The Prettiest and Smartest Girl in Law School (…AKA the Only Girl!) The Honorable Nancy J. Guthrie, 81, a respected judge, dedicated public servant, and devoted mother, passed away among loved ones at her son’s home in California on October 19, 2024. Judge Guthrie was a pillar of the legal community in Wyoming for over […]

Santa Barbara County is a place where we value inclusivity, compassion, and support for all residents, regardless of gender, faith, ethnicity or political affiliation. There is still more that unites us; we are stronger together.  Beginning today, we will be even more vigilant to ensure the safety of all people, especially the most vulnerable. Immigrants […]

Attention all roadster and moto-fans, the 57th Annual Baja 1000 desert race is on! Locally we have contenders in both the car/truck races and the motorcycle races, competing with 271 official entrants from 32 U.S. states and 18 countries. The MJ’s Joanne Calitri has covered this race off/on, from the November 2007 MJ issue, when […]

The lots formerly leased by Brent and Suzi Freitas – owners of the well-known Eye of the Day Garden center, with its megalith garden statues and pottery – is now empty with For Lease signage. The Freitas moved their business to two locations: Los Alamos, to join their daughter, owner of Michelin starred Bell’s Restaurant […]

The Los Padres Forest Association’s annual wall calendar is in production, and you can pre-order yours now to support its Trail Care Program. Calendars are made with quality, community-submitted photos of the Los Padres Forest and are printed on high quality stock (17″x11″) with special date information. Calendars will print and ship in December 2024.  […]

In 2020 the Friends of the Carpinteria Library and the Friends of the Montecito Library commissionedMJ Gómez and Associates to do a study to determine what could be done for both libraries. The study provided that the Carpinteria Library could become independent, and Montecito library could not. It was pointed out that in Carpinteria, the […]

Just a quick comment on your editorial. Civility is lacking on all levels. This election has highlighted the worst of it. I speak at schools frequently about conduct, civility and decorum in elected bodies as well as day to day life. Our blanket lack of credibility in our elected officials has as much to do […]

I’ve lived in Pacific Palisades for 22 years, and lived through Caruso’s redevelopment of our downtown area into a modern shopping mall. He was clever in his approach – buying up and closing down local businesses for years so that when the time came to present his plans, much of our community supported it, because […]

The Music Academy of the West will be in front of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors (BOS) on Tuesday, November 5th to review its request to update the Music Academy’s 2004 Conditional Use Permit (CUP). The key project changes being requested at this time include: 1. Eliminating the on-site retail shops and reintroducing […]

It’s that time of year again! On October 31st, join the CVA for Ghost Village Road for family fun on Coast Village Road where the magic of trick-or-treating comes alive. Businesses will be generously treating those in costume with the best treats, and you’ll love seeing all the creative costumes!

Renee Grubb, owner of Village Properties, created the Teacher’s Fund in 2002. She has happily announced that this year’s funding goal of $75,000 was met and surpassed, having raised over $100,000 from August 20 to September 20. The funding provides general classroom materials, STEM equipment, classroom organizational materials, art supplies, electronics and classroom furniture, among […]

Befuddled. I rarely use this word, but found it the most appropriate to describe what I witnessed at the MPC meeting regarding the Miramar project. Talk about Amateur Hour(s).  There are a lot a great people in Montecito, who earned their place, with pure intent, and who want nothing more than to preserve the beauty […]

I give my strongest possible endorsement to Guy Walker for County Board of Education, for the Trustee Area including most of the Santa Ynez Valley, Vandenberg Village, Los Alamos, and Guadalupe. Guy has worked hard for many years as a volunteer in the field of education and understands the challenges and opportunities our students face. […]

As the concern for wildfire is a major topic in the area and considering the role that the Montecito Fire Protection District (MFPD) plays in our community, the Montecito Journal wanted to reach out to each of the five candidates running for the three open seats in the November 5th general election. The MFPD is […]

Having lived and grown up in Santa Barbara over the last 70 plus years, my wife and I came to appreciate how important SBCC is to the health and welfare of our community. We attended local public schools and took advantage of SBCC upon graduating from high school. She was in one of the first […]

Misplace your sample ballot? We have you covered. Here are the candidate statements for the upcoming election: President and Vice President  Republican: Donald J. Trump / JD Vance Peace and Freedom: Claudia de la Cruz / Karina Garcia Democratic: Kamala D. Harris / Tim Walz American Independent: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. / Nicole Shanahan Libertarian: […]

I was dismayed to see the Journal’s front-page headline stating that the Miramar “short circuits local process and heads to county,” accompanied by a fabricated image of the project. The Miramar has done nothing except recognize, along with the County, that the law leaves the jurisdiction of this matter with the County rather than with […]

Under the stars at the Hilton Beachfront Resort, Storyteller hosted its Color the World Gala, a vibrant celebration that honored the community and the impact of Storyteller’s mission to support children facing adversity. The event, chaired by Analise Maggio and Erinn Lynch, offered a night filled with brilliant hues, stunning art, a brand reveal, and […]

Dave Raber died peacefully in his sleep on September 18, 2024, after living a full life and crossing the 90-year-old finish line. Dave never had to win an election to be proclaimed the Mayor of multiple jurisdictions – Starbucks in Montecito, Cody’s on Turnpike, and Harry’s Plaza Cafe. He will be remembered for his engaging […]

Dr. Frederic Wells Baum (Ted) of Carpinteria, California passed away on September 9, 2024, at age 95. He died peacefully in his own home, surrounded by his family.  Ted was a loving and supportive father to five children and four grandchildren, an enthusiastic golfer, an aggressive doubles tennis player, a dedicated choir singer, and a […]

I’m writing to express my deep concern regarding the sudden and dramatic change in the appearance of our neighborhood, which seems to have unfolded in the last few weeks on your watch. As I’m sure you have noticed, there are now copious amounts of enormous fiber optic wires, apparently installed by someone with an enthusiasm […]

It’s time to put on your Environmental Hat and join in the 40th Annual Coastal Cleanup Day for our town’s beaches, an all-volunteer all ages effort. The date is Saturday, September 21 from 9 am to 12 pm. Sign up online or show up at one of our town’s local beaches listed here: Butterfly Beach: […]

Apply by September 29th online for The City of Carpinteria Recreation Leader, as part of their Parks, Recreation and Community Services team. The job is 20 hours/week doing everything from admin to finance, recreation instruction, checking equipment and facilities for safety.  411: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/carpinteriaca?

Santa Barbara’s artist community is joining together for a cause that brings advocacy and support to local children facing adversity. Storyteller Children’s Center’s Annual Gala, themed “Color the World,” will be held on September 27, 2024, spotlighting the organization’s role in bringing vibrancy into the lives of those who are experiencing poverty and trauma. As […]

It is with sadness that we mourn the loss of Ann Kale, who lost her battle with cancer on August 11th. She was surrounded by friends and family to the last and will be forever in their hearts and minds. Ann, born in Los Angeles, graduated from Cal State San Diego and afterwards accepted an […]