Daily
Santa Barbara
Monday, June 16th, 2025
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 16th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Santa Barbara Zoo welcomed Ruby, a nearly one-year-old female red panda from Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, NY as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan. Animal care staff will introduce her to Raj in the coming months to help support breeding efforts for the endangered species. Edhat
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On June 29th, 1925, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Old Mission as friars prepared for the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, causing falling plaster, injured friars, and the death of Brother Erasmus Beier nine days later. Restoration work in 1926 and 1956 secured the landmark — its repairs helped shape the Spanish-style revival seen today — and the Mission remains a central point for community commemoration. Noozhawk
- ➤ Hundreds gathered at Plaza Del Mar Park for the annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, where co-founders Akila Ruskamp and Jordan Killebrew led the event and local speakers including theater poet Yutopia and Rev. David Moore shared messages of remembrance and inclusion + community vendors and musicians enriched the celebration. Noozhawk
- ➤ Joe Mickey’s handwritten essay from 1978—transcribed by his widow Connie—gives a clear look at how local surfers at Rincon dealt with crowded lineups and rivalries that shaped the spot’s history, blending stories of early surf films with real-life challenges on the waves. Edhat
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UC Santa Barbara’s College of Engineering has been renamed The Robert Mehrabian College of Engineering after former dean Mehrabian's work helped the college grow—officials approved the change earlier this month. The new name honors his leadership and continued support through endowments that benefit research and teaching. Noozhawk
- ➤ Santa Barbara Unified held graduation ceremonies this week with 1,455 high school students earning diplomas—99 from La Cuesta Continuation and Alta Vista Alternative on Wednesday and 1,356 from Santa Barbara, San Marcos, and Dos Pueblos on Thursday. Many graduates are preparing for college and career paths following the memorable events. Edhat
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hayden Vega, a marine science major from Long Beach, graduates from UCSB with a commitment to ocean conservation and will return to French Polynesia to continue his research while applying to Ph.D. programs. His work shows that corals paired with fish recover faster from stress—linking science and community in a quest to protect our oceans. Edhat
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials are weighing proposals to allow cars back onto the cherished car-free State Street while most business owners push for design improvements and investments to boost safety and local commerce—75% of surveyed owners favor keeping the space for pedestrians and cyclists. The debate reflects efforts to balance vehicular access with Santa Barbara’s goals for a sustainable, welcoming downtown. Santa Barbara Independent
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ The Old Town Orcutt Farmers Market Summer 2025 Kick-Off will be held on Wednesday, June 18 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on S. Marcum Street and will feature local fresh produce — artisan foods, food trucks, live music from The Brass Factory and a bounce house for kids. This event is the first of four monthly markets organized by OTORA to celebrate the historic district. Noozhawk
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UCSB coach Joe Pasternack finished spring workouts and sent his players to final exams before heading to Oklahoma City for Game Five of the NBA Finals today. He said his team—bolstered by strong returners and four NCAA transfers—will begin eight weeks of public summer workouts on July 7. Noozhawk
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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2025 Nite Moves Summer Sunset Series
6 p.m. — Leadbetter Beach — Various entry fees — Enjoy a stunning evening of swimming, running, and biathlon events at the beautiful seaside.
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Santa Barbara Lavender Festival
10 AM – 5 PM — Santa Barbara City College — Free admission — Celebrate the luscious lavender plant with food, drinks, and lively company.
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2025 Nite Moves Summer Sunset Series
6-8 p.m. — Leadbetter Beach — Registration required — Enjoy an aquathlon, 5K run, and open water swim in the stunning Santa Barbara summer evenings.
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2025 Presidio Archaeology Camp
9 AM – 1 PM — El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park — $ — Dig, discover, and explore the archaeological history of Santa Barbara.
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Nite Moves Summer Sunset Aquathlon Series
6 p.m. — Leadbetter Beach — Various entry fees — Experience an evening of swimming, running, and biathlon events with a stunning Santa Barbara backdrop.
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Girl Named Tom Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the first group to win The Voice with their unique blend of folk and pop music.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Good art is not what it looks like, but what it does to us.
~ Roy Adzak
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