Good morning, Santa Barbara.

David Bishop has been named chair of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County’s Board of Trustees to help manage USDA support cuts— one in three county residents depends on the foodbank.

He brings strong leadership from big companies and long support for hunger relief to guide the organization through challenging times.

Gonzalo Cuevas (61) from Goleta was sentenced to 48 years in state prison by a Santa Barbara Superior Court judge for three counts of sexual abuse of a child after he was extradited from Mexico and additional victims came forward.

Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta organizers have reassured residents that the 101st celebration will continue with key events like the historical parade, children’s festivities and relocated rodeo despite recent ICE raids that raised community concerns.

Some groups remain divided—Downtown Club canceled Carnival de Los Niños for safety—and event routes were adjusted to enhance security.

A tribute concert (Daveapalooza) to honor local musician, educator and parent David M.

Mendoza is scheduled for Sunday, August 3 at 2 PM at the Lobero Theatre. The event will feature performances by local acts including a reunion of indie rock icons The Hero and the Victor to celebrate his lasting impact on Santa Barbara’s music scene.

Dr. Dennis Assanis, former president of the University of Delaware, was named UC Santa Barbara’s new chancellor and will start on September 1 with a $620K pay cut—reducing his previous pay from over $1.5 million at UD.

He ended his tenure a year early amid criticism over his financial decisions, and campus officials say he will work to boost academic excellence and address challenges such as the local housing crisis.

American Indian Health and Services announced that Dr. Marie Keiko Yamamotoya is named chief medical officer, effective July 2025, to boost care and fairness in Santa Barbara.

The board-certified family physician (trained at the University of Washington and UC Davis) will lead the new campus development (located at State Street and Las Positas Road).

A report by Robert D.

Niehaus, Inc. for the City of Santa Barbara showed that median rents in the South Coast have surged—two-bedroom rents jumped to $3,850, a 66% increase since 2016, while even one-bedroom units neared $3,000 countywide. The findings also highlighted that many renters need much higher incomes to meet affordability standards, intensifying the housing challenge in the region.

Girls flag football received a rule book makeover that removes the no-run zone inside the 5-yard line and allows unlimited quarterback rushes ahead of the fall season, so players & coaches must adjust their play styles.

The games will also use four 12-minute quarters, add special teams options, and shift field markers, promising a fresh season for local teams.

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.

Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival

5:00-6:30 p.m. — Santa Barbara Bowl — Tickets vary — Celebrate the rich tradition of mariachi music while supporting local scholarships.

Maren Morris Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Santa Barbara Bowl — Tickets Required — Experience an electrifying performance from country sensation Maren Morris in a picturesque outdoor setting.