Good morning, Santa Barbara.

People Helping People has launched the Youth Coalition to prevent substance misuse by uniting youth with educators, healthcare providers, and business leaders.

The coalition will hold monthly meetings — run school-based campaigns and support a Backpack Program donation drive now through July 31 to equip students with supplies.

The free Concerts in the Park series returns for its 26th year with live music each Thursday in July at Chase Palm Park.

It opens July 2 with funk band The New Vibe and includes Jason Libs and the Liberation, The Mighty Cash Cats, and Spencer the Gardener.

Opera Santa Barbara announced its expanded 2026-27 season featuring extra matinee shows for Rigoletto and The Barber of Seville on November and February dates — supported by a donation from longtime supporter Cheryl Goldberg that also funds a California premiere in April; tickets are now on sale at the Lobero Theatre.

Santa Barbara County’s Agricultural Commissioner’s Office released its 2025 Crop & Livestock Production Report on June 23 — showing a gross production value of about $2.2 billion and an 11.5% increase from 2024, with strawberries topping the list at $941 million and boosts also noted in nursery products and broccoli.

UC Santa Barbara has appointed Elena Irwin as the new dean of the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management.

She will start her role on Sept. 21 and comes from The Ohio State University, where she served as a distinguished professor.

On June 2, students and faculty demonstrated outside Storke Tower to demand UCSB save Las Maestras Center, a hub for Chicano and Indigenous arts (founded in 2017).

A dean’s message confirmed the center will stay open, though the group says it still needs leadership, a budget, and a director.

The Santa Barbara Unified School District approved a project to develop 106 affordable apartments near San Marcos High School for district employees and local educators.

A private developer will finance about $60 million for the construction—ensuring no cost to taxpayers.

Effective June 22, 2026, Montecito Fire Protection District has assigned a continuously staffed firefighter/paramedic to Medic Engine 92 at Station 92 (2300 Sycamore Canyon Drive), providing quicker advanced life support for the district's residents.

The Parks and Recreation Department is seeking community input to shape a new master plan for parks, open spaces, and recreation facilities (the first in over 40 years).

Staff will meet residents at local parks and community events throughout the summer and announce extra feedback opportunities later.

The Bureau of Land Management approved updated oil and gas plans on federal lands spanning eight counties including Santa Barbara on June 23.

The update (fulfilling a settlement from July 2022) enables leasing to resume and directs future energy development.

A new guide features seven top cafés in Santa Barbara serving hearty breakfast burritos, gluten-free pastries, and Baja-style fish tacos across town (including seaside Shoreline Cafe).

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.

26th Annual Woodies at the Beach

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Santa Barbara City College — Free admission — Explore beautifully restored Woodies overlooking the Pacific Ocean in a picturesque coastal setting.