Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association announced the winners of its annual Holiday Décor Contest on Tuesday evening.

Ace Rivington (1100 State St) took first place, with 33 Jewels (814 State St) and Baja Sharkeez (525 State St) earning second and third honors as local businesses brightened downtown with festive displays.

Leeta Materials held an open house on Dec.

3 to launch its new lab in Goleta for advanced ceramic work. The company — founded by UCSB PhDs — now plans to boost production for mining, aerospace and other industries.

The Isla Vista Food Coop announced its downtown market store at 1533 State Street will permanently close on Dec.

26 because its financial goals are unmet. The outlet will revert to Cantwell's Market & Deli as the cooperative shifts focus to its Isla Vista location.

Wingstop expanded its local presence by opening a new location at Mesa Shopping Center (1972 Cliff Drive) as the chain adds to its regional footprint alongside other new dining venues.

The restaurant serves 12 wing flavors, housemade ranch, and bleu cheese dips while offering takeout and delivery options.

On Dec. 11, Channel City Club held a holiday event at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort featuring local musical performances & a keynote talk by retired Navy Lt. John Blankenship on WWII military leaders.

Christian Roguenant, a French born pioneer of Central Coast sparkling wines, died on Nov.

2 at 66 leaving behind a lasting legacy and family. A celebration of life will be held Friday, Jan. 9 at The Anderson Paso in Paso Robles for loved ones to honor his memory.

Lotusland completed the first phase of fire mitigation and water sustainability improvements along its southern boundary — removing eucalyptus trees and installing an underground reservoir system.

The garden will renew plantings and repaint the historic pink wall this spring and summer.

UC Santa Barbara researchers found that a small section of the corpus callosum is enough to synchronize brain activity, suggesting the brain can reorganize itself after incomplete callosotomy (findings published in PNAS).

The discovery may lead to improved epilepsy and brain injury treatments.

The California Department of Public Health issued an urgent advisory after 21 cases of amatoxin poisoning were reported from foraged wild mushrooms, warning that cooking does not remove the toxin and advising residents to avoid them during this high-risk season.

A bluff-front coastal estate at 4347 Marina Drive in Hope Ranch sold for $10.75 million on Dec.

11. The 1970-built home features six bedrooms and luxury amenities (including a private theater and a temperature-controlled wine room) that overlook the Pacific Ocean.

Cate boys soccer’s George Marin and Carpinteria High girls basketball’s Jamaica Cook earned Athlete of the Week honors after leading their teams to wins last week, and they will be recognized at a luncheon on Monday, Jan.

12 at Harry’s Plaza Cafe.

Over the weekend, SBCC Men's Basketball finished third at the SBCC/El Camino Holiday Classic at El Camino College—improving their record to 9-4—and will face Glendale College on Dec.

20 at 1:00 p.m. for their next matchup.

Last Tuesday afternoon at Pershing Park, the Cleveland Dolphins defeated the Roosevelt Rattlesnakes in the Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons season finale.

Coaches from City College and volunteers supported players as awards were handed out and the event ended with a pizza party.

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.