Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Westmont will open its observatory and powerful Keck Telescope for a free stargazing event on Friday, July 18 at 8:30 p.m.—local residents can view stars including Mizar, Alcor and the Great Star Cluster in Hercules with campus access through the Main Entrance off La Paz Road and free parking near the observatory.

A driver was airlifted to the hospital after crashing off Highway 1 near Vandenberg Space Force Base just before 11 a.m. Tuesday—officers closed southbound lanes and crews worked to remove a vehicle reported to be about 150 feet over the side, affecting traffic.

On July 14, a motorcycle carrying an adult man and a juvenile male was hit by a car at the intersection of West Central Avenue and Western Avenue in Lompoc, resulting in the man's death and leaving the boy in critical condition while the driver remained unharmed and did not test positive for drugs or alcohol—police are investigating the incident.

Two people died after their 24-foot Skipjack motorboat capsized off the Santa Barbara coast last week during a fishing trip when officials replied to a mayday call at around 7:48 a.m.—rescue swimmers pulled two unconscious adults from the water but CPR was unsuccessful, marking the first fatal boating accident this year.

The Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society will host a free meeting on July 19 at First Presbyterian Church at 21 E.

Constance Avenue — Tommy Dyo will share his Japanese American family’s legacy, detailing his ancestors’ immigration and World War II incarceration. A Zoom option is available for those who register to join remotely.

Santa Barbara high school students will join the Arts Fund Teen Mentorship Program this September to work with artist Irene Ramirez and other piano artists at a Community Arts Workshop—where their final design will be featured at the Pianos on State public art event in October.

Cottage Health named Matthew Morgan as Senior VP and CFO effective August 19; he will oversee all financial operations and serve on the executive team, drawing on over two decades of healthcare financial leadership from Montage Health.

He will guide decisions to support the system’s strategic goals and financial sustainability.

Couples in Santa Barbara are redesigning weddings by using food trucks and themed celebrations plus wellness drinks and fun photo booths to capture each moment.

Some couples combine full service caterers with food trucks to offer smooth dining and quick late-night snacks.

The Goleta Valley South Little League 11U All-Star team beat the Orcutt National All-Stars 11—5 last Sunday to win the Section 1 Championship Banner.

Brooks Caldwell led strong pitching and key hits as the team advanced to the State Tournament beginning Saturday, July 19.

Eleven players with ties to the Santa Barbara Foresters were selected in the 2025 MLB Draft (including first-round pick Gage Wood) and they will soon start their professional baseball careers with teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies and Kansas City Royals.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Father John Misty Live Concert

6-7:30 p.m. — Santa Barbara Bowl — $51.50 - $71.50 — Experience a soulful evening of indie rock under the summer sky with Father John Misty.

Gogol Bordello Concert

7-9 p.m. — Arlington Theatre — Check website for price — Experience the eclectic sounds of Gogol Bordello alongside Puzzled Panther in Santa Barbara.

25th Annual Woodies at the Beach

9 AM – 3 PM — Santa Barbara City College — Entrance at West Campus — Celebrate stunning Woodie cars with ocean views and enjoy food trucks and activities.

Herbs for Common Health Conditions

12-2 p.m. — Ema's Herbs — Check website for cost — Explore herbal remedies for everyday health issues with expert guidance from local herbalist Emily Watson.

El Mercado De La Guerra

11 AM – 10 PM — De La Guerra Plaza — Free entry — Stroll through a vibrant Mexican market with food, crafts, and live entertainment.