Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a simple chess club is transforming life for Santa Barbara seniors

Coming up: Santa Barbara County 11th Annual Organ Donation Celebration Walk and BBQ on the Santa Barbara Patch calendar

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Hey hey Santa Barbara! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a simple chess club is transforming life for Santa Barbara seniors
  • How The Muse will change music and youth arts downtown this fall
  • Why Santa Barbara Airport is suddenly getting national attention

Also on today's calendar: GLORIA'S OLD HAUNT - West Coast Premiere and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Partly sunny, with a high of 78 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 77, low: 61.
  • Sunday: Clouds and sun, with a high of 74 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. More Than a Game: Santa Barbara Seniors Find Connection Over Chess (keyt.com) — Santa Barbara seniors are gathering twice a week at the Louise Lowry Davis Center to play chess, stay mentally sharp, and enjoy much-needed social connection. Players describe the club as "brain food" that keeps them engaged, out of isolation, and looking forward to each Tuesday and Thursday meetup.
   

2. Downtown Santa Barbara to Celebrate Music Academy of the West Groundbreaking Ceremony (independent.com) — A new Music Academy of the West education and performance center is coming to 901 State Street, and you're invited to its groundbreaking on October 15 at 5 p.m. The Muse will bring rehearsal, teaching, and intimate concert space into the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, expanding youth programs and year‑round cultural activity for local residents.
   

3. Santa Barbara Airport Named 'Best Small Airport' Finalist (keyt.com) — Santa Barbara Airport has been named a finalist in USA TODAY's Best Small Airport contest after a record year with nearly 1.5 million passengers and expanded nonstop routes. Local travelers now have more options to fly closer to home, and residents can support SBA by voting in the national competition through October 5.
   

4. Squeeze the Day at the 2026 Goleta Lemon Festival! All-Inclusive Kids Activity Wristbands – Pre-Purchase for $10 Off (independent.com) — Families from Santa Barbara and nearby communities can plan ahead for the Goleta Lemon Festival at Girsh Park on September 26–27, with discounted all‑inclusive kids wristbands available online through September 24. The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber's event promises lemon‑themed food, rides, games, and live entertainment, giving local residents a lively weekend option just up the road.
   

5. Prep roundup: Laguna Blanca beats Bishop Diego in girls volleyball (keyt.com) — Local prep teams around Santa Barbara were busy, with Laguna Blanca topping Bishop Diego in girls volleyball and Dos Pueblos edging Santa Barbara High in girls tennis behind dominant singles play. San Marcos and Dos Pueblos also battled in girls golf, while Dos Pueblos boys water polo split two South Coast Tournament games, giving fans plenty to track across the region.
   

📸 Around Santa Barbara

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Santa Barbara County Education Office posted a job opening for Educational Interpreter, American Sign Language, Certified in Santa Barbara. Apply here.
  • Panda Express posted a job opening for Assistant Manager (P1-1376921-9) in Santa Barbara. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Santa Barbara here.

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: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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