Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Gail Arnold spotlights three local nonprofits (ILDC, CARE4Paws, and Doctors Without Walls) for helping neighbors in need.

Their work includes legal support for undocumented residents, low-cost pet care for low-income owners, and mobile healthcare for the homeless.

The ninth Annual Shining Light on Abilities display invites families to enjoy over 50,000 lights and a holiday slideshow at Hillside House (1235 Veronica Springs Road) through Dec.

31. The free event features festive decorations and runs nightly after sunset.

Food Bank of Santa Barbara County is meeting rising demand as nearly 20 percent of residents face food insecurity amidst soaring costs, and Bank of America has provided a $10,000 grant to support distribution of meals, produce and nutrition education at over 50 local sites during the holiday season.

Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop held a soft opening on the 500 block of State Street in Santa Barbara; a grand opening is planned on Jan.

22 and the shop operates from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Lou Cannon, a longtime Summerland resident & respected White House correspondent, died this week at 92 after suffering a stroke.

He authored five foundational books on Ronald Reagan, marking a distinguished career covering American politics from California to the national stage.

UCSB English professor Jim Casey is leading a national coalition to use AI for recovering early African American newspapers as part of a $750,000 Schmidt Sciences grant.

His team from 10 universities (including the Adler Planetarium) is developing new tools to unlock historical Black press archives.

Environmental and community leaders in downtown Santa Barbara warned recently that abrupt federal rollbacks halted more than $1.5M in grants for regenerative agriculture, clean transportation, and green jobs.

They said local partnerships are stepping in to fill the funding gap as the region faces rising climate risks.

The 2026 waterfront parking passes are available now at $145 each and valid immediately in all lots (except Stearns Wharf), offering some buyers added savings up to 13 months.

They can be purchased online or at the Waterfront Department office.

American Medical Response warns that stress, cold weather and holiday overeating are expected to raise heart emergencies by more than 30% on Christmas Eve.

Local residents are urged to learn warning signs, call 911 at the first sign of trouble + consider CPR training to help in an emergency.

Eyeglass Factory is hosting its 31st annual Kids Day today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Milpas Street to offer free eye exams and glasses for children 18 and under, continuing a legacy started by the owner's father.

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.