Pedestrian Seriously Injured in CVR Collision, and More News Bytes

A pedestrian suffered serious injuries Sunday night after being struck by a vehicle on the 1200 block of Coast Village Road. According to the Santa Barbara Police Department, the collision occurred at approximately 9:50 pm on August 2, prompting a response from police, firefighters, and paramedics, who found the adult male pedestrian unconscious in the roadway before transporting him to Cottage Hospital for emergency treatment.

Preliminary investigators say the vehicle was traveling eastbound on Coast Village Road when it struck the pedestrian, who was crossing southbound. The department’s Traffic Investigation Unit is handling the investigation. Police said the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators, and DUI is not believed to be a factor. Coast Village Road was closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene.

Bucket Brigade Academy Trains Fire Prevention Leaders

The Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade is investing in the next generation of disaster preparedness through its inaugural Youth Fire Prevention Team, part of the nonprofit’s Bucket Brigade Academy. This summer, student leaders gathered at Elings Park before deploying to neighborhoods on Santa Barbara’s Mesa, where they removed invasive vegetation, created defensible space around homes, and learned practical wildfire mitigation techniques. The training comes as the organization prepares for an anticipated Super El Niño, which could increase the region’s risk of wildfire, flooding, and debris flows.

Beyond fieldwork, participants completed FEMA’s ICS-100 Incident Command System course and received hands-on leadership training designed to prepare them to organize volunteers during emergencies. Over four weeks, academy cadets work toward certifications in First Aid, CPR/AED, Wilderness First Aid, and Wilderness First Responder while developing communication and crisis management skills.

By combining practical fire prevention with youth leadership development, the Bucket Brigade Academy is helping empower local students to become an active part of Santa Barbara’s resilience before disaster strikes.

E-Bikes Cited by SBC Sheriffs

Taking the much-discussed e-bikes situation in hand, the SBC Sheriff’s office set up a six-hour unannounced safety check point on July 23 in Carpinteria. Six citations were issued as follows: five juveniles for riding their bikes without a helmet and one adult for running a red light. First time offenders under age 18 can complete a safety course instead of paying a fine. Carpinteria rules for e-bikes include the obvious: wear a helmet, do not ride the bike on a sidewalk and obey all traffic laws, as e-bikes are considered a vehicle just like cars and trucks. A license to drive/ride an e-bike is not required, however all mopeds, motorized bicycles and related motorbikes do require a valid driver’s motorcycle license. Check the SBC Sheriff’s office and DMV for details. Montecito, pay attention.

Organic Soup Kitchen Debuts New Mag

After 17 years of advancing nutrition as a form of healthcare, Organic Soup Kitchen is launching Organic Soup Kitchen Magazine, a new publication that shines a spotlight on the organization’s mission and the growing movement around nutritional security. Designed as both a community resource and a collection of stories, the magazine explores how medically tailored nutrition can improve health outcomes while highlighting the people, partnerships, and programs that have shaped Organic Soup Kitchen since its founding in 2009.

Created for healthcare professionals, caregivers, advocates, donors, and community leaders, the publication features expert perspectives, compelling photography, and stories that examine the connection between food, health, and dignity. Organic Soup Kitchen will celebrate the debut with a private launch event marking the nonprofit’s 17th anniversary, bringing together community partners and supporters committed to improving nutritional security throughout Santa Barbara County.

Greg Gorga Joins Mystic Ocean Adventures Board

Mystic Ocean Adventures has appointed longtime maritime leader Greg Gorga to its board of directors, adding decades of experience in marine education, community leadership, and cultural advocacy as the nonprofit expands its STEAM and ocean conservation programs. Best known locally as the retired executive director of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Gorga also served as president of the Council of American Maritime Museums, where he championed maritime education and preservation on a national level.

Beyond his work in the maritime community, Gorga has held leadership roles with Visit Santa Barbara, the City of Santa Barbara’s Community Development Block Grant Committee, and the Santa Barbara Blues Society. Mystic Ocean Adventures says his experience in education, tourism, and public service will help strengthen the organization’s mission of providing hands-on sailing experiences that inspire environmental stewardship, teamwork, and confidence in young people.

Unity Shoppe’s New Director of Development

Unity Shoppe has appointed Dr. Regina Ruiz as its new director of development, bringing aboard a seasoned nonprofit executive, fundraiser, and former television journalist with more than 20 years of leadership experience. In her new role, Ruiz will oversee fundraising efforts, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, planned giving, and signature events such as the Kenny Loggins Pickleball in the Danger Zone Tournament and the 40th Annual Unity Shoppe Telethon.

Ruiz earned her doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC, where her research focused on how Santa Barbara County nonprofits successfully navigate times of crisis. Most recently serving in executive leadership roles in both the nonprofit and public sectors, she brings a deep understanding of the local community and a passion for serving families in need. Unity Shoppe leaders say her combination of fundraising expertise, communications experience, and community commitment will help strengthen the organization’s century-long mission of providing food, clothing, and essential resources with dignity and respect.

Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp

For four days in July, the UCSB Recreation Center became a place where confidence grew alongside athletic skills as Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital hosted its annual Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp. The free program welcomed approximately 35 campers ages 6 to 21 and was supported by 75 volunteers, many of whom are wheelchair users themselves, creating a powerful environment of mentorship and encouragement.

Campers explored an impressive lineup of adaptive sports, including wheelchair basketball, rugby, hand cycling, SCUBA diving, swimming, tennis, pickleball, indoor rock climbing, and sled hockey. New this year were lassoing lessons, a carnival-style festival, a pop-up dance party, and a Family & Friends Day talent show that celebrated creativity alongside athletic achievement.

Open Studios Tour Celebrates 25 Years

The Santa Barbara Studio Artists will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its beloved Open Studios Tour with a special opening reception and retrospective on Friday, September 4, at the Community Arts Workshop. The evening will showcase artwork, photographs, and memorabilia spanning the event’s quarter-century history while honoring the founding members, volunteers, and artists who have helped make the tour a local tradition since 2001.

The self-guided Open Studios Tour follows September 5-7, inviting the public inside working artists’ studios across Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, and Hope Ranch. This year’s tour features a diverse mix of sculpture, abstract painting, paper art, assemblage, and symbolic realism, offering visitors a unique opportunity to meet artists where they create.

Continuing its tradition of giving back, the Santa Barbara Studio Artists will donate a portion of ticket sales to Adam’s Angels, supporting the nonprofit’s efforts to provide clothing, food, and essential supplies to Santa Barbara’s unsheltered community.

MCM Lemonade Stand

Saturday & Sunday, August 8 & 9: Legends Futbol Academy U14 girls team and their families in raising money for equipment and more for their team

Saturday, August 15, Montecito youth and friends raising funds for the Dream Foundation

Saturday/Sunday August 22 & 23: Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation

To sign up your organization, visit www.montecitocountrymart.com

SBMNH and Sea Center News

The Sea Center recently welcomed a pair of endangered “Sunflower Stars” to its Dive In exhibit. The fish are 18-armed, tube-footed and pale purple urchin eaters formally known as Pycnopodia Helianthoides, a species that has been absent from California oceans since mid-2010 due to a wasting disease. Their role in nature is to keep kelp forest ecosystems healthy. 

August 13, 5:30pm: Sea Center Happy Hour for libations and exhibition viewing

August 4: Register for Kids Adventure learning camps that start September 14

August 29: Geology of SB Field Course with Sabrina Thomas PhD

411: www.sbnature.org

Boys Girls Club Fiesta Carnival

The Boys Girls Club DTSB invites everyone to its annual Fiesta Carnival. Admission fee with wristband required. The event raises funds for the organization. The carnival will have rides, games, food, and family-friendly entertainment.  

411: www.boysandgirlssb.org