Good morning, Santa Barbara.

On Saturday morning, thousands gathered along Cabrillo Boulevard for the 93rd annual El Desfile de los Niños, where local children danced in traditional Spanish attire and free ice cream was served—continuing a cherished tradition in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Police arrested Juan Fernando Rios (28) as a second suspect in connection with three stabbings that occurred early Friday on the 500 block of State Street where one victim died and two others were in stable condition at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

On July 27, SBTSCO board members, sponsor families, and student ambassadors hosted a pool party where they celebrated four visiting Japanese students with a buffet luncheon—featuring card games, a swim, and introductions by President Linda Matthews and founder Takako Wakita.

The event preceded a ten-day cultural visit to Toba by Santa Barbara student ambassadors who will participate in educational tours and local experiences.

The fast-growing Gifford Fire exploded to more than 23,500 acres east of Santa Maria by Saturday morning—prompting evacuations in parts of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Highway 166 remains closed as officials work to contain the fire, which is at 5 percent containment.

The Gifford Fire east of Santa Maria exploded overnight Friday into Saturday and nearly doubled to 23,589 acres, forcing 60 people to evacuate and threatening several ranch homes.

Highway 166 remains closed until midday today as crews combat the blaze with air tankers and hand crews—hot and dry conditions may worsen the situation.

Santa Barbara City Council approved $500,000 from the Flexible Housing and Homelessness Fund to support immigrant organizations affected by federal deportation actions; the council will meet on Aug.

12 to finalize the allocation—supporting groups such as 805UndocuFund.

More than two dozen local officials signed a letter urging Sheriff Bill Brown to oppose militarized immigration enforcement + they believe his national role can help de-escalate federal operations that have left community members fearful after a recent raid at Glass House Farms.

Brown said he will not comment publicly because his deputies do not work with federal immigration agents.

Instacart data from May 27 to Sept 2 shows that while vanilla tops national ice cream orders, Californians favor Rocky Road—followed by coffee, vanilla, mint chip, and chocolate chip in their top five.

This report highlights how local tastes differ from nationwide trends.

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.

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.'

Community Song Circle

7-8:30 p.m. — Yoga Soup — No cost mentioned — Experience the joy of group singing and connect through music in a welcoming environment.

2025 Nite Moves Aquathlon and 5K Run

6 p.m. — Leadbetter Beach — Registration required — Participate in exciting swimming and running events against the stunning backdrop of Santa Barbara.