Hate to Hope Talk with Chabad
Frank Meeink, a former neo-Nazi skinhead recruiter turned Jewish educator, will share his extraordinary story in “Hate to Hope,” a public talk on Thursday, August 14, at 6 pm at the Louise Lowry Davis Center in Santa Barbara. Raised in South Philadelphia, Meeink was drawn into violent white supremacy as a teen before prison friendships, a compassionate Jewish employer, and the discovery of his own Jewish roots led him to renounce extremism. Now an advocate for deradicalization, Meeink works to dismantle hate and foster understanding. The event is presented by Chabad of Santa Barbara and Chabad of Montecito.
Montecito Fire Department’s Weekly
Every week Montecito Fire Department Chief Neels holds a #FireFamilyFriday, where they honor their fire fighters and announce updates to the team. This past week they recognized Fire Marshal and Battalion Chief Aaron Briner for his 20 years of service to the Montecito Fire Department. Fire Chief Neels presented him with his 20-year pin.
Neels, “Chief Briner joined our organization in 2005, pivoting from his career in accounting to pursue his passion for serving the public. As Fire Marshal, he manages the Fire Prevention Bureau and has become highly involved in the community through his work applying Fire Code requirements. We’re grateful Chief Briner’s family could join us to celebrate this significant milestone, and we recognize the many sacrifices they have made over the last 20 years to support his commitment here. Congratulations Chief Briner and thank you for all you do!”
Astronomy on Tap at the M. Special Bar
The Los Cumbres Observatory is holding its astronomy info program at the M. Special State Street location’s starlit back patio on August 14. The speakers are Sunny Wong from KITP UCSB, LCO Head Scientist Andy Howell, and UCSB grad student and LCO Researcher Katie Kudla. Doors open at 7pm. Grab your favorite pint of beer and a seat for the latest astro news! The event is free, and reservations are not required. Wearing something cosmos related gets you a free gift! Raffle tickets may be purchased for key prizes available at the door.
411: https://lco.global/aot/august-14-2025
Ojai Studio Artists Metamorphosis Exhibit
The Ojai Studio Artist’s (OSA) Annual exhibition at the Ojai Valley Museum will be held Friday, August 15, from 5 to 7 pm. This is a free exhibit and chance to meet with the artists in person. The work of over 60 OSA members will be on view. This opening exhibition is precursor to the OSA annual Studio Artists Tour weekend, October 11-13, where visitors receive a tour map and visit the studio where these artists create their works. Proceeds from the studio artists tour provide a scholarship for local art students to further their studies.
411: www.ojaistudioartists.org
SYV Chumash and Youth Rec Court Collab
Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians (SYBCI), announced in his press release this week the collaboration of the SYBCI with the Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation on the project to renovate Santa Ynez Elementary School’s tennis and pickleball court. Each organization evenly split the cost of the $76,730 project, which saw it through to completion. “This is a project that benefits the entire community, not only the students who attend Santa Ynez Elementary School. We’re proud to partner with Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation on this renovation and to contribute to the physical wellness of the community,” said Kahn.
The tennis courts were initially installed by Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation in the 1980s, and after many years of quality use had become worn and underutilized. Maurene Donner, superintendent for College School District, which oversees Santa Ynez Elementary School, saw an opportunity to refresh the space and make it more versatile, with the aim of both enhancing the students’ physical education program and sharing the upgraded courts with the community. Donner applied for a grant through Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation, which partnered with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians to make the project happen. “The College School District is so grateful for the shared contributions of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation,” Donner said. “This collaborative project has transformed our campus into a vibrant recreational hub for our students and the Santa Ynez community.”
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $30 million to hundreds of groups, organizations, and schools in the community and across the nation as part of the tribe’s longstanding tradition of giving.
411: www.chumash.gov
New President/Executive Director of CADA
Bob Fuladi is the new president/executive director of CADA. He has launched an emailed quarterly zine with updates about CADA and info on how people can get involved and donate. Fudali adds, “This newsletter is one way we want to stay connected with you and keep you updated on the impact we are seeing and the stories that are unfolding every day. In each issue, we’ll highlight key programs and community efforts, offer helpful resources, share opportunities to get involved, and reflect on the impact we’re seeing throughout the county. Most importantly, we will celebrate growth, both individual and collective, with care, dignity, and heart. CADA has a long and meaningful history in Santa Barbara County. From prevention and treatment to education and advocacy, our work touches so many lives.”
411: www.cadasb.org
Elings Park Summit for Danny CADA Fundraiser
The annual local Summit for Danny 2025 is slated for October 18 at Elings Park. The Summit for Danny brings our community together to support youth and families affected by substance use and mental health challenges. Proceeds benefit the Daniel Bryant Youth and Family Centers, which provide safe and effective outpatient treatment for youth struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Taking part in the summit supports CADA for people in need, allowing them access to the sort of care that creates real change in the lives of youth.
411: Register online by August 31 here at https://summitfordanny.org/santabarbara
New Partnership for Cottage Health’s Children Med Center
President and CEO of Cottage Health Scott Wester and Chief Pediatric Medical Officer of Cottage Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) Miriam Parsa MD MPH announced this week the collaboration between CCMC and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The partnership ensures expansion of children health services and access to care. Wester in his press release stated,
“Cottage Children’s Medical Center is proud to collaborate with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to provide the best care for the children and families we serve. Keeping families close to home while their children are undergoing medical treatment makes a difference. It means their support system is nearby, and they aren’t making as many long drives. It’s one less burden on families dealing with the stress of a child’s illness.”
In addition to providing care, the collab ensures best clinical practices, as well as training for residency fellows, nurses and staff. Chief Medical Officer Bhavana Arora, MD of the CHLA Care Network added, “We’re excited about this collaboration. It opens the door for Central Coast families to have more convenient access to lifesaving and life-changing patient care, research, and clinical trials.”
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