Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Teen activists in Santa Barbara are learning to fight human exploitation as part of an internship with SAFE—SB PAL and the Tzedakah Foundation.

After completing leadership training, the group will launch awareness projects— including a public Q&A with the district attorney and a sheriff's detective.

Late Wednesday night, a semi-truck and trailer fire near the Bailard Avenue exit on southbound Highway 101 in Carpinteria caused multiple lane closures as CHP and fire crews responded with no injuries reported—by Thursday morning two lanes had reopened while cleanup continued.

Scammers are using advanced techniques like AI voice cloning and fake emergencies to trick seniors into sending money through gift cards or cash transfers.

Local experts Ruben Lopez and Bill Prainito will host seminars at Grace Fisher’s Clubhouse (10 a.m.) and Cody’s Cafe (1 p.m.) on August 5th to help families verify calls and stop these scams.

Tropical Wonders—a new $3.2 million exhibit—opens today at the Santa Barbara Zoo, merging two former areas into one immersive space.

The exhibit features nine animal habitats with rare species like the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana and Eastern Indigo Snake and is included with regular admission.

The Community Environmental Council will host its annual Green Gala on Saturday, Sept.

27 at the Bakery Block in the Funk Zone to celebrate local resilience and raise funds for climate programs—Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Sheila Kelliher Berkoh will deliver the keynote on recent fire responses while retired fire chief Pat McElroy hosts a special table honoring first responders.

A team including UC Santa Barbara researchers used artificial intelligence and satellite radar to track industrial fishing in marine protected areas—zones that protect ocean life—and found that strictly protected areas saw nearly no industrial fishing.

Published July 24th, the study analyzed billions of vessel positions and highlights the value of new satellite tools for guiding future marine policies—an important step for ocean conservation.

Santa Barbara is set to redesign a 3.1-mile stretch of Cliff Drive with $27 million to add four new traffic signals, fourteen crosswalks, curb extensions, safety lighting, and a separated bike path — a plan designed to boost pedestrian, bicyclist, and student safety.

The project will go before the City Council for an environmental review on July 29 — a key step before construction may begin as early as 2026 and complete the final gap on the coastal bike route.

Mission LLC is suing Santa Barbara County over a $198K property tax bill because it claims a religious exemption from renting to a church — the Unitarian Universalist Mission says it is not connected.

County officials state the property is not used only for church worship and must pay full taxes.

The Santa Barbara Foresters will begin their run for an 11th NBC World Series title today at 6:30 p.m. PST in Wichita as they face the Derby Twins.

The team posted a 23—9 record in the regular season and overcame injuries and roster moves to build a united lineup for the tournament.

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.

Robert Glasper at Lobero Theatre

7-9 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the genre-defying brilliance of Grammy-winning artist Robert Glasper live in concert.