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 […]

Gray Bauer, born on Feb. 1, 1940, in Boston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Gray spent her final days doing what she loved, laughing, joking and celebrating with her family. Gray was the oldest daughter of Tom and Mary Hartigan. After years of moving around the country, the Hartigan family finally […]

Historian Hattie Beresford’s most recent The Way It Was column, about Andrew Carnegie’s 1910 visit to Santa Barbara and the civic good works of his associates, Charles Lewis Taylor and Henry Smith Pritchett, was a winner. Ms. Beresford’s work is consistently educational and enjoyable — a reliable, welcome gem among the din of real estate […]

The Montecito Fire Department invites the community to join them for a 9/11 remembrance ceremony from 6:55 to 7:05 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The Fire Department will host a gathering at Station 91 at 595 San Ysidro Road, as well as Station 92 at 2300 Sycamore Canyon Road. The event will include a bell […]

The non-profit Teacher’s Fund has launched its annual Back to School Supplies Drive, which will run from Aug. 20 to Sept. 20. This year’s goal is to raise $75,000 to purchase educational supplies such as STEM supplies, learning toys, art supplies, electronics, classroom furniture, plus more for teachers and students in the Santa Barbara area. […]

Welcoming lovers of sea glass and ocean-inspired art, the annual Santa Barbara Sea Glass and Ocean Arts Festival will take place on Sept. 14-15 at the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge and events venue. The festival gathers collectors and artists from up and down the coast to display their handcrafted creations with showcases, marketplaces, and education […]

Time to lace up those running shoes and follow the Oat Bakery on Instagram for the next installment of their Run Club. The club was established in honor of owner Louise’s mom Else, who was a professional athlete and marathon runner. Post-run treats by the bakery are on hand. Run #2 in Montecito took place […]

There are one hundred raised garden beds at 4855 5th St. in Carpinteria that are now available to grow your own food. The Garden Beds are also available at 27-inch heights for people with limited mobility. The plot rental is for Carpinteria residents aged 18 and older, one per family. The rental includes access to […]