Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Property owners and local business groups formed the Downtown Santa Barbara Community Benefit Improvement District to reinvest in downtown cleanliness, safety and beautification.

The district will use a $2 million annual budget to fund services like sidewalk pressure washing and public safety ambassadors to improve the area.

On May 17th, residents gathered for a day-long celebration at Ellwood Mesa to mark 20 years since it was saved from development—Parks & Open Space Manager George Thomson encouraged the community to maintain its legacy for the future.

On May 18th, community members in Goleta paddled out to honor Jake Curtis and two Dos Pueblos students who died in a head-on collision on Highway 1 in Lompoc—reports indicate their Toyota struck a Tesla and damaged an Audi and a Honda while a Lompoc doctor and his wife suffered serious injuries—Dos Pueblos High School later held a vigil and continues to offer counseling for those grieving.

Three people were injured in a two-car crash on Highway 101 north of Nojoqui Summit just past noon on Sunday, and one lane was temporarily closed as the cause is under investigation—patients were taken to local hospitals without needing extrication.

Three people were injured Sunday afternoon when a two-vehicle crash near Nojoqui Summit sent one car 10–20 feet over the side of Hwy 101 in North Santa Barbara County—two elderly patients were taken to Cottage Hospital and a solo driver received care at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital while the California Highway Patrol investigated the cause.

The museum now offers a free Art Learning Lab in the old Museum Store space on State Street after the board chose to sell the historic McCormick House to fund education programs — the lab provides art workshops for children and adults and is open weekends from noon to 4 p.m. and on First Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m.—plans for a pop-up shop in the atrium are in the works.

The SBCC Foundation held its 6th annual Spring Forward!

Gala on May 17 at the Great Meadow on SBCC’s West Campus where 300 guests joined a Bond-style celebration—raising nearly $400,000 for student support programs. The funds will help pay for scholarships, emergency grants, and campus improvements including the SBCC Promise bond measure that brought nearly $200 million for needed upgrades.

Researchers at UCSB's Bren School tested if clear government data on air quality in 50 Chinese cities can lead to better environmental outcomes by rating half of them on transparency.

The study found that companies cut pollution violations by 37% and inspections increased by 90%, showing that clear information can help protect public health.

Bunny is a 1-year-old female Mastiff weighing about 92 lbs and is available for adoption at the Lompoc Animal Center—located at 1501 West Central in Lompoc—where staff say she is calm on the leash, enjoys clicker treat training, and her fees cover spaying, microchipping, vaccinations, flea treatment, and a wellness exam.

Dos Pueblos will debut in the CIF SoCal Championships as the No. 1 seed in Division 3 and will host No. 8 St. Anthony from Long Beach at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Scott O’Leary Field—after finishing the season 22 to 11 and serving as Division 4 runner-up.

2025 Nite Moves Summer Sunset Series

6 p.m. — Leadbetter Beach — Entry fee applies — Experience a thrilling evening of swimming, running, and biathlon events in scenic Santa Barbara.

Home & Garden Lifestyle Expo

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Earl Warren Showgrounds — Various show discounts — Explore hundreds of sustainable home and garden products and services under one roof.

Art KIT: Grant Writing, Funding, and Residencies Workshop

1-3:30 p.m. — Paseo Nuevo Conference Room — Cost info not provided — Explore the essentials of securing grants and funding for creative projects.

HOWL: Strawberry Moon

5-10 p.m. — Hotel Californian — Free entry — Experience inventive cocktails and personalized readings under the full Strawberry Moon.

Ryan Bingham Live in Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Santa Barbara Bowl — Ticket prices vary — Experience Grammy and Oscar-winning artist Ryan Bingham alongside The Texas Gentlemen for an unforgettable night of music.

Brandy Clark Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the renowned Brandy Clark and the legendary Mary Chapin Carpenter in an intimate live performance.

2025 Nite Moves Summer Sunset Series - June 18

6 p.m. — Leadbetter Beach — Entry fee varies — Experience a stunning evening of swimming, running, and biathlon events with picturesque ocean views.

Jaws in Concert

7:30-10 p.m. — The Granada Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the 50th anniversary of JAWS with live orchestral performance by the Academy Festival Orchestra.

Sandy Cummings & Jazz du Jour

12:30-3 p.m. — SOhO Restaurant & Music Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an afternoon of live jazz with Sandy Cummings and Jazz du Jour in a vibrant venue.

A.J. Croce: The Eternal Tour

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Tickets available — Experience A.J. Croce's musical journey blending original work with the timeless hits of his legendary father, Jim Croce.