Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 24th of July.
Good morning, Santa Barbara.
The body of 85-year-old Sonia Lang Crestfield — a Friendship Manor resident — was found in Goleta Slough on July 22 after she was reported missing for 11 days, and sheriff’s detectives said the death does not appear suspicious with the cause and manner pending investigation.
Local theatre group Stage Left—a four-week summer camp that trains kids in performing arts—will perform its adaptation of The Addams Family at San Marcos High School this weekend with shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on July 26th and July 27th.
Santa Barbara’s Galavant is a monthly outdoor concert series that gives area musicians a chance to perform in intimate backyards.
The events are held in residential spaces in Santa Barbara and Montecito — tickets reveal the location hours before and local food can be pre-purchased while the focus stays on music.
Santa Barbara Zoo will open its Tropical Wonders exhibit on Friday as a $3.2 million project funded by community donations.
The exhibit features 15 animal habitats — a sensory tunnel and tropical aviary with animals such as the Grand Cayman blue iguana — and will teach visitors about conservation.
On June 2, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department declared high fire season and suspended residential burn permits while urging residents to clear combustible materials and prepare defensible space around their homes.
Officials recommended home hardening—such as installing sealed, insulated attics—to reduce fire damage as extreme heat and dry conditions continue.
On July 21, the Goleta City Council adopted a resolution urging Congress to support local immigrants and allocated $100,000 for nonprofits to assist those affected by ICE activities.
Council members directed staff to coordinate with regional partners and to obtain federal enforcement records—actions meant to keep the community well-informed and supported.
The Santa Barbara Fire Department has acquired a new Pierce Arrow XT Aerial Ladder Truck with a 107-foot ladder to boost emergency response and rescue operations.
The department will unveil the truck tomorrow from 10-11 a.m. at Fire Station 1 — the purchase was secured through a lease-to-own program and is expected to serve for 25 years.
The City of Santa Barbara bought a new Pierce Arrow XT Aerial Ladder Truck to help firefighters reach high floors safely.
The truck, with a 107-foot ladder and modern safety features, will be unveiled tomorrow at Fire Station 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.—it was secured through a lease-to-own plan ending in 2029.
After nearly two years of conflict at a West Beach apartment complex, three remaining tenants agreed to move out within 60 days under a settlement that exempts them from paying 12 to 14 months of back rent—allowing landlords to begin long-overdue repairs at 215 Bath Street.
The Coastal Warriors 8U baseball team won back-to-back tournament championships this summer, capturing the Gold Bracket Championship at the NCS Summer Games in San Luis Obispo—then securing the USSSA Santa Barbara Championship last weekend.
Ryder Miller earned MVP honors at the first event while Jack Bischoff received it at the second.
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.
2025 Nite Moves Aquathlon and 5K Run
6:00 p.m. — Leadbetter Beach — Various entry fees — Experience thrilling aquathlon and running events in a stunning seaside setting.
Gem Faire
12-6 p.m. — Earl Warren Showgrounds — $7 weekend pass — Explore an array of gems, jewelry, and crafts in a vibrant market atmosphere.
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