Good morning, Santa Barbara.

CommUnify announced its honorees for the 20th Annual Champions Dinner & Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026, from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at Hotel Corque in Solvang, with a Disco After-Party from 8:30-10:00 p.m. to support Family & Youth Services.

CommUnify named The Hutton Parker Foundation, People Helping People and Edwin Weaver as honorees for its 20th Champions Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Friday, June 5 at Hotel Corque in Solvang.

It runs 6 to 8:30 p.m. and raises funds for family and youth services.

Santa Barbara Volleyball Club plans to build a new youth sports facility on Hollister Avenue in 2027 after the County approved the lease this week.

The facility, funded by grants and donations, will provide an indoor gym for expanded youth sports programs.

F.I.S.T. and S.T.A.R.

Generation opened a reentry transitional house at 618 Chapel St. in Santa Maria this week. The nonprofit offers safe housing, job training, and peer mentoring to help those returning home — local partners back its second chance model.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is hosting a soft opening at its new State Street storefront in Santa Barbara tomorrow, Dec.

20, serving sundaes, chocolate squares, and ice cream. The official grand opening will feature a ribbon cutting and customer giveaways on Jan. 22, with special offers planned for early guests.

Whiskey ‘N Rye Smokehouse began in Solvang with a search for true barbecue flavor — emphasizing community and creativity; its new venture, Que, will launch at the Santa Barbara Public Market offering quick service and classic hickory-smoked meats.

This year, 10 beloved local restaurants closed permanently in Santa Barbara, with Bar Lou ending service today and others finishing operations in January, May, and November.

They were known for their unique menus and strong community ties built over the years.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden will host its 13th Conservation Symposium on Jan.

31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of its centennial; keynote Doug Tallamy will address native plant conservation while a new exhibit, 'From the Ground Up,' opens Dec. 13 (free with admission).

Scientists from Althouse & Meade are launching monarch butterfly tracking research in Goleta funded by USFWS and Ellwood Friends; the project uses ultra-light tags to follow migration via the Project Monarch app and will expand tagging in January and February.

The Goleta City Council unanimously approved a resolution on December 16 opposing a federal proposal to offer new offshore oil and gas lease sales along the Pacific Coast.

The council said its resolution will be sent to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to reflect local concerns over past oil spills.

JD Slajchert, former UCSB basketball player and Luc Strong Foundation director, partners with NMDP to help Tegan (a 16-year-old needing a second bone marrow transplant) by urging residents to join the free donor registry.

A text to MOONFLOWER connects you with a kit delivered to your home.

In 2025, CenCal Health paid over $16 million via its Quality Care Incentive Program to 95 local primary care providers in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties to improve management of diabetes, asthma and screenings for cancer and lead testing—boosting care standards for patients with complex needs.

Santa Barbara High boys basketball pulled away to win 59-50 over rival San Marcos at J.R.

Richards Gym on Thursday; junior transfer Levi Oakes scored 20 points as his team defended its home court (snapping San Marcos' seven-game win streak).

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.