Good morning, Santa Barbara.

During a summer backcountry trek, Santa Barbara's Boy Scout Troop 26 rescued 78-year-old Douglas Montgomery who was lost and dehydrated in California’s Emigrant Wilderness north of Yosemite.

Scoutmaster Michael-James Hey used his search-and-rescue training and a Garmin inReach to call for help, and emergency responders coordinated a rescue helicopter—ensuring Montgomery received prompt care.

Today, multiple remembrance ceremonies mark the 9/11 attacks at Station 1 in San Luis Obispo, West Beach in Santa Barbara, and various fire stations in Santa Maria and Lompoc.

Several events include moments of silence, flag lowering, and bagpipe performances — honoring lives lost and first responders.

Santa Barbara’s fifth annual Surf Film Festival will take place at the Lobero Theatre on Sept.

26 and Sept. 27—offering films and live presentations that honor the city’s surfing history and support ocean nonprofits. Organizers will also pay tribute to local legend Matt Moore and feature a presentation by world-renowned surfer Shaun Tomson.

The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation has opened an exhibit titled 'Santa Barbara 1925-2025: A Portrait in Maps' at Casa de la Guerra—using historical and current maps to show the city’s changes since the 1925 earthquake and mark EQ25, with the exhibit open today from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

The Marjorie Luke Theatre in Santa Barbara will show the Cost Of Silence film on September 14th — a West Coast premiere of a documentary that explores hidden dangers from the BP oil spill.

After the film, a community forum will give residents a chance to learn ways to fight coastal threats — a focused discussion on local environmental safety.

Sen. Monique Limón introduced Senate Bill 158 that will require developments in Santa Barbara to undergo state environmental review when they fall within a narrow population range and meet conditions like being adjacent to a wetland, creek, or state-registered historic landmark.

The bill is expected to affect a proposed 270-unit apartment building behind the historic Mission—its new requirements may lead to legal challenges among developers and local officials.

Brandon Beaudette was named the official city library director—he has served as acting director since April 2024—and he was chosen after a recruitment process that reviewed 48 applicants; his past roles include city budget manager and senior assistant to the city administrator.

The Space Development Agency launched its first operational satellites with SpaceX at Vandenberg Space Force Base on September 10 using a Falcon 9 rocket that sent 21 satellites into orbit.

Subtle sonic booms were heard in Santa Barbara and nearby counties — marking a milestone in the agency's effort to enhance missile tracking.

The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara awarded a $40K grant to Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics to support its cancer prevention and care program—funding a full-time coordinator and part-time wellness navigators who help connect vulnerable residents to screenings, insurance, translation, and transportation. Since early 2025 the clinics reached nearly 2,700 locals with 22 community events and hundreds of cancer screenings.

An updated housing dashboard shows that half of Santa Barbara County’s renters are rent-burdened and 25% are severely burdened with overcrowding most extreme in Santa Maria and Guadalupe—further urging local officials to expedite affordable housing developments.

The county Housing Authority will soon break ground on a 236-unit project on Hollister Avenue as local leaders call for stronger government and developer commitments to meet housing needs.

San Marcos won a fierce five-set girls volleyball match against Santa Barbara High on Wednesday night at J.R.

Richards Gym and improved their season record to 12-2 while Santa Barbara fell to 5-7. The teams traded points throughout the match (25-27, 25-14, 20-25, 25-17, 15-6) as the Royals secured a narrow win.

The Dos Pueblos High flag football team came from behind to win 36-33 over Ventura at Scott O’Leary Stadium on Tuesday night as Kacey Hurley threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Taylor Grant with 27 seconds left.

The Chargers now hold first place in the Channel League (13-1 overall and 4-0 in league play) after clutch plays secured the win.

Yoga + Weights Class

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Yoga Soup — Check venue for pricing — Engage in a dynamic fitness class blending yoga, strength training, and HIIT with energizing music.

Open House at The Oaks! Saturday, September 13th from 10am-12pm

Join us for Open House and discover how The Oaks brings families into their child’s early learning journey through a cooperative, play-based preschool program (ages 2.5-5). Drop in anytime between 10am and noon to explore our vibrant campus and welcoming community, where children learn through curiosity, connection, and joyful play.

Back To La Lucha Libre III

7-10 p.m. — Franklin Elementary School — Ticket info at Tickeri — Experience an adrenaline-fueled night of exciting lucha libre wrestling for all ages.

Jon Batiste Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Santa Barbara Bowl — Ticket prices vary — Experience genre-defying music from Grammy and Oscar-winning artist Jon Batiste.

Balanced Flow Yoga Class

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Yoga Soup — Donation-based — A gentle and slow-paced vinyasa class combining deep listening, breath, and meditation to illuminate and ground the body.

René Vaca 2025 Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Paid — Experience the comedic talent of René Vaca as he brings his 2025 Tour to Santa Barbara.

Dawes (Duo) Tour

7-9 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of Dawes with special guest Sam Weber in a night of folk rock and piano ballads.

Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival

6 PM - 12 AM — Lobero Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate surfing culture with film screenings, presentations, and honored guests.

Goleta Lemon Festival

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Girsh Park — Free entry — Celebrate family fun with food, entertainment, and exciting activities at Goleta's premier Lemon Festival.

James Garner's Tribute to Johnny Cash

3-4:30 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — $48 – $68 — Experience a faithful musical recreation of Johnny Cash's biggest hits with Garner and his band.