Alma Fonda Fina Now Serving Breakfast Daily
By Montecito Journal   |   March 25, 2025

Alma Fonda Fina Restaurant at the Montecito Country Mart announced this week it is now serving breakfast – brunch from 8 am to 2 pm daily! Start your day with classics like chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, or a breakfast burrito. Reservations and walk-ins. Allora by Laura on CVR Closed  Allora by Laura on Coast Village Road […]

Crime in the Cito: Sheriff’s Blotter 93108
By Montecito Journal   |   March 25, 2025

Possession of Methamphetamine / Padaro Lane Sunday, March 2, at 20:55 hours Subject was sleeping in the driver’s seat of his vehicle which was blocking traffic. When contacted, subject provided consent to search both their person and their vehicle. Inside vehicle, there were two small baggies of suspected methamphetamine inside the small pocket of the […]

Maker House and Clay Studio’s 2025 New Board
By Montecito Journal   |   March 18, 2025

Maker House – Clay Studio, founded by Lynda Weinman and Patrick Hall five years ago, is located in Goleta. Studio Director Erin Smith has announced its new Board for 2025 as follows: Yvonne DeGraw, President; Rachel Hammond, Vice President; Elizabeth Guffey, Secretary; and Melissa Cunningham, Treasurer. DeGraw is a tech writer and small business owner. […]

Crime in the Cito: Sheriff’s Blotter 93108…
By Montecito Journal   |   March 18, 2025

Trespassing & Theft / Casa Dorinda 300 Hots Springs Road – Wednesday 26, at 22:56 hours The subject was contacted for possible violation of trespassing and theft of firewood at Casa Dorinda. Upon deputy contact, the subject refused commands and continued to walk away. The subject fled, left items behind, and was last seen on […]

Leslie Hollis López: December 12, 1944 – March 8, 2025
By Montecito Journal   |   March 17, 2025

Leslie Hollis López passed away peacefully in her home in Montecito on March 8, 2025. She was surrounded by family members until the very end: a beautiful, sunny Santa Barbara day spent listening to The Beatles, Claude Debussy and John Barry. Leslie was an adoring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a devoted friend to many. A force of nature […]

Dr. Geoffrey Dudley Phillips: December 7, 1948 – January 2025
By Montecito Journal   |   March 11, 2025

Dr. Geoffrey Dudley Phillips, 77, of Montecito, California, died January of 2025 in Montecito. Geoffrey will always be remembered for his skills at stitching up a wound, carrying a tune and some of the BEST FÊTES Montecito knew in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s!  Geoffrey was born December 7, 1948, in Trinidad and Tobago, which […]

RLBY Parent Meet and Greet
By Montecito Journal   |   March 11, 2025

The Kindred Collective at UCSB invites parents and caregivers of Black children to attend their free event, “Raising Liberated Black Youth,” on March 15, from 1-3 pm.  This is a support program for parents and caregivers. Food and childcare are provided.  Where: Pat O’Malley Fieldhouse and Community Room at Girsh Park, 7050 Phelps Road Contact: […]

Crime in the ‘Cito: Sheriff’s Blotter 93108
By Montecito Journal   |   March 11, 2025

Care Facility Suicide / 300 Block Hot Springs Road  — Monday, February 17, at 09:36 hours Deputies responded to a care facility where an investigation revealed an apparent suicide, with subject pronounced deceased at scene. Next of Kin was notified. Tampered Mail / Loureyro Road  — Wednesday, February 19, at 16:42 hours Reporting Party (RP) […]

Marvin Agather Bauer: June 28, 1940 – February 19, 2025
By Montecito Journal   |   March 4, 2025

Marvin Agather Bauer, known to friends as “Marv” and family as “Tink,” was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Legend has it that his mother, Agatha, once remarked that she couldn’t improve on perfection, and thus he became an only child. Raised in Chicago, Marv went on to become an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin and […]

Crime in the ‘Cito — Sheriff’s Blotter 93108. . .
By Montecito Journal   |   March 4, 2025

Death / N. Padaro Overpass  — Monday, February 10, at 10:40 hours At approximately 10:40 hours, a male was found down next to his bicycle near the Highway 101 northbound offramp to Padaro Lane. The male suffered an unknown medical emergency and numerous attempts at life-saving measures were taken. At 11:14 hours, the male was […]

CADA’s Gratitude Luncheon Tix On Sale
By Montecito Journal   |   March 4, 2025

Join the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) at their 14th Annual Gratitude Luncheon, March 6, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Belmond El Encanto. The annual event is hosted by Anne Smith Towbes. Keynote Speaker is Bill Pintard, Executive Director and Field Manager of SB Foresters Hugs for Cubs. Towbes has […]

Updates from the MA
By Montecito Journal   |   February 25, 2025

The MA sent out a reminder that with the recent rainfall – Montecito had between 2.66-3.22” of rain – that sprinklers can be turned off for a while in an effort to save water.  Also, Montecito Fire’s Neighborhood Chipping Program begins next week and will run through June 23. There is now an Interactive Neighborhood […]

Elizabeth (Betsy) H. Edwards: December 21, 1928 – January 23, 2025
By Montecito Journal   |   February 18, 2025

Betsy was born on December 21, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, to Elizabeth Sifers and George Phillips Hollingbery. Raised in Illinois, she and her family were active in the Glencoe Union Church, instilling in her a strong sense of community and service from a young age. She attended Central School Elementary in Glencoe, IL and New […]

Betty Mann Doutt: January 14, 1932 – January 10, 2025
By Montecito Journal   |   February 18, 2025

Betty (Bachman) Mann Doutt passed away on January 10, 2025, in Santa Barbara, California. Betty was born in Lewistown, Montana, on January 14, 1932. After her graduation from Fergus High in 1950 she married Peter Aycrigg and moved to Berkeley, California to attend UC Berkeley, remaining in the Bay Area until 1969. During the 1950s, […]

Updates from 37th District Assemblymember Gregg Hart
By Montecito Journal   |   February 18, 2025

As one of the most visible legislative representatives of our 37th district, Assemblymember Gregg Hart has this past week provided accurate information regarding two important issues facing California: funding efforts for recovery from the Los Angeles fires and resident’s rights regarding DEI and immigration.  Recovery Efforts & Funding Post Wildfires Hart reports that California Legislators […]

Best Word Never Heard
By Montecito Journal   |   February 11, 2025

Thank you for writing this brilliant piece, Robert Bernstein. It speaks to something in the current zeitgeist (malaise?) of our times.  It’s not merely limited to printer software. Best word I’ve never heard of, before seeing it in your piece.  It made my day, and I’m still laughing at how it can apply to almost […]

Crime in the ‘Cito
By Montecito Journal   |   February 11, 2025

Tinted Vehicle Window & Outstanding Warrant / 1100 block Coast Village Road – Wednesday, January 22, at 23:21 hours Suspect vehicle was observed traveling eastbound on Coast Village Rd. with tinted front windows in violation of CVC 26708(a)(1). Driver was contacted and a records check revealed he had an outstanding warrant. Driver was arrested and […]

Patrick Manners Sullivan: February 27, 1947 – December 11, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   February 4, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patrick Manners Sullivan, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and loyal friend who left us on December 11, 2024, at the age of 77. Patrick was born in Seattle, WA, to parents Morris and Rose Sullivan. He was the fourth child born in a […]

Black Community Happy Hour Jan 30!
By Montecito Journal   |   February 4, 2025

Join Juneteenth Santa Barbara for a low-key, family friendly happy hour at The Mill (Third Window Brewery/Potek Winery) at 406 E. Haley Street in Santa Barbara on Thursday, January 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. This is a great event for newly arrived townsfolk to come and meet our wonderful Juneteenth community.

Jim Owens Joins SB Cottage Hospital BOD
By Montecito Journal   |   February 4, 2025

Jim Owens, Esq. has joined the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Board of Directors. He is a 35-year-plus health care attorney and is a partner with the global law firm McDermott Will & Emery LLP. His counsel includes health care clients in California and across the U.S., primarily focusing on representing nonprofit hospitals and health systems […]

Karen Ortiz is the New Director of Development for CADA
By Montecito Journal   |   February 4, 2025

CADA announced this week the appointment of its new Director of Development, Karen Ortiz. In her press statement Ortiz writes, “CADA’s commitment to serve, uplift, and empower those around me for the last 75 years creates an excellent fit for me on many levels … Driven by a deep desire to create positive change, I […]

Emergency Readiness with ReadySBC Alerts
By Montecito Journal   |   January 28, 2025

The Los Angeles area fires are a reminder to be prepared for any emergency situation. Start by registering for the Santa Barbara Countywide ReadySBC Alerts. The system is managed by Santa Barbara County’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in partnership with local cities. ReadySBC Alerts provide timely and accurate information during emergencies. OEM’s robust emergency […]

Stanton D. Anderson: 1941 – 01/12/2025
By Montecito Journal   |   January 28, 2025

Stanton D. Anderson, age 84, passed away on Sunday, January 12, at his home in Santa Barbara. Stan was a proud graduate of Westmont College (Class of 1962), where he was a star basketball player, setting scoring records and earning the distinction of Small College All-American. He went on to earn his law degree from […]

Brian Thomas Robertson: 09/19/1941 – 11/13/2024
By Montecito Journal   |   January 28, 2025

It is with heavy hearts we announce the loss of Brian Robertson, who passed away peacefully in his home on November 13, 2024. Brian Thomas Robertson was born August 19, 1941 – the eldest son of parents Dr. Robert Robertson and Dorothy Robertson. Brian’s early childhood was spent in La Jolla, CA, and in Hawaii […]

All Hands On Deck: Local Businesses Respond to Fire Evacuees and First Responders
By Montecito Journal   |   January 21, 2025

As Santa Barbara and Montecito export aid and comfort to the firestorm-stricken areas around L.A., we’re reminded once again that people are people (to quote a beloved local), and the impulse to jump in and help is as reflexively human as it gets. Richie’s Montecito & Adam’s Angels First Responders Donation Drop Off Richie shares, […]

Good Governance & Speeches
By Montecito Journal   |   January 21, 2025

I picked up the MJ this morning and read your [Gwyn Lurie] editorial, the transcript from last week’s BOS meeting. I loved it. It captures what I hold as the essence of the expectation – the hope, to borrow from you – of good governance.  I also delighted in the eclectic choices of sources and […]

SB Maritime Museum Admission and Membership Rates Announcement
By Montecito Journal   |   January 14, 2025

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) updated its admission and membership rates on January 2. The rate increases are said to ensure the museum can continue to offer its engaging exhibits, dynamic educational programs, and world-class events for the community.  The new admission rates are: General admission: $12 Seniors (65+): $8 Children (6-17) & Students: […]

Annual Bird Counting in SB County and Carpinteria
By Montecito Journal   |   January 14, 2025

Carpinteria held its 15th Annual Christmas Bird Count on December 14. Within their prescribed 15-mile radius area and their allotted 24-hour period, the group counted 170 different bird species, including shore birds. The bird count is all volunteers; they had 60 people counting this year. Look for MJ’snews correspondentJoanne A Calitri’s annual SB County Christmas […]

CADA’s 2025 Summit for Danny in New Zealand Seeking Funding
By Montecito Journal   |   January 14, 2025

Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) has scheduled its annual Summit for Danny Fundraiser, this year hiking New Zealand’s summits from Christchurch to Queenstown, March 24 to April 1. Members of the community are welcome and encouraged to participate. Climbs are uniquely designed for all skill levels. At this time, CADA is asking for […]

Crime in the ‘Cito: Sheriff’s Blotter 93108
By Montecito Journal   |   January 14, 2025

False Alarm / 800 block Cold Spring Rd — Monday Dec 23, 2024, at 22:00 hours Reporting Party (RP) called law enforcement because she received concerning text messages from her estranged cousin she has not been in contact with over several years. RP stated her cousin texted her stating that he is close by and […]

Hello Neighbors!
By Montecito Journal   |   January 7, 2025

My name is Carlos, I was born and raised right here in Montecito. My home has been on a ranch nestled in the middle of East Valley Road, Romero Canyon Road, and Buena Vista drive for as long as I can remember. My mother named me Carlos Romero after the name of the ranch I […]

Crime in the ‘Cito: Sheriff’s Blotter 93108 . . . .
By Montecito Journal   |   January 7, 2025

Forced Entry / 1100 block Glenview Road – Friday, Dec 13, 2024, at 17:49 hrs Deputies responded to an alarm call at the address mentioned above and discovered forced entry into the kitchen area via glass door. The residence was searched utilizing a K9, which revealed a second forced entry point. No suspects were apprehended, […]

A Year in Review
By Montecito Journal   |   December 31, 2024

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 […]

Santa Barbara Sparkles at Holiday Soirée
By Montecito Journal   |   December 31, 2024

Santa Barbara’s holiday season shimmered to life at “A Glamorous Holiday Affair,” a dazzling celebration hosted by Michele Janin, Tom Linebarger, Jamie (our own Montecito Journal wine columnist) and Joel Knee. Their 3rd annual Montecito holiday soirée brought together over 70 of Santa Barbara’s beloved residents for an evening of elegance, style, and festive cheer […]

Helen Lucille Warnock February 1, 1933 – November 11, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   December 31, 2024

Lou was born in 1933, the surprise gift to her mother Clarine, father Fred, 16-year-old brother Fred Junior, and 12-year-old sister Janet. She was beautiful, smart and delightful, a ray of sunshine at a very dark time in America, which was in the depths of the Depression. When she was five she contracted rheumatic fever, […]

Spend NYE at SYR
By Montecito Journal   |   December 31, 2024

Usher in 2025 at San Ysidro Ranch’s Stonehouse Restaurant with a six-course pre-fixe NYE dinner, live music, and an enchanting ambiance that will form the final, lasting impression of the year and begin the next one in unforgettable style.  Revel around mesmerizing ice sculptures and balloon displays before heading to dine on Executive Chef Matt […]

Crime in the ‘Cito
By Montecito Journal   |   December 17, 2024

Burglary, Trespassing and Battery / 2700 block Padaro Lane, Montecito: Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024, at 13:50 hrs Deputies responded to a burglary in progress. Dispatch advised that the suspect had jumped the gate and was on the property running from security. While responding, security fought with the subject and ended up tasing him. Deputies arrived […]

Eunice Haugan Fly July 5, 1937 – November 24, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   December 10, 2024

Eunice Haugan Fly, 87, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, died peacefully in Santa Barbara on November 24, 2024. Eunice was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, the daughter of Rolf and Alfhild Dalhaug Haugan, immigrants from Norway. She and her brother, Rolf, grew up in Port Chester, New York. She attended Colby Junior College for Women […]

CVR Holiday Tree Lighting
By Montecito Journal   |   December 10, 2024

If you walked along Coast Village Road this week you may have noticed that there have been some holiday elves (okay, let’s just call them what they are – very hard workers) adding festive color and décor – including the monolithic 25+ foot tree that stands in front of Renaud’s – along the Lower Village’s […]

San Ysidro Ranch Delivers Its Thanks
By Montecito Journal   |   December 10, 2024

This past Thanksgiving, SYR’s talented culinary team donated a turkey dinner to Montecito Fire to show its appreciation for their ongoing and incredible support of the community. “In the spirit of giving thanks, we wanted to show our gratitude to the local heroes of Montecito Fire by preparing a full Thanksgiving spread. Our talented chefs […]