Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Direct Relief, a Santa Barbara-based humanitarian group, is sending emergency medical supplies to communities affected by severe flooding in Nepal today.

The organization aims to help families regain access to critical health resources as the region continues to recover.

The House of Beau (a local venue) is hosting Relics and Rarities, a curated antique and vintage market, today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on State Street to raise funds for NatureTrack Foundation.

Santa Barbara County faces a digital divide as a new study shows 34,000 residents lack home internet or a computer and many households struggle with digital costs.

The Digital Equity Coalition & Santa Barbara Foundation will lead phased research and focus groups through 2027 to boost connectivity countywide.

The Santa Barbara Independent marks its 40th anniversary with Indy40Fest at El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park today from 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. The free event offers music, panels, booths and activities for all ages.

Santa Barbara nonprofit leader Kristin Flickinger (49) will join Survivor Season 51 as one of 18 new contestants on CBS, debuting on Wednesday, Sep.

23. After 25 years of applying, the former Pacific Pride director looks ready to outlast competitors on a remote island.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History will host PBS KIDS’ Buddy the Dinosaur for a meet-and-greet on Sunday, Sept.

13 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the museum patio, where families can ask questions and take photos (general admission applies while members attend the earlier Donuts & Dinos breakfast from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.).

Flamenco fans will gather at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum on Thursday, Sept.

10 at 6:30 p.m. for Convivencias, an event led by María Bermúdez featuring renowned Spanish and local artists who bring authentic Jerez-style dance and music to our community — a nod to centuries-old tradition.

UCSB classics professor Helen Morales, known as the original Dollyologist, explained Dolly Parton’s cultural power by highlighting her self-ironic style and unifying song lyrics that connect a range of fans, noting her lasting legacy as a force for empathy and unity at Dollywood.

At the Carpinteria Farmers Market, the California Avocado Festival unveiled its 40th anniversary poster design by 24-year-old computer scientist Elektra Caffrey— the festival will run Oct.

2-4 in downtown Carpinteria and feature live bands, art vendors, and nonprofit participation.

Air officials say Santa Barbara County will have moderate air quality through Monday due to smoke from the Timber Fire, which burned over 23,300 acres since Aug.

8. Caltrans has closed a 40-mile stretch of Highway 1 in Big Sur for fire operations.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2026, the City collected $8.1M in Bradley-Burns, $8.5M in Measure C and $4.1M in Measure I tax revenue; Bradley-Burns and Measure C fell below budget while Measure I exceeded it.

In July, TOT revenue reached $4.7M (9.7% above budget) from hotels and short-term rentals.

Santa Barbara County Health launched three interactive public health dashboards for school vaccinations, respiratory viruses, and communicable diseases on its website early this month to provide residents with updated data for informed decision-making.

OpenMinds Mental Health Services announced new psychiatry services to support full-family mental health care as the school year begins; the clinic in Santa Barbara will offer evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy for growing community needs.

On Thursday night, UC Santa Barbara men's soccer (1-1 draw) tied with No. 12 Marshall at Harder Stadium.

Donovan Sessoms scored to equalize after Marshall took an early lead, and the Gauchos out-shot their opponents 25 to 9.

Santa Barbara City College’s football team retooled its roster with local recruits & returning players after a challenging season.

The Vaqueros will open today at 6 p.m. at La Playa Stadium against El Camino College, with coach Craig Moropoulos expecting a strong season launch.