“Raising Our Light” Remembrance Ceremony

As the eighth anniversary of the 1/9 Debris Flow approaches, the January storms served as a stark reminder of the power of natural weather events and the lasting impact they have had on the area. The Montecito community will gather on Friday, January 9, at 6 pm for Raising Our Light, the annual remembrance ceremony honoring the 23 community members lost in the 1/9 Debris Flow. The event will take place on the front lawn of Montecito Union School, where attendees will come together for a short program, remarks, and a moving reading of the victims’ names. As part of the tribute, 23 bells will ring across local churches and schools, and Montecito firefighters will light 23 candles before leading the community in a shared moment of silence. 

After the ceremony, guests are invited into the MUS courtyard for fellowship and refreshments generously provided by Rosewood Miramar. The blue beacon of light – a familiar sight from past ceremonies – will illuminate the night sky as a symbol of unity, remembrance, and ongoing resilience. 

The event is organized by the Montecito Community Partnership Team, including local schools, Montecito Fire, Bucket Brigade, Cottage Health, and Behavioral Wellness. KEYT will livestream the ceremony for those who cannot attend, and members of the Community Wellness Team will be on-site offering support for anyone who may need it as the community comes together to remember, reflect, and heal.