MOXI Brunch, and Other News Bytes

More than 140 supporters gathered at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, for the annual Power of MOXI Brunch, raising $55,000 to support the museum’s educational outreach programs. Funds from the April 28 event will help provide free field-trip admissions for Title I schools, afterschool programs, summer camp scholarships, and expanded community partnerships.

Held among MOXI’s interactive exhibits, the event blended philanthropy with hands-on learning. Guests participated in a playful engineering challenge before hearing from UCSB Psychology Professor Zoe Liberman and MOXI educators about the role of curiosity and creativity in child development.

MOXI President and CEO Robin Gose also previewed a major upcoming addition: a new watershed exhibit planned for 2027. Public officials and community leaders joined the celebration, underscoring MOXI’s growing impact as a hub for accessible science and creativity-spurring education in Santa Barbara.  

Ty Warner’s Four Seasons Biltmore Opening Still Pending

From here to the San Francisco Gate news and high-profile global travel magazines, updates on the proposed 2026 reopening of Ty Warner’s Four Season’s Biltmore remain a mystery with many speculating. Just take a drive past the resort and one clearly notes that construction continues, although many are hoping it will be open for the summer season. With its centennial noted as February 2026, in February the team went (again) before the Montecito Board of Architectural Review for a conceptual review of two twin cottages and other outdoor design changes. 

Drew Clark, commercial director at Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts, a Santa Barbara resident since 2025 and a UCSB graduate, wrote to SF Gate’s April enquiry that, “…the Four Seasons Biltmore Montecito still does not have an opening date.” And their website banner, “Thank you for your interest in Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. The Resort remains temporarily closed and is expected to reopen in 2026 as we continue renovations and enhancements. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you back to our celebrated property upon reopening. Stay tuned for updates on our opening date, which will be shared here on the website.”

Montecito Country Mart Updates

-La Ligne is under construction at its location between Toy Crazy and Emily Joubert. 

-Montecito Cleaners has moved out and MCM owner Jim Rosenfield has assured me that he will update me “soon” as to what will happen with that spot.

-Merci (across from Vons) launched dinner service Thursday through Monday from 5:30-9 pm in March.

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.

Local Awards Winners

– The Carpinteria Association’s 67th Carpinterian of the Year Award (given out in April 2026) went to Dr. Jim Campos, a local historian and lifelong Carpinteria resident. He worked for the Carp Unified School District for 30 years. 

– The Santa Barbara Foundation’s 2026 Citizen of the Year award went to Marybeth Carty, another Carpinteria resident. Carty has supported the local community with her philanthropy and volunteer work and serves as the executive director for the Natalie Orfalea Foundation.