Good morning, Santa Barbara.

The Victor and Susan Schaff Family Foundation awarded $25,000 to the Santa Barbara Foundation’s Critical Needs Response Fund yesterday to support nonprofits providing food, housing, and mental health services amid rising demand (as costs and funding challenges grow).

Grant applications for 2026 will open Aug. 3 and close Sept. 11.

California’s Problems, Santa Barbara’s Choices will take place on July 23 at the Lobero Theatre with pre-show cocktails at 6 p.m. and a panel discussion starting at 7 p.m. that gathers experts to discuss state challenges and local solutions (hosted by Noozhawk and partners).

Food From The Heart — a nonprofit rooted in the AIDS crisis — will use a $10,000 grant from the Victor and Susan Schaff Family Foundation to support its meal delivery service for 150+ low-income homebound residents along the South Coast, covering food and packaging.

At a Monday press conference at The Carriage and Western Art Museum, El Presidente Colin Hayward announced that John Palminteri will serve as grand marshal for Fiesta Historical Parade on Aug.

7. A kickoff event on July 30 on Coast Village Road will feature dancing and a menswear fashion show.

Sullivan Goss will host artist Wosene Worke Kosrof’s solo exhibit of abstract paintings from July 31 to Sept.

21 with an opening reception (Aug. 6, 5-8 p.m. at 11 E. Anapamu St.) where he will display pieces including his notable Midnight Improv.

The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association will host the ribbon cutting and grand opening of REH Contemporary Studio & Gallery—a new creative space showcasing Ruth Ellen Hoag's artwork—on Thursday, July 16 at 5:00 p.m. at 12 West Anapamu Street with nibbles and refreshments provided.

Vista del Mar Union School District has appointed Raymond Fausel as its new superintendent and principal—bringing him extensive leadership experience as the district will celebrate its 100th anniversary in the 2026–27 school year.

Marine scientists at UCSB used 16 years of data from the SBC LTER and found that storms and disturbances lower giant kelp productivity more than scarce nutrients do — an insight that matters as stronger El Niño conditions boost storm intensity.

The research deepens our understanding of kelp forest dynamics.

After a 25% drop in blood supply in June, the Red Cross urges donors.

Drives run July 13-31 at Rosewood Miramar Beach on July 16 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and in Santa Barbara on July 27 from noon to 6 p.m., with a Fandango Movie Ticket for donors.

A WalletHub study has ranked Santa Barbara 298th out of 300 cities for first-time home buyers due to sky-high prices and limited affordability — median home sales near $1.9 million make the market exceptionally tough.

Buyers face intense competition in this premium housing market.

The Santa Barbara Volleyball Club won the AAU Boys 17U Premier National Championship on Friday, July 10 in Orlando, Florida, finishing a perfect 12-0 run.

Mateo Burdick (a UCSB commit) was named tournament MVP.

Santa Barbara Yacht Club hosted the first J/70 U.S. National Championship on Sunday where 37 teams competed, with Odd Racing winning the Open title, DJ taking the Corinthian crown, and CAKE earning Mixed-Plus honors (the event underscored the growing strength of West Coast sailing).

Goleta Valley South LL 12U All-Stars captured the Section 1 title on Tuesday at home with a 1-0 win over Conejo Valley LL and will head to the State Tournament in Aliso Viejo at the end of the month to pursue a spot in the Little League World Series.

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.