Saturday, May 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of May.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ At about 5:30 a.m. on Friday, firefighters from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department — along with crews from Lompoc and Santa Maria — fought a three-alarm blaze at an abandoned three-story building at the intersection of Molle Way and First Street in downtown Solvang and brought the fire under control by 7:30 a.m. as investigators look into the cause. Noozhawk
- ➤ A structure fire broke out at 5:30 a.m. today in an abandoned three-story building in Solvang—firefighters deployed an extra strike team after upgrading the call to a third alarm and are investigating the cause. KEYT
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Authorities interviewed a mystery man who was seen with UCSB freshman Liz Hamel before her fall from a third-story breezeway on Valentine’s Day, and private investigator Michael Claytor and attorney Tyrone Maho say his information may help answer unresolved questions as the investigation continues. Noozhawk
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center will open on May 15 at the corner of Edison Street and Highway 246 in Santa Ynez—this new museum showcases Chumash history, interactive displays, and a 3.5-acre park with over 11,000 native plants. Tribal officials say the facility is a long-awaited project that will help teach visitors about the cultural heritage of the Chumash people. Santa Barbara Independent
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Solvang Chamber of Commerce will host an event on June 5 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Craft House at Corque to boost economic growth and innovation in the Santa Ynez Valley—keynote speaker Danna Stroud from GO-Biz and local panelists will discuss viticulture, finances, tourism and workforce development while offering wine and pizza pairings. Noozhawk
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara County Parks has opened registration for the 2025 Junior Lifeguard Program, which will offer summer sessions at Goleta Beach County Park for youth aged 6 to 17 to learn ocean rescue, CPR, water safety, and beach activities. The program will include a new Minis Program for 6- and 7-year-olds and run Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with each session costing $250 (discounts available for multiple registrants). KEYT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara County volunteers counted 515 tricolored blackbirds during the April 18–20 survey at sites like the Caliente wetlands and Sedgwick Reserve—others reported no sightings, making the slight increase a sign of possible recovery amid habitat challenges. Santa Barbara Independent
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Goleta Police warn drivers to check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles as warmer weather brings more riders on the road—drivers are advised to leave plenty of space between vehicles. The advisory also reminds motorcyclists to wear helmets and bright gear to help stay safe. Noozhawk
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Eamon Gordon of Dos Pueblos High has been named CIF State Scholar Athlete of the Year and is the second student to earn the honor since Danny Beal received it in 2004. He will be recognized in Sacramento on May 29 and will receive a $10,000 scholarship. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ The Big West announced its 2025 women’s water polo all-conference teams on Friday, honoring UC Santa Barbara athletes—Annie Kuester on the Second Team, Imani Clemons as Honorable Mention, and Bella Mady on the All-Freshman Team. This marks the first time since 2019 that three Gauchos have received conference honors, with Kuester scoring 60 goals and recording four hat-tricks during the season. Noozhawk
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Pilipino Cultural Night 34
5 PM — Campbell Hall — Tickets available — Experience a vibrant celebration of Pilipino culture and community.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship.
~ John D. Rockefeller
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