Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Jill Nida has spent over 37 years volunteering for Hospice of Santa Barbara and leading fundraising events that boost free grief support services - her work has shaped HSB’s mission to offer compassionate care to local families.

The groundbreaking ceremony — set to start renovations at the Castagnola Softball Complex — will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 28 at Eling’s Park.

The project follows a successful fundraising campaign that unlocked a $1 million challenge gift to improve playing fields for community athletes.

Blind Fitness hosted an Adaptive Golf Clinic on May 18 at Glen Annie Golf Club in Goleta, where blind and low-vision participants worked with sighted volunteers to build skills and confidence.

The nonprofit partnered with local golf professionals and Santa Barbara City College’s kinesiology students to offer guidance.

Balay Ko Family Village will bring 30 new homes for families, including one bedroom and two bedroom units with community space — set to be completed by next fall in a repurposed downtown site.

The project is part of county and nonprofit efforts to reduce unsheltered homelessness.

United Way of Santa Barbara County wrapped a $2 million childcare initiative with First 5 by adding 272 spaces, offering family scholarships, and launching training programs via ARPA funds.

The organization will continue supporting childcare with facility grants, renewed scholarship opportunities due May 29, and employer engagement + advocacy.

The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation and VFW Post 1649 will hold a free Memorial Day ceremony tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. at Santa Barbara Cemetery (901 Channel Drive) where performances and a keynote by Rear Admiral John Weigold will honor fallen service members.

The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for the 94th Annual Children’s Fiesta Parade held on Saturday, Aug.

8 at 10:00 a.m. on Cabrillo Boulevard as part of the week-long Old Spanish Days Fiesta Celebration; applications are due by Monday, July 6.

The 40th I Madonnari Street Painting Festival kicked off Saturday at Old Mission Santa Barbara and will run through Monday to benefit the Children’s Creative Project.

More than 150 chalk artists, including both legacy and debut talents, are creating large-scale murals to honor a long-standing community tradition.

Allan Hancock College held a ceremony on May 20 to honor 16 retiring faculty and staff who devoted decades to supporting student success (a total of 323 years of service).

College president Kevin G. Walthers praised the honorees for their lasting impact on academic programs.

Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture seeks sponsors for its 2nd Annual Summer Celebration to support free agricultural education and local farming; the event is scheduled for Sunday, Aug.

16, 10-2 p.m. at Vega Vineyard + Farm in Buellton, featuring a farm-to-table brunch and live auction.

Santa Barbara County Fire Department and its partner agencies announced today that High Fire Season starts May 25.

The agencies will suspend burn permits and boost resources — urging residents and visitors to practice caution and prepare their properties.

Cottage Health appointed Laurie Siegel to its Board of Directors; the president of LAS Advisory Services brings strong executive experience (from previous roles at Tyco International and Honeywell) to help guide the nonprofit's mission of providing superior healthcare.

At Moorpark College on Saturday, Santa Barbara High’s Elina Stump posted lifetime-best marks in the long jump + 100-meter hurdles, while Malachi Johnston achieved a personal best in shot put + securing qualification for the CIF State Meet in Clovis next week.

The Gauchos lost 7-0 to UC San Diego at Cicerone Field at Anteater Ballpark Saturday, ending their run in the Big West Baseball Championship.

They will await the NCAA Baseball Championship Selection Show on Monday to see if they advance further.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Eternal Wave Concert

8 PM — SOhO Restaurant & Music Club — Tickets available — Enjoy live music as Where's West headlines with support from Eternal Wave.

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.

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.

Santa Barbara Auto Night

6-7:30 p.m. — Chase Palm Park — Free entry — Explore a showcase of vehicles from antiques to exotics at this vibrant car show.