Good morning, Santa Barbara.

Friendship Center hosted its second annual Jolly Holiday Breakfast today for nearly 45 seniors with dementia and their loved ones, offering free breakfast, a Santa visit, live music, and a hot cocoa bar by La Peche Events.

Organizers said the event provided a welcoming space for holiday cheer (and connection).

Volunteers with Adam's Angels prepared about 200 necessity bags with water, nutrition bars, and snacks on Monday, Dec.

22, despite rainy weather, and they handed out tarps with the bags to people in need. They hosted a dinner at Pershing Park on Wednesday, Dec. 24 + continued their outreach.

Work on the $26.45 million San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path Project began last week in Goleta to build a 3-mile route connecting Calle Real with the Atascadero Creek Bikeway (with crews removing 39 trees near Armitos Park) and will complete by spring 2027.

Local chocolate makers at Menchaca Chocolates show resilience as cocoa prices surged over 400 percent due to climate change and supply issues.

They have launched interactive art chocolate workshops where families can mold and taste their own creations at their Santa Barbara factory.

A local writer revisits a lively Midnight Mass at Old Mission Santa Barbara in 1989, recalling humorous encounters and vivid memories among a packed church at Christmas.

The account weaves in historical details about St. Nicholas and the origins of modern holiday traditions.

Laguna Blanca Theatre Department will present the backstage farce Laughing Stock directed by Dana Caldwell on Jan.

16 (7 p.m.), Jan. 17 (7 p.m.), and Jan. 18 (2 p.m.) at Spaulding Theatre (4125 Paloma Drive) in Santa Barbara.

California plans to capture stormwater during heavy holiday rains to strengthen water supplies and lower flood risks.

Local agencies will use high-capacity pumps and clear 650 acres to help water soak into underground areas.

PHMSA approved Sable Offshore’s plan to restart the Las Flores Pipeline System near Santa Barbara on Dec.

22 (after a field inspection confirmed safety processes). County officials have not commented as state and court actions over permits remain unresolved.

Governor Newsom declared states of emergency on Dec.

23 for six severe weather events to aid recovery in Santa Barbara and nearby counties. The declaration covers the Gifford Fire, which burned over 131,000 acres until Sept. 28 and caused highway closures (affecting local infrastructure).

The Santa Barbara Police Department announced road closures after sustained rain caused flooding overnight; S.

Calle Cesar Chavez at Anacapa St. and Old Coast Hwy from Park Place to Hot Springs Road were closed after 2:00 a.m. Motorists are urged to use alternate routes as the storm continues.

The County of Santa Barbara Health Department closed East Beach from one-quarter mile east to one-eighth mile west of Mission Creek outfall after about 4,500 gallons of sewage spilled during heavy rains on Wednesday.

Officials warned that contact with the contaminated water could lead to illnesses.

Noozhawk’s Year in Sports Photos captures 2025’s local sports action, featuring moments like flag football rivalries, game-winning home runs, and volleyball playoff wins.

The series highlights standout images by Lily Chubb and Peter Young (Noozhawk Sports Editor).

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.

Reading Skills 101 Workshop

2-4 p.m. — Santa Barbara Public Library — Free entry — A community workshop designed to empower families with essential reading skills and understanding for children across all grades.