Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Bucket Brigade's Youth Fire Prevention Team cleared dry brush and invasive weeds in Elings Park over the past month as part of a training course to help protect Mesa homes from wildfires and floods.

The teens earned certifications (First Aid, CPR, Wilderness First Responder) while sharpening skills for future emergencies.

Organic Soup Kitchen is set to debut its new magazine this fall as it celebrates 17 years of service in nourishing Santa Barbara.

The nonprofit will host a private event — for community partners, donors, and healthcare leaders, by invitation and donation — to mark the launch.

Robert Plant and his band Saving Grace will perform their ‘Up The Sharp End’ tour on Oct.

1 at the Arlington Theatre—celebrating the release of a new album crafted after six years of creative exploration.

Santa Barbara Symphony Director of Education Marie Hébert will receive the Emerging Professional Award and youth violist Ella McGowan will be honored with the Young Musician Leadership Award from the Association of California Symphony Orchestras on Aug.

8 at the Hyatt Regency Sonoma in Santa Rosa + both awards recognize their leadership in music education and community service.

Philanthropist Cheryl Goldberg has donated $6 million to nearly fund the Lompoc Theatre Project's $18.9 million Centennial Renovation in Old Town Lompoc.

Phase II will complete by spring 2027 with an 80-seat space and a climate-controlled courtyard, with a full 450-seat auditorium to follow.

A new report by the California Budget & Policy Center named Santa Barbara County a statewide model for expanding childcare access due to a coordinated effort among nonprofits, public agencies & funders.

Enrollment in funded childcare rose 160 percent between 2021 and 2024, adding 1,599 infant and toddler spaces.

Heat is straining Santa Barbara County this weekend as coastal areas see 85-100 degrees under a heat advisory until Sunday.

Inland regions and mountains may reach up to 110 degrees, and a high surf advisory covers Channel Islands beaches through 5 p.m. today.

Santa Barbara County is experiencing hotter weather due to a Super El Niño, which is warming coastal currents that bring tropical fish and benefit local fishermen.

Emergency management teams are coordinating with cities to prepare for possible flooding and rain — residents are advised to check home flood protection measures.

On Thursday, community members, scientists, and economists met at a public forum to discuss Diablo Canyon’s federal license extension (pending state approval) and its potential to boost local jobs and restore school funding.

Experts said the extension could save billions and restore a nine-million-dollar annual impact from nuclear operations.

A Santa Barbara resident is asking for Calle Cesar Chavez to be renamed after Filipino American leader Larry Itliong — who played a key role in the United Farm Workers movement.

The proposal seeks to honor overlooked Filipino contributions to local history.

Santa Barbara County Health Department is hosting its 4th annual Back-to-School Health Fairs Tuesday, Aug.

4 in Santa Maria, Wednesday, Aug. 5 in Lompoc, and Thursday, Aug. 6 in Santa Barbara, where families can receive free physicals, immunizations, and school supplies along with community resources (including food trucks and music).

Santa Barbara County reported one isolated case of cyclosporiasis on July 24 — a local resident experienced nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps and now feels better, while officials say there is no link to the larger national outbreak and advise safe food handling.

Santa Barbara Water Polo Club competed at the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics in Irvine last weekend.

The girls teams went undefeated to win platinum titles (earning five medals in total) while the boys teams also achieved strong top-eight finishes.

Siudy Flamenco - Flamenco Suite

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a captivating performance by the Siudy Garrido Flamenco Company in the heart of Santa Barbara.