Ralph Lauren’s RRL Now at Mate Gallery Montecito
The Mate Gallery owners Matt Albiani and Ron Brand announce they are now carrying the American West-inspired Ralph Lauren RRL line, affectionately known as Double RL. The line was launched last week in an invite-only opening event that caused a scene in the Montecito Country Mart parking lot in front of the store – not just because of the melee of guests; two vintage jeeps filled with leather goods by event partner Homer also caused a stir. There was wine from Folded Hills CVR and goodies from Oat Bakery Montecito Country Mart. Co-hosts for the launch were global polo ambassadors and part-time locals Nacho Figueras and his wife, Delfina Blaquier, and SB Magazine.
The store is carrying a variety of RRL men’s shirts, t-shirts, hats, and totes.
411: Instagram @mategallery
Ty Warner Pledges $5M to Field Renovation
Ty Warner has pledged $5 million to complete the $32 million funding for Santa Barbara’s historic Dwight Murphy Field. Warner’s gift bridges a critical funding gap caused by rising construction costs. Construction will begin on June 2, and the park is expected to reopen in Spring 2027.
The park plans include Gwendolyn’s Playground – the Central Coast’s largest inclusive playground – alongside a new multi-sport athletic field, an expanded outdoor fitness area, shaded picnic spaces, and interconnected walking paths. The regulation-size multi-sport field will be used for youth and adult soccer, rugby, and lacrosse, with dedicated sideline zones for players and spectators.
411: http://SantaBarbaraCA.gov/DMF
McCune Bolsters Donation Efforts to DignityMoves
DignityMoves has gained strong support in Santa Barbara since 2022, notably from Sara Miller McCune, founder of SAGE Publishing and the McCune Foundation. In this case, McCune’s financial support for DignityMoves didn’t come from the McCune Foundation but directly from McCune herself. McCune personally donated $50,000 to Santa Barbara Street Village (2022), $500,000 to La Posada Village (2023), and now $1M to the upcoming Family Village.
Jack Lorenz of DignityMoves credited McCune’s support with enhancing credibility and attracting further philanthropic backing. McCune was impressed by the collaboration between government, nonprofits, and donors, along with the innovative model using County-donated land, modular construction, and supportive services.
McCune herself adds that, “The steadfast dedication and conviction of Supervisor Laura Capps’ that the DignityMoves model was one that would dramatically change the course of how we address and solve homelessness in Santa Barbara was quite convincing.”
To date, DignityMoves has opened three communities with 243 beds, serving over 350 people annually. The organization and McCune’s contributions are helping turn the goal of ending homelessness in Santa Barbara into a reality.
Heal the Ocean Names New Executive Director
Heal the Ocean has appointed Karina Johnston, a seasoned environmental scientist and nonprofit leader, as its new executive director, effective June 2, 2025. Johnston brings over 16 years of experience in coastal restoration, water quality, and climate resilience, most notably from her tenure at The Bay Foundation. She is completing her PhD in Environmental Science and Management at UC Santa Barbara and holds certifications in environmental science and ecological restoration.
Johnston succeeds Hillary Hauser, co-founder and executive director for over 26 years, who will remain involved as Strategy Consultant and board member. Johnston aims to lead Heal the Ocean’s expansion into coastal resiliency efforts in response to sea level rise.
“She brings the practical knowledge, scientific backing, and vision we need,” said Hauser, Johnston adding, “It’s an honor to build on this legacy with science-based, community-driven solutions to protect our coast.”
Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara’s Celebration of Grants
The Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara is holding its annual Celebration of Grants event on May 20, 5pm at the Lobero Theatre, SB. The event showcases the top grantees, amounts received, and to what fruitful ends that powerful money is going. The WFSB, established by innovative matriarchs of philanthropy, is an all-volunteer led organization whose collective philanthropy model makes fundraising an inside job. Read that twice. Funding grants last year totaled $1.2 million.
The event is free and welcomes new members to the fold.
411: https://tinyurl.com/WFSBregister
Friendship Center Montecito Spring Appeal
The Friendship Center Montecito (FC) has launched a Spring Appeal for funding to raise $50,000. Funds support the seniors with dementia and their caregivers. Their Carpinteria Healthy Aging Hub has allowed the FC to; increase its outreach and serve even more families; expand culturally responsive programming, including a Herencia Latina group; double its staff in response to members served; launch a transportation service for members to/from the center; increase caregiver support programs, respite services, and more. It costs Friendship Center over $200 per day to provide each member with personalized support, therapeutic programming, nutritious meals, and safe transportation. Yet on average, families pay less than 30% of that cost. The Friendship Center Montecito is seeking funding so they don’t have to raise the cost of services.
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