Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara County Parks is now accepting registrations for the 2025 Junior Lifeguard Program—youth ages six to seventeen may join one of four summer sessions at Goleta Beach County Park that teach ocean safety, water rescue and first aid, while a new Minis Program offers age-appropriate activities for children ages six and seven.

The Avett Brothers kicked off the 2025 season at the Santa Barbara Bowl yesterday as they played a lively folk rock show led by brothers Seth and Scott Avett (joined by Bob Crawford, Joe Kwon, Mike Marsh, and Tania Elizabeth).

They featured a surprise proposal and a three-song encore (a tribute to local fans) that thrilled a diverse crowd.

Students at UCSB see raccoons roaming campus nights as they rummage through trash and forage near the lagoon.

These native animals spread seeds and improve soil health — though experts warn that close contact can bring health risks.

Officials in Goleta and UC Santa Barbara warned residents and students after videos showed a black bear near Winchester and Cathedral Oaks Road early Thursday — the bear was seen near homes and almost struck by vehicles — and urged everyone to secure trash and food to avoid attracting wildlife. Residents are advised to report any further sightings to California Fish and Wildlife South Coast Region Headquarters at 858.467.4201.

On April 12, United Way of Santa Barbara County and Supervisor Laura Capps hosted Mega Tax Day at Franklin Elementary School to offer free tax filing help to more than 80 households using about 20 volunteers ahead of the April 15 deadline; the event also featured a community resource fair and a budgeting workshop.

On April 11, the California Coastal Commission fined Sable Offshore Corp. $18,022,500 for repairing its pipeline without proper permits after ignoring cease and desist orders—jobs that harmed coastal areas between Gaviota State Park and Refugio State Beach.

Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Michael Carrozzo was publicly censured Thursday for willful and prejudicial misconduct.

He will take approved leave from the bench on June 2 and will resign on September 9—ending his judicial service as directed by the California Commission on Judicial Performance.

Cuesta Park Animal Hospital began hosting low-cost vaccine clinics for dogs and cats every Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. this month—pet owners pay only for vaccines and receive care on-site if needed—and the April 9 session saved owners about $20 with around 10 attendees, while the clinic will continue as long as there is a need.

Dos Pueblos boys lacrosse finished their season with a 17-2 win over San Marcos at Warkentin Stadium on Thursday—ending an 18-0 run and marking the program's first undefeated regular season.

Two players passed the 100-point mark, and the team now awaits its CIF-SS playoff pairing on April 25.

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.

Saturday Day Meetup for Singles 40+

3-5 p.m. — SB Biergarten — Free entry — Connect with fellow singles over drinks and socializing in a relaxed atmosphere.

Dom Hair Cutting Class

10 AM – 3 PM — Mishay Salon & Spa — Cost not specified — Learn Dom's most valuable hair cutting techniques in this engaging class.