Rain Reports, Beautification, and More at November Meeting

The Montecito Association Board convened for its November meeting with a full agenda that ranged from storm preparedness and school updates to major community planning efforts and a celebration of the 40th Annual Beautification Day. With winter weather on the horizon and several long-term projects underway, local officials and agency partners offered timely insights and identified priorities for the months ahead.

Fire Chief David Neels opened the meeting with a briefing on the expected rainstorm, forecasting three to four inches of rainfall. He noted concerns about recent National Weather Service messaging referencing the potential for “moderate and significant debris flows,” explaining that such descriptions do not accurately reflect current watershed conditions. Thanks to healthy regrowth in the foothills and sustained mitigation work since the Thomas Fire, Montecito is not experiencing the heightened vulnerability it once faced. To ensure clearer communication going forward, the Fire Department has scheduled a meeting with Weather Service representatives. Chief Neels also reported that crews are completing fuel-reduction work on Bella Vista as part of the district’s ongoing wildfire preparedness measures.

The Sheriff’s Office shared a relatively calm report for the month, according to Lieutenant Rich Brittingham, who noted a handful of drunk-in-public arrests, a single burglary, and the tragic suicide of a community member at the cemetery. He also mentioned the arrest of a 22-year-old near Butterfly Beach, an area that continues to attract late-night gatherings. While no major crime trends emerged, the department continues to monitor community concerns closely.

Local schools provided updates as well. Cold Spring School Superintendent Amy Alzina announced the return of the campus movie night and spoke briefly about her role chairing the state’s AI Task Force, offering examples of how artificial intelligence tools, including Google’s Gemini, can be used responsibly in education. Montecito Union School Superintendent Anthony Ranii reported that the district currently serves 396 students and continues to prioritize academic support, with 48 students participating in math intervention and 52 receiving English language arts support. He also addressed the district’s recent $9 million settlement, emphasizing that MUS avoided layoffs and program cuts.

The board then received an update from Supervisor Roy Lee’s office regarding the long-planned Sheriff’s substation at the Miramar. With the last update, it was their understanding – based on information provided by P&D staff – that all pertinent permits for the substation had been approved and were ready to proceed. Unfortunately, last week they learned that Planning & Development administratively required additional procedural steps before the substation permit can be formally issued. Their office is working with County staff and the Sheriff’s Office to ensure the project proceeds efficiently and in full compliance with County requirements. We are hoping for an update in December on the project.

Montecito Water District General Manager Nick Turner highlighted the district’s participation in Beautification Day and reminded residents to reduce irrigation as winter begins. He reported progress on several capital projects, including pipeline replacements and seismic upgrades to eight of the district’s nine reservoirs. Turner emphasized that no more than two reservoirs will be offline at once to maintain consistent service.

Concerns about the Earl Warren Showgrounds Master Plan were also presented, with community member Rhonda Hathaway (with Equine Evacuation) outlining the significant reduction in equestrian stalls proposed – from 450 to just 60. During the Thomas Fire, the facility sheltered 650 animals and served as a critical regional evacuation resource. Board members and Chief Neels underscored the importance of retaining that emergency capacity as planning discussions continue.

Pedestrian safety in the Upper Village prompted further action, as board members voted – with one dissent – to support a new crosswalk on East Valley Road, where residents frequently cross between shops and the gas station. 

In governance matters, the board accepted the resignation of Director Jan Rockenbach following her appointment to the Montecito Planning Commission and unanimously approved Laura Bode as her successor. 

A highlight of the meeting was the recap of the 40th Annual Beautification Day. More than 300 volunteers, 18 community partners including the Westmont Student Council, and over $16,000 in sponsorships contributed to a memorable community event, held this year at Montecito Union School. Riskin Partners won the friendly competition for most trash collected. Andrew and his team from Earthcomb removed an extraordinary 2,500 pounds of debris from the homeless corridor. Gregg Hart presented the MA with a certificate of recognition for our 40 years of Beautification Day in Montecito and Roy Lee presented Trish Davis with the Citizen of the Year award. It was a great day for community togetherness. 

The board also discussed a privately funded proposal to remove 73 eucalyptus trees along East Valley Road (bordering Birnam Wood), replace them with oak trees, and explore opportunities for walking and bridle paths. Caltrans approval remains a key factor before the project can advance. 

Updates were additionally provided on ongoing homeless outreach along Coast Village Road, including efforts related to signage, camp cleanups, and continued direct engagement with individuals in need.

As Montecito looks toward the winter season, the November board meeting highlighted the community’s commitment to collaboration, preparedness, and thoughtful stewardship – qualities that remain at the heart this community. For more information, go to montecitoassociation.org.