Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 3rd of June.
Good morning, Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara County Animal Services will hold fee-waived pet adoptions for California Adopt-a-Pet Day on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Community members will be able to adopt dogs, cats, rabbits and more at participating shelters.
The Ellwood will host a family-friendly July 4th celebration on its oceanfront lawn (The Break) in Goleta from 12–5 p.m. The event will feature complimentary kids’ activities including a bounce house, ice cream cart, and summer grilled favorites to celebrate the holiday.
Santa Barbara Humane will waive adoption fees on Saturday, June 6 as part of California Adopt-a-Pet Day.
The event runs from noon to 5 p.m. at both campuses and will offer dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens ready for new homes.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History will host the 38th annual Wine Festival on June 27 from 2 to 5 p.m. at its venue, where local wineries and seasonal restaurants will offer wines and bites to support museum education programs.
The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening for The Grand On State on Thursday, June 4th at 6:30 p.m. at 1218 State Street.
The new venue—located next to the iconic Granada Theatre—offers live jazz and fine dining.
The Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara has announced a summer exhibition, How Forever Works by Jacqueline Woods; the event opens with a free reception Saturday, June 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. at its Art Gallery (229 East Victoria St.) for all interested in exploring reflective photographic assemblages.
The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association invites residents and visitors to free West Coast Swing dance nights every Wednesday in June, starting today on State Street (in front of Night Lizard Brewing Company) with beginner lessons from 6 to 7 p.m. and open social dancing until 8, followed by indoor dancing after 8.
LUSD students earned top honors at the 41st Annual Central Coast STEM Expo held at Lompoc High on May 1 to 2.
Vandenberg Middle School’s Samson Ocano won the Endeavour Center Award while 7th and 8th grade students received specialty awards for projects covering AI + environmental science.
The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara awarded college and vocational scholarships totaling over $8.4 million to nearly 2,300 students during two ceremonies on May 27 at the Courthouse Sunken Garden and May 28 at Santa Maria Fairpark Convention Center (attended by hundreds including parents, educators and community leaders).
A new UCSB study finds that communities with fewer than six road exits face a higher risk during wildfires.
Researchers report that nearly 18 million Americans are in these areas (the study was published Tuesday, June 2) and urge improvements in warning systems and evacuation plans.
Santa Barbara City Council praised redevelopment proposals for Paseo Nuevo on Tuesday—Yardi Systems will relocate its headquarters to the former Macy’s and DSP plans to build 80 to 112 apartments at the former Nordstrom—with both proposals featuring financial contributions for affordable housing and downtown improvements as they await review on June 16.
Motorists on Highway 101 will face intermittent Castillo Street off-ramp closures starting Sunday, June 7 for emergency drainage repairs at the undercrossing.
Caltrans said delays will not exceed 10 minutes with full closures 8 p.m.-6 a.m. and intermittent lane closings 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and pedestrians must use the northbound sidewalk.
Santa Barbara-based nonprofit Direct Relief has shipped a $2.5 million aid package including personal protective equipment, antibiotics, medications, & safety gear from its local warehouse today to support a wellness clinic in Goma as health workers battle a deadly Ebola outbreak.
On May 26, foil surfer Tavis Boise encountered a mother gray whale and her calf off Montecito near Miramar Beach.
He filmed the event (reminding viewers to keep a safe distance) during an after-work surfing session.
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.
Sinatra Under the Stars Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort — Full bar available — Experience iconic Sinatra hits in a stunning coastal outdoor setting.
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