Friday, July 4th, 2025
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 4th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, the City of Santa Barbara hosts its Fourth of July Celebration at West Beach (99 W. Cabrillo Blvd.) from noon to 9:30 p.m. featuring free live music, dance performances and a 20-minute professional fireworks display at 9:00 p.m., while local police and fire departments patrol the area to enforce the ban on unauthorized fireworks. Edhat
- ➤ On July 12 at 5:00 p.m., the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission will hold a graduation ceremony at Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara to honor graduates from its twelve-month Residential Treatment Program. The event will feature personal testimonies and a reception as the organization marks 60 years of helping people overcome homelessness and addiction — an effort that has transformed the lives of over 1,000 individuals. Santa Barbara Independent
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On June 29th, community and church leaders held an interfaith prayer service at Old Santa Barbara Mission to remember the 11 people lost in the 1925 earthquake — uniting officials and local residents in a quiet tribute. At exactly 3:00 p.m., mission bells and other church bells across the city rang—marking a moving moment of remembrance for Santa Barbara’s past. Santa Barbara Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Pamela Gann, a legal scholar and former college administrator, was elected chair of Santa Barbara’s Scholarship Foundation Board and began her two-year term on July 1 (her extensive background in higher education and public affairs informs her new role). She succeeds Danna McGrew and will lead the foundation’s efforts to provide college scholarships in the region. Noozhawk
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Madre Fire northeast of Santa Maria burned 52,592 acres as of Thursday afternoon and kept Highway 166 closed between the Central Coast and Cuyama Valley until today. About 200 people were evacuated — officials warn extreme fire behavior, gusty winds, and high temperatures may challenge further suppression efforts. Noozhawk
- ➤ Santa Barbara County issued an air quality watch on July 2 due to smoke from the Madre Fire burning along Highway 166 — air quality ranged from good to moderate as conditions changed throughout the day. Residents were advised to exercise caution and monitor updates for any changes in the smoke levels. Edhat
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Santa Barbara County Grand Jury reported that female inmates, who make up about 10 to 11 percent of the jail population, face different conditions than male inmates—leading to recommendations for improved commissary items, more nutritious food and additional programs aimed at supporting their welfare. Jail officials will review these suggestions to help balance the conditions across the facilities. Edhat
- ➤ Santa Barbara County Association of Governments approved $4.3 million in Measure A funding on Thursday to support bicycle, pedestrian and Safe Routes to School projects in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta and Isla Vista. About $2.3 million will fund multipurpose paths, crosswalks and sidewalks while nearly $2 million will improve student safety over the next few years — the projects were chosen from 17 competitive proposals. Edhat
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Anne Pazier launched Santa Barbara Gift Baskets in Old Town Goleta nearly 20 years ago and has filled orders with local treats like handmade chocolates and wines. She runs her shop from 230 Magnolia Ave—bringing care to every gift—and will soon add corporate partners to support local artisans. Noozhawk
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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California Wine Festival: Beachside Wine Festival
1-4 p.m. — Chase Palm Park — Ticketed event — Celebrate California’s wine heritage with tastings, food pairings, and live music in a stunning beachside setting.
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Art KIT: Business and Legal Considerations for Artists
1-3 p.m. — Community Arts Workshop — Free entry — Learn essential business and legal skills to protect and promote your artistic career.
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Soccer Summer Camp at UC Santa Barbara
9 a.m.-3 p.m. — University of California, Santa Barbara — Registration fees apply — Enhance your soccer skills and enjoy a unique training experience with Real Madrid Foundation coaches.
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2025 Nite Moves Summer Sunset Series
6 p.m. — Leadbetter Beach — Entry fees apply — Dive into a night of swimming, running, and biathlon events by the stunning Santa Barbara shoreline.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.
~ John Wayne
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