Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Downtown Santa Barbara welcomes 19 new businesses in early 2026, including Calma Pilates at 1331 State Street, SuperMoss at 922 State and upcoming openings like The Barber Shop relocation plus Habitat for Humanity ReStore scheduled for summer.

On Monday, Jun. 1, the Junior League honored Nancy Martz, executive director of Apples to Zucchini Cooking School, as the 2026 Sustainer of the Year for her decades of community leadership and volunteer service in Santa Barbara.

As a 25-year member, she has shaped local educational and healthy living programs.

The Summer Solstice Celebration recently hosted its Spring Soirée at a private Montecito estate, bringing together local artists, community leaders and businesses for live performances, art displays, food + wine, and auctions to support year-round arts programs.

The event celebrated Santa Barbara’s creative spirit.

Santa Barbara hosts a lively cultural week as Brasscals! will join SOUL Brass Band at SOhO stage on Monday, June 8 while Christopher Cross will perform at Lobero Theatre on Friday, June 5 and Opera in the Park takes place (Sunday, June 7) alongside ongoing Summer Reading programs and an open call for local artists.

A UCSB research report by five sociology students examines housing insecurity among Isla Vista students whose unstable living conditions, including couch-surfing and cramped rentals, affect their academic lives (with mold issues prompting safety concerns).

The study suggests expanding campus housing and enforcing stricter codes to protect student well-being.

Philanthropist Betty Elings Wells donated $1M to the Royal Pride Foundation to build a wellness center at San Marcos High School for students and families.

The center will include therapy rooms and group counseling spaces (construction is set to begin this June).

The Community Environmental Council held a salon-style TEDx event at its Environmental Hub in downtown Santa Barbara — about 80 climate-minded citizens watched three recorded TED talks followed by live Q&A sessions to move from gloom to action.

Organizers said another event will be planned later this year.

Dr. Jane Varner, the new Medical Director for Cottage Center for Women's Health, is launching an integrated care model to offer coordinated services for women; she and a panel of experts will host a virtual event (Thursday, July 30, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.) to introduce the approach.

Yardi Systems plans to use the former Macy's as its new downtown home, offering $5 million for local housing and $700K for plaza upgrades.

City Council will discuss the Adaptive Reuse Proposal today — a plan to boost business and build new homes — at City Hall at 2 p.m.

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.