Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Happy’s Collision Center in Santa Barbara signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer on August 12th — now offering U-Haul trucks, trailers and towing equipment — and operates Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is located at 502 E.

Haley St.

Chef John Savage leads Creative Services Catering with fresh, innovative dishes and themed events at Bungalow 626 — his team works with clients to turn visions into great meals using seasonal ingredients.

He will soon launch his new Savage Sassy Sauce to add bold flavor to local gatherings.

The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara received its seventh consecutive 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid — the highest recognition for nonprofit openness — as it maintains clear financial reporting while having awarded over $167 million in scholarships since 1962.

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara and 2nd Story Associates completed a free summer program that prepared 17 teens for college and career success through field trips, community service, and workshops.

Graduates received a Jansport backpack, a solar powered charger, a $100 stipend and a $50 gift card for school supplies — the program aimed to build educational and social skills.

Firefighters had contained 33 percent of the Gifford Fire by Tuesday morning as it burned over 122,000 acres and sent smoke and ash high into the air; the county Air Pollution Control District said most areas had green and yellow air quality but warned that shifting winds may bring more ground-level smoke—residents with respiratory concerns should consider using N95 masks or staying indoors.

Space Force officials will meet with the California Coastal Commission to review SpaceX's plan to double rocket launches from Vandenberg, as local residents and environmentalists say they worry about more noise and harm to marine life — the review is expected to guide future launch rules.

Santa Barbara City Council approved a 90-unit housing project on Milpas and Gutierrez streets in a 4-3 vote on Tuesday even though some local residents said the new building could block views, increase traffic, and cause flooding.

The project offers studios, one- and two-bedroom units with nine for very-low-income residents and six extra affordable units—complying with state SB 330—to bring new homes to the Eastside.

The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce is hosting the State of the County address on Aug.

28 from 3-5:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara & local business leaders will hear updates from county officials including Laura Capps, Mona Miyasato, Roy Lee, and Peter Rupert on plans for the region's future.

UCSB’s Gaucho Racing competed in the Formula SAE Electric race in Michigan where they built an all-electric F1 car—steering and battery issues kept them out of dynamic events, though they earned high scores in design and presentation and plan to improve for future competitions.

The Santa Barbara Lifeguard Association competed last week at Huntington State Beach in the National Surf Lifesaving Championships and placed 20th overall among 700 competitors from more than 100 chapters.

Roman Higgins, Tony Sholl and other lifeguards earned top finishes in key events while Wyatt Warkentin won the B Division Surf Swim event—showcasing strong team performance.

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.

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.