Good morning, Santa Barbara.

El Capitán State Beach campground reopened after an 18-month closure for a $5.5 million entrance upgrade that improved safety, accessibility, and infrastructure.

Visitors now use a temporary route while state parks finish a permanent entrance trail by fall.

Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair will take place at Alameda Park on July 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free event features over 180 local artisans, live music, and interactive art experiences (including a creative gallery and hands-on activities) for visitors to connect with local makers.

Art and Soul gallery will host Beyond the Landscape — a one-night exhibit showcasing rare abstract works by local artist Chris Potter and select original paintings available for sale.

The event is set for Tuesday, July 21, from 5 — 8 p.m. at 1323 State St.

Tourists are spending money in local hotels, restaurants & beaches, boosting Santa Barbara's occupancy tax revenue above $34 million so far; City Finance Director Keith DeMartini said higher summer occupancy and upcoming events are expected to support city services and creek restoration projects.

Leonor Reyes has been named programs manager at the Santa Barbara Education Foundation.

She, a San Marcos High School graduate and active volunteer, will oversee enrichment programs including Summer Music Camps and an Educator Grants program investing more than $228,000 to benefit local schools.

The Santa Barbara Zoo welcomed two endangered red panda cubs on July 2, marking its first red panda birth in over 30 years.

The cubs remain in a nest box where staff monitor their early growth (a success of the zoo's Species Survival Plan).

The Sierra Club + three local companies reached Clean Water Act settlements at East Beach to improve stormwater controls and protect water quality as part of over a year of environmental review; the deals require improved management + expanded monitoring to safeguard coastal wildlife and recreation.

UCSB scientists from a new study (published in the Proceedings of the National Academy) used digital records from pressed plant specimens to show that invasive species mimic native plants in harsh climates while blooming earlier and differing in milder areas; the findings may help local resource managers target invaders.

Sheila Lodge, Santa Barbara’s first elected female mayor, died Wednesday at age 97.

She served three terms from 1981 to 1993 and was honored in 2025 by the Board of Supervisors for her long public service.

County Health is urging parents to schedule well-child visits this summer so that children can update their routine vaccinations before school starts; early appointments mean better availability and fewer delays.

Soccer fans have gathered in Santa Barbara over recent weeks at Library Plaza, local bars and public markets to watch the World Cup, with community-hosted events uniting diverse groups as teams from Austria and Qatar set up local training spots.

Future rounds promise more lively celebrations.

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.

The Hidden Life of Wolves - Film

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Tickets starting at $140 — Experience the captivating journey into the hidden life of wolves in this must-see film event.

Slow Flow Yoga Class

10:30-11:45 AM — Yoga Soup — Registration required — Experience a gentle vinyasa and restorative class designed for all levels.

Asian American Film Series Closing Night

6-9 p.m. — Alhecama Theatre — Suggested donation of $5 — Celebrate AAPI-centered stories and filmmakers at the closing night of the series.

Siudy Flamenco - Flamenco Suite

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a captivating performance by the Siudy Garrido Flamenco Company in the heart of Santa Barbara.