More Sunlight for Santa Barbara County Board of Education
By Montecito Journal   |   May 24, 2022

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis introduced the phrase “Sunlight is the Best Disinfectant,” in the early 20th century. He also penned the term in his book, “Other People’s Money.” The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) regulates campaign financing, conflicts of interest, lobbying, and government ethics. Form 700 – Statement of Economic Interest, is one […]

Luncheon Powered by MOXI
By Montecito Journal   |   May 24, 2022

MOXI’s annual Power of MOXI luncheon was held on Tuesday, May 10 on the museum’s rooftop. The sold-out event allowed the public to learn more about MOXI’s dynamic programs and overall dedication to creating opportunities for STEM learning. MOXI’s President + CEO Dr. Robin Gose and Apeel’s Senior Vice President of Operations Jenny Du spoke, […]

Rally for Women’s Rights
By Montecito Journal   |   May 24, 2022

Planned Parenthood’s Bans Off Our Bodies rally was held in De La Guerra Plaza on Saturday, May 14, in response to the recently leaked draft of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court Decision. Illustrator Karen Folsom and her family were in attendance and she had this to say: “I am a passionate believer in women’s […]

A Collaborative Mission
By Montecito Journal   |   May 24, 2022

On Saturday, May 7, Old Mission Santa Barbara and True Vine Bible Fellowship, Lompoc’s predominantly Black Baptist church, came together for an event at Old Mission in the name of unity. These two seemingly opposite churches have created a partnership that works to break down racial, gender, and class barriers and instead focus on emphasizing […]

Library Groundbreaking
By Montecito Journal   |   May 24, 2022

A new era for the Santa Barbara Public Library recently began as the City Council approved a $9.3 million contract for the construction of the new Michael Towbes Plaza. “The Library Plaza Campaign has made evident the importance of the public-private partnership that our City and County must continue to invest in and foster to […]

Connect with the Bonsai Club 
By Montecito Journal   |   May 24, 2022

The Bonsai Club of Santa Barbara will hold its annual show, sale, and demonstrations May 21 and May 22 in the Fellowship Hall at Trinity Lutheran Church, 909 La Cumbre Road. Saturday hours are 11 am to 4 pm, Sunday noon to 4 pm. There will be a professional show of Club Members’ trees in […]

A Vote for Gregg Hart
By Montecito Journal   |   May 17, 2022

Imagine being elected to serve in local government, only to find yourself in a global health emergency. That’s exactly what happened to Gregg Hart, then Chair of the County Board of Supervisors, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020. “I was hoping to use my chairmanship to highlight the need for emergency and disaster […]

Voter’s Guide: Candidate Statements
By Montecito Journal   |   May 17, 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 […]

Finding a Solution
By Montecito Journal   |   May 10, 2022

Regarding the May 3rd, 2022 Montecito Association meeting topic of trailhead parking at Montecito Hot Springs. Many years ago, at the launch for the “Campaign for Hot Springs Canyon” both Kellam De Forest (Pearl Chase Society) and I were in attendance at the little green park on the corner of East Valley and San Ysidro […]

Studies Are Vital in Policy Process
By Montecito Journal   |   May 3, 2022

I look forward to reading the studies that the Montecito Water and Montecito Sanitary districts have jointly commissioned, one by Carollo Engineers to evaluate recycling options and the other by Raftelis to explore the pros and cons of a business case for district consolidation.  The need for recycled water supplies is rather self-evident.  The self-evident case […]

Kirsten Marie Donnelly August 21, 1969 – February 22, 2022
By Montecito Journal   |   April 26, 2022

Kirsten Marie Donnelly (née van Duinwyk) passed away at home on February 22, 2022 after an incredibly brave battle with cancer. She leaves behind her husband Tom, son Dembelo, parents Susanne and Peter van Duinwyk, sisters Anne-Marie Tucker (Clark) and Lisa Aviani (James), and nieces and nephew, Alison and Chris Tucker, and Clara and Juliana […]

A Response to Water and Sanitary Districts Consolidation
By Montecito Journal   |   April 26, 2022

Bob Hazard’s recent piece, “Should the Montecito Water and Sanitary Districts Consolidate?” needs a host of corrections, out of respect for the intelligence (and ratepayer costs) of the citizens of Montecito, particularly Water District customers. As part of the “Montecito Water Security Team,” Hazard praises a number of studies – MORE STUDIES – on studies […]

K-Rails Cleanup
By Montecito Journal   |   April 19, 2022

These K-Rails on the 101 are extreme causes of fear. Who pays for the cleanup after accidents, including the semi on fire in Summerland backing up traffic for hours? Does the City have recourse for cleaning up after the fire and accidents? This superhighway they are building will have big effects on the community. I […]

Pinning Ceremony Brings Together Veterans and the Community
By Montecito Journal   |   April 19, 2022

The Friendship Center and VNA Health recently co-hosted a Veteran Pinning Ceremony this past week honoring 14 veterans at the Friendship Center in Montecito. This is a rare and special treat because typically pinning ceremonies are scheduled for one veteran privately. VNA Health has made a special exception to “Come to Seniors” at the Friendship […]

The Elephant on the 1200 Block of Coast Village Road
By Montecito Journal   |   April 12, 2022

Have you ever wondered why you can’t find a parking space on Coast Village Road? Coast Village Road is not downtown Santa Barbara. Unlike downtown, Coast Village Road does not have public parking structures and has suffered from a parking shortage well before the pandemic. So, it should come as no surprise that removing 23% […]

Ted Tedesco
By Montecito Journal   |   April 12, 2022

In a tribute to Ted Tedesco on his 90th birthday, his son David said, “Show me a man who does not like Ted Tedesco because I don’t believe it.” A tribute from a friend said he learned three things from Ted: “It’s important to carry on no matter what life throws at you, remember to […]

Pay it Forward
By Montecito Journal   |   April 5, 2022

I’ve been reading some excellent opinions in the Journal. Writers are challenging the Montecito Creek Water Company’s claim to the wonderful life-giving Montecito Hot Springs. These writers are right, we need to unite for the Earth, everywhere we can. I figure, if we’re taking on one water user, we’re taking on all water users. For […]

Disappointed
By Montecito Journal   |   March 29, 2022

As a longtime reader of the Montecito Journal, I am disappointed in your magazine under new ownership. I always looked forward to reading the Letters to the Editor. Not anymore. It appears you only publish letters about Montecito or ones that reflect the views of the left. Do you not understand that some of us […]

Reservoir Becomes Empty
By Montecito Journal   |   March 22, 2022

On Thursday morning (March 10, 2022) the reservoir on upper Hot Springs Road was empty so no water was going to the estates below. This was because the main pipe had been disconnected for days on end, and the hot springs water that normally flowed into the reservoir poured onto Hot Springs Trail.  Will the […]

Rock, Peace, and the Nature of Bears
By Montecito Journal   |   March 15, 2022

Carlos, The Bear, set his Fender Telecaster guitar on its stand, sat back in his bean bag chair, crossed his arms, and began humming a tune. His mind was remembering his early days. He was a smallish bear, nothing like the one he saw on CNN earlier that day, Hank the Tank. No, Carlos was […]

Derek Kenneth Hunter
By Montecito Journal   |   March 15, 2022

Derek (“Derk”) Kenneth Hunter passed away peacefully February 19, 2022, at his home in Woodside, California, surrounded by his family. Born April 25, 1931, in San Marino, California, he was the son of Kenneth and Helen Hunter. He is predeceased by his wife, Fredricka (“Dricka”) Hunter, his daughter, Antonia (“Toni”) Hunter Breck, and his brothers, […]

Richard L. Kahler, M.D.
By Montecito Journal   |   March 15, 2022

Richard Lee Kahler, MD, FACC, beloved husband, cherished father and grandfather, and treasured family member and friend, died peacefully at home on February 21, 2022, at the age of 89. Dick was a longtime resident of La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, and Montecito, California, before moving to Colorado in his final decade. Professionally, Dr. Kahler […]

John W. McIntyre
By Montecito Journal   |   March 8, 2022

On Monday, January 3, 2022, the world lost a thoughtful, principled, energetic, loyal, and loving man. John W. McIntyre’s passing will be felt by the many people whose lives he touched, but none more than his adoring wife and three admiring daughters who were by his side at their forever home in the hills of […]

More Montecito Hot Springs
By Montecito Journal   |   March 8, 2022

Again, Mr. Emanuel in his latest letter (February 24, 2022) puts words in my mouth that I never said. Regarding a shuttle, he says “…where is the pickup parking lot to be? Bryan has suggested Mt. Carmel…” I never suggested the Mt. Carmel Church for a shuttle. He goes on to say, “What we are […]

Justin Bruce Forrester
By Montecito Journal   |   March 8, 2022

Justin Bruce Forrester was born in Santa Barbara, California, on July 16, 1999 and passed away in Santa Barbara on February 22, 2022 at the young age of 22. Justin was a fun-loving and good-hearted young man who had family and many friends who loved and adored him. Justin attended Montecito Union School where he […]

Putting the Cart Before the Horse
By Montecito Journal   |   March 1, 2022

In a perfect universe there would be unlimited funds and proactive civil, charitable and political involvement on the Hot Springs Trail issue that seems to engender such considerable interest on the part of Bryan Rosen. No one can reasonably dispute that his desire to clean up the trail from potentially dangerous and unsightly impediments makes […]

DeAnna Joy Wassom. Timeless. Ageless. Gone too soon!
By Montecito Journal   |   February 22, 2022

DeAnna peacefully passed on the morning of January 30. Her partner of 18 years, Michaela Morgan, was by her side, and their “baby” fox terrier Chanel was at her feet. I have lost the love of my life… We never talked about her passing as we focused on living and celebrating the daily “wins” no […]

Response to Jon Emanuel’s Letter to the Editor in Support of Using Hot Springs Water to Irrigate Estates
By Montecito Journal   |   February 22, 2022

It’s interesting that one person getting water from the Montecito Creek Water Company, Mr. Jon Emanuel, and not the company itself, responded to my letter advocating return of the Montecito hot springs by the ruins (Cliff Spring and Barn Springs) to the people. He claims I said things that are “factually incorrect,” yet he characterizes […]

Louise Larson Darlington Levine
By Montecito Journal   |   February 15, 2022

In sorrow we announce that Louise Levine died peacefully in her Rivera home on January 22, 2022. She was born to Jared and Dorothy (Larson) Darlington in Patterson, New Jersey, on August 13, 1946. She grew up in Ramsey, New Jersey, graduated from Ramsey High School, attended Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, for two […]

A Noise Nuisance in the Sky
By Montecito Journal   |   February 15, 2022

Combating climate change and the effects of air traffic are dichotomous and irreconcilable. In spite of this threat, private/corporate and commercial jets are increasingly congesting our local skies. To make matters worse, Santa Barbara’s City Council approved the airport expansion that is expected to bring a 50% increase in aircraft traffic in 10 years. While […]

Montecito Hot Springs Water is Being Taken for Estates – Restore Hot Springs Traditionally Used by the Chumash People
By Montecito Journal   |   February 8, 2022

Unfortunately, pipes are taking the water from hot springs in Montecito. The pipes are maintained by the Montecito Creek Water Company, a private company that has water rights in Hot Springs Canyon. The pools of hot water that the Chumash used to enjoy are no more. The hot water is taken from above the east […]

Brutoco for President!
By Montecito Journal   |   February 1, 2022

His essay last week on the oppressive travesty of the California Utilities’ profit-grab to punish small-scale solar adopters is incisive, intensely angry, and wholly alarming.  Not to mention using a great metaphor in “Jabberwocky!”  (English majors always appreciate an apt literary reference to make a mockery of something so absurd as this “plan.”) So, thank […]

Riven Rock Parking Solutions
By Montecito Journal   |   January 25, 2022

A few days after New Year’s Day, Riven Rock Road was a mess due to the large number of vehicles parked on it. Some were on the dirt, but quite a few were on the roadway protruding over the white line. It must have been a ticketing bonanza. People are coming from all over to […]

For County Schools, the New Year Brings a Sense of Gratitude — and New Challenges
By Montecito Journal   |   January 18, 2022

As schools across Santa Barbara County reopen following the winter break and prepare for a successful return, I wanted to take a moment to reconnect with our community. We are welcoming our students back at a time when surging COVID-19 case rates have created new layers of uncertainty and concern for our schools. From interpreting […]

Year of (Carlos) The Bear
By Montecito Journal   |   January 11, 2022

Carlos, The Bear, was trimming his claws last week, he couldn’t sleep as rain pounded down on the roof of his den at 2 am. He had Flight Radar 24 on his iPad and was tracking the long-haul flights out of LAX as he thought of the year past. It had been a year filled […]

2021: The Year in Review
By Montecito Journal   |   January 4, 2022

It was a year full of questions, sometimes without many answers. But we persevered. As a staff, we took a few moments to reflect on our 2021s, which featured a few tears, triumphant returns, overwhelming innovation, and news that no one likes to report. Here’s a look at eight of our standout stories from the […]

The Community Cornerstones We Lost in 2021…
By Montecito Journal   |   January 4, 2022

The arts, entertainment, sports, and philanthropic worlds were hit hard along the South Coast this year, losing the likes of philanthropist Lee Luria, musician Peter Clark, beloved polo club icon Charles Ward, and the Metropolitan Theatres’ owner Bruce Corwin. It was a tough year, but also a reflective one that allowed us all to appreciate […]

Dear Cate Board . . .
By Montecito Journal   |   January 4, 2022

I am a concerned community member. Please share my concerns with the entire Board before or at your January meeting. In your email to the Cate community dated December 15, 2021, you make several statements which need discussion. 1. Page 1: The note about “social media’s anonymity and public nature can be particularly harmful in […]

Aristides Burton Demetrios, 1932-2021
By Montecito Journal   |   December 28, 2021

Aristides (Aris) Burton Demetrios was born in Lincoln, Massachusetts, on February 17,1932. He was born to a family of celebrated artists. His father was classical sculptor George Demetrios, who was a student of Bourdelle and had studied with Rodin. His mother was Virginia (Jinnee) Lee Burton, a celebrated author illustrator of children’s books, including “Mike […]

Jesse Alexander, 1929-2021
By Montecito Journal   |   December 28, 2021

Jesse Alexander, 92, a photographer who documented the golden age of motorsport, passed away on December 14, 2021, in Santa Barbara. He was comfortable and at home, with his beloved wife, Nancy, by his side, holding his hand. Jesse was born on April 15, 1929, in Santa Barbara to Florence Louise Lyman and Junius Beverly […]