Good morning, Santa Barbara.

On Wednesday, June 17, residents can view a rare event when the slim waxing crescent Moon occults brilliant Venus.

The Moon covers Venus briefly starting at 11:36 a.m. before Venus reappears at 12:42 p.m. from a prime viewing spot in Santa Barbara.

During summer break, local bait shop Hook, Line and Sinker (a favorite spot for advice) helps families plan fishing trips at Goleta Pier, Stearns Wharf, or on charter boats; kids learn about nature and enjoy fresh fish dinners with outdoor fun.

Quiche is a nine month old domestic shorthair available for adoption at the Santa Barbara Campus; she has FIV and would do best as the only pet.

Adoptions run daily from 12pm to 4:30pm except Wednesdays and include spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, a complimentary post-adoption vet exam, and initial food provided.

SpaceX will launch its Falcon 9 rocket today at Vandenberg Space Force Base between 7 and 11 a.m. to deploy 24 Starlink satellites, & its booster is set to land on a droneship in the Pacific Ocean with a backup launch planned Tuesday if needed.

During National Bike Month in May, the Cuyama Joint Unified School District hosted its first CycleMAYnia event at New Cuyama where 15-year-old Finn Price unexpectedly won an AIMA Big Sur e-bike donated by E-Bikery (presented at a grand finale ride at Goleta Beach), marking the event's expansion across the county.

Santa Barbara International Film Festival has opened applications for its 10-10-10 Student Screenwriting and Filmmaking Competition for local high school and college students.

The five-month program runs from late September/early October until February — final films screen on Feb. 13 with priority applications due Monday, July 27 and final applications on Monday, Sept. 7.

Chaucer’s Books presents an Evening of Poetry with Swamini B. who will read from her book I'm Not My Story: A Poetic Journey of Healing — the event is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 at 3321 State St. in Santa Barbara.

UCSB Arts and Lectures has announced its 2026-27 season of live arts events featuring dance, music and talks; series subscriptions start today at 10 a.m. (single tickets go on sale Aug.

7) with the season opening at Arlington Theatre on Friday, Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

On June 11, UCSB held its largest graduate commencement in a decade as over 600 students received their diplomas — including 290 doctoral and 333 master’s recipients.

The ceremony featured keynote remarks from Marc Nathanson and award presentations for dissertations and mentoring.

Scale Microgrids has received a $4.2-million grant from the California Energy Commission to build Santa Barbara City College’s new microgrid with solar, battery and EV charging.

Construction will begin in February 2027 — the grid is expected to operate by the end of next year to secure power during emergencies.

Santa Barbara Foresters earned a 6-5 walk-off win over the Academy Barons on Saturday at Eddie Mathews Field after key plays from a trio of Arkansas Razorbacks — the team will face the San Diego Bombers on Sunday at 2 p.m.

UCSB junior Jackson Flora earned top All-America honors and two Pitcher of the Year awards with a perfect 12-0 record and 1.06 ERA this season; scouts rank him as the top pitching prospect ahead of the MLB Draft starting July 11.

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.

Academy Festival Orchestra: The Planets, An HD Odyssey

7:30-9 p.m. — The Granada Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a cosmic journey through orchestral works accompanied by stunning NASA visuals.

Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Ticket details not specified — Experience the roots music fusion of Grammy winners Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore.

Soccer Summer Camp in Santa Barbara

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. — University of California, Santa Barbara — Registration required — Train with Real Madrid coaches and improve your soccer skills while making new friends.