Good morning, Santa Barbara.

A $507,500 state grant has helped SBCC and the Commercial Fishermen of S.B. launch the Ocean Collective at SBCC’s campus to expand training + facility space for maritime careers.

The project aims to provide hands-on programs for younger, diverse candidates in the blue economy.

A Santa Barbara fundraiser brings together mezcal lovers to support the Museum of Natural History’s educational programs, exhibits, and community activities.

Organizers aim to boost local museum outreach (strengthening engagement for families and visitors) as they collect funds for ongoing programming.

Solvang Cinema Arts has added Esther Jacobsen Bates and Ryland Aldrich to its board as it builds support for a permanent film center in the Santa Ynez Valley.

The nonprofit will co-present The Nightmare Before Christmas in Solvang Park on Oct. 2 during the Spirits of Solvang event.

The Santa Barbara Unified School District rolled out a new e-bike policy today that requires students at junior high and select high schools to watch safety videos and get a parent-signed permit before riding on campus; the program aims to boost safe cycling and may include law enforcement workshops.

Ten-year-old Malia Westheimer helped create a six-episode children’s podcast (she voices a young orca named Kiko) that uses her real-life encounters with wild orcas to teach kids about marine life.

The series launched on September 1 and offers families an engaging way to explore the ocean.

More than $160,000 is headed to local classrooms thanks to community support for the Teacher’s Fund School Supplies Drive.

The funds will support classroom grants and quality supplies — helping local teachers enhance hands-on learning.

King Tides will raise coastal water levels from Nov.

24-26, Dec. 23-25 and Jan. 21-22 as part of a project that helps researchers study future flood risks along the coast. Authorities urge residents to document the high tides by photographing local effects — an effort that validates climate models.

The 36-room boutique hotel project in Carpinteria near the AMTRAK station is set for a Planning Commission review at 7 p.m. tonight at City Hall; concerns over parking and mountain views are weighed against its potential to bring in $1.42 million a year + a new parking lot design.

California Gov Newsom declared a state of emergency ahead of a historic El Niño that will bring heavy winter rain and possible floods to California, including Santa Barbara.

The emergency proclamation will mobilize state resources — such as traffic control and emergency supplies — to protect vulnerable communities this season.

Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency to prepare for a record-breaking El Niño expected to bring heavy rains, floods and landslides, prompting state agencies to mobilize flood-fighting supplies and traffic controls in vulnerable areas including Santa Barbara — measures aim to protect communities ahead of potential storm impacts.

Since its June opening in Noleta’s Turnpike Shopping Center, the Neighborhood Grill has become a community hub offering wallet-friendly American comfort food and a relaxed vibe with special menus for San Marcos students and weekly outdoor concerts (Thursdays at 6 p.m.).

On Sunday night, the No. 25 UCSB Men’s Soccer team fell 3-1 to Oregon State at their home field in Santa Barbara after costly mistakes allowed extra goals despite strong efforts by Peleg Brown and Donovan Sessoms.

The Gauchos will face Cal Poly on Sept. 25 to regroup.

Laguna Blanca’s 8-man football team won 58-28 on Saturday, keeping an undefeated (3-0) record.

The Owls scored early with a 38-yard touchdown pass and will face Valley Oaks on Friday at 7 p.m.