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🌱 Patch AM: How Montecito will honor 1/9 Debris Flow victims this January

Coming up: Santa Barbara Festival Ballet: The Nutcracker on the Santa Barbara Patch calendar

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Morning Santa Barbara! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Montecito will honor 1/9 Debris Flow victims this January
  • Why were unannounced federal agents staging at SBCC’s parking structure?
  • Need a warm meal and gifts this week? Here’s where to go

Also on today's calendar: Vocal Arts Ensemble: Ring in the Season - First Presbyterian and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Santa Barbarafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Santa Barbarafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Areas of fog, then sun, with a high of 68 and low of 48 degrees.
  • Sunday: Clouds giving way to sun, temps: high: 69, low: 45.
  • Monday: Nice with plenty of sun, with a high of 72 and low of 45 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Raising Our Light – 1/9 Debris Flow Remembrance (independent.com) — Montecito residents are invited to a January 9, 2026 evening ceremony at Montecito Union School honoring the 23 lives lost in the 1/9 Debris Flow, with bells, candles, and a community gathering. Santa Barbara–area partners, including the Bucket Brigade and county wellness teams, will support attendees, and KEYT will livestream for those who can’t attend in person.
   

2. Federal agents staged vehicles at Santa Barbara City College Thursday afternoon (keyt.com) — Federal law enforcement vehicles unexpectedly staged at Santa Barbara City College’s West Campus parking structure Thursday evening, prompting alerts to students and staff. While officials say no enforcement actions occurred on campus, immigrant-rights groups report apparent federal operations and possible detentions elsewhere in Santa Barbara, with questions still pending before Homeland Security.
   

3. Santa Barbara Rescue Mission Hosts Christmas Feast and Giveaway (noozhawk.com) — Santa Barbara residents in need are invited to a free Christmas Feast and Giveaway at the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 2-4 p.m. at 535 E. Yanonali St. Guests will receive a hot holiday meal plus brand-new warm clothing, shoes, personal care kits, and small gifts, all provided by donors and volunteers to offer comfort and dignity for the season.
   

4. This Antibody Can Slip Into Kidney Cysts and Shut Them Down (scitechdaily.com) — UC Santa Barbara researchers are developing a specially engineered antibody that can slip inside kidney cysts and shut down the signals driving polycystic kidney disease, potentially transforming treatment for patients. The preclinical work in mice shows the antibody targets cysts while sparing healthy tissue, and the team is now looking for partners to move this Santa Barbara–based breakthrough toward human trials.
   

5. Our Lady of Guadalupe Procession Covers Several Blocks in Santa Barbara (keyt.com) — A large Our Lady of Guadalupe procession wound through Santa Barbara’s Eastside Thursday night, from Ortega Park to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, just days after a man allegedly damaged the church’s mosaic shrine with a hammer. Neighbors gathered with candles, flowers, music, and Aztec dancers, and the illuminated shrine will remain lit for several days as a sign of resilience and devotion.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I am trying to decide what restaurant to give as a gift to a young couple for a graduation gift.
    Where would you choose? This is a really special occasion for a very special lady, and I want it to be one she remembers. (Nextdoor Mission Canyon)
  • My cat ran away a few months ago, leaving behind his brother.
    They are both around four years old and were a bonded pair. I live alone and work in an office M-F 9-5pm, so he is now alone a lot. Should I look… (Nextdoor Cielito)
  • Williams-Sonoma, Inc. posted a job opening for Stock Associate, Part Time Flex, Santa Barbara - Pottery Barn in Santa Barbara. Apply here.
  • IICRC posted a job opening for Cleaning Technican in Santa Barbara. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Santa Barbara here.

Ok Santa Barbara! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I demand a jury of my piers.
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