Rob Lowe’s son Matthew married Emily Markus on October 10 in Santa Barbara, with Gwyneth Paltrow officiating. The star-studded event occurred just 12 days after the suicide of Matthew’s cousin, Fiona Lowe, marking a complex moment of celebration and mourning for the family.
Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards ranked Santa Barbara fifth and Healdsburg eighth among the best small US cities, based on nearly 800,000 reader votes. Charleston, South Carolina, took first place, while Alexandria, Virginia, climbed to second. The rankings highlight diverse regional appeals, from Santa Barbara’s coastal Mediterranean vibe to Healdsburg’s wine-country charm and Lexington’s bourbon and horse culture.
Sydney Sweeney was photographed in Santa Barbara wearing a boho-inspired denim look—baggy denim overalls with a cropped peasant blouse that flashed the top of her white underwear—carrying a nearly $4,000 Miu Miu handbag, while Scooter Braun matched in denim. The couple, who are approaching their first anniversary, were seen shopping and driving away in a vintage Ford Bronco.
Prosecutors in D4vd's preliminary hearing laid out a timeline tying the suspect to Celeste Rivas Hernandez via a chilling call, the degraded clothing recovered, and cellphone/Tesla data showing synchronized movements toward a remote Santa Barbara area, with forensic testimony on trace evidence from Celeste's clothing as they pursue probable-cause for charges including first-degree murder, lewd acts upon a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
The Santa Barbara City Council will vote on whether to extend Title 31, keeping State Street pedestrian-friendly, or return to pre-COVID two-way traffic—a move that would cost at least $700,000 for removing on-street dining, pedlets, and resurfacing. Public safety concerns and potential impacts on the Farmers Market and summer events accompany the cost, while the State Street Master Plan moves forward separately; if car-free remains, city will continue pilot projects and low-cost improvements.
Marcia Mueller, a Santa Barbara resident since 1960, passed away March 26, 2026, at nearly 90. Born in Los Angeles in 1936, she built several businesses—including La Belle modeling agency, Santa Barbara Wholesale Beverage, and elderly-care homes—volunteered at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, and supported Labrador rescues. An outdoor-loving matriarch, she cherished time with her husband Don, daughter Cheryl Vendrame, son Steve Mueller, four grandchildren, and four great‑grandchildren. A celebration of life is planned for June 6 at the San Antonio Village Club House. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, California Central Coast Chapter, are requested.
A California judge upheld a state injunction blocking Sable Offshore from restarting oil pumping in Santa Barbara County, prompting the company to vow a fight in a May show-cause hearing. Sable argued the president’s Defense Production Act order supersedes state orders, while environmentalists hailed the ruling. The restart had been authorized by a Trump order, and Sable had briefly resumed pumping at the Santa Ynez facility, but the court’s ruling keeps the injunction in place as the legal battle continues.
Scott F. Reid, a Santa Barbara artist and founder of Scott F. Reid and Associates Design Office, died March 15, 2026 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born in 1945 in Santa Monica, he studied at Art Center and UCSB, built a 30+ year design practice serving the city and MTD, and was deeply involved in the community through Transition House and Meals on Wheels. He is survived by three sons—Seth Reid, Matt Reid and Sean Kerr—and five grandchildren, with his life centered on art, family and service. A celebration of his life was planned for April 3 at the Sunrise Urn Garden, Santa Barbara Cemetery.
Benny Blanco revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live that his wedding to Selena Gomez, held Sept. 27, 2025 in Santa Barbara, was officiated by Lil Dicky. The rapper’s speech was briefly rewritten to avoid overlap with Gomez’s vows, Blanco gave a reception speech with Gomez as his date, and the couple—who kept details private—celebrated a night described as full of love with longtime friends in attendance.
Southern California experienced heavy rain and storms causing flight cancellations, road closures, and flooding, particularly in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, with the weather expected to weaken but still pose risks like mudslides and minor flooding through Tuesday.
Alia Adlakha founded Insight Therapy in Santa Barbara, a community-focused practice emphasizing compassionate, trauma-informed care for diverse clients, integrating personal history, professional experience, and a deep respect for human connection to promote healing and well-being.
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's wedding was a surprisingly simple and heartfelt event in Santa Barbara, featuring barefoot dancing, eclectic decor, and emotional vows, attended by numerous celebrities including Taylor Swift and other A-listers.
Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco married in a private Santa Barbara ceremony, with Gomez wearing a Ralph Lauren gown and Blanco in a matching tuxedo, surrounded by friends including Taylor Swift and Paris Hilton, after a years-long friendship and collaboration.
Lana Del Rey unexpectedly joined a local band, the Fastest Kids in School, on stage to perform her song 'West Coast' after overhearing them play it in Santa Barbara, creating a viral moment. This surprise collaboration occurred while she was out for ice cream and has garnered significant online attention. Meanwhile, she is working on her upcoming album 'Stove,' expected in early 2026, with a scheduled performance at the Harvest Moon benefit show.
Paul McCartney performed the Beatles classic 'Help!' in full for the first time in 60 years during a concert in Santa Barbara, marking a rare full live rendition of the song since its original release in 1965.