Chabad Montecito and More News Bytes

Rabbi Chaim and Mushkie Loschak invite community to ongoing monthly events, from Men’s Night, Women’s baking and crafts, Bagels and Lox, to Torah and bimonthly Shabbos experiences. 

May 13: Corned beef and Cocktails

411: www.jewishmontecito.org

Bonsai Club of Santa Barbara at MUS

The Bonsai Club of Santa Barbara will host its 49th Annual Bonsai Show & Sale on May 16-17 at Montecito Union School, inviting the community to explore the artistry and tranquility of bonsai culture. The free event features an impressive display of sculpted trees from distinguished club members, ranging from beginner-friendly creations to remarkable collector specimens.

Guests can enjoy live demonstrations each afternoon by renowned bonsai artists Jonas Dupuich and Mel Ikeda, while browsing vendors offering trees, pottery, tools, and rare bonsai materials. For newcomers interested in trying the craft themselves, the club will offer a special $50 beginner package, including a starter tree, hands-on workshop guidance, and a discounted club membership.

Designed for seasoned enthusiasts and curious first-timers alike, the annual event celebrates bonsai as both an accessible hobby and a centuries-old living art form rooted in patience, creativity, and care.

411: [email protected]

Carp Advanced Purification Project

In what will be viewed as a first in local water purification projects, Carpinteria has taken the lead. The project breaks ground May 18 at Olive and 6th streets, Carpinteria. Basically, purified water produced at the new Advanced Water Purification Facility (to be built) will be transported through a new pipeline to injection wells, where it will be injected into local groundwater basins. From there, it becomes a drought-proof reserve that strengthens Carpinteria’s long-term water reliability. The project is a partnership between Carpinteria Valley Water District (CVWD) and the Carpinteria Sanitary District (CSD) that will produce purified water to meet more than 25% of the community’s annual water needs. 

411: www.cvwd.net/capp

Mental Wellness Center to Honor the Hahns

The Mental Wellness Center of SBC is hosting a weekend of fundraising and awareness events, May 30-31. The highlight is One Shining Night Gala, Saturday, May 30, at the Alma Rosa Estate, Santa Rita Hills. Honorees are Montecito’s Belle Hahn and Lillie Hahn Shining; and three generations of the Kelly Family. The Sunday hike starts at 9 am and ends with a wine tasting reception.

411: www.almarosawinery.com/events-list/one-shining-day

UCSB’s 2026 MFA Students Exhibit

The Art, Design & Architecture Museum and the Department of Art at UC Santa Barbara announce the 2026 Master of Fine Arts exhibition Fault Lines, featuring the work of graduating artists Tiffany Aiello, Alexis Childress, Hope Christofferson, Emily D’achiardi, Negar Farajiani, Vivek Karthikeyan, and KeyShawn Scott. The exhibit will open on May 23, 5:30-7:30 pm, UCSB AD&A Museum.

411: www.museum.ucsb.edu/visit

Cyclemaynia – May is National Bike Month

It’s time for the annual Cyclemaynia bike riding event during the month of May. Event partners are cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Buellton, Solvang, Guadalupe, and Santa Maria, County of Santa Barbara, MOVE Santa Barbara County and BCycle. There are multiple events to participate in with prizes.

411: https://cyclemaynia.org/events

World Ocean’s Day

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center on Stearns Wharf invites the community to celebrate World Ocean’s Day with free admission and a full day of ocean-themed activities on June 6, 10 am to 4 pm. Community partners include The Nature Conservancy California, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, UCSB Marine Science Institute and Long-Term Ecological Research, Santa Barbara Surfrider Foundation, The Cultured Abalone Farm, Celebration Cruises (Lil’ Toot!), Sunflower Star Lab, Channel Islands Cetacean Research Unit, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, CSU Long Beach Shark Lab, and the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara. Each partner will offer unique insights into ocean research, conservation, and maritime culture. 

Royal Pride Foundation’s Royal Ball

The Royal Pride Foundation brought together more than 240 community members for its annual Royal Ball on April 25, raising approximately $250,000 to support programs at San Marcos High School. Held at the historic Santa Barbara Club, the sold-out event celebrated student success while investing in academics, arts, athletics, and wellness initiatives across campus.

The evening featured a cocktail reception, dinner, and lively auction, with longtime supporter Andrew Firestone serving as emcee. Highlights included recognition of Community Leaders Stacey and Ryan Fell and Board Member Frann Wageneck for their contributions to student programs and campus initiatives.

Funds raised will help expand key efforts such as the Building Community Wellness Project and the upcoming Cottage Health Careers Academy, which connects student well-being with career pathways in healthcare.

Since its founding, the Royal Pride Foundation has invested more than $4 million into San Marcos High School, continuing to strengthen opportunities and outcomes for students across the campus.

Peabody Charter Tops Annual All School Track Meet

More than 400 student-athletes from schools across Santa Barbara and Montecito gathered at Westmont College on May 11 for the 13th Annual All Santa Barbara and Montecito Schools Track and Field Meet, a beloved tradition celebrating youth athletics and community spirit. Participating schools included Roosevelt, Montecito Union, Adams, Cleveland, Washington, Harding, Monroe, Franklin, McKinley, Cold Spring, and Peabody Charter.

Students in grades four through six competed in 11 events ranging from high jump to the 800-meter run, with Peabody Charter School earning the overall championship title, followed by Washington School and Monroe School.

The event, coordinated by Cold Spring Superintendent Dr. Amy Alzina in partnership with Westmont College track coach Russell Smelley, also highlighted the importance of introducing students to the college experience. Participants enjoyed lunch at Westmont’s Dining Commons following the meet.

A special School Spirit Award honored retiring Harding Elementary PE teacher Blake Garnand for his years of dedication and leadership.

Clay Beccue on Turner Foundation Board

The Turner Foundation has announced the appointment of Clay Beccue, CFA, CAIA, to its Board of Directors. A longtime Santa Barbara financial professional, Beccue is the founder of Presidio Financial Advisors and brings extensive experience in investment management, strategic planning, and community leadership.

Prior to launching his firm, Beccue held leadership positions with JP Morgan Chase, American Riviera Bank, Loomis Sayles, and State Street Corporation. Turner Foundation Board Chair Curtis Yates praised Beccue’s financial expertise and commitment to community service, noting his values closely align with the organization’s mission.

Founded in 1958, the Turner Foundation supports more than 300 Santa Barbara residents through affordable housing and resident support programs.