Daily
Santa Barbara
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Kenneth Kolberg (70) uses his recycling skills to help fund the adult literacy program at the local library amid uncertain funding and high waste levels. He meets weekly with his tutor and donates proceeds from scrap to support community learning. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation and VFW Post 1649 will host a free Memorial Day ceremony at Santa Barbara Cemetery (901 Channel Drive) on Monday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m. The event will feature presentations, a flyover, and a keynote by Rear Admiral John Weigold. Santa Barbara Independent
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The 40th Annual I Madonnari Street Painting Festival will transform Mission plaza with over 150 chalk artworks, live music, and creative experiences from May 23-25. The free event supports the Children’s Creative Project, which brings arts education to local schools. Santa Barbara Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara awarded over $8.4 million in scholarships to 2,288 students for 2026-27 studies, notifying high school seniors on April 24 and others on May 15, and will hold public ceremonies May 27 at the Courthouse Sunken Garden and May 28 at the Santa Maria Fairpark. Noozhawk
- ➤ During Classified School Employees Week (May 17-23), the Santa Barbara County Education Office honored four outstanding school employees from 125 local sites who help keep schools running smoothly. The honorees include Teresa Barahona, Rudy Bondietti, Mary Cortez, and Cheri Palin. Noozhawk
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Cal OES has deployed extra fire crews and equipment in Santa Barbara County ahead of high fire risk over May 16/17 — a precaution requested by local fire officials. Residents are urged to review their wildfire plans to stay safe. KSBY
- ➤ Governor Gavin Newsom has allocated $11 million for a 30-unit Family Village on the county’s Calle Real campus in Santa Barbara — the project is partnering with DignityMoves, will break ground late this summer and open next fall. Santa Barbara Independent
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UC Santa Barbara launched the Art of Wellness program this winter, offering free stress relief workshops at Mosher Alumni House Room 2104 — sessions include meditation, creative exercises, and lunch from South Coast Deli and are held every other Wednesday at 2 p.m. through the spring quarter. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Friendship Center received an $82,500 grant from Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara to support safe transportation for older adults with dementia in South Santa Barbara County. The award will help hire a full-time transportation coordinator and a part-time driver so seniors can attend the center’s Montecito daytime care program. Santa Barbara Independent
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ California Coastal Commission approved UCSB’s plan to replace the 412-bed Santa Rosa Residential Hall with four new dorm buildings offering 1,688 beds, allowing building heights above 65 ft (one building at 85 ft). Construction will begin in June and take about two years. Edhat
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bishop Diego boys volleyball, ranked fourth and fresh off their CIF Southern Section title, won 25-21, 25-23, 25-18 against Fresno-Edison at the Brick House Tuesday — they will face Central East in the SoCal semifinals on Thursday. Noozhawk
- ➤ UC Santa Barbara Baseball earned 11 Big West honors with head coach Andrew Checketts as Co-Coach of the Year and Jackson Flora as Pitcher of the Year—he will start their championship run Thursday, May 21 at 1 p.m. Cal Poly also celebrated 11 honorees. KEYT
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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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Integrative Restoration (iRest) Meditation
5:30-6:30 p.m. — Yoga Soup — Cost varies — Discover a therapeutic meditation practice that enhances well-being without physical movement.
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Eternal Wave Concert
8 PM — SOhO Restaurant & Music Club — Tickets available — Enjoy live music as Where's West headlines with support from Eternal Wave.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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