Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Habitat Santa Barbara raised over $300K at its sold-out Denim & Diamonds gala on May 1 at the Carriage and Western Art Museum to boost affordable housing, celebrating a year of building and repairing homes, as local families like Tony & Sierra prepare to buy their first home.

Images by Valerie held its 6th Annual Pooch Playoffs on Wednesday, Jun.

03, raising $3,200 for Care4Paws with a matching grant that doubled the funds from portrait session fees; over six years, the event has raised more than $9,700 to support local pets and families.

Last Thursday, the Santa Barbara Independent received the Media Milestone award at the South Coast Chamber’s Stars of the South Coast Constellation Awards Gala held at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel.

The event honored eight local groups including Friendship Center, Hotel Santa Barbara, and State Street Master Planner Tess Harris.

HUB International’s Q1 2026 Rate Report shows that local businesses, farms, and nonprofits may soon benefit from softer property and catastrophic coverage with rates reduced between 5 and 15 percent, while commercial auto costs have risen due to higher claim severity (reflecting tighter underwriting practices).

Juneteenth Santa Barbara invites the community to Love for The People — a free celebration on Friday, June 19 at Plaza Del Mar/Band Shell Park that features live performances, a Black Artisan Market, a kids zone, and local nonprofit resources.

Attendees are encouraged to use bikes, buses or trains to reduce their environmental footprint.

The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association invites residents to join today's downtown events, including the 1st Thursday Art Walk at 5:00 p.m., a 5 Year Anniversary Party, and a live student showcase.

More art exhibitions, workshops and pop-up markets run through early June — showcasing fresh local culture.

UC Santa Barbara is hosting 11 commencement ceremonies from Sunday, June 7 to Sunday, June 14 for over 6,700 graduates.

Several events on Commencement Green will require tickets, and all ceremonies are available via live webcast.

UC Santa Barbara announced that Jaime Lester will become dean of the Gevirtz School of Education starting July 1.

Lester (formerly vice dean at Johns Hopkins University) led key initiatives and will build on her experience to enhance academic programs and student support.

The Schmidt Family Foundation has renewed a multi-year grant to fund UCSB’s Environmental Solutions Fellows Program, which supports early career scientists researching environmental challenges.

The grant, now in its ninth year (expanded to include mentoring postdoctoral and undergraduate researchers), will help overcome federal funding cuts affecting university research.

Organic Soup Kitchen is addressing rising nutrition challenges in Santa Barbara by expanding its medically tailored SoupMeals for low-income seniors and cancer patients; some programs have a waiting list, and donations, volunteering, or soup purchases are welcomed at its Distribution Center (126 E. Haley St.) operating Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

The St. Francis Foundation of Santa Barbara awarded $800K in grants to 49 nonprofits focused on community health and hosted a Grant Awards Celebration at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, where nonprofit leaders gathered under Farmers & Merchants Bank sponsorship.

The city’s Architectural Board of Review approved a four-story apartment project at 335 South Milpas near Tri-County Produce.

Construction will begin in 2027 and the building will offer 45 units, including 14 three-bedroom apartments and affordable housing options.

Santa Barbara City Council unanimously approved a revamped Paseo Nuevo plan to repurpose the vacant Macy’s building for Yardi Systems headquarters — the Nordstrom property will convert into up to 112 residential units.

The council will reconvene on June 16 to finalize the development agreement, potentially boosting downtown revenues.

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.