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Thursday, July 17th, 2025

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Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of July.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Andrew Velikanje, who once lived in a tent, started Earthcomb to remove trash from local beaches, highways and homeless encampments in Santa Barbara and now employs 24 formerly homeless workers. Earthcomb has cleared more than 200,000 pounds of litter and recently received a grant to clean the Santa Ynez riverbed — efforts that support both community outreach and environmental health.  Noozhawk
  • The Santa Barbara Soaring Association will celebrate 50 years of hang gliding on Saturday, August 2 from noon to 6PM at Elings Park — the longest hang gliding site. This free event offers flight shows, historical displays and $25 tandem flights for anyone curious about free flight.  Santa Barbara Independent

ACCIDENTS NEWS

  • A 24-foot motor boat carrying four people sank two miles off Leadbetter Point on Friday at around 7:45 a.m. — rescuers from Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol and NOAA Shearwater helped save the passengers — leaving one person dead and one adult in critical condition after being taken to the hospital. Investigators are searching for the boat — registered in Azusa — as they work to learn why it sank.  Edhat

CRIME NEWS

  • On July 10, federal immigration agents raided a cannabis farm in Carpinteria, searching workers and arresting 10 individuals while a crowd of over 150 protesters clashed with officers — flash-bang grenades and chemical munitions were used amid the tense standoff.  Santa Barbara Independent
  • On July 16th, ICE agents raided Glass House Farms in Carpinteria and conducted operations in Camarillo that detained workers like Sandra Hernandez and Juve Lima without their belongings or legal aid—community groups have started emergency funds to support struggling families.  Santa Barbara Independent

CULTURE NEWS

  • Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days board announced a new parade route that will run from Pershing Park to Calle Cesar Chavez but stop short of the Hilton for Friday’s Historical Parade featuring 58 entries, 27 carriages and at least 100 horseback riders returning via Yanonali and Garden streets—this change comes as organizers address safety concerns following ICE raids. The Downtown Club canceled its Fiesta Carnival de Los Ninos on July 14 and board member Casie Killgore, an elementary principal, expressed pride in preserving Fiesta traditions.  Santa Barbara Independent

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • Today, Santa Barbara County is using 28 new AI cameras at 16 sites to spot wildfires early by scanning for smoke and sending alerts in real time to fire command centers. CAL FIRE will add 100 more cameras later this year to help fire crews respond faster.  Santa Barbara Independent
  • Kendra Sabino of Abadir Santa Barbara turns discarded fabrics into stylish art pieces (working with local designers and fabricators) that promote eco-friendly choices. She started the brand after a sustainability message inspired her and now creates high-quality items that last.  Edhat
  • Today, the Chumash Good Fire Project is reintroducing traditional burns on indigenous lands to help native plants grow and reduce wildfire risks—local fire stewards are now surveying sites like Taft Gardens to test new methods. The initiative works with state permits and local partners to reconnect cultural practices with modern fire management.  Santa Barbara Independent

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Fri, 7/18/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 7/19/25

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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.

    Sun, 7/20/25

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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.

    Mon, 7/21/25

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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.

    Wed, 7/23/25

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  • 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.

    Thu, 7/24/25

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  • 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.

    Fri, 7/25/25

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  • 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.

    Sat, 7/26/25

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  • 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.

    Sun, 7/27/25

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  • 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.

    Wed, 7/30/25

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

What labels me, negates me.

~ Soren Kirkegaard

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