Tag archives: community

Season’s Greetings, and the Year in Review
By Sharon Byrne   |   December 26, 2019

We hope you’re enjoying some of the lovely holiday decorations in our community. On December 4, we lit the tree in the Upper Green in front of Pierre Lafond, during Hospice’s now second annual Light Up A Life in Montecito. The Hathaway tree was decorated at Upper Manning Park by some fabulous elves that also […]

MERRAG Annual Meeting
By Kelly Mahan Herrick   |   December 19, 2019

MERRAG held its annual meeting at the Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore on Thursday, December 12.  President Troy Harris listed the accomplishments of MERRAG over the past year, including the planning and execution of the Raising Our Light Remembrance Event on January 9, staffing information kiosks during the winter storm events from January through March […]

Crosswalk Flashers on Coast Village Road
By Kelly Mahan Herrick   |   December 12, 2019

Flaggers and construction crews will be on Coast Village Road throughout the rest of the week, installing conduit and electrical lines across the crosswalk on the 1150 block of the street. “We know it is a nuisance to local businesses,” said Coast Village Association board president Bob Ludwick, “But we also know it’s important to […]

High Net Worth
By Gwyn Lurie   |   December 12, 2019

For all of us who live or work in Montecito, the rainy season brings up a still fresh mix of emotions. We’re grateful for the hydration of our mountains as they continue to recover and revegetate. We’re thankful to no longer be in an active drought. But still we struggle with the residual trauma from […]

All I Want for Christmas… Is to Keep Our Community Safer
By Bob Hazard   |   December 12, 2019

Last week, several hundred Montecito residents turned out at Montecito Union School to hear Kevin Taylor, Montecito Fire Protection District (MFPD) chief, plus a parade of six county officials, provide an update on Winter Storm Readiness in Montecito.  Montecito Fire Chief Taylor served as “Unified Commander” during the December 2017 Thomas Fire, as well as […]

First Responders Battle in Basketball Court of Champions
By Scott Craig   |   December 5, 2019

The Santa Barbara Basketball Court of Champions, begun in 2014 to recognize people in the community who have made significant contributions to the sport, hosts charity basketball games to honor our local First Responders Saturday, December 7, at 2 pm in Westmont’s Murchison Gym. The event features teams of police and sheriffs against firefighters and […]

More Than Fashion at Giuliana Montecito
By Megan Waldrep   |   December 3, 2019

An Upper Village dress shop for over half a century, Giuliana Montecito has a new creative director that is focusing on its past as much as the present. Mandana Mir is a millennial with an old soul, carrying herself with mannerisms reminiscent of English high society. Maybe her background has something to do with it […]

Santa Barbara Rescue Mission
By Zach Rosen   |   December 3, 2019

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, this time of year is when giving is on the mind. The winter season brings with it thoughts of donated gifts or providing hot meals to those in need or without a home. Since 1965 the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission has been giving to the homeless of the area, acting as […]

Montecito Creek Bridge Reopens
By Kelly Mahan Herrick   |   November 26, 2019

Nearly two years after being washed away during the 1/9 debris flow, the Montecito Creek Bridge was reopened on Friday, November 22, the last of six bridges along State Route 192 to be replaced or repaired following the disaster. “I am very pleased that we can bring a small sense of normalcy to a community […]

New Map Released Next Week
By Kelly Mahan Herrick   |   November 26, 2019

Next Thursday, December 5, Montecito Fire Department, in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Carpinteria Summerland Fire Protection District, and 1st District Supervisor Das Williams, invites the public to attend a community informational meeting in advance of the winter storm season. The purpose of this community meeting is to publicly […]

Hearts & Hugs For Heroes
By Lynda Millner   |   November 26, 2019

Friendship Center held their first veterans’ celebration with lots of red, white and blue, a hug line and applause for each veteran attending. If you gave a hug you were rewarded with a home baked heart shaped cookie. Lt. John Blankenship from Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation was there with a color guard, Deborah Bertling sang […]

CALM At Heart
By Lynda Millner   |   November 26, 2019

The CALM at Heart committee, board of trustees and staff welcomed the most attendees ever (330) to the Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club to celebrate their work with children and families that strengthen our community. The seaside terrace was packed with people many taking a chance at the wine pull and others catching up […]

One805 Marks New Era for First Responders
By Sara Bush   |   November 26, 2019

One805, the group that organized the star-studded Kick Ash Bash, is unveiling a new plan to provide ongoing support to local First Responders and the community. Following the Thomas Fire and devastating debris flow in 2018, the group banded together to honor the First Responders, and raise much needed funds for the local agencies. Money […]

Christina Broderick: Head of School, Marymount
By Sigrid Toye   |   November 26, 2019

On a beautiful fall day, after the lazy days of summer had passed and schools were back in session, I made my way to the Marymount campus situated above the city. The winding roads of Santa Barbara’s Riviera community, the views of the ocean and the Channel Islands in the far distance, was a precursor […]

Dear Community,
By Gwyn Lurie   |   November 26, 2019

This year I give thanks for so many things – for my family and my friends, and for the glorious revegetation that surrounds us – heroically guarded by our world-class First Responders. And I am thinking much about our community. I am thankful for the warm reception so many of you have given me, and […]

Dear Montecito Community,
By Gwyn Lurie   |   November 21, 2019

Gwyn Lurie is a local chair collector. She chaired the MUS School Board for five years, she co-chairs the Santa Barbara Human Rights Watch Committee, she is a founding member of The Partnership for Resilient Communities (TPRC) and was Chair of the Santa Barbara County Child Welfare Safety Net Task Force. Gwyn has spent enough […]

A Blueprint for Public Service… The Partnership for Resilient Communities
By Bob Hazard   |   November 14, 2019

Two weeks ago at the Montecito Association’s 34th Annual Beautification Day, the Partnership for Resilient Communities (TPRC) was selected as the 2019 recipient of the “Citizen of the Year” honors. The ceremony included last year’s winner Abe Powell of Bucket Brigade fame and 1st District County Supervisor Das Williams, along with MA officials. Who Are […]

Community Arts Workshop
By Zach Rosen   |   November 14, 2019

On the corner of Garden and Ortega lies an unmistakable workshop. A wide driveway gives way to two large buildings with high roofs. A distinct, bold steel gate designed by David Shelton makes a grand entrance to the space and provides a firm statement that this site is about the arts. The space is known […]

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
By Zach Rosen   |   November 7, 2019

Since being established in 1926, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (SBBG), has become a pillar of our community. Whether it was one of the garden’s many school programs, or just a visit with the family, many of us have childhood memories of the space. From the majestic redwood grove to the sprawling meadow, these enchanting […]

Hearts & Hugs for Heroes
By Kelly Mahan Herrick   |   October 31, 2019

Next Wednesday, November 6, the Friendship Center invites the community to celebrate veterans and their service to our country at the Montecito Center, 89 Eucalyptus Lane.  There will be a heroes’ hug line, heart cookies, flag ceremony, and patriotic music. Carol Metcalf-Roth, licensed MFT, Military Family Life Counselor, and comedian, will do live comedy and […]