Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Jackie Carrera, President and CEO of the Santa Barbara Foundation, Ashley Costa, Executive Director of Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization, and Das Williams will be honored at the 2026 LEAP Awards—an event celebrating LEAP’s 55th anniversary and 50 years of its Children’s Center. The in-person celebration will be held on February 28 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort and will bring together community leaders, philanthropists, and partners to support essential community services.

The Goleta School of Ballet was honored with a Business Recognition Award for nearly 40 years of service as a female-led enterprise when its certificate was presented at a City Council meeting on October 21.

The award recognizes establishments that shape Goleta’s identity and strengthen its economy (nominations for future awards are open).

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 7:16 a.m. Wednesday morning with 28 Starlink satellites—its booster later landed safely on a droneship in the Pacific.

SpaceX said it disabled over 2,500 kits in Myanmar to curb misuse—and plans another launch Saturday along with two more missions next week.

SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on October 22nd at 7:16 a.m. PT to send 28 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit + its first stage booster landed on a droneship, with nearby residents possibly hearing sonic booms based on weather conditions.

A new piano-jazz restaurant and lounge called The Grand on State — set to open soon at 1218 State Street next to the Granada Theatre — will offer live music and a full dining menu as local owners complete final construction steps.

Carpinteria’s AgeWell Program and SBCC School of Extended Learning will honor veterans and first responders with Portraits of Life After Service, a free photography exhibit at the Alcazar Theatre on Thursday, Nov.

6. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.—instructors Bill and Steve Espinosa will lead storytelling sessions that share the experiences behind the images.

Santa Barbara students are using a new skills lab—funded by California Jobs First—for hands-on career learning in areas like AgTech, aerospace, engineering and environmental science.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department will conduct a prescribed burn at Sedgwick Reserve in the Santa Ynez Valley in early November to reduce fuel and help protect nearby communities.

Approximately 281 acres of sage and oak understory will be burned and the controlled burn may take up to six days — officials will issue media advisories based on weather and air quality.

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County has secured a permanent conservation easement for 36 acres on More Mesa, protecting a coastal bluff known for its oak woodlands and popular trails.

The agreement with the County and community partners prevents future housing development and preserves natural habitats for coming generations.

UCSB researchers and eight taxonomists from across the country completed a week-long bioblitz in the Santa Barbara Channel to sort small marine creatures from rocky reefs and sandy floors.

The collected data will serve as a baseline for tracking local marine life shifts — a key step for future research — as warming waters and acidifying seas impact the area.

Mayor Randy Rowse declared at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club on October 12 that the schooner Mystic Whaler is now the Official Tall Ship of Santa Barbara—recognizing its role as a floating classroom that offers hands-on learning about the sea.

The ship is operated by Mystic Ocean Adventures and brings a rich part of our maritime history to local youth.

MOVE Santa Barbara County is reviving its Iluminando La Noche campaign by hosting events across the South Coast from Nov.

3 to Nov. 7 to distribute free rechargeable bicycle lights as daylight shrinks — volunteers will install the lights and share safety tips along with details about Bici Centro at 434 Olive St.

Santa Barbara High girls volleyball team came from a 0-2 deficit to win 3-2 in the CIF-SS Division 5 playoffs at JR Richards Gym on Wednesday night—junior stars Lola Heckman and Blake Saunders led the comeback.

The win lifted their record to 17-14 and they will host Sacred Heart on Saturday.

Flamingosis Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — EOS Lounge — Tickets required — Experience the eclectic sounds of electronic music producer and beatboxer Flamingosis.

Santa Barbara Halloween Bar Crawl

4 PM – 11 PM — Unbearable Skee Lodge — Ticket required — The Halloween Event of the Year featuring access to the best spots in town!

Journey Through Jazz

7:15-9:15 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Free entry — Experience a vibrant musical journey through jazz history from Dixieland to Fusion.

Halloween On The Harbor

8 p.m. - 12 a.m. — The Anchor Rose — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate Halloween with a festive rooftop party featuring stunning views.

ZZ Top Live Concert

7:00 - 8:30 p.m. — Santa Barbara Bowl — Ticket prices vary — Rock out to the legendary ZZ Top and special guests Night Ranger for an unforgettable night.

Jack Johnson's Double Feature Surf Film Night

6-8:30 p.m. — Arlington Theatre — Tickets available through request system — Enjoy classic surf films paired with live music from Jack and Friends.

David Sedaris Live

7:30-9 p.m. — Arlington Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the wit and charm of David Sedaris as he shares new stories and diary entries.

Santa Barbara Half Marathon & 5K

7 AM – 12 PM — Loquita Santa Barbara — Cost info not specified — Experience the scenic beauty of Santa Barbara while running in a half marathon or 5K.

Repair Cafe Santa Barbara

6-8 p.m. — Rancho Goleta Lakeside — Free entry — Gather with neighbors to repair, recycle, and restore your items in a friendly community setting.

Evening with Judy Collins and Tom Rush

7-8:30 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting voice of Grammy award-winner Judy Collins alongside the legendary Tom Rush in a memorable concert.