Daily
Santa Barbara
Friday, May 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Valerie Cantella was elected as chair for the 2026-27 term for Community Friends (former Goleta board member and public information officer) and brings public service and communications expertise to enhance programs for local students, families and seniors. Noozhawk
- ➤ Mothers’ Helpers hosts a Mother’s Day Diaper Drive until May 31 to support local families by collecting new diaper and wipe donations at designated fire stations and its support center (160 N. Fairview Ave. No. 3 in Goleta). Donations help lower financial stress and keep babies healthy. Noozhawk
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Children’s Creative Project presents its 40th I Madonnari Street Painting Festival, happening Memorial Day Weekend (May 23–25) at Old Mission Santa Barbara, where over 130 street paintings, live music, and a marketplace will raise funds for local arts education. Noozhawk
- ➤ Opera Santa Barbara announced that Grayson Allred will start as Director of Production in July; he will lead the mainstage season at the Lobero Theatre while bringing experience from Abilene (Texas) and the historic Paramount Theatre. Santa Barbara Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is hosting its 2nd Annual Summer Celebration on Sunday, Aug. 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Vega Vineyard & Farm in Buellton to honor local agriculture and raise funds for free ag education. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ The Victor and Susan Schaff Family Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to support the California Native Plant Landscaper Certification Program at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden — a hybrid course featuring online lessons and hands-on sessions to teach sustainable landscaping practices. Noozhawk
- ➤ Santa Maria-Bonita district support specialist Jennifer Quaresma was honored during the 7th Annual SELPA-Bration on May 14 in Goleta for her dedicated work in special education over 15+ years. The award recognizes her contribution to the district's focus on inclusive excellence. Noozhawk
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A wildfire burned 17,554 acres of Santa Rosa Island on Thursday, May 21, destroying three historic structures including Johnson’s Lee Equipment Shed and the Wreck Line Camp Cabin. The blaze, the largest on record for the Channel Islands, also threatened rare local plants and animals. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Guadalupe Dunes in Santa Barbara County earned an A+ on Heal the Bay’s Honor Roll in the latest Beach Report Card — the 18-mile beach closes every year from early March to late September to protect threatened western snowy plovers. Edhat
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ VSFB Fire Department will conduct controlled burns in June (training new firefighters and dozer operators) near Watt Road and 13th Street, with burns covering between 5 and 10 acres daily (up to 30 acres total) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on optimal days, and public notifications will be given. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Santa Barbara froze rents in Feb 2026 and is drafting a permanent law to limit annual increases to 60% of CPI (capped at 3%) while banning rent banking and adding a rental registry. A Multifamily Forum for property owners is set for June 25 at 6pm to explain the changes. Noozhawk
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Caruso's in Montecito has introduced a zero-waste bean-to-bar chocolate program that adds a unique tasting experience to its menu. Chef Massimo Falsini leads the effort using sustainably sourced Hawaiian cacao at the Rosewood Miramar Beach property. Santa Barbara Independent
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UC Santa Barbara baseball won a 7-4 game over Cal State Fullerton on Thursday afternoon at Anteater Ball Park, advancing in the winners’ bracket; they will meet the Cal Poly or UC San Diego winner on Friday at 1 p.m. Santa Barbara Independent
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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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Andy's VIP Backyard Bash - Toy Story 5
3 p.m. — Arlington Theatre — Movie ticket not included — Celebrate the release of Toy Story 5 with trivia, activities, and goodie bags for all ages.
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New Tree Planting & Pruning Workshop
10-11 a.m. — La Sumida Nursery — Free entry — Learn from a Certified Arborist about tree planting and pruning techniques.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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