Good morning, Santa Barbara.

The Santa Barbara Kite Festival will take place Sunday, April 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Great Meadow on Santa Barbara City College’s West Campus—this free, 39th annual event features kite flying contests and a theme that celebrates helping one another.

The California Legislative Central Coast Caucus Foundation announced that the 2025 Central Coast Impact Scholarship is now open for students in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. May 31—Assemblymember Dawn Addis said the program supports students' educational goals and the region’s future leadership.

On March 10, CAL FIRE released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps for six fire departments in Santa Barbara County—this was its first update since 2009 and local agencies must adopt the new zones within 120 days.

Residents are encouraged to review the maps on their local fire department websites.

Yesterday, the California Coastal Commission met at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort to review an appeal against the 250-room Garden Street hotel project approved by the City of Santa Barbara.

Keep the Funk and Steven Johnson said the plan may worsen soil and water problems—raising concerns about flooding and sea level rise.

On Thursday, the California Coastal Commission fined Sable Offshore Corp $18 million for unpermitted work on a pipeline in Santa Barbara County tied to the 2015 Refugio oil spill—Sable may lower the fine if it applies for a coastal development permit.

The Nugget Bar and Grill is a cherished historic restaurant in Summerland that serves award-winning chili and classic dishes loved by locals.

Owner Bob Montgomery said a new Carpinteria location will open soon—extending the restaurant’s long tradition to more diners.

San Marcos girls lacrosse won 15—8 over Cate on Thursday in Carpinteria as they rallied in the second half and Liv Plourde scored her 100th career goal.

Dos Pueblos dominated Thacher with an 18—7 win led by Linnea Clapinski’s seven goals.

Oliver Wheeler, a revered basketball coach and mentor in Santa Barbara, died at Cottage Hospital on February 3 from cardiac arrest at age 74 — he spent decades inspiring local athletes and shaping the city's sports legacy.

San Marcos captured the championship title in the inaugural Tri-County Swim & Dive Invitational on Thursday at Elings Aquatic Center in a 16-team field as its girls division won and its boys division finished fourth with local teams Dos Pueblos, Santa Barbara High, Carpinteria High and Cate also competing.

SBTHP’s Third Annual Golf Tournament

5 AM - 12 PM — Glen Annie Golf Club — $185 per golfer — Enjoy a day of golf with lunch and dinner while supporting the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation.

Larkin Poe Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Arlington Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Catch Larkin Poe live and enjoy an exquisite musical experience.

Kenny Loggins Pickleball Tournament

8 a.m. — Santa Barbara Pickleball Courts — Check entry details for participation — Dive into a competitive weekend of pickleball fun with Kenny Loggins as the backdrop.

S.B. Cactus and Succulent Society Show and Sale

10:00 a.m. — Santa Barbara Woman's Club — Free admission — Explore a vast array of plants, pots, vendors, and a silent auction dedicated to cactus and succulent lovers.

Mother's Day Brunch Buffet

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Finch & Fork — Reservations recommended — Celebrate Mom with a spectacular buffet featuring fresh, locally sourced dishes in a charming atmosphere.