A Year in Review

January

As 2024 unfurled along California’s gilded coast, Santa Barbara’s January presented itself as a month of stark juxtapositions – where celebration and loss, preservation and development, tradition and change played out against a backdrop of perpetual sunshine.

The Ritual of Renewal

On New Year’s Day, while most of America huddled under blankets nursing champagne headaches, some three hundred Santa Barbarans – from toddlers to octogenarians – participated in Hugh Margerum’s eighth annual Polar Dip. The event, held at the public beach across from the rainbow arch on Cabrillo Boulevard, featured local celebrity John Palminteri as master of ceremonies, while Harbor Patrol boats offered celebratory water cannon salutes. The decidedly un-polar 64-degree weather allowed participants to linger in the Pacific’s embrace longer than usual, transforming the beach into what one observer called “a Beach Boys beach blanket bingo,” complete with selfies, champagne, and picnicking pooches.

The Speakeasy Renaissance 

The San Ysidro Ranch’s Plow & Angel underwent a transformation that would have made Jay Gatsby proud, reopening as a Prohibition Era-inspired watering hole. The renovation maintained the venue’s historic stone walls while introducing rich red banquettes and vintage furniture, creating what management describes as an atmosphere both “escapist and sexy.” The bar now offers elaborate absinthe services and holds the distinction of being the only hotel bar globally with a specific chapter of Balvenie whiskeys.

Crime and Real Estate

A series of sophisticated burglaries rattled the community’s sense of security when four high-end homes were targeted in a single evening. The perpetrators, described by security experts as “very stealthy,” showed a preference for properties backing onto open spaces and demonstrated an unsettling familiarity with safe-cracking. The incidents bore uncomfortable similarities to a pattern of “Chilean tourist burglaries” that have plagued wealthy West Coast communities since 2016.

A Club Reborn

The Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club emerged from an extensive renovation overseen by owner Ty Warner with characteristic attention to detail. The club’s rebirth included the installation of California’s largest glass spa, featuring Japanese one-way glass and underwater music, and a new dining venue showcasing a 32-foot LED sky screen. The renovation honored the club’s history while catering to modern sensibilities, maintaining an impressive 80% membership retention rate since Warner’s 2000 acquisition.

Infrastructure in Motion

The ongoing Highway 101 construction project continued its methodical progress through Montecito and Summerland, with work spanning multiple segments. The project team announced plans for the closure of the southbound San Ysidro off-ramp, a development that prompted both practical concerns and philosophical musings about the nature of progress in a community that values its traditions.

Environmental Advocacy

Environmental concerns took center stage as the Summerland Oil Mitigation Study commenced, funded by a $500,000 grant from State Assemblymember Monique Límon. The project, led by scientists Ira Leifer and Harry Rabin, aims to address the persistent issue of leaking offshore oil wells, a remnant of the area’s industrial past that continues to impact its pristine coastline.

February

A Culinary Evolution

The month welcomed Lilac Montecito to Coast Village Road, where Gillian Muralles and her husband Alam transformed the former Mesa Burger space into a gluten-free fine dining establishment. Their executive chef, Piersimone D’Anna, crafted a menu that included housemade pasta and duck breast sous vide – a culinary feat that suggested the absence of gluten need not signal the absence of sophistication. The wine list, curated by level 3 sommelier Antonio Gerli, featured 70 selections that spoke to both global tastes and local loyalties.

Nature’s Reminder

Mid-month, Miramar Beach closed following a 2,500-gallon sewage spill into Oak Creek, a stark reminder of the delicate infrastructure underlying the region’s pristine façade. The closure coincided with county health officials’ perennial warning about post-storm ocean contact – a familiar February ritual in a community where natural beauty and environmental vigilance maintain an uneasy alliance.

Conversations of Consequence 

The Chabad of Montecito hosted disaster management specialist Gavriel Friedson for a sobering discussion about his experiences as a medic following the October 7 attacks in Israel. The event, drawing over 100 attendees from various faiths, highlighted the community’s engagement with global issues. Later in the month, some 60 residents gathered to discuss democracy and public media with NPR journalists Ailsa Chang, Odette Yousef, and David Greene, examining the increasingly complex landscape of modern journalism.

Cultural Celebrations

Black History Month brought a rich tapestry of events, beginning with Dr. Joan Kee’s lecture on “The Geometries of Afro Asia” at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. The young Obsidian Scholars honored the memory of poet laureate Sojourner Kincaid Rolle with original poetry, while the Robey Theatre Company performed Richard Wesley’s The Talented Tenth at Soul Bites Restaurant.

Civic Deliberations

The Montecito Association’s February meetings reflected the community’s ongoing navigation of growth and preservation. A contentious discussion emerged around the Rosewood Miramar Beach’s proposed 50,000-square-foot expansion, with neighbors raising concerns about increased commercialization. Meanwhile, Police Chief Lt. Arnoldi reported on sophisticated burglary operations targeting high-end properties, while debates continued about the management of the increasingly popular Hot Springs Trail.

Artful Affairs

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art transformed into a multisensory experience for its Midwinter Night’s Dream fundraiser, where Japanese screens met Bach sonatas, and Ansel Adams photographs accompanied operatic performances. The event epitomized Santa Barbara’s talent for blending cultural traditions with contemporary sensibilities.

Hearts and Community

The Friendship Center’s 25th Annual Festival of Hearts fundraiser at the Rosewood Miramar Beach demonstrated the community’s commitment to elder care, raising $20,000 while honoring 97-year-old WWII veteran Robert Antonini, whose testimony to the Center’s impact reminded attendees of the institution’s vital role.

March

Institutional Evolution

The venerable Biltmore Hotel’s proposed renovation plans met with characteristic Santa Barbara scrutiny when presented to the Montecito Board of Architectural Review. The 136,126 square-foot overhaul sparked debate over the preservation of the property’s romantic atmosphere.

Civic Infrastructure

Coast Village Road embarked on an ambitious improvement project, addressing years of wear from natural disasters and neglect. The undertaking, scheduled to begin March 25th, promised new loading zones and infrastructure upgrades – a physical manifestation of the community’s resilience and adaptation following years of environmental challenges.

Cultural Celebrations

The Granada Theatre demonstrated its own resilience, reopening just six weeks after a sprinkler mishap to host the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Under the baton of Nathalie Stutzmann – only the second woman to lead a major American orchestra – the performance featured Chinese pianist Haochen Zhang in a program that seemed to underscore the venue’s sustained cultural significance.

Women’s History

March’s designation as Women’s History Month found particular resonance in an exhibition at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Women of the Santa Barbara Harbor showcased 13 pioneers who had shaped the waterfront community, from commercial fishing to marine ecology. The narratives of these women – including Hiroko Benko, Holly Lohuis, and Lieutenant Christina Sandstedt – revealed the intricate web of relationships binding the harbor community.

Artistic Revelations

In the Funk Zone, Cecily Barth Firestein’s work found a home at Art & Soul gallery, offering a meditation on the intersection of domesticity and artistic creation. The exhibition, housed in Kim McIntyre’s “warehouse chic” space, suggested that the demands of family life and creative expression need not be mutually exclusive – a particularly resonant message in a month celebrating women’s achievements.

Environmental Aesthetics

Lotusland continued its olfactory exploration with the launch of a new fragrance, “Lemon Arbor,” created in collaboration with Heretic Perfume. The scent, drawing inspiration from the estate’s historic lemon arbor, represented a tangible connection to founder Ganna Walska’s own perfume-making ventures in 1930s Paris.

Civic Discourse

At the month’s close, Richard Haass, veteran of four presidential administrations, addressed a sold-out crowd at the Westmont President’s Breakfast. His message about putting country before party resonated through the Hilton’s ballroom, though perhaps not as loudly as the unspoken anxieties about domestic politics that he admitted kept him awake at night.

April

Spring’s Tempestuous Arrival

April announced itself with meteorological drama – a storm system that brought not just rain but hail to the Sheffield Drive undercrossing and, more alarmingly, a sinkhole on Sycamore Canyon that triggered a gas line break. The Montecito Fire Department fielded 74 calls while South Coast Dispatch managed roughly 250, a symphony of emergency response that has become increasingly familiar to residents. At Lucky’s restaurant, the evening took an almost theatrical turn as staff members carried patrons through flood waters to safety – a scene that might have appeared in a disaster film if not for its distinctly Montecito touch of elegance.

Cultural Transitions

The community bade a forever farewell to Lynda Millner, whose “Seen Around Town” column in the Montecito Journal had, for over two decades, chronicled the intricate social tapestry of Santa Barbara. More than merely a social columnist, Millner had served as both documentarian and advocate for countless local nonprofits, wielding her pen and camera with equal measures of glamour and gravitas.

Institutional Heritage

The month saw Susan and Palmer Jackson Jr. step forward to chair Casa del Herrero’s first comprehensive capital campaign, an $18 million endeavor dubbed “Preserving our Past, Protecting Our Future.” The announcement carried particular resonance given their family’s deep connections to the estate – Joan Jackson had worked with George Steedman Bass in 1993 to establish the property as a nonprofit foundation, a pivotal moment in preserving Santa Barbara’s architectural heritage.

Culinary Evolution

The local food scene continued its expansion with Oat Bakery opening its third location at Montecito Country Mart. The Danish-inspired venture of Lou Fontana and Louise Ulrich-Fontana, which began with FaceTime baking lessons from Louise’s mother in Copenhagen, has grown from pop-up demonstrations in Montecito living rooms to a three-location enterprise producing some thousand loaves each Saturday.

Papal Diplomacy

In a remarkable convergence of local and global influence, Montecito Bank & Trust’s President George Leis secured an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican. His gift to the pontiff – a book documenting the Santa Barbara Mission’s history – represented a thoughtful connection between the community’s spiritual heritage and its contemporary institutions.

Environmental Advocacy

Harry Rabin and Joey Szalkiewicz’s documentary Greetings from Summerland, Birthplace of Offshore Oil caught the attention of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus in Washington, D.C. The 22-minute film, which premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, provided a sobering examination of methane gas emissions and their impact on global warming, featuring archival footage of early well-sealing efforts from 1968.

Educational Innovation

At Montecito Union School, neon artist Rod Lathim collaborated with second-grade students on a unique art installation combining damaged musical instruments with neon elements. The project, bridging visual arts and music education, exemplified the school’s commitment to creative interdisciplinary learning. Meanwhile, the school’s foundation gala, themed “Côte d’Azur,” raised a record-breaking $230,000 for various educational initiatives.

Culinary Consciousness

Caruso’s restaurant at the Rosewood Miramar Beach celebrated Earth Day with characteristic thoughtfulness. Executive Chef Massimo Falsini, fresh from securing both Forbes 5-Star and Michelin star recognition, hosted a James Beard Foundation benefit dinner that brought together local purveyors and their families, emphasizing the restaurant’s commitment to sustainable, locally sourced cuisine.

May

A Month of Milestones

May opened with a peculiarly Santa Barbara moment: the $18.3 million San Ysidro Road and Olive Mill Road roundabouts received their ceremonial unveiling, complete with speeches, certificates, and – in a moment of unscripted poetry – a cyclist whizzing past the podium during County Supervisor Steve Lavagnino’s remarks. The completion of these traffic circles, ahead of schedule, marked more than mere infrastructure; they represented the community’s ongoing negotiation between preservation and progress.

Institutional Evolution

The Biltmore saga continued its slow unfolding as Four Seasons employees received their settlement packages, marking another chapter in the historic hotel’s four-year closure. Through spokesperson Sean Lavelle, owner Ty Warner outlined an ambitious vision for the property’s future, including multigenerational accommodations and new pool amenities. The projected reopening promised $15.7 million in tax revenue for 2025 – a figure that seemed to underscore both the economic and cultural stakes of the renovation.

Community Discourse

The Montecito Association’s May board meeting, held in Cold Spring School’s auditorium to accommodate unprecedented attendance, became a forum for debate over the Rosewood Miramar Beach’s proposed expansion. The discussion pitted preservation against progress, with All Saints-by-the-Sea Parish expressing concerns about historic views while Miramar supporters praised owner Rick Caruso’s contributions to the community. 

Civic Celebration

In a charming nod to tradition, the Montecito Fire Department hosted a “push-in” ceremony for their new Engine 92, drawing more than a hundred community members, including children from local schools who helped wash and ceremonially guide the vehicle into its bay. The 2023 Pierce Enforcer, with its 500-gallon water tank and sophisticated “pump and roll” capability, represented both technological advancement and community continuity.

Infrastructure Renaissance

Coast Village Road emerged from its spring makeover with new curbs, gutters, and loading zones – a transformation that prompted a community-wide celebration over Memorial Day weekend. The project’s completion, achieved through the coordination of multiple civic entities, demonstrated Montecito’s capacity for renewal while maintaining its essential character.

Musical Horizons

The announcement that Pink would join Kenny Loggins at the One805LIVE! gala at Kevin Costner’s oceanside estate added contemporary star power to an already illustrious lineup. A preliminary event at Sunstone Winery featured an impressive assembly of musical talent, including Alan Parsons and members of the Night Train Music Club, raising $80,000 for First Responders.

Artistic Legacy

At Casa Dorinda, a poignant exhibition showcased the works of resident Michelle Joanou alongside those of her late husband Phil, who began painting at age 62 – a reminder that artistic expression in Santa Barbara knows neither age nor conventional boundaries.

June

A Century-Old Tradition Resurfaces

The Miramar Swim Raft, that enduring symbol of Santa Barbara summers, returned to its ancestral waters on June 1st. The platform, first launched in 1917, resumed its position off Miramar Beach with a lifeguard stationed daily – a reassuring nod to traditions that predate the resort’s five-star designation.

Infrastructure’s Ongoing Saga

At the Montecito Association’s Land Use meeting, Kirsten Ayars outlined plans for Highway 101’s transformation through summer 2025. The project introduced orange channelizer cones and divided lanes – temporary inconveniences in service of long-term improvements. Notably absent from the plans were sound walls, their omission a concession to flood control concerns.

Insurance Anxieties

The month’s most sobering discourse centered on homeowners’ insurance, as industry experts Kelly Weiser and Grace Neumann fielded questions about California’s increasingly complex coverage landscape. The discussion revealed a market in flux, with some carriers departing the state entirely and others implementing sophisticated layering strategies for high-value properties.

Retail Disruptions

Coast Village Road experienced an unwelcome reminder of urban realities when thieves made off with approximately $2,000 in clothing from a local boutique. The June 12th incident prompted renewed vigilance among merchants in the typically serene shopping district.

Cultural Celebrations

The Music Academy of the West launched its 77th summer festival with cellist Joshua Roman performing in Hahn Hall. Roman, who first attended the academy in 2002, offered a program that included Bach, his own composition “Immunity” (inspired by his COVID experience), and a surprisingly affecting rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”

Educational Excellence

Cold Spring Elementary School District’s Superintendent Amy Alzina received the Superintendent/Principal of the Year Award from the Association of California School Administrators. Under her seven-year tenure, the school has maintained the state’s highest performance metrics in mathematics and language arts, despite navigating multiple environmental disasters.

Culinary Evolution

The San Ysidro Ranch unveiled its new lunch service at the Veranda cottage, transforming a former private event space into an intimate outdoor dining venue. The prix-fixe menu, featuring ingredients from the chef’s garden and wines from local vintner Doug Margerum, represents another calibration of the property’s high-end offerings.

Literary Moments

At Tecolote bookshop, Steven Gilbar’s signing for Montecito Noir: True Tales of Murder and Mayhem in Paradise drew an unexpected guest in comedian Steve Martin. The book, exploring the darker corners of local history, offered a counterpoint to the community’s carefully maintained veneer of tranquility.

Institutional Transitions

The month brought updates on several institutional changes, including progress at Casa del Herrero, where a new class of docents graduated to lead tours of the George Washington Smith-designed estate. Meanwhile, UCSB’s Arts & Lectures program announced its 65th anniversary season, promising 47 events featuring both established artists and emerging talents.

July

Independence Day Revival

The month opened with the Village 4th parade drawing over 2,000 attendees to San Ysidro Road. David Boyd, longtime volunteer for multiple community organizations, served as Grand Marshal, while Woody Barrett claimed Most Patriotic honors and La Boheme earned Most Entertaining. The day culminated in Montecito Union School’s victory in the traditional tug-of-war.

Retail Renaissance

Coast Village Road witnessed several notable openings and collaborations. J. McLaughlin partnered with local designer Kate McHale Jensen for a limited-edition collection crafted from vintage men’s shirts, while Drybar Montecito celebrated its official ribbon cutting. Emily Joubert Home & Garden, named after owner Judy Cottingham-Sieber’s grandmother, opened in Montecito Country Mart, bringing coastal-inspired furnishings and local artworks.

Cultural Legacy

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art unveiled A Legacy of Giving, featuring works from Leslie and Paul Ridley-Tree’s collection. The exhibition, including pieces by Monet, Cassatt, and Rossetti, highlighted the couple’s quarter-century of cultural philanthropy. Curator James Glisson organized the works around five themes, from “Brand Management Circa 1870” to “History and Fantasy.”

Lotusland’s Milestone

The botanical garden’s 30th annual gala, “The Way of the Lotus,” raised $1 million, with actress Jane Lynch hosting and Alice Waters among the guests. An accompanying exhibition, Grounded, featured works by local artists created from fallen wood found on the estate’s grounds, with pieces ranging from $2,000 to $28,000.

Spanish Traditions Return

After a 30-year hiatus, the “Noche de Gala” celebration of Old Spanish Days returned to Montecito, hosted at Casa del Herrero. The event featured performances by Spirit of Fiesta Georgey Taupin and Junior Spirit Aleenah Soriano, alongside an exhibition of historic costumes from the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

Musical Alignments

Alan Parsons, the 13-time Grammy nominee who engineered albums from The Beatles and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, was named musical director for the upcoming One805LIVE! concert at Kevin Costner’s estate. 

Polo’s Poignant Moment

The Santa Barbara Polo Club honored the memory of Glen Holden, former U.S. ambassador to Jamaica and polo patriarch, who passed away in April at 96. His memorial service drew 600 guests to the eponymous Holden Field, where his longtime fieldside box was decorated with white roses in tribute.

Environmental Alert

The month concluded with the discovery of red imported fire ants in Montecito, traced to nursery stock from Riverside County. Agricultural officials launched immediate eradication efforts, though monitoring may continue for up to five years.

August

Coast Village’s Carnival

The month opened with Coast Village Week, transforming the popular shopping district into a weeklong celebration complete with ice cream socials, rosé gardens, and art walks. The event culminated in a “Dog Days of Summer” photo contest that saw more than 100 canine contestants vying for recognition, with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Sadie claiming the editor’s choice award.

Golf’s Pilgrimage

The Montecito Club received an unexpected benediction when six representatives from St. Andrews Links arrived to inspect the grounds. Under the stewardship of Tennessee McBroom, whose title “Director of Agronomy” suggests the facility’s meticulous approach, the club’s Platinum TE Paspalum turfgrass and bentgrass greens impressed even these visiting emissaries of golf’s ancestral home.

Local Institution Returns

Little Alex’s, beloved for its chicken soup and warm hospitality, reopened at Five Points Shopping Center after departing its 32-year Montecito location. Brothers Aaron and Josh Briner maintained their signature menu while adding new items like Rajas Veggie Soup and chilaquiles, though the famous chicken soup remains unchanged.

Environmental Concerns

Miramar Beach residents raised alarms about erosion at the Eucalyptus Lane entrance, where high tide forces beachgoers to navigate a precarious rock formation. While Carpinteria secured $1.62 million from the California State Coastal Conservancy for its Living Shoreline Project, Montecito awaited the attentions of BEACON (Beach Erosion Authority for Clean Oceans and Nourishment) at its
September meeting.

Institutional Changes

The Montecito YMCA welcomed Ryan Power as its new Executive Director, bringing experience from La Costa Beach & Tennis Club and various recreational management positions. Meanwhile, the Montecito Water Protection District announced rate increases – ranging from $6 to $28 monthly – to address infrastructure aging and water procurement challenges.

Historic Preservation

The month saw legal action regarding the demolished Moody Sisters cottage, with Supervisor Das Williams filing a civil lawsuit against the property owners. The case highlighted ongoing tensions between preservation and development in a community where historic structures often carry both cultural and architectural significance.

Educational Excellence

Both Montecito Union School and Cold Spring School District reported increased test scores as they prepared for the new academic year. Cold Spring’s Superintendent Amy Alzina noted scores in the high 90th percentile, while both institutions addressed contemporary challenges including AI integration and security protocols.

September

Administrative Transitions

The Montecito Association meeting marked significant changes in local governance, with Roy Lee being voted in as First District Supervisor and Lt. Ugo “Butch” Arnoldi receiving recognition for his 51 years of service to the Sheriff’s Department. The gathering also addressed ongoing concerns about beach erosion and new parking restrictions near Hot Springs Trail.

Rosewood’s Regulatory Dance

The Rosewood Miramar Beach expansion plans encountered procedural complexities when the project shifted from Montecito Planning Commission review to County Planning Commission jurisdiction. The move, prompted by the project’s affordable housing component under SB330, sparked debate about local control versus state housing mandates. The proposal, including 26 affordable employee units alongside luxury apartments and retail spaces, highlighted tensions between development and community character.

Historic Preservation Victory

Casa del Herrero secured a $750,000 matching grant from the Department of Interior’s Save America’s Treasures program—the largest one-time grant in its history. The award, administered through the California Missions Foundation, will support preservation work at the National Historic Property, provided matching funds are raised within three years.

Literary Innovation

Godmothers bookstore opened in Summerland, transforming a 1920s gambrel barn into what its founders Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and Victoria Jackson envision as more than just a retail space. The venture, complete with a planned café food truck and outdoor reading areas, aims to create a literary salon atmosphere in keeping with the area’s cultivated casualness.

Culinary Evolution

Executive Chef Ramon Velázquez, fresh from receiving a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand designation, opened Alma Fonda Fina at Montecito Country Mart. The restaurant, positioned as a sister establishment to his acclaimed Corazon Cocina, promises weekly menu changes featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Royal Recognition

One805LIVE! at Kevin Costner’s Carpinteria estate drew unexpected royal participation when Prince Harry presented an award to helicopter pilot Loren Courtney. The Duke of Sussex, celebrating his own 40th birthday, joined a star-studded lineup including Pink, Kenny Loggins, and Alan Parsons, helping raise over $1 million for first responders.

Cultural Milestones

State Street Ballet marked its 30th anniversary with a gala at the Music Academy featuring the UCSB Middle East Ensemble and previews of upcoming productions of Scheherazade and The Firebird. The event raised more than $150,000 while showcasing the company’s artistic evolution.

Trail Blazing

The Montecito Trails Foundation celebrated its 60th anniversary with its first fundraiser since 2019, featuring local band The Doublewide Kings led by Palmer Jackson Jr. The event highlighted the organization’s ongoing work maintaining the area’s extensive trail network.

Local Fashion Launch

Andrew Schmoller and Eli Gill introduced Esbee, a new fashion brand named after Santa Barbara’s initials. The venture, focusing on California-manufactured basics and accessories, includes specialized sizing for taller customers – a nod to Schmoller’s own 6’8” frame.

October

Biltmore’s Return

The Four Seasons Biltmore received preliminary approval for its renovation plans, though with conditions including a 5% reduction in the family pool size and additional landscaping requirements. The historic property, closed since 2020, aims for a Summer 2025 reopening, with projected annual tax revenues of $15-18 million.

The Miramar Saga

October brought heightened drama to the Rosewood Miramar’s expansion plans as the project navigated county and local jurisdictions. A contentious County Planning Commission hearing on October 9th gave way to further complexity when the Montecito Planning Commission lost its quorum after Commissioner Sandy Stahl’s recusal over questions about document authorship. 

Feminist Focus

The Coral Casino hosted “Feminist Equali-tea,” featuring Kathy Spillar, editor of Ms. Magazine, who addressed the current state of gender equality and reproductive rights. The event, organized by Stacy Pulice, highlighted the ongoing struggles for women’s rights.

Artistic Transitions

When Via Vai lost its Upper Village lease after three decades, artist Carlos Pillado’s works found a new home at Studio 44, directly across the street from their original location. The gallery, curated by Stephanie Kaster, hosted a reception that transformed displacement into celebration.

Culinary Conservation

Caruso’s Restaurant’s Chef Massimo Falsini was appointed Ambassador for Project Zero, recognizing his commitment to marine conservation through sustainable kitchen practices. The appointment, celebrated at an intimate gathering, aligned with the restaurant’s MICHELIN Green Star designation.

Cultural Celebrations

Ghost Village Road marked its 22nd anniversary with expanded participation from local schools and businesses. The event transformed Coast Village Road into a festive thoroughfare, with the Montecito Country Mart hosting costume contests while local establishments offered their own theatrical interpretations of Halloween hospitality.

Golf for Good

St. Vincent’s 23rd Annual Golf Classic at the Montecito Club drew 20 teams competing across five categories, raising funds for single mothers and their children. The tournament, chaired by Bill Cordero Sr., whose own parents met as orphans at St. Vincent’s, exemplified the community’s commitment to social services.

Musical Evolution

Local rocker Tina Schlieske revealed a surprising pivot with her jazz album The Good Life, performing standards at the Lobero Theatre. The transformation from rock powerhouse to jazz interpreter demonstrated Santa Barbara’s capacity for nurturing artistic reinvention.

Fragrant Notes

Lotusland expanded its botanically-inspired fragrance collection with “Sacred Lotus,” created by Los Angeles perfumer Douglas Little. The scent, drawing inspiration from the garden’s annual lotus bloom, continued the estate’s tradition of translating horticultural heritage into olfactory art.

November

The Miramar’s Victory

After months of procedural wrangling, the County Planning Commission unanimously approved Rosewood Miramar’s mixed-use development plan. The decision came after All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church withdrew its opposition following compromises on building height. While some neighbors continued to voice concerns about parking and traffic, the approval marked a significant step in Rick Caruso’s vision for the property’s evolution.

Music Academy Prevails

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted 3-0-1 to deny an appeal against the Music Academy of the West’s revised Conditional Use Permit. The decision allows the institution to host up to 15 “Significant Life Events” annually, though with restrictions limiting these to one per day. The ruling balanced the Academy’s need for additional revenue streams against neighborhood concerns about noise and traffic.

Civic Recognition

Lt. Ugo “Butch” Arnoldi received the Montecito Citizen of the Year award during the Association’s Beautification Day celebrations. His 51 years of service with the Sheriff’s Department, particularly his work during disasters and with the homeless population, earned praise from officials including Das Williams and Fire Chief David Neels.

Literary Landmark

The Michael Towbes Library Plaza opened with “Plaza Palooza,” transforming Anapamu Street into a vibrant community space. The $5 million project, supported by a $1 million endowment, featured performances by local groups and interactive booths from 50 nonprofits, marking a new chapter in the library’s century-long history.

Artistic Milestones

Waterhouse Gallery celebrated its 40th anniversary, a testament to the enduring romance that began when Diane met British gallery owner Ralph Waterhouse on a blind date in 1983. Their expansion to a second location in Montecito reflected both their success and the evolution of Santa Barbara’s
art scene.

Hollywood Returns Home

Actor Josh Brolin’s memoir reading at Godmothers bookstore brought a touch of Hollywood introspection to Summerland. In conversation with Rob Lowe, Brolin reflected on his turbulent youth in Santa Barbara, including his time with the notorious “’Cito Rats” skateboarding gang.

Retail Evolution

The Mate Gallery scored a retail coup by becoming the first California store to carry L.L. Bean products, while Bunny Shapiro Beads collaborated with La Californienne for a pop-up at Poppy Marché, demonstrating Coast Village Road’s continuing appeal to unique retail ventures.

December

Major Developments Advance

The Miramar expansion plan cleared its final local hurdle as the Board of Supervisors unanimously denied all appeals, approving the project that includes 26 affordable housing units and retail space. While environmental concerns persisted regarding the floodplain location, supervisors praised the project’s commitment to workforce housing and community integration.

Music Academy Resolves

The Land Use Committee meeting brought updates on the Music Academy’s new Conditional Use Permit, allowing 15 “Significant Life Events” annually and confirming plans for additional employee housing. While neighbors expressed concerns about traffic and noise, the institution emphasized its commitment to transparent operations.

Sweet Arrivals

Marley Confections opened its intimate 215-square-foot chocolate shop in the Upper Village, offering artisanal chocolates crafted with local ingredients. Owner Margaret Van Sicklen’s transition from advertising executive to chocolatier personified Montecito’s rich entrepreneurial spirit.

The Post Debuts

The Las Aves complex near the Bird Refuge transformed into The Post, a boutique retail center featuring carefully curated shops and restaurants. Developers David Fishbein and Joseph Miller preserved historic elements while creating a modern gathering space.

Retail & Restaurant Expansion

Faherty Brand chose Coast Village Road for its 76th location, while Bar Lou brought French-Mediterranean cuisine to the former Oliver’s space. The arrivals reflected the area’s growing appeal to established brands seeking community connection.

RH Makes History

The Old Firehouse reopened as RH Montecito with a gala benefiting local firefighters. The 1931 Alexander Bertrand Harmer structure’s transformation into a luxury lifestyle destination maintained its historic character while introducing contemporary retail concepts.

Environmental Dialogue

“From Soil to Soul” brought together environmental leaders including Dr. Zach Bush for an evening exploring sustainable agriculture through multi-sensory experiences and cultural traditions.

Holiday Spirit

December’s festivities included the traditional decoration of the Hathaway Tree at Manning Park, Coast Village Association’s second annual tree lighting, and the fourth annual Holiday Car Parade. Richie’s Barber Shop continued its 13th annual charity drive supporting domestic violence survivors, the homeless, and pet welfare.

Light Up a Life

Hospice Santa Barbara’s annual remembrance ceremony featured singer-songwriter Lois Mahalia, offering the community a moment to honor lost loved ones while strengthening communal bonds.