Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Local 85-year-old dentist and humanitarian Dr. James Rolfe returned from West Bank in May and shared that he found people in deep despair—he described them as kind yet overwhelmed by their circumstances.

Rolfe, who funds his own 24-hour clinic, said he believes U.S. policy limits Palestinian freedom and urged strong support for the people he met.

Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley returns to wine country from Oct.

2 to Oct. 5. Organized by Visit the Santa Ynez Valley—this six-town festival offers communal dinners, wine tastings and local food that celebrates the region's heritage.

The 51st Annual Summer Solstice Parade took place on June 21, with a 'Wild World' theme that showcased creative floats and costumes along the new parade route from Islay to Ortega Streets—an event that brought together locals and visitors.

The parade led into a weekend festival sponsored by the city that featured a Kids Zone, food vendors and a free Reggae Festival on Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

Rocio Curiel graduated from UCSB on June 15 with a double major in linguistics and Spanish—she came to the U.S. at age 12 from Mexico and worked hard to overcome language struggles and family challenges.

She will attend UCLA for graduate school and hopes to use her education to help others in her community.

The SBCC Foundation awarded $1,187,618 in scholarships to more than 900 Santa Barbara City College students for the 2025–2026 academic year.

The awards include top-tier scholarships like the $10,000 President’s Scholarship and the Towbes/Luria STEM Achievement Scholarship, which recipients such as Kaylee Bosetti and Brady Ward will use to support their upcoming studies.

CSUCI’s Entrepreneurship Institute supported startups this spring through events at the New Venture Fair at Cal Lutheran University and the Startup Village in Santa Barbara, where Austin Dent won $1,000 for his nonprofit CalThrive Community Agriculture and alum Leap Pharma showcased its pet nutrition products. Director Maria Ballesteros-Sola said she will guide students and community entrepreneurs in preparing business plans for Fall competitions—continuing the institute’s practical focus on entrepreneurship.

On June 19, Heal the Ocean marked a leadership change when Karina Johnston took over as executive director, succeeding Hillary Hauser who led the group for 27 years.

Hauser remains on the board as a strategic advisor while supporters celebrated a long history of coastal restoration—ensuring a future of hands-on environmental work.

More than 50 local architects, designers and planners signed a letter opposing two large apartment projects planned for hills above Santa Barbara; one project is at 505 E.

Los Olivos St. and the other at 1609-1615 Grand Ave, and they say the plans are too big and raise safety concerns near historic sites and key fire routes. Developers filed a complaint and claimed the city’s slow review of builder’s remedy projects violates state law—local legislators are urged to step in.

The Dos Pueblos LL 13U All-Stars beat Foothill LL 9-2 on Saturday at Girsh Park to win the District 63 Intermediate Division Championship.

The team earned its fifth district title and will next play in the Section 1 tournament at Girsh Park.

The Santa Barbara Foresters kept their unbeaten home record with an eight—one win over the San Diego Bombers on Saturday at Eddie Mathews Field.

The team jumped to a five-run lead in the first inning and added runs in later innings—securing their seventh straight victory.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Liverpool Legends Beatles Experience

7:30-9 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — $44.50 – $74.50 — Experience The Beatles’ legacy with note-perfect performances and stunning multimedia.

Real Estate Meetup - Monthly Networking Event

6-8 p.m. — Kiva Cowork: State St. — Free entry — Connect with local real estate enthusiasts and entrepreneurs in a collaborative networking environment.

CAAMP Live in Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Santa Barbara Bowl — Tickets required — Experience the vibrant sounds of CAAMP with their unique musical style.