Tecolote Hosts Local Author and More News Bytes

On Saturday, Jan. 17, from 3-4 pm, Montecito’s storied Tecolote Bookshop, now entering its 101st year of operation, will host a book launch and reading by local author Fran Davis of her historical fiction novel Red Summer. A tale of love, betrayal, and revenge in the McCarthy era, the novel portrays a small California town caught up in the fear and paranoia of the Cold War period – a theme that resonates with today’s atmosphere of divisiveness and suspicion.

Underwater Parks Day & Sea Center

The SB Museum of Natural History’s Sea Center is joining the celebrations of “Underwater Parks Day” on January 17 with free admission for all. The event is from 10 am to 3 pm at the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf. It features their current exhibits, ocean educators, conservation organizations and community partners. No reservations are required. 

411: www.sbnature.org/visit/calendar/

SB Botanic Garden’s Centennial Year Starts

This year is the SB Botanic Garden’s 100^th Anniversary. Kicking off their events list is a symposium by entomologist Doug Tallamy on January 31 from 10 am to 1 pm. The event is part of the garden’s annual Conservation Symposium presented by the Nakashima-Rennie Family. Titled “Planting with Purpose,” it will present how public and private landscapes can be imagined as both beautiful and ecological. Tallamy will be awarded for his work with the 2026 Honorable John C. Pritzlaff Conservation Award.

Free, though registration is required.

411: https://sbbotanicgarden.org/classes-events/symposium-2026/

Explore Ecology’s Maker Space Workshops

Start the year with a Junk Journaling workshop and keep warm by making a Quick Knit Hat. There are dozens of fun workshops to keep you occupied during these rainy winter months. Registration required.  

411: https://exploreecology.org/