Preservation Party

The Gaviota Coast Conservancy hosted its first ever Coastal Legacy bash at the sun-soaked Music Academy of the West, attracting 230 guests and raising around $200,000 for the environmental non-profit.

The event honored philanthropists Jack and Laura Dangermond who, two years ago, preserved in perpetuity the largest privately-owned ranch on the Gaviota Coast with the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve protecting more than 24,000 acres in Santa Barbara County, valued at $165 million.

The various official proclamations from the likes of Congressman Salud Carbajal and state senator Hannah-Beth Jackson were accepted by Michael Bell, preserve director.

The ubiquitous Geoff Green conducted the paddle raise while KEYT-TV senior reporter John Palminteri ran the auction, which included a ukulele signed by singer Jack Johnson, a private wine tour in a Tesla SUV gullwing, stays in Mendocino and El Capitan Canyon, and a box set of The Doors vinyl records signed by the group’s drummer John Densmore.

Among the supporters quaffing the vino and noshing on the comestibles from Seasons Catering were emcee Chipper Bell, executive director Doug Kern, former mayors Sheila Lodge and Helene Schneider, Das Williams, Miles Hartfeld and Gretchen Lieff, Mike Lunsford, Joyce Macias, Lois Capps and Jason Dominguez.