Author spotlight: Joanne A Calitri

Joanne A Calitri MPA is a professional international photographer & journalist, and News Correspondent for the Montecito Journal Media Group LLC since 2002. Email: artraks@yahoo.com

101 Updates, a Montecito Sheriff’s Office, and More
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 24, 2024

The Montecito Association December meeting was held in person at the Montecito Library community room and on Zoom, Tuesday, December 10. MA President Doug Black was absent. The meeting was led by 2nd Vice President Leslie Lundgren with assistance by MA Executive Director Houghton Hyatt. Via Zoom, Montecito Fire Chief David Neels updated attendees on […]

SB Rescue Mission Women’s Auxiliary Annual Holiday Tea for Bethel House
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 24, 2024

The Santa Barbara Rescue Mission (SBRM) Women’s Auxiliary held its annual Bethel House Christmas Tea for its women in recovery program on Wednesday, December 11 at the home of Susan Hughes. Organizing the event were newly appointed SBRM Women’s Auxiliary President Cindy Anderson,with Auxiliary members Dianne Davis, and Kirsten Walters. This beloved holiday celebration for […]

Home for the Holidays Happenings
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 24, 2024

Home for the Holidays? Celebrate it in style with Society’s Holiday Listing! December 24, Tuesday – Christmas EveDecember 25, Wednesday – Christmas DayDecember 26, Thursday – Chanukah Services: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church,1300 East Valley Road, Montecito Fr. Lawrence Seyer, Pastor  Christmas Eve Masses: 4 pm and 9 pm (no midnight mass) Christmas Day […]

Holiday Magic Car Parade
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 24, 2024

Montecito Association Hosts 4th Annual Parade of Lights, Cars, and Holiday Spirit The Montecito Association’s 4th Annual Holiday Car Parade took place on Saturday, December 14 at 5pm. The celebration started at 3 pm in the Upper Village with a Sip ‘n’ Shop and live music by Maitland Ward. Signing up to be in the […]

Richie’s Barber Shop 13th Annual Holiday Tri-Charity Funder
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 17, 2024

Richie Ramirez and head barber Jessica Jay launched the Barbershop’s 13th Annual Charity fundraiser for the holidays, on Friday, December 6. The annual charity event was started humbly in 2011 with Richie’s love of kids. He launched first the “Toys for Tots” where he collected three oversized moving boxes of toys for kids that were […]

The Annual Hathaway Tree Decorating
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 17, 2024

The annual tradition of decorating the Hathaway Tree at Manning Park was held by the Montecito Association and its Montecito Beautification members, in collaboration with Montecito Fire, on Wednesday, December 4, in the afternoon. There were at least 30 adults, a handful of kids, and two doggies on hand to help, along with water and […]

Ahoy Mate! The 38th Annual Boat Parade of Lights Goes Pirate
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 17, 2024

It was cannons and gun powder and planks to walk – aye aye the pirates have arrived! this year for the 38th Annual Boat Parade of Lights, held on Sunday, December 8. Our proud sailors, boaters, and commercial fishermen took this year’s theme, “Yule Tide Pirates” to the next level with their spectacular boat lighting, […]

CVA & Rosewood Miramar’s 2nd Annual CVR Holiday
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 17, 2024

Your Society gal shares with you that Montecito is always the best for parties. Our little town is looking more like Rodeo Drive with our exclusive shops and restaurants, and now with the holiday lights and décor, including a tree and soon a menorah. This year marks the 2nd Annual Coast Village Association’s Holiday Tree […]

Music Academy CUP Updates at Land Use Meeting
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 17, 2024

The Montecito Association Land Use Committee (LUC) December meeting was held Tuesday, December 3, in person at the Montecito Library community room and on Zoom. The meeting was called to order by its Chair, Dorinne Lee Johnson. Attendees were the Land Use Committee members, MA ED Houghton Hyatt, President Doug Black, Music Academy of the […]

Friendship Center’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 10, 2024

The Friendship Center in Montecito held its annual Thanksgiving lunch for its members and their families and friends, on Wednesday, November 27, outside on the patio. The membership has grown 30% in the last year and the event was packed. Noted members at the lunch were Luis Cabello with his daughters Patty and Graciela;and 101 […]

St. Vincent’s 14th Annual Fashion Show Luncheon
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 10, 2024

St. Vincent’s Santa Barbara held its 14th Annual Fashion Show Luncheon fundraiser on Saturday, November 30 – and for the 3rd year it was held at the Rosewood Miramar Beach. This annual event is always sold out and is traditionally held on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.  The event is sponsored by Claudia Lash and Pat […]

Firefighters Santa Run, Toy Drive, & Summerland Holiday Events
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 10, 2024

Society Invites says it is time to bring your holiday cheer to our neighboring towns and fire departments. Jot down these dates in your holiday outings schedule, which follow with Montecito’s holiday events – you can easily move from one party to the next on the same day! Let the hot cocoa and champagne begin! […]

Aura Photography at Catherine Gee
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 10, 2024

Local and international fashion designer Catherine Gee will be hosting Hado Being Aura Photography at her eponymous store in La Arcada on Saturday, December 7th. Hado Being describes aura photography as showing “the current state of your energy being and can provide you with an abundance of information about yourself.”  Schedule a unique aura photo […]

A Second Spot for Art & Soul
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 10, 2024

Art & Soul has a new secondary location with an exhibit to (artistically) boot! The gallery has opened a new spot at 1323 State Street next to the Arlington Theatre in the ARTS District. It will kick off its Grand Opening with the exhibit, The Art of Place, featuring artists – Brad Betts, John Baran, […]

Friendship Center Dresses Up and Wines Down
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 10, 2024

At the beginning of November, the Friendship Center held its 12th Annual Wine Down at the Arlington Theater with a special twist – this year’s event included a ghoulish costume theme given its proximity to Halloween. This sold-out event brought food, dancing, and much more to a crowd of 130 guests, raising nearly $60,000 in […]

L.L. Bean Brand at The Mate Gallery Hold onto your holidaze ‘jammies’!
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 3, 2024

The Mate Gallery co-owners Matt Albiani and Ron Brand have confirmed with me on Monday, November 25, L.L. Bean will be sold for the first time in a California retail store at their Mate Gallery in the Montecito Country Mart!  In the store will be L.L. Bean’s Boat and Tote open top tote bag, classic […]

Bunny Shapiro Beads x laCalifornienne x Poppy Marché
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 3, 2024

The cutest dual pop-up ever to hit Coast Village Road was held at Poppy Marchéon Friday, November 22. The independent shop owners for the dual pop-up were owner of Bunny Shapiro Beads Bunny Shapiro and Courtney Ormond of laCalifornienne. Shapiro and Ormond have been Instagram friends and met in person at the pop-up. The combination […]

Sunspel Grand Opening Slated for December 7
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 3, 2024

Friday late afternoon, I deliberately stopped by the Montecito Country Mart to find out the grand opening of Sunspel for you. The store was assembled and finishing touches on the clothing were being done. I spoke with Sunspel Manager Perle Overney, who shared that the grand opening will be Saturday, December 7, from 12-6 pm. […]

Chamlee’s Factory Racing Wins First at Baja 1000
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 3, 2024

Truck racing superstar Dan Chamlee, founder of The Factory Racing, Inc.has officially won the Class 7 Title at the 2024 Baja 1000 race on November 15-16. This is the 9th Baja 1000 win for Factory Racing, Inc.  On Dan’s team this year were his wife Laurie as Crew Chief. Riding in the truck with him […]

UCSB’s Dr. Joel Rothman and Vistas Lifelong Learning 
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 3, 2024

Vistas Lifelong Learning organization held its annual Margerum Distinguished Speaker Program featuring Dr. Joel Rothman, at the Music Academy, Montecito, on Thursday, November 21. The event co-chairs were Leslie White and Jill Breedon.  The program, entitled “Extending Healthy Lifespan: Promises and Societal Challenges of Longevity Science,” was sold out at standing room only. Rothman has […]

Hot Springs Stakeholders Meet, and Concerns Over SBC Sheriff’s Dept. Response Time
By Joanne A Calitri   |   November 26, 2024

The Montecito Association November meeting was held in person at the Montecito Library community room and on Zoom, led by MA President Doug Black and Executive Director Houghton Hyatt.  Rock Rockenbach updated on the path built by the Bucket Brigade near his house on Barker Pass, which had multiple issues. He said SBC Public Works […]

CALM’s Annual Fundraiser Where Generosity Abounded
By Joanne A Calitri   |   November 26, 2024

CALM’s annual fundraiser, the “CALM at Heart” luncheon, was held for the first time at the Rosewood Miramar Beach, on Friday, November 15. Upon arriving at the luncheon, one could feel the elevated excitement with the new venue location, which accommodated an expanded guest list topping 340.  The sterling event co-chairs were Amanda Lee, Elisabeth […]

HERA Mission, SpaceX & SciNews at November Astro on Tap
By Joanne A Calitri   |   November 26, 2024

Captain’s Log Star Date 78338.4. It was the evening before the full Beaver moon for budding astrophysicists and stargazers from local universities to join with friends to hear  the Las Cumbres Observatory’s renown astrophysicist Tim Lister PhD, with Andrew [Andy] Howell PhD and Moira Andrews UCSB grad student at the M Special pub. This free […]

SB Botanic Garden Launches Tipton Trail
By Joanne A Calitri   |   November 19, 2024

On Friday, November 8, I’m just off the phone with the Santa Barbara’s Botanic Garden about their new panoramic view Tipton Trail, to be officially launched for public use on November 17 in collaboration with National Take a Hike Day. In addition, it will be a free admission day at the SB Botanic Garden, but […]

November’s Land Use Meeting Heats Up
By Joanne A Calitri   |   November 19, 2024

The Montecito Association Land Use Committee [LUC] November meeting was held Thursday, November 7, in person at the Montecito Library community room and on Zoom. The meeting was called to order by its Chair, Dorinne Lee Johnson. Attendees were the Land Use Committee members, MA Executive Director Houghton Hyatt, MA President Doug Black, and Montecito […]

Ghost Village Road: 22nd Annual Event Energizes Togetherness
By Joanne A Calitri   |   November 12, 2024

In my 22nd year covering the Annual Ghost Village Road, the energy the community brought out this year was everything.  Local schools represented – from Montecito Union School, Crane Country Day School, Laguna Blanca Lower and Upper schools, to Peabody School, Providence School, home school kids, La Colina School, and Santa Barbara Middle School. Parents […]

Casa Dorinda’s Lisa Thomas Awarded by the AFP
By Joanne A Calitri   |   November 12, 2024

To celebrate National Philanthropy Day, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, holds their annual awards soirée to honor those who have made a significant contribution in fundraising and philanthropy. Their 2024 ceremonies took place on Tuesday, October 29, at the Santa Barbara Zoo. The event opened with a meet and greet cocktail […]

Lt. Ugo ‘Butch’ Arnoldi Awarded Citizen of the Year at MA’s Beautification Day
By Joanne A Calitri   |   November 12, 2024

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 […]

In Conversation with Ritz-Carlton Bacara GM Bradley Cance
By Joanne A Calitri   |   November 5, 2024

Since his appointment in June, Bradley Cance, General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, has been busily connecting with our town and redesigning signature luxury experiences at the resort; a project that includes the appointment of a new Executive Chef, Rebecca Tillman. Clearly one of the elites in hospitality management, Cance comes to us most affably […]

101 Highway Updates – Yes, It’s Complicated
By Joanne A Calitri   |   November 5, 2024

It’s not you, it’s them. You know, the construction on Highway 101. The once beautiful peaceful drive now best described by locals as, “Sorry-not-sorry I’m late [again], I took the 101, tried the side streets and well, it’s complicated. And yes, my car needs a daily bath.” That along with the recent logical rant, “We […]

SEE International’s 50th Anniversary Golden Gala
By Joanne A Calitri   |   November 5, 2024

The 50th Anniversary of SEE International was celebrated with a Golden Gala at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort on Thursday, October 24. Guests arrived in formal attire, with many traveling here from 36 countries and across the U.S. The gala commenced on the third-floor rotunda area with a photo op, cocktail hour, catching up […]

SEE International Announces Humanitarian Award Recipients for its 50th Year
By Joanne A Calitri   |   November 5, 2024

SEE International announced its Humanitarian Award recipients at a private event hosted by SEE International Board Chair Scott Groff and his wife Kohanya, at their Montecito estate, formerly owned by Michael Towbes, on Wednesday, October 23. The evening soirée was limited to awardees, their significant others, SEE International staff and Board, and your Society reporter. […]

An Ambulance Plan, New Signage, and More at October Meeting
By Joanne A Calitri   |   October 29, 2024

The Montecito Association October meeting was held in person at the Montecito Library community room and on Zoom from 4 pm to 6:45 pm. The meeting was led by its MA President Doug Black with Executive Director Houghton Hyatt.  The most pertinent agenda reports were: Congressman Salud Carbajal via Zoom from Sacramento provided his legislative […]

Appointed Ambassador for Project Zero
By Joanne A Calitri   |   October 29, 2024

In a major collaborative effort to bring its work in marine conservation to our town, Project Zero has appointed MICHELIN Chef Massimo Falsini as an Ambassador. Massimo is the Chef-Partner of Caruso’s Restaurant at the Rosewood Miramar Beach. He has proven to be a dedicated environmentalist, taking that commitment into his kitchens with sustainable sourcing […]

State Street Ballet’s 30th Anniversary Season Opens October 26!
By Joanne A Calitri   |   October 29, 2024

Cecily MacDougall, Executive Director of the State Street Ballet, has formally announced its 30th Anniversary Year, commencing with the season opening performance on October 26 and 27, at the Granada Theatre.  This year proves to be its finest and the one for which you should purchase your season pas de deux tix early. The SSB […]

St. Vincent’s 23rd Annual Golf Classic at the Montecito Club
By Joanne A Calitri   |   October 22, 2024

Monday, October 7, saw the 23rd Annual St. Vincent’s Santa Barbara Golf Classic at the Montecito Club. This charity tournament supports single mothers and their young children in the Family Strengthening Program.  Bill Cordero Sr. is one of its founders, and Event Chair for the past 12 years. His dedication to St. Vincent’s began with […]

TBCF Golden Gala 2024
By Joanne A Calitri   |   October 22, 2024

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation Golden Gala 2024 was held on Saturday, October 5, at the Montecito Les Belles Fontaines Estate of Alastair and Ann Winn, co-hosted with their daughter Amanda and her husband Travis Twining. The TBCF team asked the more than 300 attendees to wear gold – the internationally acknowledged color of pediatric cancer […]

In Conversation with Lt. Richard Brittingham
By Joanne A Calitri   |   October 22, 2024

Our Town news correspondent is happy to report on the recent interview I did with our new Chief of Police Services, City of Carpinteria, Lieutenant Rich Brittingham, South County Operations Division-Coastal.  Brittingham and his team of officers provide law enforcement to the unincorporated county areas of Montecito, Summerland, Carpinteria Valley, and to the City of […]

Annual Night at MOXI, Indeed a ‘Fun’d-Raising Event
By Joanne A Calitri   |   October 15, 2024

The annual Night at MOXI, was held on Saturday, October 5, at the MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. The event this year, titled Wonder and Whimsy, was celebrated on all three floors of the museum. Attendees were dressed to impress, many of whom purchased full tables for their organizations and friends.  Entering […]

The Dream Foundation Announces “No Gala Gala” Fundraiser
By Joanne A Calitri   |   October 15, 2024

The Dream Foundation’s CEO Kisa Heyer has announced their annual fundraising event titled, “No Gala Gala 2024,” which is an online internet fundraising event from October 13 through 20.  The online event features two ways to donate to the mission of the Dream Foundation: item bidding and direct sponsorship. There are 19 auction items, including […]