Montecito Fire Protection District Seeking Admin Assistant
By Montecito Journal   |   August 13, 2024

The Montecito Fire Protection District is actively recruiting for an Administrative Assistant, deadline to submit applications is August 14, online applications only.  The ideal candidate will be a highly organized, detail-oriented, team player with strong written and oral communication skills, proficient with technology, and willing to learn new skills and applications. The ability to quickly […]

Miramar Recognition
By Montecito Journal   |   August 13, 2024

I feel compelled to recognize the Miramar for hosting a terrific community barbecue this past weekend. I know many of us in the neighborhood appreciated the warm hospitality, the live music on the beach and delicious food and drinks. It made for one of the best afternoons this summer. Beyond this event, I’m glad to […]

Separating Opinions from Facts
By Montecito Journal   |   August 6, 2024

I just read Jeffrey Harding’s article, “It’s Kamala!” First, a disclaimer: I don’t often read articles by real estate investors or financial bloggers, both of which Mr. Harding is/has been. Too much self-interest and too many opportunities to be swayed by investors/clients’ priorities. But this most recent article, published under the MJ’s misleading heading, “An […]

Red Imported Fire Ants Found in Montecito
By Montecito Journal   |   July 30, 2024

The Santa Barbara’s Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is working to eradicate an infestation of Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta, at a property in Montecito. The infestation was confirmed to have spread by a shipment of nursery stock brought by a licensed landscaper from a wholesale nursery in Riverside County, according to the County of […]

President Biden Withdraws from Presidential Race
By Montecito Journal   |   July 30, 2024

On Sunday July 21st, President Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential race in a letter shared on social media. Biden shares, “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest […]

Blessings from Blessings
By Montecito Journal   |   July 30, 2024

Dear Montecito Journal,  Thank you. Woof woof! My dog friends saw me in the paper and now they all want to be Top Dogs too! Blessings The Need for Affordable Housing Montecito needs affordable housing. The Miramar is doing it the right way. Hard-working employees deserve the chance to live near their jobs. That basic […]

Rita Beth Moya: December 24, 1949 – July 3, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   July 23, 2024

Rita Beth Moya, corporate and health foundation executive, advisor and philanthropist, passed away peacefully July 3, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Montecito, California, at age 74. She was loved by all who knew her for her grace, generosity, intelligence, humility, and character.  Rita was born to Paul David Becker and […]

Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump
By Montecito Journal   |   July 23, 2024

On July 13, 2024, former president of the United States Donald Trump and currently the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee in the 2024 presidential election, was shot and wounded at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, age 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the suspect – who fired eight […]

Explosions on July 4th
By Montecito Journal   |   July 16, 2024

On July 4th, neighbors in the Butterfly Beach area reported several large explosions off the ledge on Channel Drive throughout the evening. Debris was reported to have fallen on the roofs and yards of property owners alongChannel Drive.  After several calls to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and officers apprehended a 17-year-old male. When […]

Embracing Miramar’s Plan for Employee Housing
By Montecito Journal   |   July 16, 2024

Having moved to Montecito in 1973, I well remember the many memorable activities at the Miramar. To me, the Miramar was the “Gateway” to Montecito/Santa Barbara coming in from the 101 Highway. It was then, as it is today, a magical location for both locals as well as the guests to spend rewarding time with […]

The Fund for Santa Barbara
By Montecito Journal   |   July 9, 2024

The Fund for Santa Barbara was founded way back in 1980 as a means to support local organizations working for progressive social change. Nearly 45 years later, while the issues, its methods and organization might have grown, that purpose has not been altered at all: The Fund remains dedicated to helping to find solutions to […]

Local Observations
By Montecito Journal   |   July 9, 2024

I support both Russel Ruiz and Cliff Gherson’s thoughtful and on-point letters to the editor in opposition to the glitz shopping center about to be dropped from the Trojan horse of “affordable housing.” I’ve known both of these good fellows for probably 50 years as a resident and small business owner here in this wonderful […]

Montecito 101 Freeway Updates – July 4th
By Montecito Journal   |   July 9, 2024

The Montecito 101 segment is located between Sheffield Drive and Olive Mill Road.  Plan summary: Highway 101 in Montecito adds a new peak-period carpool lane in each direction from the Romero Creek Bridge north to Olive Mill Road; new on- and off-ramps with northbound and southbound auxiliary lanes (lanes connecting on-ramps and off-ramps to improve […]

President Stone at the Rotary
By Montecito Journal   |   July 9, 2024

Local realtor, investor, and entrepreneur Kim Stone is the new president of the Montecito Rotary Club. A longtime Rotarian who has led multiple service projects for the organization, she succeeds Tony Morris, who has just completed a two-year term. Founded in 1953, club has developed projects and provided service to the community and the wider […]

Grand Theft on CVR
By Montecito Journal   |   July 2, 2024

After the reported break-in that occurred on Coast Village Road, we reached out to the Santa Barbara Police Department for a statement: “On June 12, 2024, around 1:20 pm, the Santa Barbara Police Department Combined Communications Center received a report about a grand theft that occurred from a local clothing store in the 1200 block […]

Carpinteria Beautiful Beach Clean Up and brewLAB Afterparty June 29
By Montecito Journal   |   July 2, 2024

Carpinteria, home to the world’s safest beach, is having its first annual beach and community clean-up day, Saturday, June 29, from 9 am to 12 pm.  All volunteers are requested to wear sun protection, closed toe shoes, and to bring their own protective gloves. Clean Up leaders will provide a map, materials and instructions. People […]

County of Santa Barbara Active Transportation Plan
By Montecito Journal   |   July 2, 2024

The County of Santa Barbara Active Transportation Plan (ATP) is worth a read, given the pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle issues Montecito residents are expressing, as well as in Summerland and along Toro Canyon.  The ATP was built upon the premise of public safety, and the increase in human-powered transportation, especially e-bikes. The plan includes SBC […]

Hike the Trails with CA Assemblymember Gregg Hart
By Montecito Journal   |   July 2, 2024

Assemblymember Gregg Hart, in conjunction with Santa Barbara County Trails Council, Healthy People Healthy Trails, and the UC Santa Barbara Cheadle Center for Biological and Ecological Restoration, is holding his regular hike ‘n’ talk on Saturday, June 29 from 12-2 pm.  The trail hike is free and open to everyone. Bring your thoughts, discussion items, […]

David Quincy, MD, Joins SB Cottage Primary Care 
By Montecito Journal   |   July 2, 2024

David R. Quincy, MD, has joined Cottage Primary Care Santa Barbara where he will practice primary care medicine alongside Yana Gristan, MD and Arielle Kanner, DO. Currently serving as Cottage Health’s Chief Ambulatory Medical Officer, Quincy is a family physician with over 30 years of experience. He is board-certified by the American Board of Family […]

Village Properties Expands with New Commercial Real Estate Division
By Montecito Journal   |   June 25, 2024

Village Properties, the largest independent real estate company in the Santa Barbara area, has launched a new division focused on commercial properties, the company recently announced. The Village Properties Commercial Group will provide specialized representation to clients looking to buy or sell multi-family dwellings, retail spaces, mixed-use buildings, and land for development or agriculture. “The […]

What’s Rosewood’s Plan?
By Montecito Journal   |   June 25, 2024

I am a lifetime, 8th generation South Coast resident. I have resided in Montecito most of my life. I have also lived in Santa Barbara, Carpinteria and today, Summerland. After attending SBHS, UCSB, and practicing Water & Land Use law locally for over 20 years I am now retired. In my retirement I served for […]

Residents Attempt to Destroy Montecito Hot Springs Pools
By Montecito Journal   |   June 18, 2024

On the early morning of May 27, 2024, a group of local homeowners/residents escorted a demolition crew carrying picks and shovels to destroy the Montecito Hot Springs pools. About eight people in all, dressed in black. This event was captured on a video taken by a hiker, a young man, who was en route to […]

Barbra Rudvall Schutte: November 6, 1926 – May 30, 2023
By Montecito Journal   |   June 11, 2024

Barbra Rudvall Schutte, born November 6, 1926, in Fresno California, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2023, in Montecito, California Robin had a very full life with many accomplishments. She was a woman ahead of her time, who was gifted in so many ways. Born in Fresno California, she moved after college to San Francisco […]

The Rosewood Plan
By Montecito Journal   |   June 11, 2024

As a nearby, full-time neighbor of the Rosewood Miramar Hotel, and directly affected by their construction and traffic, I feel very qualified to respond to their plan to commercialize and build up this part of Montecito with a high-end shopping mall, restaurant, and expensive apartments. This plan proposes the construction of 34,000 square feet of […]

Jerry Dean Springer: August 05, 1935 – May 12, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   June 4, 2024

Jerry Dean Springer, 88, beloved husband of Julia, father to Kurt, Jill, and Amy, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2024, at Serenity House in Santa Barbara.  Born in Reeve Township, Iowa, the fourth of six children, Jerry attended many different schools before finally settling in Carpinteria in middle school. After his itinerant childhood during […]

Good Neighbors
By Montecito Journal   |   May 28, 2024

I am pleased that the Miramar is proposing adding affordable workforce housing for their employees alongside apartments and shops. Workforce housing helps local residents build a stronger foundation in the neighborhood: it helps both community and business. As the retired Director of the All Saints by the Sea Parish School next door, I was continually […]

Sandra Nelle Ventress: October 30, 1962 – March 22, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   May 21, 2024

Sandra Nelle Ventress, 61, of Santa Barbara passed away peacefully on March 22, 2024, after a brief illness. She was a loving daughter, sister, and friend.  Sandy was born on October 30, 1962, to Kenneth and Geraldine Nelle in Oxnard, California. Sandy spent her younger years living in numerous locations throughout the states including Montana, […]

Celebrate Mothers in Style!
By Montecito Journal   |   May 14, 2024

Celebrate your mom, grandmother and woman in your life with a variety of amazing experiences from the area’s finest! On behalf of the Montecito Journal, we wish all mothers a wonderful weekend celebrating love! Start Mother’s Day early on Saturday, May 11, from 1:30-4:30 pm with Casa del Herrero’s first Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party […]

More Land Loss
By Montecito Journal   |   May 14, 2024

I thought you might be interested to know there has recently been more land loss on Butterfly Beach. Also, I have been reporting for years to various bodies about how undermined the pedestrian/bike path is. Well over a month ago they put out signs to warn people. It has been reported in local news that […]

Support Your Neighbors
By Montecito Journal   |   May 7, 2024

My family home is within walking distance of the Miramar. I am a seventh generation Santa Barbarian. My family and I, along with many neighbors both nearby and across Montecito, firmly support the plan to add affordable housing for the workers of the Miramar, which in part is funded by the addition of retail shops […]

Montecito Fire Department to Host Community Push-In Ceremony for New Engine 92
By Montecito Journal   |   May 7, 2024

The Montecito Fire Department is hosting a community event on Monday, May 6, at 4 pm to celebrate the arrival of their newest fire engine, Engine 92. The event will take place at Fire Station 92, located at 2300 Sycamore Canyon Road in Montecito, and will feature a traditional push-in ceremony where firefighters and community […]

Diana Basehart: May 29, 1934 – April 12, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   April 30, 2024

Our community mourns the passing of an icon…  Diana Basehart, longtime animal activist, actress, sculptor, and mother passed away on April 12 at Cottage Hospital surrounded by family and friends.  She was born May 29th, 1934, in London, England. Daughter of Edward and Gwenyth Lotery. In 1939 the family fled to New York to escape […]

Alfred Earl Hayward: September 2, 1936 — December 31, 2023
By Montecito Journal   |   April 30, 2024

A fourth generation Californian, Alfred “Fred” Earl Hayward was born on September 2, 1936, at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. He attended Laguna Blanca at the Hope Ranch campus and graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1954, ultimately matriculating from Claremont McKenna College (Business / Economics) in 1958. Significantly, Fred was elected class […]

Philip Glen Beaubien
By Montecito Journal   |   April 30, 2024

Philip Glen Beaubien safely departed this life March 24, 2024, in Santa Barbara, California surrounded by family and friends with his wife, Gillian Christie, at his side.  Phil was a classical intellect and philosopher, who read voraciously from Will Durant to Thomas Paine to Omar Khayyam, but it was this quote from Phil’s literary hero, […]

Lynda Lee Millner: August 13, 1936 – April 9, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   April 23, 2024

One of Montecito’s most elegant, fashion forward, socially dynamic woman has left us. Lynda Lee Millner passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, surrounded by her family and loved ones.  Lynda was born in 1936, in Washington state, to Aage and Zula Olesen. She grew up in Spokane, WA where she […]

Shock, Awe, and Support
By Montecito Journal   |   April 2, 2024

In these troubling times both domestically and abroad, it’s great to see, in the just-certified election of Carpinteria’s Roy Lee as the new Santa Barbara County 1st District Supervisor, a heartening example that our system of one-person, one-vote does actually on occasion work as it was intended, and to be reminded of the essential role […]

Toni V. Fox: 9/25/1947 – 8/20/2023
By Montecito Journal   |   April 2, 2024

Our beloved Toni passed away on August 20, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with melanoma. She is fondly remembered by family and friends for her warmth, contagious smile, and vivacious personality.  Toni V. Fox was born in Los Angeles to Vance and Carole Basler and was one of three children with an older […]

David A Morley: 12/31/1939 – 2/3/2024
By Montecito Journal   |   April 2, 2024

The dates above are merely the frame of Dave’s life on earth. It is what he invested in that small dash in-between that has had a lasting impact on the lives of those of us who knew him, and what we will remember about him. This brief recount of his life serves only as a […]

John “Jack” Kerr Wilson: August 29, 1937 – February 25, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   March 26, 2024

John “Jack” Kerr Wilson, born on August 29, 1937 in New Jersey to John and Elizabeth Wilson, passed away on February 25, 2024. He leaves a legacy filled with laughter, steadfastness, and a deep love for his Scottish heritage. Jack, known for his friendly demeanor, hospitality and exceptional humor, made a significant impact on many.  […]

Cynthia Impey Nolen : April 18, 1933 – February 27, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   March 19, 2024

Cynthia I. Nolen, a lover of dogs, birds, books, and gardens passed away peacefully at Casa Dorinda in Montecito, California on February 27, 2024. A self- proclaimed “collector” of plants, her gardens and landscape designs continue to inspire around the U.S. Anyone who knew Cynthia was aware that she never left the house without dog […]