Daily
Santa Barbara
Sunday, April 12th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 12th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara County will see 30 community-led biking events receive mini-grants from the County Association of Governments, awarding $8,000 to support diverse activities like scavenger hunts and trishaw rides during National Bike Month in May. More details on event plans will be provided later this month. Edhat
- ➤ Dream Foundation's Flower Empower event in Santa Barbara gathered 250 guests who raised over $250,000 to help a nonprofit that delivers bouquets, cookies & chocolates to hospices and cancer centers every week. The event honored long-time volunteers, donors and local flower professionals who have supported the program since 1994. Noozhawk
- ➤ A Goleta yard sale at 26 Amador Ave is set for April 18-19 to raise funds for school fees, uniforms, and basic needs for 30 children from Nairobi's Shauri-Moyo slum. Hosted by Pathway for Livelihoods Initiatives Kenya (PLIKEN), families can shop, donate, or contribute directly. Noozhawk
- ➤ Due to rain expected Friday-Sunday, the 40th Anniversary Santa Barbara Kite Festival has been postponed to Sunday, April 19 in the Great Meadow (West Campus lawn at Santa Barbara City College) where families can enjoy kite contests, food, and fun in a theme celebrating cooperation and joy. Edhat
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara's Fiesta 2026 runs Aug. 5-9 with Fiesta Forever as its theme, unveiled by El Presidente Colin Hayward on April 10. New events include a Fiesta Dog Parade on State Street — photo and poetry contests. Noozhawk
- ➤ Goleta got its nickname from explorer Juan Crespi’s 1769 description of the fertile area, a story popularized by historian Walker Tompkins in his 1966 book (and noted modern growth challenges). His account connects residents with Goleta’s enduring heritage. Edhat
- ➤ Jenna Ramirez + Penelope Hernandez were named Spirit and Junior Spirit during the competition at Old Spanish Days Fiesta on Saturday. They will join El Presidente Colin Hayward as ambassadors for the celebration, which runs from Aug. 5 through Aug. 9. KEYT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UC Santa Barbara graduate student Kaylee Laub won the 2026 Grad Slam at Campbell Hall on April 9 — earning $5,000 for her innovative climate change education approach. She will represent UCSB at the systemwide UC Grad Slam in Sacramento on April 22. Noozhawk
- ➤ UCSB's Hull Professor Eileen Boris will retire after 25 years but remains busy with book projects and final quarter teaching while also serving as president at the Labor and Working Class History Association (LAWCHA). Her work continues to shape feminist studies and homecare labor history. Edhat
- ➤ Santa Barbara Unified School District is asking students, families, and residents to share ideas to shape the historic Armory (700 E. Canon Perdido St.) into a learning hub that may include labs and workforce housing. Listening sessions are set for April 16, 21, 27, and May 12 at local schools. Noozhawk
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Community Environmental Council has named Megan Birney Rudert and Assemblymember Gregg Hart as the 2026 Environmental Heroes to be honored during the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival at Alameda Park from April 25-26. The awards ceremony will take place Sunday, April 26 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Edhat
- ➤ A project in Summerland used 400 goats and sheep to clear 31 acres of hillsides for fire prevention by the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Department and California Grazing Company. It took four weeks and the effort brought 24 newborn lambs and kids into the herd. Santa Barbara Independent
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UCSB baseball overcame a 10-7 deficit to win 11-10 after a walk-off single by Xavier Esquer on Saturday (at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium). The Gauchos will face UC San Diego in a rubber match today at 1:05 p.m. Noozhawk
- ➤ San Marcos boys volleyball won the Karch Kiraly Tournament of Champions on Saturday at J.R. Richards Gym, outlasting Burroughs in a five-set match highlighted by MVP Matteo Burdick's 25 kills. The win followed a tough contest that tested the team’s resolve. Noozhawk
- ➤ The No. 3 Santa Barbara City College Men’s Volleyball team captured its first conference championship since 2005 with a three to one win at Pierce last Friday — earning the top seed for the state quarterfinal matchup against San Diego Mesa on Friday, April 17 at Rob Gym. Noozhawk
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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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How to Utilize the Services at Your Library
4-6 p.m. — Goleta Valley Library Express — Free assistance — Bilingual staff available to guide the community on using library services effectively.
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Cal St. Fullerton Titans vs UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
4:35-5:35 p.m. — The Cove Santa Barbara — Ticket prices may vary — Cheer on the Titans as they face off against the Gauchos in a thrilling collegiate baseball matchup.
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FREE Youth Learn-to-Row Event
FREE Youth Learn-to-Row Event EXCLUSIVELY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS GRADES 6-9 NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 25th 9 - 11:30am WHERE: Santa Barbara Community Rowing, CACHUMA LAKE 2225-CA 154 Discover the ultimate team sport outside and in nature! It is one of the most open and welcoming sports and loads of fun. New rowers will practice basic rowing technique on rowing machines before rowing in boats on the water. EMAIL COACH GRACIE at [email protected] TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT.
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Hadestown Musical Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Granada Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical journey of Hadestown, where a song can change your fate.
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Integrative Flow Yoga Class
3:30-4:30 p.m. — Yoga Soup — Cost info not provided — Experience a dynamic vinyasa flow focusing on breathwork and relaxation.
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Integrative Restoration Meditation
5:30-6:30 p.m. — Yoga Soup — Accessible entry — Experience a calming iRest meditation class that promotes healing and well-being.
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Pat Metheny Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Ticket information available — Experience an unforgettable evening with renowned jazz guitarist Pat Metheny.
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Candlelight Tribute to ABBA & Queen
6:15-9:30 p.m. — Music Academy of the West — Enchanting concert — Immerse yourself in a magical evening with live string renditions of iconic hits in a stunning candlelit setting.
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