Friday, August 1st, 2025
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Santa Barbara Police Department announced that National Night Out will be held on Tuesday, August 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Spencer Adams Parking Lot at 1235 Chapala St.—the event will feature kid-friendly activities such as a video game trailer, face painting, a bounce house, and family safety displays, with support from local partners. Santa Barbara Independent
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday afternoon, a vegetation fire broke out off Highway 1 near Vandenberg Space Force Base — San Antonio Road West was closed — and authorities said no evacuations were in effect as firefighters, helicopters, and mutual aid teams worked to contain the blaze. KSBY
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Miguel Angel Gaspar Ovalle was found guilty of eight felony counts related to the sexual abuse of children—including four counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, three counts of lewd acts on a child and one count of sexual penetration of a child under ten—and he will remain in custody until he is sentenced on September 2. KEYT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On July 30, residents celebrated Fiesta Pequeña at the Old Mission where traditional dance and music filled the night and a video blessing was given by Chumash Elder Ernestine Ignacio De Soto. Local leaders and TV hosts introduced performers like Zermeño Dance Academy and Spirit of Fiesta Natalia Treviño—easing concerns over recent ICE raids and keeping the community united. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Chef Lennon Silvers Lee earned a Michelin Star for his small restaurant, Silvers Omakase, in the Funk Zone which offers a personal Japanese omakase dining experience. The restaurant raised its starting price to $235 on July 1 due to tariffs on imported goods—ensuring a unique meal celebrating tradition and craftsmanship. KEYT
- ➤ Mercado De La Guerra returned as part of Old Spanish Days at De la Guerra Plaza across from City Hall, where vendors sell crafts, food and both traditional and modern clothing while local dance troupes perform on stage. The free event will run through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (showcasing traditional Mexican style) (and modern flair) for local visitors. Noozhawk
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Santa Barbara Public Library received a $250,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation for Library on the Go 2.0—an upgraded mobile library set to serve 15,000 more community members per year. The van will travel to low-income housing, shelters, parks, and early learning centers to provide Wi-Fi, computers, and digital tools to boost early childhood literacy. Noozhawk
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara MTD drivers’ contract expired July 31 and without a new agreement a strike may begin at midnight today—negotiations between MTD and Teamsters Local 186 continue while transit service is at risk. Edhat
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A local guide has outlined seven outdoor adventures for kids in Santa Barbara, including a visit to the zoo, a shipwreck-themed playground, tidepooling, a hike at the Botanic Garden, skateboarding at a scenic park, exploring a coastal bluff, and a harbor walk—each offering a hands-on way for families to enjoy nature. Parents are advised to check tide charts and pack snacks to help ensure a safe and fun outing. Edhat
- ➤ Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County dedicated its 23rd home when Rocio and her son Pablo cut a blue ribbon at Ortega Park today — and broke ground on two new projects that will support the Torres and Lopez families as they complete 250 hours of sweat equity. Noozhawk
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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An Evening with Mt. Joy
7-8:30 p.m. — Santa Barbara Bowl — Ticket prices vary — Experience the uplifting sounds of Mt. Joy, the band behind the hit 'Silver Lining.'
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.
~ Albert Einstein
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