Good morning, Santa Barbara.

The Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program is hosting its 15th annual Cowboy Ball fundraiser on August 16th at 5:00 p.m. at Camp Carmina—this event will feature a plated dinner by High on the Hog Catering, an open bar with Firestone Walker Brewing Co. beer and Sunstone wine, live music by Whiskey Business, various auctions, and a riding demonstration while proceeds support scholarships and program operations for over 70 weekly participants.

Dr. Angela Hsu, a pediatrician at Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, was named board chair of Jodi House, which helps brain injury survivors and their families; the new board also includes vice chair Kerry Kelly, secretary Arianne Johnson, and treasurer Aaron Poirier.

The leaders bring skills in medicine, education, and research — a team set to strengthen local care — as they work with community partners to advance the nonprofit’s mission.

The Santa Barbara Rufnsluffers, led by longtime advocate Trish Gainey, raised $43,550 for the Alzheimer’s Association during The Longest Day campaign—an event that united local bridge players to support research, care, and services.

The fundraiser was hosted by the Santa Barbara Bridge Center—at 2255 Las Positas Rd—and featured a matching donation that doubled every dollar raised.

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum has been a place where residents learn about maritime history and ocean life for 25 years.

It offers hands-on exhibits and education programs that help visitors, volunteers, and students connect with our coastal heritage—bringing local maritime stories to life.

Music Academy of the West staged Mozart's Don Giovanni at the Granada Theatre this summer as part of its annual opera tradition— the professional production showcased strong vocal talent and a 1930s Hollywood theme directed by Mo Zhou.

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara expanded its Future Scholars summer program by partnering with four new groups—Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, People’s Self-Help Housing, Lompoc Middle School and El Camino Junior High School in Santa Maria—to provide local elementary and junior high students with college and financial aid information. The program runs through today and also reaches high school students with additional summer and year-round sessions.

Anacapa School in Santa Barbara announced new faculty and expanded programs for the 2025-26 academic year to enhance its project-based learning and outdoor education.

The school, which maintains a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, is offering campus tours this summer—giving families a firsthand look at its updated approach to learning.

An 8.7 earthquake off Russia triggered a tsunami advisory for Santa Barbara today, with forecast waves arriving at 12:50 a.m. PDT that may cause dangerous currents and affect local harbors — residents are urged to stay away from coastal waters.

Forecasted wave heights for Santa Barbara range from 0.9 to 1.7 feet, and warnings will remain in effect for several hours.

A federal court granted five local environmental groups permission to intervene in a lawsuit between Sable Offshore and the County over the transfer of leases needed to restart oil production at the Santa Ynez Unit — a decision issued Friday as the Department of Interior restarted production amid local criticism. Filing deadlines are set for respondents by August 4 and for petitioners by August 25 — adding time for environmental and community viewpoints to be heard.

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.

Social Meetup at Kim's Service Department

6-8 p.m. — Kim's Service Department — No cover charge — Enjoy drinks and mingling at this vibrant downtown meetup for the Santa Barbara social crowd.