Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara is updating Dwight Murphy Field with a new all-abilities playground named for Gwendolyn Strong, featuring a 35-ft tree house with ocean views and synthetic surfaces.

The $32M project will open next summer — promising improved play and accessibility.

The Falcon 9 rocket will launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base between 1:40 and 2:15 a.m. Friday, carrying a National Reconnaissance Office payload; residents will hear sonic booms 8-10 minutes later, and a backup window is set for Saturday.

An eight-year-old boy was injured in a bike accident on San Antonio Creek Road, prompting local parents to push for dedicated bike & pedestrian paths.

Walk San Antonio Creek has installed new safety signage and lowered speed limits, and community leaders plan further updates soon to boost safety and reduce carbon emissions.

Santa Barbara County Fire crews responded to a 1.59-acre vegetation fire near Mission Santa Inés on the 1600 block of Mission Drive in Solvang on Wednesday morning around 10:46 a.m. & later scaled back their response.

Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara has added Anne Towbes, a longtime community philanthropist integral to its restoration, and Nicole Wester, a finance and nonprofit leader, to its Board of Directors.

Their combined expertise will help shape the venue's future programming.

Santa Barbara Summer Solstice 2026 brings a parade starting Saturday, June 20 at noon that winds from Santa Barbara Street to Alameda Park, followed by a vibrant three-day festival from Friday, June 19 through Sunday (featuring live music, creative art, and community collaboration).

SBUSD approved a lease of its 24-acre Tatum property near San Marcos High School to developer Red Tail to build 106 income-restricted units for its staff (and veterans) on June 9.

The project will break ground in July and take 18 to 24 months to build.

On June 4, the City Housing Authority notified recipients that their federal housing assistance ends on Sept.

30, putting 315 residents at risk (including 62 seniors, 94 disabled, and 91 children). Affected residents now have priority on a delayed Housing Choice Voucher waitlist, with local legal aid available for support.

The Mosquito and Vector Management District detected non-native Aedes notoscriptus (the Australian backyard mosquito) on June 10 in the Mesa neighborhood and is expanding surveillance and door-to-door inspections to stop its spread.

MVMD urges residents to remove standing water and use repellents to reduce daytime bites.

Local high school students Owen Eiler (a rising senior) and Paolo Shamshiri have launched SportsMatch to let Santa Barbara residents easily join pickup games, offering 14 sports options since its May debut.

The free website helps players form groups and chat about meetups.

The GVGSA 12U Goleta Storm won the Silver Division championship at the Amanda McPherson Classic last weekend in Simi Valley with an 8-7 comeback win after posting a 4-0 record.

The undefeated team now holds a 22-5 summer record and will play in Orcutt this weekend.

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.

Jah Ollin Live with Koalishon & Heavy Rotation

9-11 p.m. — SOhO Restaurant & Music Club — Tickets available — Experience an evening of heavy rhythms and Irie vibes with Jah Ollin and special guests.