Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 13th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Mission Canyon homeowners met with fire officials and local council members to review fire safety measures, including a June chipping program and brush clearing plans, as they raised concerns over tight evacuation routes and a proposed eight-story housing development that could worsen traffic during emergencies. KEYT
- ➤ Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation is seeking up to 75 volunteers to help clear brush and improve the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail on Saturday, June 6 at 8:30 a.m. at Skofield Park—volunteers will be provided tools and join a group lunch after work. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Mother's Helpers in Goleta is organizing a month-long diaper drive to ease rising living costs for new parents, with collection sites at local schools, businesses and fire stations across Santa Barbara, Goleta and Montecito. Families in the community can drop off donations as the drive continues past Mother's Day. KEYT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Yardi Systems is negotiating with city officials to relocate its headquarters to the former Macy’s at 701 State St downtown; the proposal is in early stages and will need City Council approval to boost foot traffic along State Street. Noozhawk
- ➤ The Santa Maria Planning Commission approved a 240,000 sqft package delivery warehouse on a 32-acre site on West Stowell Road, which may be linked to Amazon. The facility will operate 24/7 and is expected to create about 800 jobs (500 contract and 300 direct). KEYT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ricardo Venegas, a former student in the mural mentorship program, returned as a mentor to guide students while their murals were installed in City Hall last week, showing growing recognition for art made by youth. KEYT
- ➤ On May 7, Jodi House Gallery hosted the 23rd Annual Student Art Show sponsored by Channelkeeper, where high school students showcased art celebrating the Santa Barbara Channel. Awards were given to winners like Aricin Marshall and Josefa Olivio from 120 submissions. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ The Palm Tree Music Festival expands to two days on Oct. 10-11 at Santa Barbara Polo Fields & Racquet Club, featuring headliners Kygo, The Chainsmokers, T-Pain, and Zedd. Tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. for a local pre-sale and on May 15 at 10 a.m. for general sale. Santa Barbara Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Four Santa Barbara Unified teachers received the Rotary Club Teacher Recognition Awards for the 2025-26 school year — each got a plaque and a $1,000 check to support their classroom needs. Edhat
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lompoc Mayor Jim Mosby asked the California Fish and Game Commission to reconsider a 20-year fishing ban at Surf Beach, noting its past role as a community fishing spot & food source. Local residents show their support with 'Free Surf Beach' stickers placed around town. Edhat
- ➤ On Monday, May 11 at 7:13 p.m., a Falcon 9 launched the NROL-172 mission from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base and its first stage landed on a droneship (Of Course I Still Love You); residents in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties might have heard sonic booms depending on weather. Edhat
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara Community Rowing’s Jacie Dingman led her team at the US Southwest Regional at Lake Natoma near Sacramento in early May, finishing first in the U17 Women’s Single race that secured her berth at the US Rowing Youth National Championships in Florida. 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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth.
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