Lt. Ugo ‘Butch’ Arnoldi Awarded Citizen of the Year at MA’s Beautification Day
Lt. Ugo Butch Arnoldi was officially awarded as the Montecito Citizen of the Year by the Montecito Association on Saturday, November 2. The ceremony was held at the Annual MA Beautification Day post clean-up BBQ lunch. Montecito businesses, residents, first responders from Montecito Fire Department, the SB County Sheriff’s Department, and local organizations attended the ceremonies for Arnoldi.
Welcome remarks were offered by program emcee and MA Events Chair Mindy Denson. She was followed by MA Board President Doug Black who said, “It takes a village and here you are, thank you very much. The Montecito Association has been around for 75 years, and we work hard to do things for the community.” He thanked Denson and MA Executive Director Houghton Hyatt.
Next, presenting together with certifications of recognition were 1st District SB County Supervisor Das Williams, and from the SB County Sheriff Dept in charge of Carp-Summerland-Montecito, Lt. Richard Brittingham.
Das Williams began, “Thank you to all the volunteers who keep this community beautiful. And Butch is definitely one of those who kept this community beautiful. The Arnoldi family has four members in law enforcement for public safety. Butch was sworn as a Sheriff in 1974, giving over 50 years to the department. He started community policing in Isla Vista long before it was a thing. His arrival here, for the Sheriff’s Dept. Coastal Bureau, was supporting the community while it was grappling through numerous disasters and evacuations. He has been an active partner in the MA, particularly with the successful and groundbreaking Hands Across Montecito, and for the local homeless population transitioning them into shelters. Whenever our office reached out to Butch, his first instinct was, ‘How can I help?’ He does rapid response to do the right thing. He has strong values of faith, community, and family. It’s been an honor to know and see him in action for 25 years. I love and respect you, Butch, and will never forget you as an example for my cousin Christian who is now in the department.”
Brittingham stated, “I’m here representing the SB County Sheriff’s department to recognize Butch for his 51 years of service. I’ve been working for Butch since 2003. Every phone call and email I receive is, ‘What happened to Butch?’ I have big shoes to fill and I’m going to do the best I can. The department wants you to know how proud we are of you Butch. Congratulations.”
Next to speak was Montecito Fire Chief David Neels, “When we talk about community partners, I couldn’t think of a better example than Lt. Butch Arnoldi. He has worn the star proudly for 51 years for SB County. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Butch for many years at SB County and in Montecito. You can feel how this gentleman’s heart is for community service. As public servants, it is something we all strive to match, and an example for all of us to work towards.” And reading the MFD award he said, “This is presented to Lt. Butch Arnoldi in recognition for your tremendous service to the Montecito community and partnership with the Montecito Fire Department. We have the utmost appreciation and respect for your dedication during danger incidents such as the Thomas Fire, the debris flow, and your daily commitment to protecting our community. On behalf of all the members of our department, we thank you for your partnership and all you’ve done for this community.”
Overcome and tearful, Arnoldishared, “I should really be thanking you people. For the last 50 plus years you have allowed and given me the privilege of serving and protecting you, ‘cause it works both ways. I started as a reserve deputy in 1973, and in August 1974 I was the first new hire at the Sheriff’s department in over two-and-a-half years. As a 23-year-old by myself, I was assigned Santa Barbara to the Ventura County line. In the late 1970s we came up with a team policing concept, and 11 officers were responsible for Carp-Montecito-Summerland. In 1996, I was appointed to Sheriff’s Lieutenant. In 2001 to 2003, I was assigned your Coastal Bureau commander, and the last stint I did here was 2018 till July 2024. My family were the founders of Arnoldi’s Café, my grandfather and my dad were masons who did a lot of stonework in Montecito, and my great grandad built the Stonehouse on Toro Canyon at the East Valley Road intersection in the early 1900s, so the Arnoldi family has long time roots in this community, and I have enjoyed serving you.”
Additional awards were presented by Hyatt, including an engraved pen for Arnoldi; Nina Terzian presented a stuffed brown bear affectionately named, ‘Butchie the Bear’ to Arnoldi in honor of his affinity for bears; Mindy Denson awarded Wayne Covert and Pacific Tree as a Community Partner, and Dana Newquist presented the Peter K. Barker Foundation’s donation for the Montecito Association’s Beautification Day event.
During the afternoon program, there was a BBQ with homemade chili by our Montecito Fire Fighters, who add peanut butter [you read that right!] into their chili mix. For the less brave to take that on, there were fresh BBQ hot dogs, a variety of salads, chocolate chip cookies, and slices of the MA 75th Anniversary cake. There were info tables with representatives from SB Fire Safe, the Montecito Water District, the Montecito Community Foundation, and our Fire Fighters teaching kids about fire prevention. There was lots of free merch to take home. Providing stellar live music was Maitland Ward on his guitar with songs that brought it home.
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