••• “Santa Barbara’s Summer Solstice Celebration to Go Virtual Amid Coronavirus Pandemic […] The festival, which traditionally features elaborate floats and costumes, instead invites people to share their ‘creative spirit’ through online classes and events.” It’s June 19-21; photo courtesy Summer Solstice Celebration. —Noozhawk
••• “The Covid-19 pandemic has led organizers of the annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival at the Santa Barbara Mission to call it off. The event was set for May 23-25, 2020. It has never been cancelled in its 33-year history prior to this decision.” —KEYT
••• As of yesterday afternoon, “there are now 354 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Santa Barbara County. There have also been 3 [total] coronavirus-related deaths in the county. 159 of the confirmed cases are recovering at home, 39 people are hospitalized, and 14 of those are in the ICU. 137 of those who have tested positive are considered to be fully recovered and additional cases are pending.” —KEYT
••• The Montecito Journal has a long article (not online yet) about Santa Barbara’s grim economic situation, the lack of a plan for getting out of it, and the terrible relationship between the city and business owners.
••• “The National Weather Service of Los Angeles shared California’s latest status on the U.S. Drought Monitor Thursday morning. The map shows that, after the latest rains, Southern California is no longer considered to be in a drought or abnormally dry.” —KEYT
••• “Santa Barbara City Councilmember Kristen Sneddon said that with a budget ‘disaster’ looming, she supports temporary pay reductions for high-salaried City Hall employees as a matter of shared sacrifice.” —Newsmakers with Jerry Roberts
••• “One of Santa Barbara’s most popular birthday party spots has blown out its last candle. My Gym, 3888 State St., has closed its doors for good after 17 years.” —Noozhawk
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