Daily
Santa Barbara
Saturday, August 16th, 2025
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of August.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Grace Fisher Foundation will open its new sensory room Hidden Haven at the Santa Barbara Public Library Eastside branch on Tuesday, Aug 26 at 11:30 a.m. The free space—designed by founder Grace Fisher—will offer calming resources during regular library hours and marks the Foundation's expansion of services following its first installation in April. Edhat
- ➤ Today, the Greek Festival moved from Oak Park to the waterfront while offering authentic Greek food, live music and traditional dancing. Local groups perform dances and visitors enjoy gyros, hummus and baklava — celebrating the rich Greek culture. KEYT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Seventeen teenagers graduated from the free summer initiative Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura hosted by the Housing Authority of Santa Barbara in coordination with 2nd Story Associates, which offered educational activities, field trips, and cultural lessons. The program provided each teen with a backpack, solar powered charger, and school supplies to help build future skills. Noozhawk
- ➤ The Santa Barbara Unified School District reported reading scores were 50% above the state average and math scores increased by 5% for the 2024-25 school year at a welcome back event Friday morning at The Arlington Theatre—more detailed test results will be released in October. Superintendent Hilda Maldonado celebrated these improvements as staff prepares for students to return next Wednesday. Noozhawk
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara’s MTD will introduce its first fare changes in 16 years on Monday 18, setting the regular fare at $2.50 and a reduced fare of $1.25 for seniors and people with disabilities—old passes will be accepted until the end of August. The transit agency will also add a new UCSB Express trip at 5:10 p.m. and launch Tap2Ride contactless payment to better manage rising operating costs. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ California Coastal Commission voted unanimously to oppose a Space Force plan that will nearly double SpaceX rocket launches from Vandenberg by raising annual limits and constructing new landing zones—citing gaps in environmental data and community impacts. The Space Force is expected to proceed under federal authority—leaving open questions about cumulative effects. Santa Barbara Independent
- ➤ On July 15, the Board of Supervisors approved updated flood maps that replace the outdated FEMA Interim Advisory Flood Maps — easing permitting review for property owners in former High Hazard Areas. Projects near streams, within setback areas or larger developments still require review to ensure they meet Flood Control District regulations. Edhat
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Researchers at UCSB and the Max Planck Institute have developed a new method that uses directed SN2 chemistry—one that precisely links sugars—for automated oligosaccharide synthesis. The breakthrough may speed up biomedical research on vaccines and diagnostics as scientists test the technique on a range of sugars. Edhat
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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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The Flaming Lips Live
6-7:30 p.m. — Santa Barbara Bowl — Tickets vary — Experience the psychedelic rock sounds of The Flaming Lips in an unforgettable concert.
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She.is.beautiful 5k & 10k Santa Barbara 2025
8:30 a.m. — Chase Palm Park — Registration fees vary — Celebrate resilience and fitness with your choice of a 5k, 10k, or SIB Challenge run.
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
You cannot find yourself by going into the past. You can find yourself by coming into the present.
~ Eckhart Tolle
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