Good morning, Santa Barbara.

This month donate a new unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots at Members Only Barber Shop (2005 State Street) to earn 50% off a service.

Owner Henry Franco transforms the shop into a festive Winter Wonderland each year, inviting locals to share in the holiday spirit.

Food Bank of Santa Barbara County serves residents with meals, fresh produce and nutrition education at 50 sites amid high local food insecurity while nearly 20% of households face rising costs.

Bank of America donated $10,000 over the holidays + the support helps meet urgent needs.

Santa Barbara County workers held an interfaith vigil at the Courthouse arch on the longest night of the year to remember lives lost to homelessness, and community members gathered for quiet reflection.

A Bobcat’s Tail recounts how local leader Jerry Harwin—who helped turn a former city dump into Elings Park—became the inspiration for a picture book that went on sale Nov.

18 at local retailers to benefit the park.

A new study shows Santa Barbara County schools face significant funding gaps as basic aid districts receive roughly $33,000 per student while LCFF districts get about $21,000, affecting teacher salaries and program availability.

UCSB researchers have used AI to reveal new neuron types and explain how our brains shift focus without moving our eyes.

The study, which combined CNN tests with mouse brain data, is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Santa Barbara County Fire and Animal Control rescued an injured horned owl from a vehicle grill in Orcutt on Sunday, Dec.

21 at 9:35 a.m., and the Wildlife Care Network transported the bird to a Goleta facility for evaluation.

Local environmental and community leaders met recently in downtown Santa Barbara to talk about how new federal funding cuts are harming clean energy and job projects.

They plan to work together to build steady climate funding and stronger local partnerships for future resilience.

Miko is an eight-month-old Domestic Shorthair now available at Santa Barbara Humane's Santa Maria Campus for adoption.

The shelter is open daily except Wednesday from 12 to 4:30 p.m. and welcomes visitors to meet his curious, adventurous side.

Koji Hefner made a buzzer-beating three-pointer & lifted the Royals to a 59 to 58 win over Skyridge High at the Mission Prep Christmas Classic on Saturday in San Luis Obispo.

The team will host Mission Prep today at 6:00 p.m. & look to build on the momentum.

Former San Marcos High star Alex Mack was recently inducted into the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Hall of Fame and earlier earned a place in the College Football Hall of Fame with a Dec.

9 induction in Las Vegas. The NFL veteran celebrated a storied local and national career.

JSerra clinched the Gold Division title by defeating Camarillo 52-35 in girls basketball in Santa Barbara, and DP's boys team advanced to the Cage Classic final after a 56-53 win over Santa Ynez, with their final matchup against Pasadena Poly set for 7:00 p.m. today in Carpinteria.

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.