Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Barney Brantingham (93) died on May 29 from pneumonia, leaving behind a legacy as a longtime Santa Barbara reporter who covered local news for over 60 years at both the News-Press and the Independent.

His work chronicled our community with clarity and deep commitment.

Vices & Spices, Santa Barbara’s first coffee shop, is celebrating 50 years with a thank-you party scheduled for Saturday, June 7, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 3558 State St.—its founders, Blue Booth and Henry Wildenborg, turned a rocky start into a lasting local landmark.

Downtown Santa Barbara will host free West Coast swing dance classes every Wednesday in June from 6 PM to 8 PM on the 500 block of State St. Dance instruction by Bryan Gin will run until 7 PM + open dancing will follow until 8 PM + further dancing takes place at Casa Agria with food and drink specials offered by local businesses.

Habitat Santa Barbara celebrated 25 years at its sold-out Denim & Diamonds gala on May 2 at the Carriage and Western Art Museum, where CEO Jessica de L’Arbre and future homeowner partner Rocio stressed the urgent need for affordable housing.

The event raised over $258,000 for local housing initiatives & included a paddle raise that brought in more than $177,000 in extra pledges.

Santa Barbara Public Library is launching its annual Summer Reading Challenge, Treasured Tales, on June 6 for children, teens and adults who set their own reading goals at local branches or on a Library on the Go stop.

Children will earn beads, receive an Adventure Log and a free book to claim prizes including an ice cream social on August 14—while teens and adults have a kickoff event at Fox Wine Co. from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Eighteen educators were honored on May 28 in Los Olivos (they completed the Reading and Literacy Added Authorization program through UC San Diego coursework) for earning an added teaching credential.

SBCEO is accepting new participants (registration closes Sept. 1) for the next cohort starting in September.

Santa Barbara County officials urged residents to prepare for wildfires during this high fire season by planning quick evacuations and readying homes, with extra resources set for early calls; they advised packing a go-bag with supplies, cleaning gutters and vents, and signing up for emergency alerts — leaving immediately if unsafe — to protect families and neighbors.

Building partners, local supporters, and community leaders broke ground Friday afternoon at 621 W.

Micheltorena Street on the new Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics Westside Clinic, a three-story facility that will expand medical, dental, and behavioral health services to over 8,300 patients a year and eventually serve up to 25,000 residents—improving access to care for the community.

WNBA legend Diana Taurasi will host the inaugural TAURASI Snow Valley Basketball Camp at Westmont College in Santa Barbara from July 24 to July 27 for girls ages 11 to 18—campers will stay overnight in college dorms and receive personalized coaching from certified USA Basketball instructors. The camp is part of US Sports Camps’ 50th anniversary celebrations, marking a key step in developing future women’s basketball talent.

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.