Housing & Development · Goleta, CA
More than 360 residents have signed a petition opposing the Gratitude Canyon youth camp proposed by pop star Katy Perry and her sister Angela Lerche in the Goleta Valley. The project, which involves subdividing an 110-acre property at 183 Winchester Canyon Road for eight cabins and other facilities, faces opposition due to concerns about noise reverberation in the canyon bowl and fire safety evacuation risks on a single-access street. While local nonprofits like Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara support the initiative, neighbors argue the camp would permanently alter the character of established residential neighborhoods. The project is currently in early review with Santa Barbara County, with an environmental scoping hearing expected early next year.
Local Politics · Santa Barbara, CA
The City of Santa Barbara is conducting a special recruitment for its seven-member Rent Stabilization Board, with at least four seats reserved for tenants of rental housing in the city, including one tenant aged 65 or older. Applications are due by December 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., and applicant interviews will be conducted by the City Council at City Hall (735 Anacapa St.). Specific interview dates were not listed in the announcement. The City Council will make appointments to the board on Tuesday, December 15, 2026.
Education · Santa Barbara, CA
Three Santa Barbara Unified School District schools have appointed new principals for the 2026-27 academic year. Kimberly Sheriff Brown joins Monroe Elementary as interim principal, Alex Wilson leads Alta Vista Alternative High School and La Cuesta Continuation High School, and Xóchitl Tafoya heads Cleveland Elementary. The administrators aim to improve literacy, enhance student safety, and establish wellness centers at their respective campuses.
Community News · Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Independent's weekly arts roundup covers November community events including Opera Santa Barbara's Rigoletto at the Lobero Theatre (Nov. 6, 8, 10), the Unity Shoppe Voices for Unity concert with Kenny Loggins and Brad Paisley on Nov. 24 at The Granada Theatre, and the Ojai Film Festival (Nov. 4-9) featuring Martin Sheen, Jeff Bridges, and Melissa McCarthy. The Creative Revolution Tour benefits the Santa Barbara Birth Center Saturday, Nov. 7, at Carrillo Recreation Center. UCSB Arts & Lectures presents author talks with Min Jin Lee (Nov. 12) and Rana Foroohar (Nov. 19), while three film festivals—NatureTrack (Nov. 5-6), Wild and Free (Nov. 6-8), and the Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival (Nov. 12-14)—run through mid-November.
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Social Events · Solvang, CA
Solvang, a Santa Barbara County community, has been nominated in The Zoe Report's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards for "Best Christmas Town," after winning the same category in 2025. Public voting runs Oct. 14 through Nov. 11 at 11:59 a.m. EST, with winners announced Nov. 19. Solvang City Manager Randy Murphy said the nomination reflects the community's holiday-season efforts for locals and visitors. The city's annual Julefest celebration is scheduled Nov. 27 through Jan. 3.
Community brief · Santa Barbara, CA
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church at 1205 San Antonio Creek Road in Santa Barbara is accepting pre-orders through November 2 at 11:59 p.m. for its annual Greek Grab 'n' Go fundraiser, with pickup on November 7 and 8. The event, which began in 2020 as a pandemic-era alternative to the church's traditional Greek Festival, offers items including gyros, spanakopita, pastitsio, dolmas, baklava, and Loukoumades priced from $5 to $60. Orders are placed…
Community brief · Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival opens Sunday, Nov. 1 at the SBIFF Film Center, 916 State St. Highlight screenings include "My Underground Mother" at 2:15 p.m. Sunday with a director talk-back, "UNraveling UNRWA" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, and "We Met at Grossinger's" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. Individual tickets and festival passes are available; online sales close 24 hours before each screening, with box office purchases still…
Community brief · Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Public Library and partnering organizations will host their annual Community Baby Shower on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Central Library's Faulkner Gallery at 40 E. Anapamu St. The event invites parents and caregivers of newborns or expecting families to learn about programs, resources, and services supporting children's health, development, and early literacy. The first 50 attendees will receive a…
