Good morning, Santa Barbara.

In Santa Barbara court Wednesday, Christopher Miranda—a former co-defendant who took a plea deal—testified about December 9 when he drove Ramon and others to Stearns Wharf, described a tense encounter that included Ramon warning him 'better not tell anyone' before the fatal shooting of Robert Gutierrez, and noted that the trial will resume on August 4 at 9 a.m.

On July 24, Father John Misty played a long show at the Santa Barbara Bowl where he mixed old and new songs with personal stories; opening acts Hamilton Leithauser and Lucinda Williams set the stage, and encores plus his unique style kept the local crowd engaged.

Today, the traditional fiesta mercado opens in downtown Santa Barbara as part of Old Spanish Days to offer live food preparation, local entertainment, and shopping until 10 p.m. each night—nonprofit booths count it among their largest fundraisers.

On Wednesday night, dancers from local groups performed on the steps of Old Mission Santa Barbara to launch the 101st Old Spanish Days Fiesta with La Fiesta Pequeña.

Many residents enjoyed picnics around the mission and children played with silly string and confetti eggs—while community and religious leaders offered blessings to celebrate the local culture.

Old Spanish Days Fiesta will continue in Santa Barbara despite recent immigration raids that led to detentions at cannabis farms.

Some events have been canceled—while community members and local leaders work to support families and keep the tradition alive.

Officer Adrian Gutierrez retired on July 23 after nearly 30 years with the Santa Barbara Police Department.

He earned awards like the California Police Activities League Officer of the Year in 2020 and the H. Thomas Guerry Award for Valor in 2022—recognizing his service as a community liaison and dedicated officer.

Elon Musk is seeking Coastal Commission approval to double SpaceX launches at Vandenberg from 50 to 100 and the commission will review the proposal on August 14—critics say more sonic booms will harm marine life and disturb residents.

The proposal comes after a federal judge allowed Musk’s lawsuit alleging political bias, which adds tension to the review process.

An extended-stay hotel and 60-unit apartment project in Vandenberg Village was approved by the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission on Wednesday.

The project on a 5.16-acre site on Constellation Road includes an 87-room hotel for aerospace contractors and rental housing with 24 one-bedroom and 36 two-bedroom units — it now moves to the Board of Supervisors for final review.

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.

An Evening with Pete Yorn

7-10:30 p.m. — SOhO Restaurant & Music Club — Tickets available — Enjoy a special performance from critically acclaimed artist Pete Yorn following his exciting past year.