Good morning, Santa Barbara.

William 'Bill' Thomas died on Aug.

5 at Smith Health Center of congestive heart failure while under hospice care in Santa Barbara. The noted educator at San Marcos High School and Santa Barbara City College, who authored his obituary, will have his ashes dispersed off the coast in early September.

The House of Beau will transform its downtown courtyard into Relics & Rarities, a curated vintage market featuring antiques, jewelry and collectibles to support NatureTrack Foundation.

The event runs Saturday, Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1129A State St., where community members may also donate unique items.

Steve Morris shared how surfing, family trips and adventures from Goleta to Mexico shaped his life.

He recalled early lessons at Mondos and camping trips that built a lasting legacy — personal stories that connect his generation.

Flamenco artist María Bermúdez will host Convivencias at Tablao Museo at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept.

10 at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum (136 E. De la Guerra St.), where flamenco artists from Spain and the U.S. will unite for a celebration of community and art.

The Santa Barbara Independent marks its 40th anniversary and invites locals to Indy40Fest on Sat., Aug.

29 at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, featuring music + panels and booths for all ages. Arts reporter Charles Donelan recounts his early career in a feature that spotlights the paper’s evolving role.

Santa Barbara City College welcomes a wide range of students as its fall semester begins on Monday, Aug.

24. In-person and online courses offer degree programs, certificates, and transfer pathways for both new high school graduates and adult learners, as noted by SBCC President Dr. Endrijonas.

Music Academy of the West raised a record $1.2 million on Friday, Aug.

14 at Bella Vista Estate in Summerland to support scholarships, music education, and community access. The gala featured Audra McDonald and local performers + honored board member Cheryl Goldberg.

The Santa Barbara County Probation Department recently completed back-to-school wellness visits with 30 youth under supervision, confirming enrollment and using a new wish list to address individual needs.

Support from school supply donations by the Office of Education aims to help these youth start the school year ready for success.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department said a vegetation fire spread 268 acres near Highway 166 on Caliente Mountain Trail Saturday and could grow to 1,000 acres, prompting an evacuation warning between Spanish Ranch and Cottonwood Canyon Road and advice to use alternate routes.

Goleta Police urge drivers to slow down in school zones during August’s Back to School Safety Month to keep students safe.

The department offers guidance on stopping for school buses and watching for pedestrians.

A new restaurant (The Knock Kitchen + Cocktails) has launched at Hotel Californian on 36 State St. with a Hitchcock twist and shareable gastropub dishes.

It will serve walk-ins from 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Santa Barbara High and Carpinteria High boys water polo teams finished the Thousand Oaks Fall Classic at Newbury Park on Saturday.

Santa Barbara rebounded from a Malibu loss by beating Oak Park 10-5 and will host Foothill Tech on Tuesday while Carpinteria ended a 1-3 tournament.

A Central Coast Rams fan starts his morning amid coastal fog, sipping coffee and watching his team gear up as star defender Myles Garrett joins the squad.

He hopes this transformative addition will boost the Rams for a season full of renewed energy + promise.

On Saturday, five local high school girls volleyball squads competed in the Cardinal Classic at Bishop Diego’s Thunderdome at UCSB, where Santa Barbara High earned a third-place finish in the Gold Division before falling in the semifinals.

The event showcased strong local talent and set the stage for upcoming matches.