Black History Month Events and Other News Bytes
-Soulful Nights: A Jazz & Movie Celebration – Friday, February 27, 6-8 pm, at Carpinteria Community Library
-Stories in Motion: A Family Celebration – Saturday, February 28, 10 am to noon, at SB Eastside Library
-Black History Month Art Salon with Toni Scott & Rod Rolle – Moderated by Maya Johnson, Telea Insights, and James Joyce III, 1-5 pm, Elevate Gallery at La Cumbre Plaza
-Exhibit all of February: For the Love of Our People by Healing Justice SB (HJSB) – A Black Historical Timeline exhibition, on display daily at the Santa Barbara Public Library’s Central Branch. This living timeline has been researched and cultivated over many years by Leticia Forney Resch, Krystle Farmer Sieghart, with support by HJSB staff and community partners. Written and designed by Simone Akila Ruskamp and Maile Diana Schoonover. “Our deep gratitude to UCSB Special Collections for archival support, and to our elder angel, Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, whose legacy continues to guide this work.”
-All February: Dune Coffee’s blend “Black is Beautiful” sales proceeds support HJSB.
Chabad of Montecito Events Register Early
-March 2: Purim in Africa. Chabad of Montecito invites community to the Purim in Africa event. Program includes drum circle, Megillah reading, African Cuisine and Purim gameshow. Registration required.
-March 18: An Evening Together of Jewish comfort food, conversation, and connection, hosted by Doug and Abby Brown.
2nd Annual Fundraiser for Girls Inc. Carp
Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria invites locals to their annual fundraiser, titled “Watch Her Rise,” on March 7 from 5-9 pm at the Girls Inc. Campus on Foothill Road. Event Sponsors are Lynda Fairly and Raymond James Financial. The event honors Paul and Cheryl Wright owners of Island Brewing Company. Event features dinner, signature cocktails and dancing with DJ Darla Bea.
La Piazza Italian Music & Food Festival Debuts
Santa Barbara will welcome a new cultural celebration with the debut of La Piazza, a free Italian music and food festival – running April 10-12, at the Faulkner Gallery and Towbes Plaza at the Santa Barbara Public Library and select locations throughout the city. The three-day festival celebrates Italy’s rich musical heritage, culinary traditions, and community spirit. Festivities begin Friday afternoon at the Faulkner Gallery with Amore Italiano: Rome, Cinema, and the Music of the Heart, a concert featuring pianists Jacopo Giacopuzzi and Alvise Pascucci, violinist Camille Miller, and flutist Tommaso Benciolini.
Saturday and Sunday bring food tastings, fresh pasta workshops, cooking demonstrations, seminars presented by the UCSB Italian Culture Department, and family-friendly activities at Towbes Plaza. Afternoon concerts continue in the Faulkner Gallery, culminating in Dolce Swing on Sunday. Produced by nonprofit La Piazza, Inc., the festival aims to become a signature Santa Barbara event celebrating Italian culture.
New Members on Board
Santa Barbara Beautiful has welcomed Teri Bianchi and Mariko Tabar to its board and named its 2026 officers, including Melinda Mettler as vice president and Teri Bianchi as assistant financial officer. They join President Kerry Methner, Treasurer Mark Whitehurst, and Secretary Jacqueline Dyson. The volunteer organization promotes the architectural, environmental, and cultural beauty of the community. Mettler brings a distinguished background in advertising and fine art, while Bianchi contributes decades of experience in dentistry and humanitarian service. Tabar, an accomplished painter and former county art commissioner, adds deep arts leadership. “We’re looking forward to an exciting and rewarding 2026,” said Methner.
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