Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Sea Smoke has re-released its 2024 Botella Chardonnay and Pinot Noir nearly 12 years since the last vintage.

The wines, made from grapes grown along Santa Rosa Road (Sanford, Fiddlestix, and others), cost $45 and $65, with wine director Don Schroeder emphasizing a focus on local fruit for future expansion.

Santa Barbara Historical Museum is hosting a public party to open two new Project Fiesta exhibits that honor Old Spanish Days history.

The event runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 23 and features live music, cocktails, dancing, and performances by local Fiesta artists (including Mariachi Sin Fronteras and Elements Band).

Old Spanish Days will hold its inaugural Fiesta in Montecito on Thursday, July 30 at Coast Village Road, offering free mariachi music, folklórico dance, fashion shows and a poster signing at Sunstone Wine Lounge with El Presidente Colin Hayward & poster artist Pedro De La Cruz.

PG&E will automatically credit eligible customers $72.36 on their electric bills this summer, with $36.18 appearing in August & September.

The credits, funded by the state Cap-and-Invest Program, help families manage higher energy costs when air conditioners run.

Groundstar Vineyard became the first Regenerative Organic Certified® vineyard estate in the Sta.

Rita Hills AVA on July 21, 2026 — a milestone that highlights its commitment to sustainable farming and environmental stewardship. The vineyard spans 81.5 certified acres with 25 acres planted to Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Grenache.

Two derelict boats washed ashore at Butterfly Beach in Montecito last week.

Nonprofit Heal the Ocean and MarBorg removed the vessels to avert toxic spills — a sign of the ongoing challenge posed by abandoned boats along our coast.

Santa Barbara County APCD (Air Pollution Control District) advises residents to prepare for wildfire smoke by checking online air quality indexes, creating clean air rooms with HEPA filters, and signing up for alerts.

The measures protect vulnerable groups, including children, seniors, and those with heart or lung conditions.

Yesterday, the Santa Barbara Zoo reported that one of Ruby and Raj's two-week-old red panda cubs died during a routine health check, while its sibling now receives round-the-clock care in a temperature-controlled incubator (born July 2).

Zoo officials said a necropsy will help determine the cause of death.

Organic Soup Kitchen, a local nonprofit, prepares over 25 organic SoupMeals and sells them at its retail store (supporting community nutrition for residents needing medically tailored meals).

The organization has served hundreds weekly with consistent, health-focused recipes since 2009.

On July 13, a conceptual review proposed converting two vacant office buildings at 6185 Carpinteria Avenue into 31 live-work and residential units to ease housing pressure; community members supported the project (noting minimal environmental impact) while city staff highlighted its lack of affordable housing and potential for increased traffic.

Westmont men's basketball will travel to Taiwan to compete in the BLIA Cup from July 28 through Aug.

2 before returning to Santa Barbara to prepare for the 2026-27 season. The trip offers five games, cultural exchange, and team bonding as the Warriors test new skills.

The Santa Barbara Water Polo Club clinched double championships in the girls 16U and 18U Elite Platinum Divisions at the National Junior Olympics in Irvine, Calif. and went unbeaten over a four-day tournament (with standout performances from key players like McKenna Stuart and Nicole O'Neill).

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.