Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Robert John Emmons Ph.D., a renowned philanthropist who supported many local nonprofits (including the Santa Barbara Foundation and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation), died on July 23 at his Montecito home at age 93.

A celebration of life is planned for Sept. 11.

Jodi House announced a new Board of Directors on July 22nd with Dr. Angela Hsu as Board Chair and Kerry Kelly, Dr. Arianne Johnson, and Dr. Aaron Poirier as Vice Chair, Secretary & Treasurer respectively.

The board members bring local expertise in health & education to advance Jodi House’s mission to empower brain injury survivors.

At a Santa Barbara murder trial, the court played audio of five gunshots synced from cameras outside Chad’s on Cabrillo and near Stearn’s Wharf to show how Robert Gutierrez, a Camarillo bystander, was fatally shot in December 2022—Jiram Tenorio Ramon now faces charges including murder and handgun discharge amid alleged gang involvement.

Officials & construction workers have started building booths, a stage, and vendor areas in De la Guerra Plaza for Fiesta 2025 while parking restrictions remain in effect; a ribbon cutting is scheduled for 11 a.m. and festivities will open at noon on Wednesday.

Cathy Williams led a video tour of UCSB Library’s Special Research Collections that showcased rare books, manuscripts, photographs, films and early sound recordings — the tour highlighted new acquisitions like the Astor Piazzolla tango archive and first editions of John Steinbeck’s works. Appointments are available for in-person viewings and research visits.

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District said the Clean Air Grant program is accepting applications from Monday, July 28 through Friday, Sept.

5 to support projects that reduce emissions by replacing older equipment with cleaner technology. The program offers up to $3.5 million in grants—ranging from $10,000 to $250,000—for zero-emission and near-zero emission initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

UCSB researchers used satellite images and AI tools to check marine areas that ban industrial fishing and found these strictly protected zones have almost no fishing vessels.

The study showed that many areas had no industrial fishing over five years — evidence that strong rules protect marine life.

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments is accepting applications for a 12-member volunteer group to guide an AI-powered bike map project funded by a $480,000 Caltrans grant—applicants from diverse biking backgrounds are urged to apply by August 12.

Selected members will work with UCSB and SFU researchers in three to four hybrid virtual meetings over the next year to test real-world bike route comfort factors.

Robbie Fitzgibbons and Elijah Briner, 12-year-old runners from the Island Fox Track Club, competed at the USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships in Georgia last weekend against more than 7,000 athletes.

Fitzgibbons earned a silver medal in the 3,000m race with a time of 10:04.91 and All-American honors while Briner placed 13th in the 100m and 44th in the 200m dash—giving the club its first national exposure in its inaugural season.

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.

Slightly Stoopid Concert

6-10 p.m. — Santa Barbara Bowl — $56.50 - $82.50 — Experience the reggae-rock vibes of Slightly Stoopid in a dynamic live performance.

2025 Nite Moves Summer Sunset Series

6 p.m. — Leadbetter Beach — Participation fees apply — Enjoy an exciting evening of swimming and running events against a stunning beach backdrop.