Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Mendocino Farms will open its 100th location this summer at La Cumbre Plaza, while Hot Topic and Kyle’s Kitchen plan new moves and Kin Bakeshop extends hours Friday. Coyote’s Market now serves Carpinteria and Sandbar Cocina y Tequila will reopen with renovations soon. Noozhawk
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At the Grace Fisher Clubhouse in La Cumbre Plaza, community members celebrated the Foundation’s 3rd anniversary and a decade of free inclusive arts programming with live music, interactive activities, and local recognitions. Guests met Grace Fisher & her team during the festive event. Edhat
- ➤ Santa Barbara residents and visitors can explore seven top thrift stores that offer curated vintage clothing, antiques, and unique home decor. The list features family-run shops + trendy boutiques in the heart of town supporting slow fashion and sustainability. Edhat
- ➤ Laguna Blanca Theater will stage Legally Blonde The Musical at Spaulding Theatre from April 24 to 26 (performances are scheduled for Friday at 7:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.), featuring a high-energy retelling of Elle Woods’ journey to Harvard Law. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Pride Week at UCSB, themed 'Pride is in Bloom,' ran from April 5 to April 11 and featured a queer research panel, comedy set by Dewayne Perkins, a trans care fair, a student film festival, a fashion show, prom, and a drag show on campus. Daily Nexus
- ➤ Santa Barbara Records will present Locals and Legends on Saturday, April 25, at The Granada Theatre – local artists and the Santa Barbara Symphony will pay tribute to James Taylor with performances of his fan favorites and original pieces. Santa Barbara Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Orcutt Academy High School held the first day of its two-day impaired driving simulation yesterday (a staged car crash with realistic emergency responses) and will conclude today with a schoolwide mock funeral and memorial assembly coordinated by the CHP and local partners. Noozhawk
- ➤ Santa Barbara Unified announced principal transitions for the 2026-27 school year as four leaders leave, with three serving through the end of the current school year and one departing in February. District leaders will interview candidates for four schools, with new principals starting on July 1. Edhat
- ➤ Goleta’s Octobots Robotics team placed second at State Championships and will advance to the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston from April 28 to May 2 if they raise $50,000. Supporters can drop off donations this weekend from 12 to 6 p.m. at Pier One at Camino Real Marketplace. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Local educators plan to require e-bike driver’s education for teens starting in September after a near-collision on Hollister Avenue near San Marcos High School highlighted risky riding. They note that traffic rules and helmet use training can prevent severe head injuries (training is key). Noozhawk
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local students, clubs and teachers will be honored with the Explore Ecology 2026 Environmental Stewardship Awards for sustainability efforts including waste reduction, climate resilience and organic gardening in awards nominated by community members — featuring a student run polluter pay walkout and plastic reduction projects across Santa Barbara County. KEYT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Dos Pueblos boys lacrosse clinched a Channel League title with a 17-1 win over San Marcos on Thursday at Scott O’Leary Stadium, highlighted by first career goals on Senior Night plus strong defensive play. They now await the release of CIF-SS playoff pairings. Noozhawk
- ➤ Santa Barbara High boys volleyball won a four-set match against Dos Pueblos Thursday at Sovine Gym in Goleta, with key players driving the win. The victory sets up a decisive contest Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Thunderhut, where a shared Channel League title is at stake. Noozhawk
- ➤ Santa Barbara High boys tennis won an 11-7 crosstown match against San Marcos on Thursday at the school courts; coach Felipe Saffie noted that key pairings posted flawless 3+0 wins and the team will play Dos Pueblos in Goleta next Tuesday. Noozhawk
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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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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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California Baptist Lancers vs UC Santa Barbara Gauchos Baseball
4:35 – 5:35 PM — The Cove Santa Barbara — Cost info not provided — Watch an exciting college baseball matchup in the beautiful Santa Barbara setting.
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May Area Meeting
6-8 PM — Sullivan Goss Gallery — Free admission — Engage in a creative discussion with artists and uncover the journey of artistic expression.
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