Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday night, nearly 16 horses escaped from the 68 Pasado estate near Isla Vista and raced down Sabado Tarde and Pasado streets during a KET fraternity party (after a bag of ketamine was discovered on the ground) before animal enforcement returned them to the estate. Daily Nexus
- ➤ At the 56th Annual H. Thomas Guerry Awards Ceremony, local law enforcement officers were honored for quick responses and dedication. CHP Officer Ricardo Ayala, recognized for his life-saving actions during a 2025 plane incident, was one among 21 recipients celebrating service to protect the community. Noozhawk
- ➤ C.A.R.E.4Paws raised over $250,000 at its Happy Tails event at Cabrillo Pavilion on May 3 and launched its 17th Anniversary Community Cares Campaign on May 6 (the month-long effort invites locals to support pets and their families). Edhat
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Neighbor Neighbor, a curated consignment shop for women, men and children, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12–6 p.m. at 801 State Street in the former Sunglass Hut at the entrance to Paseo Nuevo, offering new daily drops of stylish finds. Edhat
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Blue Man Group performed at The Granada Theatre recently, wowing an audience with rhythmic drumming, playful physical comedy, and vibrant neon effects — the show highlighted the venue's historic charm and left attendees excited for more. Noozhawk
- ➤ The Carpinteria Valley Museum of History launches its Talk & Talkback Speaker Series on Wednesday, May 27 at the Alcazar Theatre with a free documentary screening of Our Faces Will Always Be Japanese: Civil Liberties Stories From Carpinteria at 6 p.m. followed by a 30-minute panel on WWII internment legacies. Noozhawk
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ SB Unified and Westmont College have launched a $2.4M teacher residency program offering a $33,000 stipend per candidate. The program places residents three days a week in classrooms and will begin recruiting for fall 2026 (applications close June 10). Noozhawk
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Recent CDC data and the sheriff's office show that Santa Barbara County's firearm death rate was 6.8 per 100,000 residents in 2023—and preliminary 2024 figures indicate further improvement, crediting public safety efforts. Edhat
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On May 2, hundreds of horseback riders gathered in Solvang at Mission Santa Inés for the 96th annual Rancheros Visitadores ride and presented a $166K check to the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara, continuing a 14-year tradition that raised $1.9M for local cancer care. Santa Barbara Independent
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The Montecito Board of Architectural Review reviewed conceptual plans for Lotusland’s five-year renovation on Ashley Road Thursday. The master plan includes upgrades like a new underground catchment tank and improved visitor facilities, and it must pass an environmental review before work begins. Noozhawk
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ SBCC Vaqueros reached the SoCal Finals for the third time after wins in the Regional and Super Regional rounds — they will face top-seeded Palomar in a three-game series today at 2 p.m. in San Diego. Noozhawk
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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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Lindsey Marie Live Music Event
7-11 p.m. — M Special Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music with Lindsey Marie and Bradberri and the boys in downtown Goleta.
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ABBA Under the Stars
7-8:30 p.m. — Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort — Check ticket site for costs — Celebrate ABBA's greatest hits with stunning ocean views and a festive atmosphere.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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