Good morning Santa Barbara! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Santa Barbara PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Horse lovers! Now hear what horses have to say...about you... and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Santa Barbara Fastracks Environmental Review for Housing Programs (independent.com) — Santa Barbara's City Council has approved a streamlined environmental review for its long-term Housing Plan, aiming to speed up delivery of thousands of new units, including affordable housing. The holistic EIR covers 32 housing-related programs and sets mitigation measures for environmental impacts, while still allowing additional project-level review when needed. One councilmember opposed the plan, citing concerns about its scope and potential over-streamlining.
2. Santa Barbara Zoo Euthanizes Capybara After Finding Inoperable Throat Mass (noozhawk.com) — Santa Barbara Zoo has euthanized Poppy, a beloved senior capybara, after vets found an inoperable throat mass that made breathing and eating difficult. Another capybara, Antonio, is undergoing groundbreaking treatment for a rare blood cancer, while the zoo also copes with recent red panda deaths, prompting an outpouring of support from Santa Barbara community members.
3. Santa Barbara Library Series Explores Diverse Hispanic Culture (noozhawk.com) — Santa Barbara Public Library is rolling out its Raíces y Sueños 2026 series from Sept. 3 to Oct. 14, with more than 15 free, family-friendly events. Residents can explore art exhibits, cooking workshops, music, a mercado, and celebrations honoring grandparents, all designed to highlight Hispanic culture and connect neighbors with expanded Spanish-language and community resources.
4. Santa Maria Asphalt Refinery One Step Closer to Restarting (noozhawk.com) — Santa Barbara County planning commissioners have unanimously approved new ownership and operations for the long-idled Santa Maria asphalt refinery, moving it closer to reopening. County fire, air quality, and planning officials will inspect the site this month to verify past violations are fixed, while the new owners invest millions, rehire staff, and aim to ease the region's asphalt shortage by mid-September.
5. Santa Barbara raises Pride flag outside City Hall for first time (keyt.com) — A Pride flag is now flying outside Santa Barbara City Hall for the first time, officially launching the city's Pride Week. Local leaders, LGBTQ+ organizations, and residents gathered in De La Guerra Plaza to mark the moment, emphasizing inclusion, safety, and representation for queer youth, elders, and families across Santa Barbara, with events continuing throughout the week.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
Ok Santa Barbara! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Santa Barbara Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.