Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Humane hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking this week—welcoming 150 guests and local officials as it began the first major transformation of its campus in over 60 years.

The organization will complete the project in phases while partnering with One805 to provide free vet care for local K9s serving public safety roles.

Nina, a four-month-old domestic shorthair at Santa Barbara Humane’s Santa Maria Campus, is available for adoption—adoption hours are daily from 12-4:30 p.m. except Wednesday.

She will be spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped, and new adopters will receive a free veterinary exam certificate along with a supply of Purina food.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch today at 8:44 a.m. from Space Launch Complex-4 on South Base to deploy 24 satellites for the Starlink constellation—backup opportunities are set for Tuesday.

Unite to Light teamed with the Housing Authority and Deckers to launch a program that will give solar-powered reading lights and phone chargers to over 200 low-income students.

The initiative — serving the Tools for School event and a summer college readiness program — aims to help students finish homework in low-light homes.

On Tuesday, August 12th, 2025, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Programs Unit and Allan Hancock College honored 63 incarcerated students at Northern Branch Jail for completing college-level courses — a milestone that builds skills for a fresh start.

Good weather helped firefighters reach 89% containment on the Gifford Fire by Sunday morning, and mapping showed the burned area to be 131,589 acres (after improved mapping).

Fire crews are now cleaning up the affected area while officials hold a virtual community meeting Sunday from 6 to 7 p.m. to answer questions.

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors will meet Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the County Administration Building on E.

Anapamu St. to review a Grand Jury report that warns of falling vaccination rates and suggests that jails ask new inmates about their vaccine status and that the county study vaccine records for homeschooled children—steps aimed at strengthening public health measures.

Dos Pueblos girls flag football finished second at the Los Angeles Chargers Invitational on Saturday—losing in overtime to Orange Lutheran.

The team, holding a 6-1 record, will host St. Bonaventure for a non-league game Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Santa Barbara’s Miles Evans and Chase Budinger won the Manhattan Beach Open on Sunday at Manhattan Beach Pier after beating champions Phil Dalhausser and Trevor Crabb by scores of 21-19 and 21-16—earning them a plaque on the Volleyball Walk of Fame.

The Gauchos add seven new international players—three from Europe—after the NCAA raised scholarship limits and coach Tim Vom Steeg built a deeper roster to prepare for their season opener; they will face Oregon State on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Harder Stadium.

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.

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.

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.

Darius Rucker Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Santa Barbara Bowl — Tickets required — Experience the blend of rock and country hits from the GRAMMY-winning artist.