SBEF Celebrates 40 Years
The Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) will mark a major milestone with its 40th Celebration: Strong Roots Supporting Bright Futures on April 23, bringing together community leaders, educators, and supporters to honor four decades of investment in public education. The evening will feature a hosted reception, plated dinner, live music by SBUSD students and alumni, and a live auction, along with a program highlighting SBEF’s impact on nearly 12,000 students across 21 schools.
Montecito Journal’s Gwyn Lurie will serve as emcee, with Angel Martinez, former CEO of Deckers, as keynote speaker. Proceeds from the event will support SBEF’s ongoing mission to inspire and invest in student success.
411: https://sbefoundation.org/40th-celebration
Save the Date: CEC’s 2026 Green Gala
Mark your calendars for the Community Environmental Council’s 2026 Green Gala on Saturday, September 19, from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. The annual celebration will bring together more than 250 community leaders, philanthropists, and climate advocates for an evening focused on advancing local climate solutions.
This year’s theme, “Rooted in Hope,” highlights resilience, community connection, and the power of local action to drive meaningful environmental progress. Guests can look forward to an inspiring night dedicated to supporting climate initiatives across the region.
Additional event details, ticketing, and sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon.
411: https://cecsb.org/green-gala
SBCE Returns
The Santa Barbara Culinary Experience (SBCE) returns May 11-17, 2026, with tickets now on sale for its sixth annual countywide celebration of food, wine, and hospitality. Presented in partnership with The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, the weeklong event brings together local chefs, farmers, vintners, and artisans to showcase the flavors of the Central Coast.
The diverse lineup includes immersive farm tours, hands-on cooking classes, exclusive wine tastings, and curated dining experiences across Santa Barbara County. Signature events include the Grand Wine Tasting at El Presidio, featuring more than 40 wineries, along with interactive programs like vineyard hikes, family-friendly cooking classes, and chef-led dinners.
Designed for both locals and visitors, SBCE highlights the region’s vibrant culinary ecosystem while encouraging exploration and connection. A portion of proceeds will benefit local nonprofits supporting the area’s food system, ensuring the celebration continues to give back to the community.
411: https://sbce.events
“Swing for the Million” Campaign
Elings Park is calling on the community to step up to the plate with its new “Swing for the Million!” campaign, aimed at renovating the Castagnola Softball Complex. A generous donor has pledged $1 million toward the $1.2 million project, contingent on Elings Park raising the remaining $200,000 by May 1.
The planned upgrades include laser leveling, improved irrigation systems, soil enhancements, and new warning tracks – transformations designed to create safer, higher-quality playing fields for the thousands of youth and adult athletes who use the complex each year. Construction is scheduled for summer, with completion expected by October.
Park leaders are rallying support through community outreach, on-site fundraising displays, and a dedicated donation campaign. Calling the gift a “game-changing opportunity,” organizers are encouraging residents, teams, and supporters to help secure the final funding and ensure Elings Park remains a premier destination for recreation in Santa Barbara.
411: https://tinyurl.com/Elings-Swing-Donate
Mission Creek Gala Raises Record Funds
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History welcomed 210 guests to its sold-out 26th Annual Mission Creek Gala, “Revealing the Colors of Nature,” raising an impressive $741,000 to support education and science programs. The immersive evening saw the transformation of Fleischmann Auditorium thanks to large-scale nature imagery, dynamic lighting, and vividly colored installations inspired by the natural world.
Guests enjoyed a lively reception, interactive exhibits led by student interns, and a seasonal four-course dinner that mirrored the evening’s color themes. The program featured insights from museum scientists and a moving presentation from a student in the Quasars to Sea Stars program, highlighting the impact of the Museum’s outreach.
A standout moment came during the fundraising appeal, which generated $386,000 on the spot. Proceeds will support programs serving more than 10,000 schoolchildren annually, continuing the Gala’s long-standing role in advancing science education across the region.
SBMNH Events and Summer Camp
– Summer nature camps for kids feature outer space, the ocean, creatures of the Pleistocene age, chaparral mammals, and bugs! Register early online.
– Internships for teenagers is open for learning about science from scientists
– Storytime for kids in the museum’s backyard
– Spring birding classes with Rebecca Coulter starts April 6
411: www.sbnature.org
Carp Community Awards Banquet
The Carpinteria Community Association will host its 67th Annual Community Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 18, at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, continuing a tradition that began in 1958. The evening celebrates local residents, businesses, and volunteers for their contributions to the Carpinteria Valley. Honors include Merit Awards, Educators of the Year, and recognition of outstanding local businesses. The event will also spotlight Junior Carpinterian of the Year finalists, honoring high school seniors for leadership and community involvement. The night concludes with the announcement of the Carpinterian of the Year. Dinner will be provided by Events by Rincon.
411: carpca.org
Carpinteria Bluffs Face Another Threat
Citizens for the Carpinteria Bluffs is monitoring the latest development proposed by Sortis Holdings, who is financing a new development at the same parcel previously denied for development. In their effort to win local support for 191 luxury homes proposed for the Tee Time bluffs parcel, Sortis Holdings is convening a public forum Thursday, April 9, 6pm at the Carpinteria Community Church. Details of the project posted on the Citizens for the Carp Bluffs website, “A Housing Development with 191 luxury homes has been proposed on the 27.5-acre Bluffs 1 parcel where Tee Time driving range and an organic farm operate today: 97 Standalone Homes – 5 bedroom, 3,500 square feet, 94 Townhomes as triplexes – 3-4 bedroom, 1,800 square feet plus 2-car garages for every unit, 500,000 square feet of new buildings (about 9 football fields). No public plans available for viewing.”
411: https://carpinteriabluffs.org
Mother’s Day “Furbaby” Stroll
Pet lovers are invited to celebrate Mother’s Day with a playful twist at the Furbaby Sidewalk Stroll & Costume Parade on May 10 in Old Town Orcutt, benefiting the Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation. The free, family-friendly event kicks off at Blast 825 Stockyard, where participants can dress up alongside their dogs, cats, or other beloved companions before strolling through the historic district.
Along the route, attendees will collect stamps on a “paws-port” passport for a chance to win prizes, while enjoying visits with local merchants. The afternoon culminates in a lively celebration featuring live music, raffle drawings, adoptable animals, and a festive costume contest with categories like Best Mom & Furbaby Duo and Most Creative.
Proceeds support critical programs including medical care, foster services, and adoptions, helping local animals find loving homes.
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Events
– Chumash Earth Day, Saturday, April 18: The theme for this year’s event is “Life Grows Where Water Flows,” a free community celebration.
411: https://syceo.org/earthday
– Santa Ynez Chumash Museum & Cultural Center 1st Anniversary, Friday, May 15, featuring the brand-new guided audio tour and the unveiling of a new temporary exhibit. The evening will be complete with a special lecture by the exhibit’s artist, and an inside look at the creation of this extraordinary new display. Tickets required.
Juneteenth SB Call for Contributors
April 15 deadline for Artists, Vendors, Volunteers to apply for the 2026 “Love for The People” Juneteenth Celebration takes place on Friday, June 19, at Plaza Del Mar in Santa Barbara.
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