Daily
Santa Barbara
Friday, May 29th, 2026
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 29th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Elings Park is getting three newly renovated ball fields after a community donation drive raised $1.2 million. Work has begun on one field, and each field will be improved on a two month schedule with new surfaces, updated dugouts, outfields, and fencing to finish by October. KEYT
- ➤ Unity Shoppe's 2nd Annual Kenny Loggins Pickleball in the Danger Zone Tournament will run from Sept. 11-13 at the Santa Barbara Municipal Tennis and Pickleball Courts. The event brings players of all skill levels together with competitive play and a celebrity exhibition to raise funds for food and service programs. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Angels Foster Care celebrated its 13th annual Al Fresco Luncheon on April 30 at Glen Annie Golf Club—120 guests attended while the event raised over $135,000 to support care for local foster infants and toddlers and to mark 20 years of community impact. Santa Barbara Independent
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Point Market will reopen as a drive-thru coffee and convenience store in June 2026 in Goleta at the former Zizzo’s Coffeehouse site; walk-in food items will be available from early June and drive-thru coffee later, marking its continued expansion with seven local locations. Edhat
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Fiesta Presidente is expanding downtown festivities with new vendor booths on State Street, a beer garden in De la Guerra Plaza, and poetry plus photography contests. Final poetry entries are due May 31 and vendor spaces sell until July 24, with event activities scheduled from Aug. 5–8. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation will host an open house to present the preliminary design for the Chumash Cultural Project at Ambassador Park, letting community members learn about plans and offer feedback on Wednesday, June 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Palm Park Beach House (236 East Cabrillo Boulevard). Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Theatre Group at City College is holding auditions for the comedy Clue. Applicants may attend appointments starting Monday, June 8 at 5 p.m. in the Garvin Theatre or submit by video till June 15; callbacks will be July 22, rehearsals begin Aug. 20, and performances run Oct. 7 to 24. Noozhawk
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Parents at SBUSD are calling for a pause on AI use in school devices after a May 19 board meeting, citing risks to student learning and data privacy. The district has already strengthened iPad filters and will soon release updated guidelines from its AI Task Force (reflecting community feedback). Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ La Colina Junior High will honor longtime principal David L. Ortiz with a ceremony on Wednesday, June 3 at 4:00 p.m. during its annual Awards Ceremony, announcing plans to name the central stage after him & presenting the inaugural David L. Ortiz Leadership Award to an eighth-grade student. Edhat
- ➤ UC Santa Barbara inaugurated new chancellor Dennis Assanis on May 27 at the Lobero Theatre in downtown Santa Barbara, where California dignitaries, scholars & local leaders celebrated his appointment. Assanis, who succeeded Henry Yang after 31 years, vowed to strengthen the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence. Santa Barbara Independent
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Casa Del Herrero in Montecito will use a $5,000 grant from the Garden Club of Santa Barbara to boost native plantings, habitat conservation and fire prevention on its southern acres after a rose garden pruning. Leaders hope this project spurs further community conservation partnerships. KEYT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara MTD has brought back the all-electric Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle for summer, operating Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. between May 29 and Sept. 7 with stops at key downtown and waterfront points & free boarding for zoo members and Amtrak ticket holders. Noozhawk
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ At the local Breakfast at the Beach program, experts explained that rising insurance costs and new wildfire risk factors are making wildfire preparedness a key part of home protection — urging homeowners to take simple steps like clearing vegetation and hardening properties. Noozhawk
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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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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.
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Boho Tea Apothecary at Santa Barbara Lavender Festival
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Santa Barbara City College — Entry details not specified — Celebrate creativity with lavender-inspired artisans, food, drinks, and live entertainment.
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