara at 111 E. Haley Street, where the new space (approximately 4,000 sqft) will host culinary programs and wine club gatherings. Members will receive early updates as the opening date is finalized. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Elubia’s Kitchen celebrates one year on Trigo Road in Isla Vista. The Latin American restaurant, known for gluten-free options and affordable platitos, offers special anniversary deals through the end of March (including buy one, get one offers) for UCSB students and local fans. Santa Barbara Independent
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Teen Star 2026 has announced its Top 10 finalists for the youth performing arts showcase, scheduled for Saturday, May 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre (sponsored by Earl Minnis), which celebrates 17 seasons of encouraging creativity on a professional stage. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Music Academy of the West unveiled its summer schedule at Hahn Hall, featuring classical concerts at downtown theaters and the Miraflores campus. Tickets go on sale from April 9, and $10 community access starts June 12 at 10 a.m. — the season promises art and culture. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Las Cafeteras will perform free concerts this weekend as part of the 20th season of the Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara series — with shows beginning at Carpinteria Veterans Memorial Building on Thursday and ending at Marjorie Luke Theatre on Sunday. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ State Street Ballet will present RECESS! at Lobero Theatre on March 21 and 22 to showcase three ballet pieces themed around playful childhood moments. The family-friendly program includes a sensory-friendly matinee (with live orchestra music and creative projections) for all ages. Santa Barbara Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At Monday’s SBART press luncheon, Dane Polchin of Santa Barbara High was honored as Scholar Athlete of the Year for his academic and athletic achievements — recognized alongside standout performances by Dos Pueblos and San Marcos athletes. The event celebrated key spring sports milestones in the community. Santa Barbara Independent
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday, APCD distributed 400 free air purifiers to Old Town residents (one per household) for clean air rooms during wildfire smoke events and held 52 electric car test drives; residents who missed the event may apply online (with proof of address) for a purifier while supplies last. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute removed a fishing lure from a young elephant seal's mouth in Santa Barbara on March 14. The pup is now receiving a physical exam and will follow a fish based nutrition plan to build strength before its eventual return to the wild. Edhat
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The new train depot at 27 S. La Patera Lane (Goleta) is on track to open this summer as city staff complete final transformer installation, painting, sewer line, HVAC, and electrical upgrades for the $32 million project; the depot aims to boost ridership and improve bus, bicycle, and pedestrian connections. Noozhawk
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Cottage Health named Ryan Kelly, Ph.D., chief innovation officer on March 16 to lead the new Compton Center for Medical Excellence and Innovation at the local hospital — he will build partnerships and advance healthcare technology. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Amid a winter heatwave, Santa Barbara residents can beat the heat by visiting air-conditioned spots like the Public Library, movie theaters & grocery stores to relax and cool off; the National Weather Service warns temperatures may climb 20 to 35 degrees above normal, so checking hours is advised. Edhat
- ➤ On March 11 in Isla Vista, Supervisor Laura Capps and local partners distributed Narcan kits to trained volunteers to help prevent opioid overdoses. The effort comes as overdose deaths decreased 41 percent since 2023, marking a successful countywide harm reduction initiative. Santa Barbara Independent
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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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April Area Meeting
6-8 p.m. — The Community Arts Workshop — Free entry — Engage in insightful discussions with artists and share creative struggles in a nurturing environment.
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John Milton's Hypnosis Show
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Arlington Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the captivating performance of world-renowned hypnotist John Milton at the Arlington Theatre.
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