SB Navy League Hosts Spicy Showdown

The Santa Barbara Navy League Chili Cookoff brought the heat – and the heart – serving up bold flavors, community spirit, and a whole lot of hometown pride at the Western Art & Carriage Museum!

At the center of it all was Charles “Crash” Huff, a retired Navy Commander turned Executive Director of the SB Navy League. “This is our biggest fundraiser,” he shared. “We support ten military units – from Coast Guard to Army ROTC – with everything from BBQs to scholarships.”

Although fewer military teams were able to participate this year due to budget constraints, local favorites like Padaro Beach Grill, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department and Laura Huff kept the cookoff simmering. U.S. Army Recruiter Teresa Rodriguez brought a military twist with MRE chili on offer, while Joshua Ruckle of the U.S. Coast Guard brought the heat with his Fiery Fin Chili – a bold blend of red and pinto beans, six varieties of chili peppers, and a rich tomato base, all topped off with Santa Maria-style tri-tip. “We couldn’t do this without our volunteers and sponsors,” Huff added.

Lynn Behrens, a 33-year League member and lifelong “Navy brat,” knows the impact firsthand. “Civilians understanding the military lifestyle? That matters,” she said. The League supports Coast Guard families, ROTC events, and more – always asking what service members really need.

A Navy League supporter since the commissioning of the USS Santa Barbara, Jeanie Hill emphasized the community’s essential role. “This event reminds the community that the Navy is here – and everyone’s welcome,” she said. 

As the sun set, the judges (including SB Foresters manager Bill Pintard, Dylan Peterson, and Willie Brummett) named the evening’s 2025 chili champs:

Best Name & 1st Place: The Sheriff’s Last Stand

2nd Place: Padaro Beach Grill

3rd Place: Blackfin Fiery Chili

Local supporters included Brigadier General Frederick Lopez and Anne Lopez, Sherrif Bill Brown, Peder and Bill Lenvik, Alan Porter and Brenda Blalock, and Sabrina Papa and Mark Schneidman.

– Maria McCall