Daily
Santa Barbara
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara Botanic Garden was named the 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year by Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón as it celebrates 100 years of work conserving native plants (and advancing climate resilience). It will be formally recognized on May 20 at the State Capitol. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ The City of Santa Barbara’s Department of Sustainability and Resilience is accepting registrations for its Annual Community Yard Sale on Saturday, June 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event, held citywide, will offer a map listing for registered hosts plus free promotional materials to help buyers find sales. Santa Barbara Independent
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Emergency crews responded Monday morning to a fire on Platform Habitat off the coast — evacuating 26 people and establishing a 1,000-yard safety zone — as authorities tracked the cooling fire to let an oil employee close a control valve. Noozhawk
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Monte’s, a new restaurant opened in March in the former Bar Lou space on Coast Village Road, builds its menu around produce from nearby Rincon Hill Farm. The eatery blends California flavors with Korean-inspired techniques and shifts dishes with seasonal harvests. KEYT
- ➤ Santa Barbara Pizza House offers $15 lunch specials featuring Italian-style pizzas, sandwiches, and salads with free parking on the 500 block of State Street. Owner Erin Khodabandehlou (an SBCC Culinary Program graduate) emphasizes her commitment to quality ingredients. Santa Barbara Independent
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Sanctuary Centers hosted an exhibit featuring local artists whose work focused on personal experiences with healing and mental health challenges. Visitors engaged with the pieces and nearby mental health resources, and the event aimed to reduce stigma and spark dialogue. KEYT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Local public lands experts will lead a Trail Talks event at the Faulkner Gallery at the Santa Barbara Public Library on May 21 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the cultural and ecological significance of the Sespe Wilderness – the largest protected backcountry in the southern Los Padres National Forest. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Dos Pueblos High School’s DPNews program won top honors at the Pacific Southwest Regional Student Production Awards, the first time high school entries have competed for these regional Emmys; the students will now advance to the national Student Emmy contest with support from local advisers. Edhat
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara’s Create State Master Plan proposes a 20-to-30-year update of downtown State Street, dividing it into three districts – entertainment, civic, and arts – to boost pedestrian space while balancing vehicle access; final approval is expected later this summer with design work set to begin next year. KEYT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The California Department of Public Health has updated WIC food benefits to include whole grains, yogurt flavors, and plant-based milk within a revised benefit program. The updates will help support families’ nutritional needs as WIC staff and partners ensure a smooth transition (via updated WIC app and shopping guide). Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ The California Department of Public Health is working with federal + local partners after one resident returned from the MV Hondius amid an Andes hantavirus outbreak, while another remains on board with no symptoms. Daily symptom checks and expanded testing support the response and keep public risk extremely low. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Mental Wellness Center, providing free mental health services for 79 years, will host its inaugural Wellness Weekend May 30-31 to honor National Mental Health Awareness Month. The event features One Shining Night (May 30) at Alma Rosa Estate and Peace of Mind (May 31), a walk that funds essential services. Noozhawk
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ At Monday’s SBART luncheon at Harry’s Plaza Cafe, UCSB soccer’s Sofie Rodriguez was named Scholar-Athlete of the Year as Bryan Cornet marked his final event as SBART president. High school baseball and softball teams will begin CIF-SS playoff games later this week on Thursday and Friday. Noozhawk
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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.
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Teen Star Singing Competition
7 PM-1 AM — Lobero Theatre — Tickets start at $155 — Experience the excitement of local talent competing for the spotlight in Santa Barbara.
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Nite Moves Aquathlon and 5K Run Series
6 p.m. — Leadbetter Beach — Registration Fee Required — Participate in an array of swimming, running, and biathlon events every Wednesday night in scenic Santa Barbara.
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SPACEWOMAN
7-8:30 p.m. — SBIFF Film Center — $15-$20 — Explore the achievements of Colonel Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot and command a spacecraft, followed by a conversation with her.
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