“Sip & Shop” Returns to Montecito Village and More News Bytes

Montecito Village invites the community to its lively Sip & Shop event on Thursday, April 30, from 4 to 6 pm, offering an afternoon of local flavors, music, and neighborhood connection. Guests can stroll both sides of Highway 192 while enjoying wine tastings at Montecito Village Grocery and Montecito Gourmet, Prosecco at Imagine, chocolates at Marley’s, and small bites throughout the village.

The event also features live music, family-friendly activities like crafts and games, and appearances from local fire and search and rescue teams. With something for all ages, Sip & Shop highlights the charm and energy of Montecito’s local businesses and community spirit.

May Programming at SYR

San Ysidro Ranch is ushering in spring with a curated lineup of May experiences that blend seasonal elegance with immersive, garden-inspired moments. Highlights begin with a Cinco de Mayo celebration at the intimate Speakeasy on May 5, featuring Código Tequila cocktails and live Latin music. 

For Mother’s Day, the Ranch offers a series of refined gatherings, including a Royal Afternoon Tea in the gardens and a three-course Champagne Brunch complete with interactive touches like a flower cart and custom scent bar.

Garden experiences take center stage throughout the month, from the return of the iconic Rose Garden in full bloom on May 3 – paired with champagne, cocktails, and live music – to an exclusive sommelier-led tasting on May 13, showcasing mature Santa Barbara wines alongside artisanal cheeses.

The combined experiences capture the Ranch’s signature blend of luxury, nature, and celebration, offering guests a distinctly Montecito way to welcome the season.

411: www.opentable.com/r/plow-and-angel-speakeasy-montecito

www.opentable.com/stonehouse-at-san-ysidro-ranch

Mothers’ Helpers Launches Diaper Drive

Mothers’ Helpers is inviting the community to support local families through its Mother’s Day Diaper Drive, running May 1-31, collecting essential supplies for parents with young children across Santa Barbara County.

Donations of new diapers and wipes can be dropped off at convenient locations throughout the area, including Montecito Fire Station 91 (595 San Ysidro Road) and Fire Station 92 (2300 Sycamore Canyon Road), making it easy for residents to participate in supporting a critical need.

With diapers costing up to $100 per month per child – and not covered by most assistance programs – the drive aims to ease financial strain for local families. All donations will benefit Mothers’ Helpers’ Everyday Essentials Program, helping ensure babies stay clean, healthy, and cared for.

Community members, schools, and businesses are encouraged to contribute and make a meaningful impact this May.

Hudson Grace Montecito Book Signing

Cookbook author Faith Wheeler will be at Hudson Grace in the Montecito Country Mart on Friday, May 1, from 4-6 pm, signing her book, Chickens Don’t Fly.

10^th Anniversary for 10 West Gallery 

10 West Gallery is celebrating a decade of championing contemporary art in Santa Barbara with a 10th Anniversary Celebration Sale, running May 7-9 and kicking off during the city’s popular First Thursday Art Walk.

The three-day event will showcase a diverse collection of original paintings and sculpture by the gallery’s roster of more than 30 artists, with select works offered at special anniversary pricing. Designed as both a celebration and a thank-you to the community, the exhibition invites seasoned collectors and first-time buyers alike to explore and invest in locally created art.

The opening reception begins at 5 pm on May 7, with additional programming including artist talks at 2 pm on Friday and Saturday. Guests can expect a dynamic range of styles – from abstract expressionism to mixed media and sculpture – reflecting the gallery’s longstanding commitment to innovation and visual dialogue.

Founded in 2016, 10 West Gallery has become a cornerstone of Santa Barbara’s downtown arts scene, fostering connection between artists and the community. The anniversary celebration underscores its continued mission to make contemporary art accessible, engaging, and deeply rooted in the local creative landscape.

SBCC Foundation’s “Spring Forward!” Gala

The SBCC Foundation will host its annual Spring Forward! Gala on Saturday, May 30, 2026, transforming Great Meadow at SBCC’s West Campus into a lively, speakeasy-inspired celebration. The evening, running from 5 to 9 pm, invites guests to step into a 1920s-inspired atmosphere complete with entertainment, exceptional local wines, and immersive design touches.

Festivities begin with a reception at 5 pm, followed by a gourmet dinner and program at 6:15 pm. Attendees are encouraged to embrace the theme with period-inspired attire, adding to the event’s playful yet elegant tone.

As one of the SBCC Foundation’s signature fundraisers, the gala brings together community leaders and supporters to celebrate and invest in Santa Barbara City College students and programs. Proceeds help expand educational opportunities, making the evening as impactful as it is festive.

411: www.sbccfoundation.org/spring-forward-gala

Storytelling Workshop with Former Disney Animator

SBCAST will welcome former Disney animator Dave Zaboski for a daylong immersive workshop, The Art and Power of Storytelling, on Saturday, May 9, from 10 am to 4:30 pm. The program explores how storytelling shapes belief, creativity, and the way individuals and communities engage with the world.

Drawing from his book Grimoire: A Storyteller’s Book of Spells, Zaboski will guide participants through three thematic acts – Discovery, Discipline, and Devotion – offering practical tools and insights into crafting meaningful narratives. The workshop is designed for creatives, artists, and professionals interested in using story as a force for connection and impact.

Zaboski brings an extensive background from Disney, Sony, and Warner Bros., with credits including The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. Attendees can expect an inspiring, hands-on experience focused on developing both craft and personal voice.

411: https://luma.com/vavbpqe9

SBMNH Opens a Butterfly Art Exhibit

The SB Museum of Natural History’s new exhibition of butterflies and moths titled The Collectors, starts April 24 for six months in its John and Peggy Maximus Gallery. This is in preview to the Museum’s annual and ever-popular Butterflies Alive! exhibit. They encourage community to visit their website for tickets to The Collectors and program updates, such as their Star Observation Parties, Science Pub at Dargan’s Restaurant, and summer camps for kids.

411: https://sbnature.org

SYBCI Museum’s One Year Anniversary

The public is invited to the First Anniversary of the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center, which will feature an artist talk and viewing of their new exhibit. The event is May 15 from 6-8 pm. The evening program features a welcome reception, speakers from the museum leadership and an intimate lecture by renowned artist Christopher Evans, as he delves into the art and inspiration of the new exhibit, Between the Three Worlds: Ceremony and Community in the Paintings of Christopher Evans. Tickets are required.

411: www.sychumashmuseum.org/event/first-anniversary

Cottage Health’s COPE

Cottage Health announces COPE (Cottage Outpatient Program Experience) Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) which provide flexible, accessible behavioral health services for individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders and mental health conditions across the Central Coast and throughout California. With more than 30 years of experience, COPE offers structured, evidence-based outpatient care for individuals in recovery from substance use disorders, those managing mental health conditions, and individuals with co-occurring (dual diagnosis) needs. This approach allows patients to remain at home and continue daily responsibilities during treatment. Services are available in person at COPE’s Santa Barbara clinic and through virtual care options across California, helping to reduce such typical program barriers as travel and scheduling,

411: Call (805) 541-9113