Good morning, Santa Barbara.

The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department announced low-cost water safety programs for youth that will include group swim lessons for children 6 months to 12 years at Los Baños del Mar and Ortega Park Pool, a Junior Lifeguards program for kids 7 to 17, and a reduced-cost lifeguard training course over Memorial Day weekend. Scholarships will be available for eligible families—these programs aim to boost water safety skills in time for summer.

A 17-year-old was fatally stabbed Wednesday night near San Simeon Drive in Goleta Valley—deputies responded quickly and continue to search for the suspect who fled north on Turnpike Road.

A 25-year-old man was arrested Tuesday for indecent exposure on Cliff Drive after a victim saw him exposing himself at a bus stop and took a photo—police later identified him and booked him into Santa Barbara County Jail for lewd conduct, indecent exposure, and a no-bail probation violation.

The Santa Barbara Fair & Expo runs until May 4 at Earl Warren Showgrounds & offers classic fair food, fun rides, and interactive livestock exhibits.

A first time visitor enjoyed funnel cakes, carnival rides, and feeding goats, which brought a nostalgic feel to the event.

More than 20,000 UC healthcare, research and technical workers went on strike to protest the hiring freeze on future hires—union members say this measure hurt patient care and research.

Union leaders noted high staff turnover and rising challenges in mental health services and said talks will continue on May 8.

Ron Werft retired April 7 after nearly four decades of service—he helped modernize Cottage Health and keep neighborhood clinics open for over 22,000 patients and was key in starting a new Westside Clinic and pushing for employee housing.

New CEO Scott Wester now leads the health system—promising to continue Werft’s focus on community care and health equity in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group which checks hospitals on 30 measures of safety — Cottage Health said the grade shows its team’s commitment to keeping patients safe.

Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital was also honored with a 5-star rating from the National Rural Rating System for quality and care.

Polo season — featuring the 12-Goal Series, High Goal Series, and Eight-Goal Series — will start on May 4 at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club with the Pope Challenge Cup and pre-match festivities at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. ball throw-in, and the club will host further events and social gatherings through October 12.

On Thursday, Dos Pueblos girls lacrosse beat Paloma Valley 9-7 at Scott O’Leary Stadium as junior goalie Stella Lawler made 15 saves and senior Reagan Arnold scored four goals.

The Chargers earned their first playoff win since 2021 and will host Glendale Tuesday at 5 p.m.

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.

Pilipino Cultural Night 34

5 PM — Campbell Hall — Tickets available — Experience a vibrant celebration of Pilipino culture and community.

2025 Nite Moves Summer Sunset Series

6 p.m. — Leadbetter Beach — Registration fees apply — Experience swimming, running, and biathlon events against the stunning Santa Barbara coastline.

UCSB Wind Ensemble & UCSB Choirs Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall — General ($10), Senior/Military/Non-UCSB Students ($7), UCSB Students/Children under 12 (FREE) — Experience a vibrant collaboration of wind and choral music featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning compositions.

Mitch Kashmar Live Performance in Santa Barbara

7-10:30 p.m. — Carrillo Recreation Center — $35 general/$45 VIP — Experience the soulful sounds of blues legend Mitch Kashmar along with local favorites Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan.

UCSB Gamelan Ensemble

5-8 p.m. — Karl Geiringer Hall — Free entry — Experience the enchanting sounds of traditional Indonesian gamelan music performed by talented UCSB musicians.