Editor’s Note
By Montecito Journal   |   December 27, 2022

The past few years have seen some world-changing events, but nearly five years ago, our area went through a community-changing one. The impact that the Thomas Fire and subsequent 1/9 Debris Flow had on the area can still be felt today. Yes, in the hardship it brought, but also the strength, tenacity, and heart that […]

Margaret Ann Baker: December 7, 1947 – November 2, 2022
By Montecito Journal   |   December 20, 2022

Margaret Ann Baker passed away peacefully on November 2, 2022, from complications associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She was born on December 7, 1947, in Long Beach, California, to parents Willis Daniel Baker and Mary (O’Rourke) Baker. Margaret graduated summa cum laude from Western High School Anaheim, California, in 1965 and received a Bachelor […]

McMenemy Trail: Don’t Switch the Switchbacks
By Montecito Journal   |   December 13, 2022

On April 26th, 1965, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed Resolution #24671, accepting a trail easement from Logan and Elizabeth McMenemy. This easement solidified a new trail route for a historic trail that crossed the McMenemy lands, and a few years later a second easement was deeded by the San Ysidro Ranch, […]

Barry Allan Kitnick: July 25, 1943 – September 28, 2022
By Montecito Journal   |   December 6, 2022

Barry Allan Kitnick passed away in Santa Barbara, California on September 28, 2022, after a long illness. Barry was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 25, 1943. He is survived by his beloved wife Jill, with whom he shared his life for over 45 years; his sons Alexander and Zachary (Daisy); his brothers Steven (Marilyn), […]

Adjusting Views to Come Together
By Montecito Journal   |   December 6, 2022

Remember when certain environmental groups made it impossible to talk about nuclear power in a positive way, and Santa Barbara locals demonstrated at Diablo Canyon’s nuclear power plant just up the coast from here? Now Democratic Governor Newsom supports it and the Biden’s Energy Department granted $1.1 billion to upgrade it. California’s last operating nuclear […]

Giving List: Special Edition – Giving Tuesday
By Montecito Journal   |   November 29, 2022

In honor of Giving Tuesday and in support of our Giving List Santa Barbara nonprofit partners, we wanted to provide our readers with some ideas for giving where you are living! Please keep an eye out for the new edition of The Giving List Santa Barbara, which will land in your mailboxes in time to […]

Thanks From the Roots
By Montecito Journal   |   November 29, 2022

On behalf of the entire ownership team, thank you to the community for supporting our application for a new cannabis retail dispensary in the Carpinteria Valley. While we recognize we have some additional hurdles to clear, we are 100% confident that Roots Carpinteria will open for business at 3823 Santa Claus Lane in 2023.  I […]

A Bear’s Thanksgiving
By Montecito Journal   |   November 22, 2022

Carlos, The Bear, stood at the head of the table as Old Fox, Wise Owl, Connie Cougar, and Rocky Racoon, took their seats. Laid out on the table was a Thanksgiving dinner that couldn’t be beat. A Turkey, with all the trimmings and Carlos’ famous grub, berry and acorn mash, stuffing, it was a meal […]

Walk to End Alzheimer’s
By Montecito Journal   |   November 22, 2022

Earlier this month, nearly 450 area residents strapped on their sneakers for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. A Promise Flower ceremony was held before the Walk with Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse helping count down the beginning of the event. Together this bipedal push raised more than $135,000 to fund research and free local services […]

Girls Inc. and Cox Communications Partner for 3rd Annual “Operation Holiday Cheer”
By Montecito Journal   |   November 22, 2022

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is bringing back their wintery gift-giving event, Operation Holiday Cheer. Launched in 2020 and presented by Cox Communications, this program brings gifts and some holiday spirit to local girls and their families that are experiencing economic hardships resulting from the pandemic.  “We are proud to host our 3rd Annual Operation Holiday […]

Holiday Gift Ideas
By Montecito Journal   |   November 21, 2022

A four-carat Colombian emerald set in platinum with diamonds accenting the emerald cut. Silverhorn Design Studio1235 Coast Village RoadMontecito, CA 93108805.969.0442https://www.silverhorn.com/ Unique and luxe Dakota Wine and Picnic Tote, quality made in the U.S. out of cork from Portugal. Paula Parisottohttps://paulaparisotto.com/ Proenza Schouler Dia day bag in leopard print Italian calf-hair with a detachable strap […]

Am I My Country’s Keeper?
By Montecito Journal   |   November 15, 2022

Bible teaching on citizenship begins with five words that historians will write on the head stone of the United States when it dies. Cain asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The downfall of decency and democracy in our time is the failure of institutions and ordinary people to answer that question in the affirmative. Let’s […]

Depend on Gullap-Moore for SBCC Board Trustee
By Montecito Journal   |   November 8, 2022

I am proud to support and endorse Dr. Charlotte Gullap-Moore for Santa Barbara City College Board Trustee TA#1. I have known Charlotte for more than four years, and in that time, I have found her to be an earnest community advocate, an honest person, and always stands up for the disenfranchised in the community. We could […]

A Global Dance Event for Halloween… and Humanity
By Montecito Journal   |   November 1, 2022

“Thrill the World” is a global event that happens each year on the Saturday before Halloween, when thousands of enthusiastic zombies gather to perform “Thriller” – unleashing their inner zombie for fun and for charity. From Arizona to West Virginia, Austria to Taiwan, people of all ages will rise from the undead at the same […]

Rosewood’s PlaceMaker Kendall Conrad Hosting Tablescaping Demo
By Montecito Journal   |   November 1, 2022

Rosewood Miramar Beach, one of California’s most luxurious seaside resorts, is thrilled to announce an entertaining masterclass in partnership with Kendall Conrad, the designer and Santa Barbara native and resident, who also serves as the property’s official PlaceMaker. Just in time to help participants prepare for the holiday season, this entertaining masterclass offers guests and […]

Cate Hosts U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink
By Montecito Journal   |   November 1, 2022

Cate School held their annual Fall Family Weekend event for students and their families on October 20 through 23. Saturday’s program featured Keynote Speaker Bridget Brink, the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine and parent to Cate Student Jack Higgins (’23). Brink began with an acknowledgement of a Ukraine family in attendance. She talked about her role, […]

Summerland Citizen’s Association Board of Directors Report
By Montecito Journal   |   November 1, 2022

Summerland Citizens Association BOD (SCABOD) is happy to report that on October 24, CalTrans successfully hit their target date for opening the Evans 101 Northbound onramp. During onramp closure, MTD was forced to make adjustments for the Line 20 bus in Summerland, which meant additional efforts had to be made by the passengers. Some of […]

Appealing Santa Claus Cannabis
By Montecito Journal   |   November 1, 2022

I will not be able to attend the Santa Claus cannabis retail store appeal hearing on November 1, 2022, however I would like to convey my opposition to its approval and impending existence in this message.  Three things you should know about me before I address my reasons for concern: My family has lived, worked, […]

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Hosts Jason Pu, HUD Region IX Administrator
By Montecito Journal   |   October 31, 2022

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara put on a host visit and tour with HUD Region IX Administrator, Jason Pu, former San Gabriel City Councilmember who was appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Region IX, which covers areas of […]

Why We Support the United Nations
By Montecito Journal   |   October 25, 2022

As members of the Santa Barbara and Tri-Counties Chapter of the United Nations Association-USA, we are frequently asked if the U.N. is still relevant and capable of carrying out its mission, and what does our organization do? Since United Nations Day is being celebrated on October 24th throughout the U.S. and the world, it is […]

Jacqueline Rubinstein: July 25, 1958 – September 6, 2022
By Montecito Journal   |   October 25, 2022

Jacqueline Hiske Rubinstein passed away September 6th at the young age of 64. Jacqueline was born July 25th, 1958, in Singapore to Hiske and Jack Forsyth. Jacqueline was a citizen of the world; speaking five languages and growing up in areas including Suriname, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, New York, Montecito, and Los Angeles. She was a […]

An Open Letter to the Santa Barbara Community
By Montecito Journal   |   October 18, 2022

We knew Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree as the “Philanthropist of Santa Barbara.” As we lay her to rest, her presence in our city will continue as we pass by the many buildings and plaques that carry her name: The Ridley-Tree Cancer Center at Sansum Clinic; the Ridley-Tree Education Center at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art; […]

Gerald Wayne (Jerry) Fronterhouse
By Montecito Journal   |   October 18, 2022

Gerald Wayne (Jerry) Fronterhouse, beloved husband, brother, father of two, grandfather of nine, great-grandfather to four, business leader, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2022.  Jerry was born on May 22, 1936, in Ada, Oklahoma, the second son of three to Victor and Austa (McClintock) Fronterhouse. Victor was working for Magnolia […]

Donate Blood for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
By Montecito Journal   |   October 11, 2022

Vitalant will be holding a blood drive in the area for a much-needed contribution from the community due to blood supply falling nearly 50% from the beginning of the summer. There’s a call for all blood types, especially type O, the most commonly transfused, with O-negative being used when urgency is needed and the practitioner […]

Girls Inc. Hosts Bloomington Gala
By Montecito Journal   |   October 11, 2022

Community members were draped in elegance for the Girls Inc. of Carpinteria gala, Bloomington: A Jane Austen Era Affair, held on Saturday, September 24 at the Girls Inc. campus on Foothill Road. This year’s event honored “the diamond of the season,” Carpinteria resident Kevin Baird, for his dedication to local girls through his many years […]

Voter’s Guide: Candidate Statements
By Montecito Journal   |   October 11, 2022

Misplace your sample ballot? We have you covered. Here are the candidate statements for the upcoming election: United States Representative, District 24 Also referred to as a congressman or congresswoman, each representative is elected to a two-year term serving the people of a specific congressional district. Among other duties, representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer […]

Un-Boxing My Life
By Montecito Journal   |   October 11, 2022

Most people want to compartmentalize everything. For example, I am a Democratic, Republican, Independent, or even a Green Party person. More examples would be I am a liberal or a conservative. I saw an interview with the actor Woody Harrelson. A good ole Texas boy. He described himself as a Redneck hippie. After careful consideration […]

An Open Letter to the Santa Barbara Community from the Family of Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree
By Montecito Journal   |   October 6, 2022

We knew Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree as the “Philanthropist of Santa Barbara.” As we lay her to rest, her presence in our city will continue as we pass by the many buildings and plaques that carry her name: The Ridley-Tree Cancer Center at Sansum Clinic, the Ridley-Tree Education Center at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, […]

Nelson Huber: July 10, 1949 – September 18, 2022
By Montecito Journal   |   October 4, 2022

Nelson Huber came here for one purpose: To make music. For him, music was a sacrament capable of healing us and lifting us out of the ordinary and into the sublime. The term sui generis – in a class by himself – does not even begin to describe him. He tells the story of his […]

The Ins and Outs of Special Districts
By Montecito Journal   |   October 4, 2022

In Mark Hunt’s article “Ins and Outs: Montecito and Her Many Special Neighborhoods” (Real Estate Issue, August 4, 2022), he correctly states not all homes in 93108 are within Montecito, or either of its two school or special districts.  Many Eucalyptus Hill homes are in the City of Santa Barbara. Eucalyptus Hill Improvement Association (EHIA) […]

Rebuilding Healthy Soil
By Montecito Journal   |   September 27, 2022

I’m writing to you as a COO of Kiss The Ground, and a supporter of Regenerate America, an unprecedented coalition of farmers, ranchers, nonprofits, experts, companies, and citizens spanning the nation and the political spectrum who are committed to rebuilding America’s soil by making regenerative agriculture the centerpiece of the next Farm Bill.  Healthy soil […]

Natalie Salter Myerson (Mrs. Raymond King Myerson)
By Montecito Journal   |   September 27, 2022

Natalie Myerson passed away peacefully at her home in Santa Barbara on September 19, 2022. She was 102.  Born Natalie Salter in Chelsea, Massachusetts, she grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts with her parents and three older brothers. The Salter family often summered at a family home on Cape Cod. Natalie graduated from Goucher College in […]

Lawrence Wayne Kelly 1942 – 2022
By Montecito Journal   |   September 27, 2022

Lawrence (Larry) Wayne Kelly passed away surrounded by family at the age of 80 at Keck Hospital in Los Angeles on August 31, 2022. Larry courageously battled serious medical issues over the past year, and his tremendous light and spirit lives on for all who knew him. Larry was born to Gerald and Sally Kelly […]

Faithful Differences
By Montecito Journal   |   September 20, 2022

Mr. Bernstein asks a Christian minister who’d given the eulogy at his friend’s funeral if he’d ever read the Old Testament’s Ecclesiastes 9. He had not. Then Bernstein cites The New Testament’s John 16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son…” and interprets that to mean “it doesn’t even matter […]

Evelyn Louise Duimovich – 1922 – 2022
By Montecito Journal   |   September 20, 2022

Evelyn Louise Duimovich, age 100, was born into Eternal Life on September 7, 2022. Surrounded by her children and beloved priest, she died peacefully at home. She was born on May 30, 1922, in Peoria, Illinois, to Walter and Frances Hickman, the fifth of seven children.  The loss of her mother at the tender age […]

More Parklet Considerations
By Montecito Journal   |   September 13, 2022

There are important issues Bob [Hazard] doesn’t address in his article about creative solutions to CVR parking. The first is equity. Why does the wealthiest business owner on CVR get parklets adding 150+ seats to Lucky’s and Tre Lune, for free, for years, and not K. Frank? Angel? All the galleries? Every business would benefit […]

Bravo, Brutoco
By Montecito Journal   |   August 30, 2022

Bravo (yet again) to Rinaldo Brutoco’s August 11 column. He always comes up with the best adjectives when clashing up against “Big Power” greed: “Preposterous shibboleth” … Makes me laugh every time I look at it! In throwing big shade last week at the PG&E & Edison monopolies, he calls back to his group’s white […]

Pedestrian-only Areas in Germany
By Montecito Journal   |   August 23, 2022

I saw a letter by Jeffrey Harding about CVR and removing the parklets. He just wants it to go back to the way it was – this is a mistake in my opinion. I am from Germany originally and know of the commercial value of pedestrian-only areas. Check out some images of this small city […]

79th Persons of the Year Named
By Montecito Journal   |   August 23, 2022

Santa Barbara Foundation names their 79th Persons of the Year as Ginger Salazar and Katina Zaninovich. Salazar, who is from Lompoc and has lived in Montecito for the past 17 years, has served on the board of Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. Currently, she is on the […]

Bones Determined to Not Belong to Jack Cantin
By Montecito Journal   |   August 23, 2022

The remains of Jack Cantin, the teenager who went missing during the 2018 debris flow, had reportedly been found in the summer of last year by former University of California, Santa Barbara anthropology professor Danielle Kurin and her undergraduate students. While many news and media outlets (including the MJ…) announced Kurin’s claims, the Sheriff’s Department […]