Daily
Santa Barbara
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center hosts its annual Barn Dance fundraiser and auction today to support equine-assisted services for people with disabilities, veterans, and others; tickets are on its website and Jessica Simon (a past participant) will speak at the event. KEYT
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A sailboat crash on Santa Rosa Island sparked a wildfire that spread across 1,000 acres Friday afternoon after a 67-year-old mariner sent flares for help (he was rescued at 10:30 a.m.), with crews approaching by boat while no structures were damaged. Noozhawk
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara celebrates the new intersection artwork at State and Carrillo streets this weekend. The design — a pattern inspired by Mixtec and Zapotec weaving — honors Oaxacan produce workers and will anchor a celebration Sunday, 2-4 p.m. at the weekly farmers market featuring local music and dance. Noozhawk
- ➤ Santa Barbara Museum of Art will launch a series of exhibitions (including immersive video and photography) that explore how art shapes perception and memory. Exhibitions run from May 17 to Jan. 3 at 1130 State St. Noozhawk
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At Thursday’s board meeting, the Board of Education honored outstanding school employees including El Camino Elementary’s 2027 Teacher of the Year Alejandra Navarro along with four classified staff members. The awards spotlighted the contributions of campus security, maintenance, community liaison and office personnel (recognizing lasting local commitment). Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ A UCSB student, Josh Gabbay, built an app (OrtegaEats) to help students share unused meal swipes at lower prices, while campus officials sent a letter saying the meal plans are for the original buyer only. KEYT
- ➤ On May 8, First 5 Santa Barbara hosted a forum at the Museum of Natural History, where school principals detailed how outdoor learning improved student behavior and engagement. Guadalupe and Hope schools plan to expand outdoor classrooms (including additional nature play areas) to further boost healthy development. Santa Barbara Independent
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara Clean Energy launched Charge Up SB (a new program helping multifamily properties install EV chargers) by offering free site assessment, permitting help, and financial incentives to cover equipment costs. The program aims to expand equitable clean transportation today. Edhat
- ➤ A UCSB-led study (by geologist Jeff Prancevic) finds producing Portland cement from basalt can cut energy use to less than 60% and reduce CO2 emissions by over 80% compared to limestone; the method uses existing technology and may also recover valuable metals, offering a greener option for construction. Edhat
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Travelers on Highway 192 near East Calle Laureles face one-way reversing traffic control as Public Works began replacing a watermain on May 14. The emergency repair project is set to finish by May 20. Santa Barbara Independent
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Retired nurses are launching the 805 Nurse Nightingale Chapter to honor late colleagues with tribute services along the Central Coast — including Santa Barbara. The chapter debuts in June and will offer families a way to request an honor guard tribute at a loved one’s service. KSBY
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Dos Pueblos and San Marcos won the CIF-SS boys tennis championships as Dos Pueblos defeated Westlake 10-8 in Division 4 while San Marcos edged San Clemente in Division 5 using games as the tiebreaker. KEYT
- ➤ Xavier Esquer hit two home runs, including a grand slam, in UCSB's 15-5 rout of UC Riverside that kept the Gauchos tied for first in the Big West; the 36-16 team begins Senior Day today at 1:05 p.m. with hopes of securing the top conference seed. KEYT
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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.
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John C. Reilly: Mister Romantic
7-10 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Cost info not provided — An unforgettable night of music and humor, showcasing Reilly's unique blend of storytelling and performance.
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