🌱 Guilty Plea In Arson Case + RAD Power Bikes + $2,500 Micro Grants

Hi all! Today’s Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day; did you know that this program started in 1991? Sylvia here with your fresh copy of the Santa Barbara Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out about what's happening in the community, including news on...

• 🏀 Corey Adam's stepping down.
• 👮 A remembrance ceremony for National Police Week.
• 🔥 Arson.

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🌤️ But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and nice. High: 74 Low: 56.

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⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Around Santa Barbara

• Summit at 8 South Milpas St., $4.43
• Conserv Fuel at 150 South La Cumbre Road, $4.45
• Fuel Depot at 101 West Carrillo St., $4.51

🍷 Hobby Poll!
Everybody has hobbies. If time and money were no object this summer, which new hobby would you like to learn or take up? We have some preliminary results.

• 21.4 percent - traveling
• 14.1 percent - flying
• 7.1 percent - ballroom dancing
• 3.6 percent - fly-fishing, crocheting, Mahjong, basket making, dog training & showing, surfing, watercolor, pickleball, line dancing, pottery, reading, horseback riding, wine collecting, car collecting, playing guitar, kickboxing, golf

📰 Here are the top stories today in Santa Barbara:

1. Do you remember last year’s fire at La Cumbre Plaza? A 31-year-old man pleaded guilty to arson in this case. As part of his plea agreement, he’s looking at three years in state prison. The man is no stranger to the criminal justice system; reportedly, he has been “arrested nearly 30 times in Santa Barbara since 2010” for a range of offenses from petty theft to robbery. This, however, is his first arson charge. (Santa Barbara Independent)
2. RAD Power Bikes is committed to becoming a Santa Barbara presence, and the company isn’t content to wait until its storefront at 132 East Montecito St. is built. Until the grand opening, you can find representatives across town in pop-ups, talking to would-be customers, demonstrating products, and making sales in parking lots. (KEYT)
3. “Other factors” are calling Corey Adam away from his position as the head boys' basketball coach at Santa Barbara High School. He worked in this position for four seasons. The team just finished in third place in the Channel League. However, Adam will still be around — he continues “to teach in the social/science/history department at Santa Barbara High School.” (NoozHawk)
4. Are you self-employed or a small business owner? The Santa Barbara Foundation wants to give you money. Termed COVID-19 relief grants, these micro-grants are $2,500 each and don’t have to be repaid. But hurry; the application deadline is June 7. If you’re not sure that you qualify, consider that you will need to show a 10 percent decline in revenue in 2020 and earned less than $50,000 in 2019. (edhat)
5. The Santa Barbara Police Department invites you to attend its remembrance ceremony on Tuesday. In time for National Police Week, the event takes place on the steps of 215 East Figueroa St. Be there at 2 p.m. (Santa Barbara Police Department)

From our sponsor:

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📆 Today in Santa Barbara:

• Farmers Market at Santa Barbara St. & E. Cota St. (8:30 AM)
• Brandon Kinalele will be live at the SB Wine Collective (1 PM)
• Introduction To Climbing at the Santa Barbara Rock Gym (1 PM)
• The Santa Barbara Symphony performs Concerto Grosso (7:30 PM)
• A Pink Floyd Affair at 33 West Victoria St. (8 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "In June, we are taking over the historic Lobero Theatre in downtown Santa Barbara during their 150th anniversary! We’re stoked to showcase films from prominent filmmakers, talented up-and-comers, international legends & surfers from our local surf community! Join the fun and come hang out at our outdoor Block Party too! 🏄‍♀️ 🏄‍♂️" (Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival)
• "Calling all Santa Barbara Zoo Members and Foster Feeders! Enjoy the
  evening hours at the Zoo, including keeper talks and live music by Do No Harm. Snacks, drinks, and light dinner options will also be available for purchase. We can’t wait to celebrate you at Members’ Night on June 29!" (Santa Barbara Zoo)
• "Diana Ross, global icon and legendary entertainer, songwriter, producer, film and television actress announced 'The Music Legacy Tour 2023.' This highly anticipated new, personal appearance live concert tour is set to dazzle audiences across the nation with a lifetime of great songs." (Santa Barbara Bowl)
• "Plant Sale! Join us for the Environmental Horticulture Department's 20th Annual Plant Sale! Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lifescape Garden Nursery (SBCC's East Campus)." (County of Santa Barbara)
• "Neighborhood Navigation Centers (NNCs) serve as a neighborhood-based one-stop shop for services for those experiencing homelessness. The services provided include case management, food distribution, health care, hygiene and showers, mental health support, pet care, and more. Each NNC site offers services on a different day of the week and at different times of the day, selected based on the needs of the target population. NNC Sites: Carrillo Castillo Commuter Lot – Tuesdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Santa Barbara Rescue Mission – Wednesdays 8 a.m.-10 a.m., Alameda Park – Thursdays 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m." (YouthWell)

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Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 16)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! I'll see you around.

— Sylvia Cochran

About me: Christ follower. Wife. Book dragon. Proud supporter of the Oxford comma.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Santa Barbara Patch newsletter? Contact me at santabarbara@patch.com