Daily
Santa Barbara
Thursday, August 14th, 2025
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of August.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Anthony Bisquera Hartley, a 30-year-old father of three, died from a stabbing on August 1 during Fiesta weekend, and while three men have been charged—with a preliminary hearing scheduled for August 19—questions remain on why murder suspect Juan Fernando Rios, who has a history of violent felonies, was out on bail for another offense. Santa Barbara Independent
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fire crews working on the Gifford Fire set backfires to connect containment lines and mop up hot spots in Santa Barbara County's San Rafael Wilderness while helicopters delivered food, water and supplies for crews on assignments lasting 14 days. The fire, which broke out near the Gifford Trailhead on Aug 1, has grown to 125,272 acres with 37 percent containment, four structures lost and ten injuries reported—cooler, more humid weather is expected in coming days. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and the City Parks and Recreation Department are launching a Landscape Transformation project at Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden—this initiative will create a 2,277 square foot native plant display with 168 plants representing 14 species. The project will span five years and host community events starting Saturday, August 30 while the City provides water access and maintenance support. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ The California Supreme Court sided with environmental groups — directing a lower court to review the ruling that reduced payments for rooftop solar panel owners selling excess power. The decision leaves the legality of the current net energy metering changes to be decided by lower courts. Edhat
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara County updated its flood maps on July 15, so many property owners in a former high hazard area no longer need a permitting review for development—projects next to streams or within setback areas still must be checked for compliance. Noozhawk
- ➤ Today, Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez recounted his family’s immigration journey—describing hardships faced during encounters with immigration officials—to stress civic involvement as his term runs until 2028. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ Santa Barbara County Association of Governments and the county completed an environmental impact report on August 6 for planned last-mile broadband installations—covering rural areas such as Guadalupe, Cuyama, and Casmalia. They finalized designs for these priority areas and will start construction when funding becomes available. Santa Barbara Independent
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Couples planning their summer wedding have many unique venues to choose from—options include riding a luxury train, celebrating at a vineyard, enjoying a botanical garden, welcoming an intimate private island, or experiencing a desert setting. The guide details how each choice brings its own charm with pretty views and special touches for a memorable celebration. Noozhawk
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The cure for pain is in the pain.
~ Rumi
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