🌱 Theo The Giraffe + Trash Fee Hike + Advisory Board Vacancies

Hello, hello! Today’s World Oceans Day; did you know that the Pacific Ocean is thought to be around 36,161 feet deep, and only two people – so far – have been able to travel to its bottom? I'm here with your Thursday edition of the Santa Barbara Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out about what's happening in town, including news on:

• ⚠️ A driver wouldn’t stop on Bath St.
• ⬅️ Mental health care for students.
• 🦒 A new zoo resident.

💗 Please help us grow! Send a friend or neighbor this link, so they can be in the know, like you!

🌤️ But first, today's weather:

Low clouds, then some sun. High: 70 Low: 55.

From our sponsor:

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⛽ Three of the Cheapest Gas Stations Around Santa Barbara

• Santa Barbara Gas & Propane at 303 W. Carrillo St., $4.47
• Fuel Depot at 2299 Las Positas Road, $4.53
• ARCO at 1935 State St., $4.59

🏖️ Vacation Poll!
Are you traveling this summer? What is your favorite type of vacation?

📰 Here are the top stories in Santa Barbara today:

1. Someone tried assisting the police by standing in front of a vehicle that looked like it was trying to escape. The motorist hit the individual in the 2000 block of Bath Street, causing serious injuries, and was later arrested in the 2300 block of Carlton Way. The police have not released the suspect’s identity. (KSBY)
2. Several city advisory boards have vacancies. In fact, so far, 60 applicants have thrown their hats in the ring to fill 43 open positions. Despite sometimes spirited discussions, some folks have asked to be reappointed. The goal is to fill the positions by June 27. (Santa Barbara Independent)
3. Beginning July 1, trash and recycling pickup rates will increase by about 3.4 percent. On Tuesday, the city council approved the increase for MarBorg Industries customers. Also, those living in apartments may see the highest increases because “it costs more to serve apartments than single-family homes.” (NoozHawk)
4. The Santa Barbara Unified School District is looking for ways to enable everyone within its reach to have mental health care access. While already offering counseling for students, one of the goals for next year is “building more family supports.” (KEYT)
5. The Santa Barbara Zoo introduces Theo, a male giraffe that came over from the Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio. So far, he’s only been appearing in the “back giraffe spaces.” Theo is still under quarantine before he can join the rest of the giraffes. (edhat)

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📆 Today in Santa Barbara:

Thursday, June 8

• Crafternoons at Art From Scrap (3:30 PM)
• Curated Cocktails at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (5 PM)
• Heart Jewel Prayers w/Special Class at the Mahakankala Kadampa Buddhist Center (6 PM)
• Kinetic Lab 2023 takes place at the Hatlen Theater (7:30 PM)
• Miami-based DJ Coffintexts spins at the EOS Lounge (9 PM)

🖊️ From my notebook:

• "SB Police had the honor & privilege of taking part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, carrying the flame of hope during our leg of the relay down State St. Runners will pass it off to the County District Attorney’s Office next, ending in Carp." (City of Santa Barbara)
• "Want to see the “Best of the Best” Woodie Wagons? See them at the Santa Barbara City College - West Campus on July 29th for the 23rd Annual “Woodies at the Beach” car show." (Santa Barbara Woodie Club)
• "If you're looking for somewhere to celebrate with a bang this Independence Day, there's no better place than the Santa Barbara Waterfront. A full slate of festive, fun, family-friendly events and activities are planned throughout the day, including the return of live music and dance performances! The day will be capped off with a 20-minute fireworks show at 9pm. The fireworks will be fired off from West Beach." (City of Santa Barbara)
• "The City of Goleta is a proud sponsor of Juneteenth Santa Barbara, and proclaimed June 19 as “Juneteenth Day in the City of Goleta” at the June 6, 2023, City Council meeting." (City of Goleta)
• "Santa Barbara County is expected to have at least two ambulance services next year after the Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed Tuesday to provide the service through nonexclusive contracts." (Santa Maria Times)

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Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 13)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— 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