Upper Village Memorial
Next Thursday, September 20, the Montecito Community Foundation in collaboration with the Montecito Association will unveil a plaque dedicated to the victims of the Thomas Fire of December 2017 and the subsequent debris flows of January 9. Members of the community are encouraged to attend.
The 20-inch x 31-inch bronze plaque will list the names of 23 members of our community who perished in the early-morning hours of January 9. The plaque also gratefully acknowledges the heroic actions of first responders and community volunteers. Included in the design is an oak leaf cluster symbolizing the strength and resilience of the Montecito community, according to Montecito Community Foundation publicity chair Mindy Denson. “It is a somber occasion but we feel it’s important to mark the devastating events of last December and January, to honor those who were lost or suffered, and to acknowledge the efforts of all who offered aid and solace.”
The plaque will be installed on the north side of the Montecito Corner Green. Jeff Menelli of Menelli Tile and Design Co. on Coast Village Road volunteered to rework and enlarge the stone design of the rock bannister and install the plaque for free. “He has been very enthusiastic about the project, and we are so grateful,” said MCF vice president Cynthia Withers.
As part of the unveiling, a brief public ceremony will be held; speakers include Steve Hicks, president of the Montecito Community Foundation, Charlene Nagel, president of the Montecito Association, and the reverend Aimée Eyer-Delevett, rector at All Saints-by- the-Sea Church.
This is the second major project undertaken by the Montecito Community Foundation related to the mudslides; earlier this year, we told you about the massive project to replace, reinstall, and fix 36 street signs lost or damaged in the debris flow. MCF partnered with DD Ford Construction founder Doug Ford to complete the project.
The Montecito Community Foundation is a philanthropic 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that accepts and administers gifts for the betterment of Montecito. It was established more than 50 years ago, in April 1966, by a group of citizens who believed residents of Montecito, grateful for the good life its environment provides, might wish to make tax deductible gifts or bequests for the preservation and improvement of our unique community. The various other projects funded through the Foundation include the Corner Green, upgraded bus stop benches and markings, and underwriting the Village Fourth celebration.
The plaque unveiling is scheduled for Thursday, September 20, at 5:30 pm. For more information, visit www.montecitofoundation.org.
