Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Blind Fitness will hold its 2026 Annual Surf Clinic on Saturday, July 11 at Santa Claus Lane Beach in Carpinteria (up to 24 participants will enjoy free surfing equipment, professional instruction and lunch).

The event builds confidence and community among individuals who are blind or have low vision.

City of Santa Barbara and Summer Solstice organizers provided ADA accommodations for the parade and festival.

An accessible viewing area was set on the west side of Santa Barbara Street between Canon Perdido and 827 Santa Barbara — with designated drop off parking and restroom options available.

CommUnify held its 20th Annual Champions Dinner & Awards on Friday, June 5, at Hotel Corque in Solvang, drawing nearly 200 community leaders, business owners, and nonprofit representatives.

The sold-out event raised $279,775 to support its Family & Youth Services division.

The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum will host the kickoff party for Old Santa Ynez Days on Thursday, June 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Museum and Parks—Janeway Carriage House, and the event offers chef-curated cuisine, live Americana rock from The Doublewide Kings, and supports youth education programs.

Actor William Smithers, a longtime local arts figure best known for his role on 'Dallas', died on May 26.

He had a storied career from Broadway to local projects and made key contributions to the community through radio and TV programming.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival announced that applications are open for its 2026-2027 10-10-10 Student Screenwriting and Filmmaking Competition for local high school and college students — selected duos will work with film professionals and present ten films at the Arlington Theatre on Feb. 13 during the festival.

Today, following a parental push, the Santa Barbara Unified board blocked YouTube and non-educational Google platforms on junior and high school devices (teachers still access YouTube via Canvas for lessons).

Planned summer measures will adjust iPad use to focus on learning.

UCSB’s Gevirtz Teacher Education Program earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality for preparing future elementary teachers with all five core reading skills — the rating announced Tuesday, June 9 confirms its rigorous approach.

Jimenez School students have knitted beanies for 102 babies to be born at Marian Regional Medical Center.

Their teacher Sonya Garcia Morris, who started the program 20 years ago and is retiring this year, said the project teaches compassion and service to the students.

The Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara and partners will award $53,000 in scholarships to 14 students at the 2026 Scholarship Reception & Awards Ceremony today, Tuesday, June 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Cearnal Collective (521 ½ State Street, with parking in Lot 11 on Anacapa).

Crews are updating Highway 101 from Santa Barbara North, South, and Montecito until June 27 by working on medians, ramps, and sound walls; drivers should follow new traffic patterns, temporary detours (including the Spring/Olive Mill Rd off-ramp) and a reduced 55 mph speed limit.

Construction on the citywide traffic signal upgrade project began Monday, June 15 to upgrade signal equipment at over 30 intersections (including pedestrian buttons) to enhance safety; drivers may face lane closures and delays as work continues through August on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The St. Francis Foundation awarded $800,000 in healthcare grants to 49 local organizations across Santa Barbara’s South Coast.

It celebrated the recipients with an event at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club today, honoring local efforts in complete well-being.

Santa Barbara Foresters improved to 7-1 this summer after defeating San Diego Bombers 8-4 at Eddie Mathews Field on Monday, with key plays from Jake DeSpain and Landon Shaefer; the team will meet Conejo Oaks Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Ventura College.

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.