Montecito Beautification Day and Other News Bytes
Montecito’s 40th Annual Beautification Day takes place Saturday, November 8, from 9 am to 12 pm at Montecito Union School. Hosted by the Montecito Association and chaired by Mindy Denson, the event begins with breakfast from the Rosewood Miramar, followed by community cleanup projects, awards, and a celebratory lunch by San Ysidro Ranch – a cherished tradition honoring village pride and care for Montecito’s natural beauty.
411: Saturday, November 8, from 9 am to 12 pm at Montecito Union School
Montecito Country Mart News
Carolina Bucci Fine Jewelers is now open.
Montecito Country Martowner Jim Rosenfield plans to open a store dedicated to celebrating Montecito, stay tuned.
Hudson Grace:The new fall collection by Peter Dunham is in the store, shop now before it’s sold out.
Jewish Film Festival November 1 – 6
The Jewish Film Festival runs Saturday November, 1 through Thursday, November 6. The film event is organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara.
411: www.sbjewishfilmfestival.org
Calm at Heart Fundraiser November 7
Calm is a community-based mental health nonprofit in Santa Barbara County. Luncheon fundraiser is on November 7 at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito. Event sponsors are Montecito luminaries Belle Hahn, Cate Stoll,and Alexis Courson, andMontecito Bank & Trust. Join for their mission-driven event that raises funds to break the cycle of childhood trauma across Santa Barbara County.
Las Cumbres Observatory’s Astronomy on Tap at M. Special
The Las Cumbres Observatory’s Astronomy on Tap is back for November 13, doors open at 6 pm. Speaker is Dr. William Wester, Scientist Emeritus at Fermilab, presenting “The Axion – The Superhero Candidate for Dark Matter.” Also, Dr. Sandy Seale and Curtis McCully with a fun overview of Astronomy in the News. Free admission, all ages, and pet friendly on leashes to hear the latest on space events and ask questions with the experts doing the real research! Wear anything “astro-themed” and receive free door prizes. Raffle tix for the coveted LCO engraved beer glasses!
411: lco.global/aot/november-13-2025/
St. Vincent’s SB Annual Fashion Show Luncheon November 29
Early Bird Tickets are on sale through November 15 for the annual fashion show luncheon at the Rosewood Miramar Beach on Saturday, November 29.
411: www.stvincents-sb.org/events/fashion-show-luncheon/
Cottage Health Adds Two Cardiology Specialists
Cottage Cardiology Clinic is pleased to announce the addition of two new cardiology specialists to its growing team, Dr. Elizabeth J. Hutchins, a board-certified cardiologist specializing in cardio-oncology, and Dr. Chee Yuan Ng, a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist. Their addition further broadens the clinic’s specialized cardiovascular services for patients across the Central Coast.
City of Carpinteria Job Openings
The City of Carpinteria, our neighbor, is seeking to fill three positions: part-time Recreation Leader, Library Technician, and Facilities Attendants.
411: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/carpinteriaca
Forbes’ America’s Best-in-State Residential Architecture Firms, 2025
Appleton Partners LLP – Architects, with offices in Santa Barbara and Santa Monica, has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best-in-State Residential Architecture Firms for 2025. The distinction honors design excellence, innovation, and lasting contributions to the built environment. Partners Ken Mineau and Andrew Scott, along with the entire Appleton team, were celebrated for their creative leadership and commitment to architectural craftsmanship that defines California living.
411: 911 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara | (805) 965-0304 | https://www.appleton-architects.com
Pearl Chase Society Hosts Evening with Robert Ooley
The Pearl Chase Society presents a special installment of the Kellam de ForestSpeaker Series on Friday, November 7 at 6 pm at the Alhecama Theatre, featuring Robert Ooley, longtime Santa Barbara County architect and former president of the American Institute of Architects. Ooley will discuss and sign his acclaimed book, A Guide to Santa Barbara Architecture and Points of Interest, offering insights into the city’s rich architectural heritage. The event is free and open to the public; donations are welcome to support the lecture series. Refreshments will be served.
411:Alhecama Theatre, 215 E. Cañon Perdido St.
(805) 961-3938 | [email protected] | pearlchasesociety.org
Unity Shoppe Partners with Folded Hills for “Philanthropy Fridays”
Unity Shoppe is teaming up with Folded Hills Winery for Philanthropy Fridays, a month-long fundraising series every Friday in November. Guests can enjoy Folded Hills’ locally crafted wines at their Montecito and Gaviota tasting rooms, with proceeds supporting Unity Shoppe’s essential programs for Santa Barbara families in need.
The series kicks off Friday, November 7, from 4-6 pm at the Montecito Tasting Room on Coast Village Road. Subsequent events continue through November 28.
“We are so grateful to Folded Hills Winery for choosing Unity Shoppe as the beneficiary,” said Angela Miller-Bevan, executive director of Unity Shoppe. “Their generosity helps us provide food, clothing, and vital resources year-round.”
Folded Hills, owned by Kim and Andrew Busch, combines winemaking with community giving, making each glass a toast to local compassion and connection.
411: unityshoppe.org
ShelterBox Deploys Emergency Relief After Hurricane Melissa
Santa Barbara-based ShelterBox USA is mobilizing emergency shelter aid to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm that struck the island on October 28, 2025. With winds reaching 183 mph, the hurricane has displaced thousands and caused widespread destruction.
ShelterBox has pre-positioned supplies in Barbados and Panama to assist up to 10,000 people, including tents, tarpaulins, solar lights, mosquito nets, and water carriers. The nonprofit’s response teams are working closely with Rotary International and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency to reach the hardest-hit families.
“Shelter is not just a roof – it’s the foundation for recovery,” said Kerri Murray, president of ShelterBox USA. “Our new hub in Barbados allows us to act immediately when disaster strikes.”
ShelterBox has provided life-saving shelter in over 100 countries and continues to lead global efforts in disaster relief.
411: shelterboxusa.org
Organic Soup Kitchen Urges Support Amid SNAP Benefit Cuts
Organic Soup Kitchen is calling on the Santa Barbara community to help fill the growing food gap caused by federal SNAP benefit reductions. The nonprofit, known for its Medically Tailored Meals and Nutrition & Food Security programs, provides organic, nutritionist-designed soups to seniors and individuals facing chronic illness and food insecurity.
Founder Anthony Carroccio emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that increased donations are essential to meet the rising demand for support among vulnerable residents. “The only way we can ensure no senior goes hungry is by working together – neighbors helping neighbors,” he said.
Community members can donate, apply for meal programs, or volunteer through the organization’s website: organicsoupkitchen.org.
Since 2009, Organic Soup Kitchen has served more than three million bowls of soup, prioritizing fresh, local ingredients and compassionate care to strengthen community health.
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