Daily
Santa Barbara
Thursday, May 7th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The first public splash pad in county opens at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park (170 S. Kellogg Avenue) in Old Town Goleta, with a ribbon-cutting and free Kona Ice for the first 50 guests on May 21 at 3:00 p.m. It will operate seasonally through Labor Day Weekend. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ At a sold-out Old Spanish Days La Primavera event at El Paseo Restaurant, Jenna Ramirez and Penny Hernandez performed as Colin Hayward and Father Larry Gosselin (community leaders) spoke; organizers said the celebration energized the community and leads into Old Spanish Days Fiesta 2026 from Aug. 5-9. Noozhawk
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture debuts Scaling the Walls—a multi-venue exhibition featuring seven new murals by local schools, nonprofits and artists—today at Channing Peake Gallery and City Hall Gallery during the 1st Thursday Art Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. Edhat
- ➤ Cheese the Day brings wine and cheese pairings to the Kimpton Canary Hotel on Monday, May 11, from 6-8 p.m. Local winemakers and chef Shibani Mone will guide guests through unique tasting flights & share regional flavors. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Mazette Wines’ young vintner Zach Petersen has signed a long-term contract to rehabilitate 11 acres of the historic Viña de Santa Ynez using regenerative practices, and his winery will feature as one of 42 at the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience’s Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 16 (2-5 p.m.) at El Presidio State Historic Park. Santa Barbara Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Elementary and junior high students competed in the 25th annual Battle of the Books event series hosted by the Education Office, with over 240 4th to 8th graders taking part in three rounds including a final quiz round — a contest known as Battle Royale. The office will host a Spanish-language version on Thursday, May 14. Edhat
- ➤ UCSB will offer a BA in comparative literature to students incarcerated at CSP-Corcoran in the Central Valley beginning fall 2027 with a second cohort in fall 2028. Faculty will teach via Zoom with quarterly visits (a hybrid approach) and the program is backed by grants (including Pell Grants). Edhat
- ➤ Two Scouts from Troop 41 in Solvang have met the rigorous requirements for the Eagle Scout award, the highest honor in Scouting, including earning 21 merit badges and completing a community project — an honor they will receive on May 31 at Bethania Lutheran Church. Edhat
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ County supervisors approved an executive negotiating agreement with LA based developer SoLa to build 104 affordable workforce housing units on county-owned land at 117 East Carrillo Street in downtown. Negotiations will begin soon, and no final deal has been reached. Santa Barbara Independent
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara Volleyball Club announced that Nick Vogel is named Executive Director and Director of Boys Volleyball effective June 1 as it prepares for a new facility opening in 2027. Vogel brings strong collegiate and youth coaching experience – a hire expected to boost local volleyball development. Noozhawk
- ➤ The Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club hosted its 115th season on Sunday, May 3 when Klentner Ranch beat Folded Hills in the opening match of the JHHE Pope Challenge. Spectators enjoyed BBQ, brisket aromas, and competitive play at this historic venue. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Bishop Diego boys volleyball achieved a reverse sweep of Brea Olinda on Wednesday in a five-set match — their 26th win — and will host El Dorado at the Brick House Saturday at 3 p.m. Noozhawk
- ➤ After a sweep against Bakersfield, UCSB baseball beat Pepperdine 13-3 on Tuesday night at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium. The Gauchos (16-8 in Big West play) will travel to Cal State Northridge for a three-game series May 8-10 as they push for conference dominance. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Santa Barbara tennis player Neil Levinson won the USTA National Hardcourt Championship in the 65-year-old division last week in San Diego — adding to his recent selection for the 2025 Britannia Cup team and strengthening his local leadership as board president of Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons. Noozhawk
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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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Integrative Flow Yoga Class
3:30-4:30 p.m. — Yoga Soup — Check website for pricing — Experience an active and mindful vinyasa class that fuses breathwork and relaxation techniques.
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Lavender Bliss Martini Class and Lunch
12-2 p.m. — Jane At The Marketplace — Ticket price includes lunch and drinks — Shake, sip, and learn to craft a Lavender Bliss Martini with an interactive cocktail class.
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Mahler's Resurrection Symphony
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Granada Theatre — Paid — Experience Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 2 in a powerful concert led by Nir Kabaretti, with soloists and chorus.
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Integrative Restoration (iRest) Meditation
12:15-1:15 p.m. — Yoga Soup — Accessible entry — Experience therapeutic meditation that calms the nervous system and fosters emotional integration.
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Nite Moves Summer Sunset Series
6 p.m. — Leadbetter Beach — Registration required — Experience a vibrant evening on the beach with aquathlon, 5K run, and open water swim during summer sunsets.
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Glen Phillips Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — SOhO Restaurant & Music Club — Ticket prices apply — Enjoy an evening with the introspective singer-songwriter known for his work with Toad the Wet Sprocket.
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Gem Faire
10 AM - 5 PM — Earl Warren Showgrounds — Entry fee required — Discover an array of gems, minerals, and jewelry from over 300 vendors.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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