Daily
Santa Barbara
Tuesday, August 12th, 2025
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ La Casa de la Raza board members announced they will resume services soon as a legal ruling and a $130,000 donation pave the way for a fresh start for the nonprofit. They are working with the city to correct code violations at the historical building at 601 East Montecito—red-tagged in May—to restore its safe use for the community. Santa Barbara Independent
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ White Buffalo Land Trust is accepting applications for its 2025 Fall Artist-in-Residence Program at Jalama Canyon Ranch, where artists can work on creative projects in landscapes like oak woodlands + grasslands. Applications are due on August 15 and selected artists will receive a stipend + travel support, accommodations, and an opportunity to share their work in a public event. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ The Santa Barbara Zoo will host Zoofari Ball on August 23—a space-themed fundraiser featuring live music, food, and a summer travel raffle for a five-night glamping experience. The raffle, with 200 tickets at $100 each and a prize valued at $4,000, will support animal care and wildlife conservation programs at the zoo. Santa Barbara Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Santa Barbara Reading Coalition received fiscal sponsorship from the Santa Barbara Foundation — the support will boost its efforts to improve reading in local public schools. It will host its first literacy event on October 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Central Library’s Faulkner Gallery. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara earned the 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid by providing detailed financial reports — marking its seventh consecutive award. Foundation President Melinda Cabrera said the seal shows the group’s commitment to using community funds wisely — underscoring its focus on transparent operations. Santa Barbara Independent
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Firefighters reported that the Gifford Fire burned 119,214 acres off Highway 166 east of Santa Maria — reaching 33% containment as evacuations remain in effect. Crews used 4,396 personnel and planned a 36-hour strategic firing operation later — three people were injured and 2,922 structures were threatened as officials urged caution. Edhat
- ➤ Congressman Salud Carbajal held a press conference last Wednesday to introduce a bill that would protect over 280,000 acres of Santa Barbara County as wilderness for high federal safeguards — the proposal also covers a 400-mile Condor National Recreation Trail amid cuts to current environmental rules. Santa Barbara Independent
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara officials are applying for a Prohousing Designation from the California Department of Housing and Community Development — this step will unlock funds for affordable housing and help the city get state money. Draft materials are open for public review until August 28. Edhat
- ➤ Gifford Fire crews shifted resources north and began a 36-hour tactical firing operation Monday evening near the Garcia Wilderness—fire officials said the controlled burn is designed to direct the fire away from populated areas. Highway 166 remains closed as Caltrans repairs fire-damaged infrastructure and some evacuation orders have been lifted. Noozhawk
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Executive Chef John Vasquez at Finch and Fork will serve Santa Barbara spot prawns from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on August 13 — head winemaker Robert Daugherty will guide a wine flight while guests enjoy a curated selection of prawn dishes for $75 per person. Santa Barbara Independent
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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.'
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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.
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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.
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Tab Benoit Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of blues with the acclaimed Tab Benoit and his extensive back catalog.
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
The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.
~ Stephen McCranie
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