Daily
Santa Barbara
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 23rd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Jun. 2, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics will pass through south Santa Barbara as local police and agencies unite in support of the athletes; the ceremony starts at 1:15 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Police Department (215 E Figueroa St.). Santa Barbara Independent
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Santa Barbara Independent celebrates its 40th anniversary by spotlighting nonprofit theater groups that have built our local arts scene since 1979—helping both local talent and the creative economy. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ On May 14, the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation raised over $160,000 for local literacy programs during Library Night Live at Library Plaza, featuring moving speeches from Newbery Medal winner Matt de la Peña (along with lively performances and themed cocktails). Santa Barbara Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara City College held its 77th commencement ceremony Friday evening at La Playa Stadium as graduates celebrated with a parade of cheers; student Daniela De Souza Ferreya (who came from Peru) will transfer to UCSB to study mathematics. Noozhawk
- ➤ Westmont & Santa Barbara Unified are launching a teacher residency program that offers $33,000 for tuition and living expenses while teacher candidates co-teach in SBUSD classrooms three days a week and complete their graduate coursework. Applications are open until June 10. Santa Barbara Independent
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews reported Friday, May 22 that the Santa Rosa Island wildfire was 59% contained after burning 18,379 acres, the largest record since 1980. Firefighters and resource advisors are mopping up hot spots while park reservations have been canceled & the island remains closed until June 6. Edhat
- ➤ Santa Barbara event venues and festivals are adopting green practices to reduce waste and use renewable energy. The Santa Barbara Bowl uses reusable cups & over 200 solar panels, while organizers switch to compostable supplies and solar-powered alternatives to meet environmental goals. Santa Barbara Independent
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ About 20 KEYT union members picketed Thursday morning in Santa Barbara as contract talks with parent company News-Press & Gazette stalled. They are asking for a $3 per hour raise, better benefits and overtime protections amid staffing shortages, and a follow-up mediation is set for June 5. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Community members can join an online meeting on Wed, May 27 and an in-person session on Thu, May 28 (5:30-7 p.m.) to review design updates for the Castillo Street Undercrossing project at Haley and De La Vina streets, with staff planning to apply for grant funding in June. Noozhawk
- ➤ The County Fire Department in Santa Barbara and its partners declared high fire season to start on May 25; burn permits will be suspended while extra teams will be ready to fight vegetation fires and residents are urged to clear space around their homes. Santa Barbara Independent
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Santa Barbara
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