Santa Barbara’s Repair Café Offering New Life to Gizmos, Doodads, and More
Santa Barbara Independent
July 16, 2026
This Saturday, the spirit of 'make do and mend' comes alive in Santa Barbara as the Repair Café returns to give your broken treasures a second chance. From that stubborn toaster to a favorite chair with a wobbly leg, skilled volunteers will be on hand to fix up to two household items per person—completely free of charge. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reduce waste, save money, and reconnect with the things we love.
As reported by the Santa Barbara Independent, the event covers electronics, furniture, toys, appliances, and clothing, making it a true community resource. In a world quick to discard, this gathering is a gentle reminder that repair is an act of care—for our belongings, our wallets, and our planet. Whether you’re a longtime local or new to the 805, it’s a chance to learn a skill, share a story, and keep our community a little more sustainable.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Santa Barbara Independent.
City
Santa BarbaraPublished
July 16, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
Explore Santa BarbaraAll Santa Barbara NewsMore News from Santa Barbara
Santa BarbaraDos Pueblos Boys Water Polo Captures League Crown With 17-12 Victory Over San Marcos
Dos Pueblos boys water polo is bringing another league title back to Goleta, and Charger fans have plenty to celebrate after a 17-12 win over rival San Marcos. The crosstown matchup is one of those Channel League showdowns that always draws a crowd, and this one delivered on both ends of the pool. Next up, the Chargers head to Ventura on Tuesday, while San Marcos looks to bounce back against Buena. For families with kids in local aquatics programs, nights like this are a reminder of how deep the water polo tradition runs here along the 805 coast. Thanks to the Santa Barbara Independent for keeping us posted on the postseason push. Grab a towel, pick a side, and go support these student-athletes — South Coast water polo is worth the drive.
Santa BarbaraDos Pueblos Boys Water Polo Clinches Outright Channel League Title with 17-12 Win Over San Marcos
Chargers fans, take a bow. Dos Pueblos boys water polo beat crosstown rival San Marcos 17-12 on the road Thursday, locking up the outright Channel League title and keeping that perfect 5-0 league mark intact. As Noozhawk reported, the Chargers sit at 20-6 overall with just Ventura left on the league schedule. There's something special about a Dos Pueblos–San Marcos matchup. These two schools share a city, a pool culture, and plenty of bragging rights, so a win like this means a little more than the standings show. Water polo runs deep here on the Central Coast, and nights like Thursday remind us why. One league game remains, but the banner is already theirs. Congrats to the players and coaches — go Chargers!
Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara Police Make Arson Arrest Following Multiple Fires on Modoc Road
Neighbors on Modoc Road can breathe a little easier this week. Santa Barbara Police say they've arrested Calletano Bedolla-Bibiano, who allegedly admitted to setting three brush fires on Thursday and has been linked to four more last weekend. That's seven fires in a matter of days, all in one stretch of our community. It's easy to scroll past fire news when we're not in the thick of a red-flag warning, but this one hits close to home. Modoc Road runs along neighborhoods, near open space, and with our dry hillsides and fall winds, a single spark can turn into something no one can control. The fact that these were allegedly intentional makes it feel different, and honestly, a little unsettling. We're grateful to the Santa Barbara Police Department and the first responders who put these fires out before they grew. Thanks to the Santa Barbara Independent for staying on it. If you live nearby, keep an eye out, check on your neighbors, and report anything suspicious.