Daily
Santa Barbara
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 today from Vandenberg Space Force Base at about 7 a.m. PT to deploy 25 Starlink satellites; residents in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura may hear a sonic boom (as the booster returns to a droneship in the Pacific). Edhat
- ➤ Ventech will host its annual startup competition PitchFest26 on Wednesday, April 22 at Cabrillo Pavilion. The event features live pitches, expert feedback, and networking for emerging companies connecting local startup talent to investors — tickets are available for purchase. Santa Barbara Independent
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A downtown intersection at Carrillo and State Streets is being transformed by volunteers painting a bold new mural; the project is more than halfway complete and is drawing local shoppers (boosting foot traffic). KEYT
- ➤ The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association announced that its 24th Annual LIVE Art and Wine Tour will run Thursday, Apr. 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. It begins at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum and features local art displays + food and drink tastings to support downtown revitalization. Santa Barbara Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Marley Dewey will present her lecture How Our Skeletons Can Save Our Reefs at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum on Thursday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. with a pre-lecture reception for members from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m.—she will explain how bone repair research can aid coral recovery. Santa Barbara Independent
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara County Action Network, MICOP, and Sachamama host screenings of Healthy Oceans, Strong Communities on April 22 at Allan Hancock College (Rm. M-310) in Santa Maria. A panel will discuss marine protection for a proposed Point Sal Marine Protected Area to honor Earth Day. Noozhawk
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara officials have released the Draft State Street Master Plan for public review that outlines improvements for downtown along State Street from 400 to 1300 blocks. The City Council will review the plan on Tuesday, April 28 at 2:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. Edhat
- ➤ Judge Donna Geck ruled Friday that Sable Offshore must secure state approvals before restarting its pipeline system, rejecting the firm’s claim that the federal order under the Defense Production Act overrides state law — a May 22 hearing may decide if the company faces contempt charges. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ County officials held budget workshops yesterday at the County Administration Building to review a $1.64 billion proposal that includes $70 million in cuts to health and social services amid declining state + federal funding. Discussions aimed to balance core services while addressing budget deficits. Noozhawk
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Vejas Skripkus joined Cottage Primary Care–Santa Barbara–Bath St. on April 16 (where he now sees new patients with a team of doctors) and brings experience in family medicine and preventive care from his previous role at UCSB. Santa Barbara Independent
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ This week the local shelter highlights Mister (a four-year-old dog from Woods Humane Society who loves laps and treats) while Bingo, a two-year-old Queensland Heeler mix from San Luis Obispo Animal Services, has already found a new home. KSBY
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Five local high school girls beach volleyball teams have advanced to the CIF-SS playoffs with matchups set this upcoming week. San Marcos will host Los Alamitos at Ridgway Courts Thursday at 3 p.m. while Santa Barbara High travels to Torrance to face Bishop Montgomery on Wednesday at 3 p.m. Noozhawk
- ➤ Four local water polo players have been named to Team USA for the World Cup, set for May 1-6 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Olympic gold medalist Paige Hauschild joins Santa Barbarans Lucy Haaland-Ford, Ava Stryker and returning Olympian Ryann Neushul on the 16-player roster. 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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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Santa Barbara
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