‘Stand by Mother’ Screening Draws Packed Crowd and More News Bytes

The Alcazar Theatre was filled to capacity for a special Earth Day-inspired screening of Stand by Mother, a family-friendly environmental film created by director Kerrilee Gore in collaboration with ShelterBox USA.

The fantasy film, starring Emmett Long and Disney Channel actor Dakota Lotus, delivers a message of environmental stewardship, empathy, and youth empowerment.

The event resonated strongly with younger audiences, who responded with enthusiasm and curiosity during a post-screening discussion with ShelterBox USA President Kerri Murray. The conversation highlighted the organization’s global disaster relief efforts and sustainability initiatives, including reducing single-use plastics and lowering emissions.

Blending storytelling with real-world impact, the evening underscored the growing role of young people in advocating for climate awareness and meaningful change.

Chabad Montecito Ladies’ Social

Mushkie Loschak, wife of Rabbi Chaim Loschak, is hosting a ladies’ social event titled Focaccia Garden Art, where you can learn how to make focaccia, supplies provided. There is socializing, baking, and a light meal, gluten free available, tickets required. 

411: https://tinyurl.com/Chabad-Montecito-Focaccia

CycleMAYnia Awards Mini-Grants to Expand Countywide Bike Events

Thirty community-led events across Santa Barbara County will receive funding through the CycleMAYnia 2026 mini-grant program, with $8,000 awarded to support activities during National Bike Month in May. The grants, distributed by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), were selected from 54 applications and reflect a growing enthusiasm for cycling throughout the region.

This year’s events span a wide range of offerings – from group rides and bike-to-movie nights to safety workshops, scavenger hunts, and family-friendly outings – designed to make biking more accessible and inviting for riders of all ages and abilities. Activities will take place countywide, from Santa Barbara and Summerland to Santa Maria and New Cuyama.

With the 2026 theme “Pedal Forward,” CycleMAYnia continues to promote healthier, more sustainable transportation while building a stronger bike culture across the community.

‘Textual Integration’ at Rubenstein Chan

Rubenstein Chan Contemporary Art presents Textual Integration, a dynamic group exhibition running April 18 through May 31, with an opening reception on April 18. The show brings together artists from across the region who use language as a central visual element, blurring the line between reading and seeing.

Through diverse mediums – from neon lettering and layered text paintings to photographic and sculptural works – the exhibition explores how words can function as form, texture, and meaning. Highlights include Linda Ekstrom’s Prayers for Peace, incorporating texts from multiple global traditions, and Tom Pazderka’s evolving list of historical figures rendered in paint.

A special evening of ekphrastic poetry readings led by Santa Barbara Poet Laureate George Yatchisin is set for May 14, further bridging visual and literary art.

Finch and Fork Spring Tea

On April 26, Finch and Fork will host an Alice in Wonderland-inspired Spring Tea and Cocktails event at SBDT’s Kimpton Canary Hotel. This is one of a dozen upcoming events celebrating Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and more.

411: www.canarysantabarbara.com

SB Culinary Experience Tix Online

One week of SB Culinary Experience x Wine Tasting event slated for May 11-17, in partnership with The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts.

The Julia Child Foundation’s signature honors, The Julia Child Award, will be announced and presented on Friday, May 14, at Godmothers Bookstore Summerland. 

411: https://sbce.events

SBMNH 38^th Annual Wine Fest Tix on Sale

Heralded as a don’t miss getting tickets annual event, the SB Museum of Natural History’s annual Wine and Food Festival is on for June 27, with tickets on sale now.

411: https://tinyurl.com/SBMNH-Wine26

Rancheros Visitadores

Near $2 Million Milestone for Cancer Care

The Rancheros Visitadores are continuing their long-standing tradition of philanthropy, raising more than $1.9 million in support of local cancer care through the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara. The nearly century-old group will gather in the Santa Ynez Valley for its annual ride beginning May 2, kicking off with a parade through Solvang and a community celebration at Mission Santa Inés, where a ceremonial check will be presented.

More than 750 riders from across the country and around the world are expected to participate in the event, which honors both tradition and community impact. Funds raised support critical services at the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, including patient navigation, genetic counseling, and nutrition support.

Now in its 14th year supporting the Foundation, the Rancheros Visitadores remain one of its largest contributors, helping ensure access to essential cancer care for patients throughout Santa Barbara County.

Dr. Vejas Skripkus Joins Cottage Health

Cottage Health announces Dr. Vejas Skripkus has joined its Primary Care Center. He is a board-certified physician specializing in family medicine, with a strong emphasis on health care delivery to the college age population and healthcare leadership, promoting wellness through preventive medicine. His clinical interests include care of the whole family including children; reproductive health and contraception management; HIV prevention, including PrEP. He provides long-acting reversible contraception options for his patients and performs minor procedures in the office as well.

New Docents Join SB Courthouse Tours

Six new docents have completed training and are now welcoming visitors to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, continuing a tradition that spans more than 50 years. The graduates finished an intensive 10-week program led by former County Architect Robert L. Ooley and docent Rodney Baker, gaining deep knowledge of the Courthouse’s history, architecture, and craftsmanship.

As one of Santa Barbara’s most iconic landmarks, the Courthouse offers free daily tours, with docents serving as guides, educators, and stewards of the historic site. In addition to leading tours, they assist visitors, support school programs, and contribute to ongoing preservation efforts.

“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.

411: https://tinyurl.com/Elings-Swing-Donate

Carp Sanitary District Earns Statewide Recognition

The Carpinteria Sanitary District has been named the California Water Environment Association’s “Collection System of the Year” for 2025 in the Small System category, marking the third time the district has received the prestigious statewide honor. Presented at the CWEA Annual Conference in Sacramento, the award recognizes excellence in system performance, innovation, and cost-effective operations.

Serving approximately 16,500 residents, the district recently completed a comprehensive cleaning and inspection of its 45-mile sewer system, utilizing advanced technology such as digital video inspections and computerized mapping. Officials credit the achievement to a dedicated team focused on continuous improvement, enhanced maintenance, and strong customer service.

The district’s efforts have resulted in minimal sewer overflows and a strong compliance record, helping protect public health and the environment across the Carpinteria Valley.