Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Kim Cantin was honored with ShelterBox USA’s 2025 Community Impact Award at a gala held at the Montecito Club that raised more than $800,000 for emergency shelter and supplies.

Kenny Loggins sang his classic 'Celebrate Me Home' while an energetic auction showcased diverse prizes.

Santa Barbara CHP is hosting its annual CHiPs for Kids toy drive to collect new, unwrapped toys for families; donations can be dropped off at the CHP office, Faherty, Walgreens, and DMV until December 19 — helping ensure every child has a holiday to remember.

Daniel Schneider of Black Dog Trivia partners with the county shelter to feature adoptable dogs like Colonel at trivia nights.

The group will host a holiday dog-themed trivia event on Dec. 17 at Validation Annex — its efforts have helped three dogs find homes since January 2024.

Firefighters quickly doused a fire at the China Pavilion restaurant (1202 Chapala St.) Saturday morning in downtown Santa Barbara after smoke was spotted coming from the rooftop HVAC system.

No injuries were reported and the restaurant was closed at the time.

Ace Rivington won first place in the Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Décor Contest after judging 27 local businesses, with winners also including 33 Jewels, Baja Sharkeez, and honorable mentions.

The Santa Barbara Holiday Brass Concert, held Saturday, Dec. 13 at Storke Placita, brought festive live music to shoppers.

The cruise ship AIDAdiva will visit Santa Barbara on Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Channel after a CDC report detailed a norovirus outbreak aboard last week; the ship has increased cleaning and isolation measures (2,050 passengers onboard) to fend off further spread.

A $31 million permanent supportive housing complex for 34 formerly homeless individuals will be built in Goleta at 4560 Hollister Ave+The Housing Authority is constructing Hollister Lofts with 35 units and supportive services, having begun work in November and scheduled for completion by spring 2027.

San Marcos boys basketball won 74 to 33 over Righetti at Thunderhut on Saturday as coach Matt Jordan praised the defense and announced upcoming games against Oxnard on Monday and Santa Barbara High on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Santa Ynez beat Hilmar 67 to 48 in the Morro Bay Tournament.

UCSB’s women’s basketball team defeated Utah Tech 68-65 on Saturday with late three-pointers by Jessica Grant that secured their eighth straight win.

The Gauchos will return home to play Eastern Washington Thursday + local fans are eager to cheer them on at the Thunderdome.

On Saturday, Cate boys soccer defeated Coast Union 9-0 at Meldman Field in Carpinteria as George Marin scored five goals and teammates Dimash Anuarbek, Quincy Thorne, and Charlie Dorion added four.

The Rams will play Oaks Christian on Tuesday.

San Marcos girls water polo finished third at the Villa Park Tournament on Saturday by losing a 12–11 overtime semifinal to The Bishop’s and then beating Valhalla High 14–8 — they will host Santa Barbara High on Tuesday at 3:15 p.m.

In local high school girls basketball, Bishop Diego opened the Tri-Valley League with a 63-6 win over Santa Clara Saturday and will compete in the Avalon Classic on Dec.

29. San Marcos beat Lompoc 46-31 and Oak Park outlasted Dos Pueblos 67-29.

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.