Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Goleta honored outstanding community contributors on Friday at its 75th annual Finest Awards Gala at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara.

Sponsored by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, the event recognized service with awards for leaders including Ron and Pat Caird.

Panchetta is a 1-year-old friendly blue and white Cane Corso and Pit Bull mix weighing 82 lbs available for adoption at Lompoc Animal Center (1501 West Central) in Lompoc, where adoption fees cover spaying, microchipping, vaccinations and a health exam and visitors are welcome Tuesday through Sunday.

Longtime downtown resident Ivan Bercovich recalled how leasing the Saks building on State Street revived central Santa Barbara as he compared its bustling past with festivals, parades, and crowded walkways to today’s walkable corridor (he praises local business owners for supporting community vibrancy).

Local stargazers can enjoy the Geminid meteor shower next weekend, with meteors predicted to peak on Sunday, Dec.

14 at up to 120 per hour. Find a dark-sky spot and bundle up for clear viewing in open areas.

Cynthia Erivo received the SBIFF Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film on Dec.

4 at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara Resort – the honor recognizes her contributions to cinema and supports the festival’s educational programs, including the new McHurley Film Center downtown.

Santa Barbara high school athletes face challenges balancing sports and academics when coaches emphasize practice over study time, leaving little opportunity for homework (a trend affecting many during the season).

Some students have even quit their sport to focus on grades.

Sunday's Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County marked a busy week under Amentum’s new Space Force Range Contract — valued at $4 billion and retaining most of its workforce.

The next launch is scheduled for early Wednesday between 12:54 and 4:54 a.m.

On Thursday, Buellton Planning Commission voted 4 to 0 to grant a five year conditional use permit for a weekly farmers market on Avenue of Flags.

The market will run Mondays (2 to 6 p.m. seasonally from March to October) and awaits a Council license agreement and required permits.

Medical experts warn that holiday cheer can bring a higher risk of heart attacks due to rich meals, travel, cold weather, and stress; they advise Santa Barbara residents to adopt small, healthy changes such as portion control and regular activity during the festive season.

Noodles, a 2-year-old shy cat with gentle charm, is available for adoption at the Santa Barbara campus from 12 to 4:30 p.m. every day except Wednesdays — please visit today to find your new companion.

Gallup and Stribling Orchids in Carpinteria offers a rainbow of poinsettias (yellow, peach, pink, white, and red) and holiday workshops, with owner Alex Van Wingerden advising on care while the store runs a buy-one-get-one sale on red varieties.

UCSB’s 1965 football season (a Camelot for the Gauchos) is remembered by former players who still support the school.

The team was inducted in 2008 and continues to inspire local pride in sports.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.