Good morning, Santa Barbara.

The Isla Vista Food Co-op is closing its downtown store on Dec.

26 to focus on its Isla Vista operations; Cantwell’s Deli will reopen the 1533 State St. location on Dec. 27 (bringing back a familiar community spot).

Ghirardelli Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop soft launches today at 509 State Street, offering over 100 chocolate flavors, sundaes and treats for locals.

The store will host a Grand Opening celebration on Jan. 22 (3-5 p.m.) with a ribbon cutting and free hot fudge sundae for the first 100 guests.

Italian photographer Mario Giacomelli's centennial exhibition La Gente, La Terra is on view at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and will run through February 15.

The show features innovative work drawn from the museum's photography collection.

Joe Woodard releases his new album The Fine Art of Forgetting, a 13-track solo guitar collection that blends ambient melodies with humorous undertones.

The album, described as ambient dinner music (a nod to relaxed listening), is available on digital platforms.

Celesta M. Billeci, who led UCSB Arts & Lectures for 25 years, has joined The Music Center (Los Angeles) as its new principal strategic dance advisor for the upcoming Dance series.

She will use her rich experience to bring top dance performances while continuing to reside in Santa Barbara.

Heavy rain and strong winds are expected as an atmospheric river moves through Santa Barbara County from Monday through Friday, peaking on Wednesday, Christmas Eve.

Local officials urge residents to plan ahead for travel delays (with expected rainfall between 2 and 5 inches in low areas).

Rep. Carbajal's Central Coast Heritage Protection Act was added to Sen. Padilla’s PUBLIC Lands Act to protect 250,000 acres in Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument, part of a plan to conserve over 1.7 million acres in California.

Local advocates are pushing for the Coastal Commission to enforce Assembly Bill 1680 as private owners at Hollister Ranch have blocked public beach access for decades — they call on authorities to reclaim access roads and parking lots to restore community beach rights.

Sable Offshore Corp. secured a decision from PHMSA to assume oversight of its Santa Barbara County oil & gas pipelines as it works to restart production.

The company must also obtain state park easements & resolve other legal hurdles before resuming operations.

Moby, a playful Pit Bull mix over 50 pounds from San Luis Obispo County Animal Services Shelter, and Pengu, a two-month-old Plott Hound from Woods Humane Society, are seeking homes this week — meet them at the shelter off Oklahoma Ave from noon to 4 p.m.

Santa Barbara Volleyball Club has announced plans to build an indoor youth volleyball facility at 4550 Hollister Avenue in Goleta — construction begins in 2026 and finishes in 2027 to provide a year-round training space for young athletes.

Santa Barbara High boys' basketball team finished strong to secure a 59-50 win over San Marcos after outscoring them 26-19 in the fourth quarter.

The Dons remain unbeaten in Channel League play and look set to contend for the title.

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.