Daily
Santa Barbara
Monday, May 18th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 18th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ At the Lobero Theater on May 13, nearly 500 supporters watched 10 nonprofits receive $1.275 million in grants from the Women’s Fund, which supports local projects for women, children (and families) in south Santa Barbara County. Noozhawk
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Juneteenth Santa Barbara returns for its ninth annual free celebration at Plaza Del Mar on Friday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It features live music, poetry, art, and community resources with volunteer and sponsorship opportunities available. Noozhawk
- ➤ The celebrated phrase 'Goleta the Good Land' comes from explorer Juan Crespi’s description, later popularized by Walker Tompkins’s 1966 book; local businesses carry the legacy + community pride as development reshapes the area. Noozhawk
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara County Parks announced registration is open today for the 2026 Junior Lifeguard Program for youth aged 6 to 17 at Goleta Beach and Jalama Beach in Lompoc. Sessions run Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and include a Minis Program (for ages 6 and 7). Edhat
- ➤ Thirty cadets graduated from Allan Hancock College’s Fire Academy on May 15 at the Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc. They completed 788 hours over 18 weeks plus met state and national standards for Firefighter I certification. Noozhawk
- ➤ First-grade dual language teacher Alejandra Navarro at El Camino Elementary was named 2027 County Teacher of the Year at a May 14 Board meeting. With 19 years in education, she will be honored at the Education Celebration on Thursday, May 21 and becomes eligible for the California Teacher of the Year award. Noozhawk
- ➤ On May 14, 30 bilingual students in grades 4 to 7 competed in the county Education Office’s Batalla de los Libros, a Spanish-language reading contest testing literary knowledge. Team Los Multi-Leadores earned first place while team Fantastic 4 came in second (Los Dragones won the favorite shield award). Noozhawk
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A man on a crashed sailboat triggered a fire on Santa Rosa Island Sunday that burned over 10,000 acres, destroyed two historic structures, and led to the island's closure, while firefighters hampered by windy conditions plan to bring in additional crews tomorrow after boating becomes safer. Noozhawk
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Santa Barbara County Fire Department evacuated 11 National Park Service employees via helicopter from Santa Rosa Island today as a vegetation fire threatened their housing (all were safely transported to Oxnard Airport). KEYT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara City College's baseball team ended its 29-18 season after losing game three 9-0 to Palomar in the SoCal Regional Finals & missing a chance to advance to the State Playoffs after wins that placed them among California's top eight. KEYT
- ➤ Bishop Diego’s boys volleyball team will debut at the CIF State Tournament against Fresno-Edison at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Brick House. The Cardinals, seeded fourth after winning their first Division 5 title, will advance to the regional semifinals on Thursday if they win. Noozhawk
- ➤ Bishop Diego will host Fresno-Edison in its first state playoff game in boys volleyball at the Brick House on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The Cardinals won the CIF-Southern Section title last Friday in a four set match and will aim to build on that success in the state tournament. KEYT
- ➤ Santa Barbara City College honored the 1996 men’s soccer team, tennis coach Jack Sanford and athletes Addison Seale, Kailey Snyder-Lecher, Rachelle Visser and Mitch Wishnowsky at its Saturday Athletics Hall of Fame banquet in Santa Barbara. Noozhawk
- ➤ UCSB alum Ajay Mitchell has led the Thunder to strong playoff wins by adding high scores and tough assists, and he trains at Santa Barbara’s P3 training center — a nod to his hometown roots and commitment to the Gauchos. Noozhawk
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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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