Daily
Santa Barbara
Sunday, December 7th, 2025
Good morning, Santa Barbara. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 7th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ SpaceX will launch its Falcon 9 today at Vandenberg Space Force Base’s Space Launch Complex-4 between 8:13 a.m. and 12:13 p.m. to deliver 28 Starlink satellites; the booster, on its 12th flight, will land on the droneship (Of Course I Still Love You) while residents may hear a sonic boom. Noozhawk
- ➤ The Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation’s Holiday Project will donate hand-knit hats, scarves, gloves, and socks to people in need. The items will be distributed from Saturday, Dec. 6 through Thursday, Dec. 11 at various sites in Goleta, Isla Vista, and Santa Barbara (full schedule available by contacting organizers). Noozhawk
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Solvang hosted its annual Christmas parade on Saturday along Mission Street as part of month-long Julefest, featuring 46 attractions (from local businesses, schools, and civic groups) that boosted holiday cheer with candy tosses and nods to Danish traditions. Noozhawk
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbaran Lorne G. Everett was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering after a black-tie dinner at the National Cathedral on Oct. 5. The local engineer and LEA Environmental Inc. chairman earned global recognition for developing EPA-endorsed methods for soil and groundwater cleanup (including ASTM awards). Noozhawk
- ➤ UC Santa Barbara physicist Boris Shraiman was awarded the APS Max Delbrück Prize in Biological Physics for his work in understanding morphogenesis, evolution, and biological information processing. He said his curiosity and collaboration have driven his success — qualities that continue to energize local research. Edhat
- ➤ Santa Ynez Elementary School in the College School District earned the 2025 California Honor Roll Award from Educational Results Partnership and Campaign for Business and Education Excellence, recognizing its success in narrowing achievement gaps and boosting college preparation (one of only two schools in the valley honored) (award announced today). Noozhawk
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Roadless Rule protecting 4 million acres, including 635,000 acres near Santa Barbara, is at risk of rescission, a change that could open forests to new roads and logging (raising sediment in streams and increasing water treatment costs). Santa Barbara Independent
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ In Montecito, Highway 101 crews will build new creek bridges and refresh lane and ramp striping Monday, Dec. 8 and Tuesday, Dec. 9 (with alternating lane closures for safety); workers will remove old bridge decks and pour concrete for new southbound lanes. Edhat
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Developers received approval at the Historic Landmarks Commission to advance The Platform project in Funk Zone. The two-story retail and dining center at the corner of Garden and Yanonali will boost local flair for residents and visitors. Noozhawk
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Santa Barbara High girls water polo went undefeated at the Newbury Park Tournament on Saturday with wins against Mira Costa (12-10) and Carpinteria High (13-9). The team is now 10-1 and will face Newbury Park on Tuesday. Noozhawk
- ➤ Zoe Borter scored a career-high 25 points last Saturday at Cal State Bakersfield’s Icardo Center, leading UCSB to an 8-1 record and a seven-game win streak—the best start in 38 years. Coach Renee Jimenez said the strong performance boosts team confidence before Saturday’s nonconference play. Noozhawk
- ➤ UCSB basketball clinched a 109-84 win Saturday when Aidan Mahaney scored 30 points and hit every three point attempt (Bold Week) against Cal State Bakersfield at Thunderdome. The senior transfer from UConn said he felt great and is ready for next week's contest. Noozhawk
- ➤ Westmont Women’s Basketball beat Menlo 87-57 Saturday afternoon at Murchison Gymnasium. Jazmyn Shipp had her first double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds and Sage Kramer scored 20 as the team built a four-game win streak — they will tip off rivalry play against Biola next Saturday. Noozhawk
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Christmas Mariachi Festival
7-10 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Pre-sale available — Experience a festive evening with El Mariachi Estrella de Mexico and the largest mariachi in the world.
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Sounds and Stories of Greek Christmas
The program includes traditional Christmas music, rarely performed Byzantine hymns, and Greek holiday carols. Performing will be Opera Santa Barbara director Kostis Protopapas; Santa Barbara-born mezzo-soprano Xeni Tziouvaras who returns home from Florence, Italy for this festive holiday concert and acclaimed soprano Anastasia Malliaras who recently performed at the Granada Theater with the Santa Barbara Philharmonic.
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8th Annual Winter Music Showcase
6:00-7:30 p.m. — The Granada Theatre — Tickets available — Celebrate the winter season with an evening of live musical performances.
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Introduction to Spring 6, Spring Boot 3, and Spring REST Class
December 15th - 19th — GSA Training, Santa Barbara, CA — Call for pricing — Enhance your programming skills with comprehensive training on Spring technologies.
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3rd Friday’s Lunch Hang
12-1:30 p.m. — The Cruisery, 501 State St, Santa Barbara, CA — Free entry — Meet locals in your 20s and 30s for lunch and great conversation while making new friends.
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Christmas Day Buffet
12-7 p.m. — Finch & Fork — Reservations recommended — Celebrate the season with a lavish buffet featuring seafood, carving stations, and delectable desserts.
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The Gift of Christmas Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Lobero Theatre — Ticket pricing varies — Experience an unforgettable evening with Jim Brickman featuring holiday classics and heartwarming stories.
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New Year's Eve Celebration in Santa Barbara 2025-2026
3:15-5:15 p.m. — Celebration Cruises — $110 admission — Enjoy a Champagne Cruise with breathtaking views as you toast to the New Year.
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