Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How will Santa Barbara’s new fast-tracked housing review actually work?
You won't want to miss Horse lovers! Now hear what horses have to say...about you... on the Santa Barbara Patch calendar
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! 💚
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In today's newsletter:
- How will Santa Barbara's new fast-tracked housing review actually work?
- Why Santa Barbara Zoo is mourning Poppy and closely watching Antonio
- How Santa Barbara Library is celebrating Hispanic roots this fall
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!)
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 82 and low of 65 degrees.
- Wednesday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 81, low: 64.
- Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high of 82 and low of 65 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
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.
📸 Around Santa Barbara
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Santa Barbara
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- First Day of School (All Grades)
Santa Barbara Unified District Santa Barbara, CA 93101 - Gym: G Volleyball vs. Mission Prep - Var 5:30pm, JV 4:00pm
San Marcos High School Santa Barbara, CA 93110
4:00 pm - Back to School Night
Franklin Elementary School Santa Barbara, CA 93103
6:00 pm - Gym: G Volleyball vs. Hart - Var 6:30pm, JV 5:00pm, FS 4:00pm
San Marcos High School Santa Barbara, CA 93110
4:00 pm - Back to School Night
Roosevelt Elementary School Santa Barbara, CA 93101
6:00 pm - August Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series Presents "Vision for a Wild Coast at Point Conception: Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve"
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum , 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA, 93109, United States
7:00 pm - August Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series Presents âVision for a Wild Coast at Point Conception: Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserveâ
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum , 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA, 93109, United States
7:00 pm - Finish Up Friday
Explore Ecology EE Makerspace, 302 East Cota St, Santa Barbara, 93101, United States
1:00 pm - Horse lovers! Now hear what horses have to say...about you... →
2905 Bramadero Road, Los Olivos
1:00 pm - The Ocean Hates You! with Forrest Shaw →
The Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria
7:00 pm - EL PIRATA BUCHAR": The Pirate Hippolyte Bouchard on California's Central Coast →
, Santa Barbara
10:00 am - Community Educational Day Sail on Tall Ship Mystic Whaler →
113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara
12:00 pm
Wednesday August 19
Thursday August 20
Friday August 21
Saturday August 22
Sunday August 23
Sunday August 30
📣 Santa Barbara Shout Outs!
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.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Premium Retail Services, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Merchandiser in Santa Barbara. Apply here.
- Santa Barbara Unified School District posted a job opening for Infant Toddler Teacher - Las Flores Infant Center 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: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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