Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Arthur Kennedy, a beloved community figure known for his lifelong service, passed on Jan.

24 in Isla Vista. A Community Celebration honoring him is scheduled from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1 at Anisq’Oyo Park (event details confirmed by the IVCSD Board).

Local baker Mary Gonzalez of Cupcakes By Mary won third place at CookieCon in Florida in late June for her (8×11) Santa Barbara-inspired sugar cookie featuring the Mission, beach, and palm trees; she created the treat over two days amid busy custom orders.

Mendocino Farms opened its first Santa Barbara restaurant at La Cumbre Plaza on June 30 (located at 3851 State Street).

The fast-casual chain celebrated its 100th location with live DJ sessions, sandwich-making events, and a host of opening day activities.

The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association invites residents and visitors to join a week of events downtown from July 9 to 15, featuring arts, culture, live music, film & wellness programs.

The schedule includes talks, workshops, concerts, and the kickoff of the SBIFF French Wave Film Festival.

Ainsley Haws is named the 2026 Danish Maid and will lead the 89th Danish Days Festival in Solvang from Sept.

18-20; she will honor her Danish heritage as the festival celebrates local tradition.

Slightly Stoopid joins ONE805LIVE!

2026 benefit concert on Sept. 25-26 at Kevin Costner's private oceanside estate in Carpinteria — the band known for reggae-rock mixes performs alongside Pat Benatar, The Fray, George Thorogood and others to support local first responders. Ticket packages are available via ONE805.

Santa Barbara Public Library and Santa Barbara Unified School District now let all students, including Charter schools, use digital Student Success Cards to borrow up to three items and access online learning tools without a physical card.

Parents must opt in through Aeries at enrollment, and the cards will be activated mid-September.

The Santa Barbara Zoo celebrated the birth of twin endangered red panda cubs on July 2—the first since 1993—and staff are closely monitoring the newborns during their critical early phase.

The cubs will remain off exhibit for about three months as updates are shared with visitors.

County Parks released the draft EIR for the Recreation Master Plan on June 26, inviting public review until 5:00 p.m. on August 10 in Santa Barbara, with comments accepted via email or mail on proposed improvements and ordinance amendments.

Santa Barbara County is asking residents to review an AI-generated bike map and spot missing bike facilities and routing errors before it is finalized; comments can be submitted online until Friday, Aug.

14 (a project developed with UCSB and Simon Fraser University).

A local teen cyclist completed a triple Everest on Old San Marcos Pass, riding 436 miles with 72 ascents over three days.

The 17-year-old (one of only two locals to finish the triple) raised $4,500 for SAGE Trail Alliance and plans a gap year to focus on long-distance racing.

Semana Nautica returns to East Beach this weekend with aquatics competitions starting Saturday at 9 a.m. and featuring a 2-mile swim, 5K run, and relay races; Sunday brings paddle board races and an open beach volleyball tournament (CBVA Men's and Women's Open), promising a dynamic water sports showcase.

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.