Tag archives: community

2022: In Brief
By Kim Crail   |   January 10, 2023

As we welcome the start of a new year, we would like to share some pictures from the Montecito Library from the past year. We are notoriously bad at asking for people to pose (privacy is bedrock for library folks), but are trying to make more of an effort to document some of the joy […]

7th Annual Polar Dip Supports Adam’s Angels
By Joanne A Calitri   |   January 10, 2023

On a cold, windy, rainy New Year’s Eve afternoon, Adam McKaig texted me that he would be doing the Santa Barbara Polar Dip on New Year’s Day to benefit his nonprofit, Adam’s Angels. The event was founded by Hugh Margerum and Julie DeAngelis seven years ago with a single mission: “To bring people together by […]

A Bountiful Feast at the Rescue Mission
By Richard Mineards   |   January 10, 2023

David Fletcher, the head of food service at the Rescue Mission, certainly had his hands full for the Christmas Feast, which attracted 600 guests. More than 52 turkeys, 29 hams, 120 pounds of potatoes, 20 pounds of broccoli, 40 pounds of collard greens, and 70 pounds of green beans went into the bounteous banquet, not […]

New Montecito Neighborhood Trail Network Already Benefitting Casa Dorinda Residents
By Stella Haffner   |   December 27, 2022

‘Twas the trail blazing campaign, called Walk Montecito! Seeking funds from donors, to make the project complet-o, With leadership from Geoff and our good friend Abe, We are grateful to the team at Bucket Brigade! In April of 2022, the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade launched a campaign to address one of the ongoing health and […]

Santa Barbara Rescue Mission Annual Christmas Tea
By Joanne A Calitri   |   December 27, 2022

The Santa Barbara Rescue Mission (SBRM) Women’s Auxiliary (WA) held its annual Christmas Tea for its Bethel House women in recovery on Wednesday, December 14 at the home of Susan Hughes. The Women’s Auxiliary, led by President Pamela Dillman Haskell, supports the SBRM through prayer, fundraising for its programs, and community outreach. One such program […]

A Bear’s Gift of Food
By Montecito Journal   |   December 27, 2022

Carlos, The Bear, was snug and cozy, reclining in his lazy bear chair perusing the internet, when a memory bubbled up under his holiday cap. He remembered as a very young cub, his mother would take him to Romero creek near their den, in Rancho San Carlos, in hopes of catching some steelhead trout, that […]

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 […]

Hillside’s 6th Annual Shining Light on Abilities
By Steven Libowitz   |   December 20, 2022

Just about everything Hillside does is for its residents, the 59 people who live at the facility that have developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, autism, and epilepsy. That includes everything from the intensive medical support and empathetic caregiving to things like its annual Shining Light on Abilities event, a festive display of holiday […]

Mattei’s Exhibit
By Richard Mineards   |   December 20, 2022

It was a double header at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum when the august institution hosted its annual holiday party for 275 guests, as well as opening its latest exhibition, “Clarence Mattei – A Portrait of Our Community.” Mattei, whose parents owned the eponymous Mattei’s Tavern, was sponsored to attend the prestigious Mark Hopkins Art […]

Celebratory Farewell to Reed
By Richard Mineards   |   December 13, 2022

After more than two decades as the public face of the Unity Shoppe Executive Director Tom Reed, 76, hosted a retirement bash at the Kenny Loggins Pavilion, where much of the 105-year-old charity’s work is based. “It’s time to enjoy some new activities with my wife and grandchildren,” says Tom, who joined the popular organization […]

Welcome to December! We’re very excited to announce our Second Annual Montecito Holiday Magic Parade December 17!
By Sharon Byrne   |   December 6, 2022

We’ll have the coolest classic cars, lit up to brighten the night sky (briefly). We’ll have dancers, singers, and so much fun! The route starts from the Upper Village, and heads down Hot Springs to Coast Village, and then back up Olive Mill to the end. We encourage you to support our local merchants and […]

Twice the Yuletide Spirit
By Richard Mineards   |   December 6, 2022

It was a spectacular start to Yuletide when Montecito Bank & Trust held its 20th annual Community Dividends awards lunch, which normally divides $1 million among myriad local charities. But this year the Hilton event for 300 guests was one with a decided difference as the bank, founded by the late Michael Towbes, awarded a […]

We have 8,000 Reasons to Be Grateful in This Week of Giving Thanks
By Sharon Byrne   |   November 29, 2022

It’s the height of autumn now, with cold nights, falling leaves, pumpkins everywhere, and the most heartwarming of holidays this week. As we look back over this past year, we have a tremendous amount to be grateful for here in Montecito. Yes, the weather and scenery are lovely, and it’s fun to visit the villages […]

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 […]

Hospice’s Light Up a Life
By Steven Libowitz   |   November 22, 2022

After two years lost to the pandemic, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is gearing up to once again brighten up the holidays in Santa Barbara and neighboring communities with its 39th annual Light Up a Life. The events – which were offered only virtually in 2020 and 2021 – take place live this year at […]

Unity Shoppe
By Steven Libowitz   |   November 15, 2022

The holiday season, as the Andy Williams song goes, is the most wonderful time of the year. But for some of the more disadvantaged people in the South County, it can also be the most stressful. And for the Unity Shoppe – the 105-year-old nonprofit that serves as a unique lifeline for thousands of families […]

Future Leaders of America: Jose Martin
By Stella Haffner   |   November 15, 2022

Established in 1982, Future Leaders of America was a joint initiative by Santa Barbara and Oxnard County to address pressures facing Latinx youth. By providing programming to encourage education and leadership, the founders created an environment where students learn what it means to effect change in their community. Today, we’re speaking to up-and-coming community leader […]

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 […]

A Bee-autiful Day in the Montecito Neighborhood
By Sharon Byrne   |   November 15, 2022

Last Saturday, something amazing happened. The day was gorgeous and crisply cold. A deluge of caring Montecitans amassed in the Upper Village in front of Tecolote Book Shop. They chatted with neighbors, over coffee and pastries provided by Andrea Eltinge Newquist and Jacqueline Duran. They donned neon yellow safety vests, picked up green trash pick-up […]