Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Community groups in Santa Barbara County have organized fundraisers and donation drives to help immigrant families affected by the immigration raids on July 10.

Organizers urge residents to join community defense training events and donate food and supplies, including a session in Santa Maria today from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (all times confirmed by local organizers).

SpaceX is preparing for its second launch this week from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

A Falcon 9 carrying 24 Starlink satellites will lift off from SLC-4E at 8:51 p.m. Friday with backup opportunities until 9:52 p.m.—if the Friday launch is delayed, another attempt will begin Saturday at 9:26 p.m. and the booster is expected to land on the droneship in the Pacific.

Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig announced Friday that he will retire at the end of the year (after a 33-year career in public safety).

He led the department during major wildfires including the 2021 Alisal Fire and the 2024 Lake Fire, and the county will soon begin its search for his successor.

After more than a decade of work and controversy, Santa Barbara’s Highway 101 project is nearing completion as $134 million in final funds was secured—Assemblyman Gregg Hart and other officials celebrated the milestone at the public library on Thursday.

The multimodal project will begin its final segment next year to improve traffic flow and safety along an 11-mile corridor.

Santa Barbara County health officials raised concerns after a new federal directive required patients at federally funded health clinics to show proof of U.S. citizenship, which could impact up to 55,000 individuals.

Clinics will continue serving all patients until formal guidelines are issued — officials are exploring temporary measures to maintain care.

A local guide outlines five top hiking trails along Santa Barbara’s South Coast that offer options from easy, family-friendly paths to challenging climbs with sweeping coastal views—helping residents pick a route that fits their adventure style.

Santa Barbara County has launched the Green Appliance Giveaway to offer eligible residents free plug-in electric appliances valued up to $500 to boost indoor air quality and energy efficiency with no home retrofits required.

Applications are open until Aug. 22 for households qualifying through CalFresh, WIC, LIHEAP or Medi-Cal + appliances may be picked up at local hubs + additional rounds could follow if supplies allow.

The Santa Barbara Foresters beat the Philippines Baseball Group 10-3 on Thursday afternoon at Eddie Mathews Field with strong pitching and a timely offense that built an early lead.

The win improved the team to 21-9 in CCL play and kept them half a game ahead (conference standings).

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.

Old Spanish Days Santa Barbara - Fiesta

All day — Hotel Californian — Varies by event — Celebrate Santa Barbara's rich history and cultural heritage during this vibrant local fiesta.

The Historic Parade

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Old Spanish Days - Fiesta — Free entry — Experience the vibrant re-enactment of Santa Barbara’s history through an impressive display of floats and equestrian events.