Gala Goes Green

Santa Barbara’s Community Environmental Council hosted its annual Green Gala for more than 200 guests at its new 10,000-square-foot Environmental Hub on State Street, just a tiara’s toss from the Granada Theatre.

The handsome property, formerly the home of the Unity Shoppe, underwent a major $3.5 million renovation, with the boffo bash, which brings together community leaders, environmental advocates, and philanthropic supporters for an evening of commitment to a sustainable future, raising more than $100,000.

“The gala is more than just an evening of celebration. It’s a testament of our dedication to the Central Coast,” says Carolyn Fitzgerald, CEC board member and event chair.

“With each gathering we sow the awareness and cultivate a sense of responsibility to our environment. We’re nurturing a legacy of sustainability and environmental stewardship for our children and our community that will blossom for years to come.”

The fun fête included an art installation inspired by climate action and created by students from the Visual Arts and Design Academy at Santa Barbara High School.

The lofty complex also features a ceiling-high juvenile ficus tree, with roots under the floor, that is maintained by the late Steve Jobs’s arborist Dave Muffly, who lives locally.

The keynote speaker was 22-year-old Nalleli Cobo, 2022 Goldman Environmental prize winner, and co-founder of People Not Pozos, with a welcome from Sigrid Wright, the council’s CEO and executive director.

Among the environmental hoard were Paul and Jane Orfalea, Albert and Barbara Lindemann, Barbara Hirsch, Belle Hahn, Xorin Balbes, Truman Davies, Anders Bergstrom, Diane Zipperstein, Rob and Judy Egenolf, Karen Lehrer, Joan Hartmann, Karl and Nancy Hutterer, Das Williams, Janet Garufis, and Randy and Roxie Solakian.