Events at Montecito Country Mart
Hudson Grace now features designer Peter Dunham with an exclusive collaboration in his new collection of tabletop and home essentials. Dunham, “I’ve been dreaming of doing a tabletop line for ages. Entertaining at home is a big and happy part of my life. So it was with a lot of excitement that a friend put us together after we’d both been asking about the other – a truly organic partnership.”
– Poppy Marché every Wednesday from 3-5 pm in July Crafts Camp for Kids.
Jamie Knee Lands New TV Show
Montecito Journal’s wine-travel columnist Jamie Knee, also known as the Petite Wine Traveler, is set to debut her own television series on American Public Television in early 2026. Titled Petite Wine Traveler Explores: California Central Coast, the 10-episode series will spotlight the region’s luxury wine destinations – from Santa Barbara’s coastline to Monterey’s misty peaks. Produced by Emmy winning Bounce Entertainment, the show will blend wine, food, and local culture as Knee visits family-run vineyards, farm-to-table kitchens, and artisanal markets. Viewers can expect immersive culinary demos, scenic storytelling, and an intimate look at the Central Coast’s vibrant hospitality scene. “I’m thrilled to finally pull back the curtain and showcase the Central Coast’s hidden gems,” said Knee. With national and local brands already backing the series, it’s poised to become a must-watch for wine and travel enthusiasts alike.
Final Chance to See SBVA Summer Exhibition
The Summer Exhibition for the SB Visual Artists (SBVA) runs until July 31st at 707 Paseo Nuevo. SBVA consists of active Santa Barbara artists who are celebrated for their exceptional artwork encompassing various mediums and artistic styles across a broad spectrum that includes abstract, landscape, seascape, portrait, still life, photographic compositions, sculpture and functional art. Artists include Jan Baker, Cheryl Barber, Frank DiMarco, Stan Evenson, Tricia Evenson, Mary Freericks, Louise Gerber, Kip Glover, Marilyn Harrison, Helena Seyffert Hill, Ruth Huron, Kent Karnofski, Francine Kirsch, Carissa Luminess, Kerry Methner, Dee Faia Parkins, Soheyla Valleie, Judy Villa, Felice Willat, and Rich Wilkie.
Ice Skating Party to Benefit Healing Justice SB
Healing Justice SB is hosting a Fundraising Event at Ice in Paradise in Goleta, on Sunday, July 27, from 1:30-3:30 pm. All proceeds help fund Healing Justice’s upcoming gala and HJSB’s programing.
411: www.hjsb.org/events/hjsb-fundraiser-at-ice-in-paradise
Viva La Fiesta at the Kimpton Canary Hotel
Tuesday, July 29, 6-8 pm – Fiesta Paint Party with Carey Caulfield: Open to beginners and experienced painters, this mixed-media painting event draws inspiration from Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta, celebrating the city’s rich culture and festivities. All materials, instruction, setup and cleanup are all included, and each painter will take home their own unique masterpiece. Tickets and reservations required.
Wednesday, July 30, 6-10 pm – Old Spanish Days Rooftop Party: Features handcrafted bites from Executive Chef John Vasquez and beats from DJ Darla Bea to keep the energy high all night long. Guests can savor Mini Paella with shrimp and chorizo pintxo; Puff Pastry with anchovy, parsley, and garlic; Vegetable Tortilla with roasted pepper, caramelized onion, spinach and mushroom; Albondigas with Salsa Espanola and Beef Empanada along with chimichurri. Pair these bites with refreshing drinks from the Finch & Fork bar and dance under the stars. Reservations required.
411: www.canarysantabarbara.com
How to Build a Habitable World with Stephen Kane
The SB Museum of Natural History (SBMNH) invites the community to a talk by UC Riverside Prof. of Planetary Astrophysics Stephen Kane PhD, on Friday, August 1, 7:30-8:30 pm at the museum’s Fleischmann Auditorium. The event is free.
Kane will present factors that contribute to planetary habitability, an understanding of the evolution of Earth’s habitability, and identifying possible abodes of life elsewhere throughout the universe. Kane is a published scientific leader for several NASA missions designed to search for life in the universe.
411: www.sbnature.org
SBMNH New Entomologist Invites Public to Join Insect Hunt
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s new Schlinger Chair of Entomology, Dr. Alex Harman, is calling on the public to help track local insect life. A dedicated field scientist and expert iNaturalist user, Harman leverages the power of community observations to uncover rare species – some not seen in decades. He encourages nature lovers to upload insect sightings to iNaturalist, where he’s already identified over 270,000 submissions. “With enough people looking, someone’s bound to find something incredible,” Harman says. His goal: crowdsource discoveries to fuel scientific research and conservation across California.
PASF Invests $43,000 in Local Youth Music and Dance Programs
The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation (PASF) has awarded $43,000 in education grants to eight Santa Barbara-area organizations dedicated to enriching youth through music and dance. The funding, approved by PASF’s Board of Directors, stems from the foundation’s annual music competition and supports programs that extend the reach of classical music and performance training.
Notable recipients include Santa Barbara Youth Symphony and Santa Barbara Strings, which offer ensemble training for aspiring musicians. Santa Barbara Education Foundation received backing for three programs: Keep the Beat, Nick Rail Band Camp, and Strings Camp. Other funded initiatives include Opera Santa Barbara’s Opera 101, CAMA’s Music Matters, Santa Barbara Choral Society’s leadership program, and free concerts from the Santa Barbara Chamber Players.
State Street Ballet also received support to provide in-school dance classes and accessible performances for underserved students.
Meet the Cops on the Local Beat in Carpinteria
National Night Out is on Tuesday, August 5, from 5-7 pm at Linden Field, Carpinteria. This is a nationwide annual campaign to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the local communities, to build partnerships and foster neighborhood spirit to help create safer, more connected communities. At the event, there are opportunities to interact with public agencies and organizations who work to keep our community healthy and safe, and hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations. It is family friendly and for all ages. As Montecito usually has their event on the first Tuesday of August as well, we will update as we know more.
Matt Morgan, New CFO for Cottage Health
Cottage Health has appointed Matthew (Matt) Morgan, MBA, as senior vice president and chief financial officer (CFO), effective August 19, 2025.
At Cottage Health, Morgan will oversee all aspects of Cottage Health’s financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, treasury, and accounting. He will serve as a key advisor to Cottage’s executive team and Board of Directors, helping guide decisions that support the organization’s strategic goals and financial sustainability.
He holds a Master of Business Administration from California State University Northridge, and a Bachelor of Science in Financial Services from San Diego State University. He is a Fellow of both the Healthcare Financial Management Association (FHFMA) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).
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