Good morning, Santa Barbara.

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church begins a labyrinth installation on Monday, Aug.

17 and will dedicate it with a celebration on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at 4575 Auhay Drive (featuring designer Lars Howlett, donor George Burtness, live music by Natasha Kislenko, and a community potluck).

Local nonprofits, government agencies, and business owners are joining efforts to support homeless women and children facing violence and exploitation in our area.

Data from Lompoc shows rising risks, and a new coalition is aiming to fund essential support services — building a continuum of care for our neighbors.

Twelve local churches have joined forces to clear over $13.1 million in unpaid medical debt for 7,500 residents by partnering with nonprofit Undue Medical Debt.

The group raised $54,131 (including $30,126 from churches) and families will soon receive letters confirming their relief.

Local historian Betsy J.

Green revisits a Whippet derby from August 1926 held at Bartlett polo field in Montecito, a race once reported by the Santa Barbara Morning Press. Her work gives residents a glimpse into the city’s past & preserves a cherished moment in local history.

ArtLabbé Santa Barbara — a nonprofit gallery in the Funk Zone that opened last September at 111 Santa Barbara St. — supports adults with disabilities through free weekly art and music sessions at local schools and facilities.

The venue exhibits international contests such as Liberté and plans new community workshops soon.

Local writer Jay Casbon shows how tending gardens builds bonds among neighbors, turning everyday care into quiet community celebration.

His piece reveals that a simple nod to a flourishing bloom can create a ripple of kindness (a gentle reminder of life on the Central Coast).

LEAP’s Lompoc Children’s Center held its first preschool graduation where 10 little graduates received certificates and will start kindergarten this fall (attending local schools).

Over 60 family members gathered to share cake and photos in a joyful milestone for early learning.

Victoria Martinez Peñaranda, a 17-year-old Middle College senior from Alta Vista Alternative High School, is the Santa Barbara Unified School District student board member who plans to boost mental health advocacy for alternative education programs.

She offers free yoga classes to students and serves on the YouthWell Youth Advocacy Board.

Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria is launching its fall English class titled English 102 (Taylor’s Version) that uses Taylor Swift’s writings to help students learn literary techniques; Professor Janae Dimick designed the course to welcome both fans and non-fans.

Children received free backpacks loaded with school supplies on the 400 block of State Street on Saturday afternoon; some will start school Wednesday.

At Buellton City Council, a 2-2 tie held up plans for a Winterfest drone show, so Mayor David Silva deferred the vote (Aug.

24) for Councilmember Elysia Lewis's tie-breaker. Winterfest is set for Dec. 6, with vendor proposals featuring 100 to 400 drones costing $15,000 to $52,000 amid budget concerns.

SpaceX launched the USSF-366 mission on Saturday, Aug.

15, 2026, between 2:52 p.m. and 6:52 p.m. PT from Space Launch Complex 4 East + some residents in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties might have heard a sonic boom based on prediction models.

Cate's boys water polo team scored 20 goals in a season opener against Newbury Park with Eman Brine scoring five and Liam Moes netting four — the Rams will play at Righetti on Tuesday.

San Marcos won two games and lost one by a touchdown at the 101 Flag Football Tournament at Warkentin Stadium on Saturday.

The Royals are set to face Santa Ynez at home Tuesday at 6 p.m.

The Dos Pueblos girls flag football team won two pool-play games at the L.A.

Chargers Invitational on Friday, beating Trinity Classical Academy 28-12 and Redondo Union 13-7 — the wins move them into the Division 1A bracket to face No.1-ranked Serra.