Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara's annual Great Egg Hunt will return to Elings Park this Saturday, April 19, with over 20,000 candy-filled eggs hidden on the softball fields in three timed hunts for children up to age 10 — Baby Bunnies, Daring Ducks and Jack Rabbits.

Families will also enjoy photos with the Easter Bunny, face painting and bounce houses, though parking is $10 and available on a first-come basis.

At a sold-out final audition at the Lobero Theatre, Natalia Treviño was named 2025 Spirit of Fiesta and Victoria Plascencia was named 2025 Junior Spirit — the show featured dancing and honored past winners before the new leaders will represent Santa Barbara at Old Spanish Days from July 30 to August 3 — reflecting a cherished local tradition.

The British Chineke! Orchestra performed at the Granada on April 3 and presented a moving concert that celebrated Black and underserved musicians and composers.

The performance featured original works by Valerie Coleman and Brian Raphael Nabors with a last-minute substitution by local violinist Sophia Malvini — a change that added extra local interest.

Santa Barbara Museum of Art opened its new Art Learning Lab last weekend by combining the former gift shop, restaurant space, and Family Resource Center to offer hands-on art programs that bring children and adults closer to its galleries—proceeds from the planned sale of McCormick House will fund the upgrade.

Santa Bárbara’s Earth Day Festival will take place in Parque Alameda on April 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on April 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The free event offers eco-friendly exhibits, live music and an awards ceremony on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. — where Leah Stokes receives a Heroina Award and Charlie Eckberg is honored posthumously.

Santa Barbara city councilmember Eric Friedman was released from hospital after suffering a heart attack on April 5 while paddleboarding with friends — he is now in physical therapy as his doctors expect a full recovery soon.

The Santa Barbara City Council will vote today to use over $528,000 to purchase modular sidewalk extensions—pedlets—for the 500 block of State Street to widen sidewalks and support outdoor dining.

The funding comes from reallocating money initially set aside for Amtrak station repairs and parking system upgrades.

An investigation revealed that the DMV issued licenses to drivers with dangerous histories, including repeated DUIs, speeding tickets, and fatal collisions, allowing nearly 40% of those charged with vehicular manslaughter to keep driving.

Lawmakers and officials are now facing tough choices as the system fails to automatically revoke licenses even after deadly incidents (150 such licenses were renewed in less than a year after a fatal crash).

CALM has expanded its Growing Together program in Santa Barbara County using a grant from the California Department of Healthcare Services to partner with local early childhood education programs and help more children develop social-emotional skills.

The new service now offers child-focused consultation — a move that builds on CALM’s long-standing trauma-informed training for caregivers.

At Monday’s SBART Press Luncheon at Harry's Plaza Cafe, SBCC honored track & field star Selma Jensen as Scholar-Athlete of the Year after she overcame several injuries to shine in pole vaulting and her studies.

Local teams face key matchups this week, with Dos Pueblos lacrosse staying undefeated as they play Santa Barbara High today and take on San Marcos on Thursday.

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.