Dedicating the Flag

It’s a U.S. flag that measures seven feet by nine feet, was designed by retired firefighter John Carrillo, and is composed of fire hoses and couplings that were actually used fighting the Thomas Fire. A separate display case holds another smaller length of fire hose containing the signatures of every firefighter involved in fighting the blaze, the largest ever in California at the time. You can view them both in the corner window at 1187 Coast Village Road.

The flag was installed on the one-year anniversary of extinguishing the blaze and has since not only been enshrined in its own shadow box, but also lit up at night. Another flag of the same size is on display (and permanently installed) at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

It was announced during a short meeting recently at Renaud’s on Coast Village Road with 1187 CVR co-owner (along with Richard Rosin) Hank Hurst and John and Hazel Blankenship that a dedication of the flag is planned for Wednesday, May 22, beginning at 11 am. Invitees include Montecito Fire Department Chief Chip Hickman, Sheriff Bill Brown, Santa Barbara City Police Chief Lori Lunhow, along with many first responders and political officials. After David Gonzalez sings the National Anthem, there’ll be a color guard, an invocation, and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, the 1187 CVR eateries (Renaud’s, The Juice Ranch, Ca Dario, Scoop, and Khao Kaeng) will serve lunch to all those invited (but, sorry, not the public).

There are two smaller flags still available (3 ft x 5 ft) and they run $2,000, completely tax-deductible if you want one, call 805-969-0695. In any case, we’ll see you at the dedication ceremony on May 22.