Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District held an open house last Saturday at Station 61 on Walnut Ave where children sprayed water, tried fire gear, and enjoyed an obstacle course plus bounce house.

New fire chief Dan Stefano compared the event to a backstage pass — urging community involvement.

Nancy Martz (of Apples to Zucchini Cooking School) was named the 2026 Sustainer of the Year by the Junior League for her long-term commitment to community service and youth education in Santa Barbara.

On Wednesday, about 50 Isla Vistans gathered at the Isla Vista Community Center for a town hall where board members discussed public safety, parking, transportation, and immigration concerns and announced a study on cityhood feasibility— which may lead to new safety and parking plans.

Pope Leo XIV released an encyclical on May 25 warning of AI risks to human dignity and sparking local debates—Santa Barbara residents are weighing tech progress against slow-paced community values.

The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department will host an open house on Wednesday, June 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Palm Park Beach House (236 East Cabrillo Boulevard) to present its preliminary design honoring Chumash culture and invite community feedback.

Santa Barbara Hillel will hold its Hall of Fame Brunch on Sunday, June 7 at 10:30 a.m., honoring Rabbi Evan Goodman, Lori Goodman, Lindsay and Joe Pasternack, and awarding Richard Leib with the Alumni Achievement Award (recognizing their contributions to Jewish student life and our community).

The 41st Math Super Bowl at Page Youth Center on Wednesday, May 27 tested over 330 students from 30 schools with tough written tests and a team challenge + Washington Elementary earned the highest honor with 765 points.

UC Santa Barbara physics professor David Weld has been chosen as one of eight mid-career faculty for Caltech’s 2026 National Brown Investigator Awards.

He will receive up to ($2 million over five years) to advance his research on ultracold quantum gases and optical systems.

The Tree of the Month article features the Himalayan Maple, an evergreen ornamental tree with glossy leaves and winged seeds that has enhanced Santa Barbara streets since its early 1900s introduction by Dr. Francesco Franceschi.

Santa Barbara Beautiful sponsors the project and offers commemorative markers (application forms available online).

New CalFresh rules take effect June 1, requiring residents to work 80 hours monthly; exemptions change for seniors, youth, veterans, and refugees.

Santa Barbara’s Social Services estimates 5400 could lose benefits, while local Foodbank has budgeted $2.5 million to stockpile food.

Santa Barbara High’s Malachi Johnston advanced to the CIF State Finals with a shot put mark of 56-0.75 during Friday’s prelims at Buchanan High School in Clovis; coach Olivia Perdices praised his performance for keeping his season alive.

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.

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.