Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Night Sky Rescue, a new nonprofit focused on keeping pets safe, has already secured rescue placements and hosted free microchip clinics in Santa Barbara County during its first weeks (the group plans to launch educational programs such as Read to Shelter Dogs to boost animal care).

Santa Barbara's Waterfront and Parks and Recreation departments will host the annual Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 4 at West Beach featuring family activities and a 20-minute fireworks show around 9 p.m. Road closures begin at 6 p.m. for a street fair.

Santa Barbara County Animal Services has launched its 'Before the Boom' campaign, offering free microchips, crate loans, collars, and ID tags to protect pets from Fourth of July fireworks.

Resources are available Tuesday to Sunday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at shelters in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara.

The Santa Barbara Search & Rescue Foundation hosted a mixer (at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club) to honor volunteers who respond to search and rescue calls.

Local leaders and supporters gathered (recognizing their vital role) as the team prepares for future emergencies.

An original theater production on Sarah House hospice will run on June 28 at Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall, with a follow-up on July 3 at the Unitarian Society—designed by stage director Peter Lackner to raise funds for low-income families receiving hospice care.

More than 400 people gathered at Stow House on June 18 for Fiesta Ranchera, a revival of Old Spanish Days traditions with music, dance, and food from local vendors.

The event, revived in 2008 by El Presidente Tim Taylor, will set the stage for celebrations Aug. 5 — 9.

The Community Arts Music Association elected Nancy L.

Wood as board chair for its 108th concert season and the 2026-2027 term, with Robert L. Castle as vice chair, Jan Bowlus treasurer, and Christine B. Emmons secretary. Wood, a 30-year local resident, brings longtime volunteer service & commitment to the arts.

UCSB has secured a $1.15M grant from the NSF to purchase a 3D rapid nanoprinting system (advanced equipment for microfabrication) that will boost research and train UCSB and local community college students; installation and training are set to begin soon.

The SMJUHSD board adopted a new rule (Off and Away Except Lunch) that requires students to power down and store personal devices during class time except at lunch.

The policy will go into effect when school resumes this fall.

Jennifer Sachs of Island Conservation will speak on Thursday, July 16 at 7 p.m. at the Maritime Museum to explore global island restoration efforts that support biodiversity, climate resilience and ocean health, with a member reception from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m.

National Park Service specialists began assessing damage on Santa Rosa Island after a wildfire burned (18,379 acres) from May 14 to early June.

The team will guide restoration of cultural sites and local wildlife habitats amid challenges from high winds and remote access.

On June 16, the U.S. Space Force demolished legacy structures at Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Space Force Base to pave the way for modernized infrastructure that will support SpaceX’s next generation launch capabilities.

The project honors six decades of American space innovation (a milestone for national security missions).

Foresters rallied in the bottom of the ninth as Brady Janusek hit his first walk-off double to secure a 5–4 win over the San Diego Waves on Thursday at Eddie Mathews Field + the victory improved the team record to 10–1.

After the 2026 Vaqueros Tennis season, Pershing Park Courts got a fresh surface, new paint, and essential upgrades funded by Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons.

Executive Director Greg Tebbe received a certificate from SBCC Athletics (presented by head coach Danny Echt) as the SBCC Foundation and City helped complete the project.

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.