Lotusland & Oscar de la Renta and More News Bytes

Lotusland announces their partnering with Oscar de la Renta for a Private After Hours Shopping Event for Lotusland, Tuesday, June 2. Oscar de la Renta will donate 10% of all purchases made in boutiques and online at www.oscardelarenta.com when the code LOTUSLAND10 is used at time of purchase.

Montecito Country Mart Updates

– Friday, May 29, 3-5 pm: Join Minnow Founder Morgan Smith and Poppy Founders Jenny Belushi and Heather Rosenfield for an after-school ice cream treat to celebrate the Minnow shop-in-shop.

MSD Appoints John Murphy to Board

The Montecito Sanitary District has appointed longtime Montecito resident and Finance Executive John Murphy to its Board of Directors following the resignation of former Director Dana Newquist. Murphy was officially sworn in during the Board’s May 13 meeting and will serve through December 2026.

Founder and managing partner of Montecito Capital Finance, Murphy brings more than three decades of experience in mortgage lending, capital markets, and private debt financing. District officials say his financial expertise will support ongoing efforts related to infrastructure planning, environmental compliance, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

“I’m honored to serve the community in this role,” Murphy said, noting his commitment to thoughtful planning and responsible service. MSD plans to share additional details about the November 2026 election process in the coming months.

Chance Challen Tours the Country with ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’

For young performer Chance Challen, life on the national tour of Mrs. Doubtfire has become a whirlwind of hotel classrooms, backstage quick changes, and cross-country travel. The Santa Barbara native is currently touring North America in his first principal role on a Broadway national tour, balancing professional theater with life as a student on the road.

Challen, who previously performed locally with Stage Left, Ensemble Theatre Company, and Opera Santa Barbara, spends much of his time traveling between cities while attending school through an on-tour academic program. Between rehearsals and performances, he has experienced everything from emergency tornado evacuations during Midwest performances to unforgettable backstage moments with understudies stepping into major roles.

Despite the excitement of touring, Challen says the experience has deepened his appreciation for home. “There is nothing like life in Santa Barbara,” he shared.

The tour heads back to the West Coast later this month, with performances scheduled in Thousand Oaks from May 29-31.

411: https://doubtfirethemusical.com

Maypole at Manning Park

The American Scandinavian Foundation of Santa Barbara welcomed families and friends to Manning Park on May 16 for its joyful annual Maypole Celebration. Guests crafted floral crowns, shared a Scandinavian picnic, and danced around the maypole in a festive afternoon celebrating community and tradition. The colorful gathering brought together children and adults alike for a lively day filled with music, creativity, and springtime cheer.

Black Music Month

The Santa Barbara Black Culture House will celebrate Black Music Month on Sunday, May 31, with a live performance by The Funky Neighbors at the Santa Barbara Public Library. Running from 1-4 pm, the event highlights the group’s signature blend of funk, hip hop, and bebop influences. Members of the veteran ensemble have performed alongside artists including George Clinton and The RZA. Presented by the Black Rock Coalition, the afternoon aims to celebrate Black
musical traditions and community connection through live performance and cultural programming.

SBMNH Events

– Butterflies Alive! opens to the Public, May 23 / 10 am to 4:30 pm, at the museum’s Sprague Butterfly Pavilion, tickets are required.

– Lecture on Longevity by UCSB Professor of Anthropology Michael Gurven, PhD, June 1, 7-8:30 pm. Gurven will provide new perspectives on the why and how of longevity over the course of human evolution. Gurven is the author of Seven Decades: How We Evolved to Live Longer, published by Princeton University Press. No tickets or reservations required

Celebrate National Trails Day

Take a hike or join a hiking group, sign up to volunteer to clear a trail on Saturday, June 6. See Los Padres National Forest website listings, fire and safety data, and trail maps.

411: www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres

Valle Verde Earns National Recognition

Valle Verde has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s “Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities” in its 2026 Best Senior Living awards. The rankings were based on resident and family surveys evaluating more than 3,800 senior living communities nationwide.

Valle Verde was among ten HumanGood communities to receive the distinction, highlighting the organization’s commitment to resident care, engagement, and quality of life. Community leaders called the honor a reflection of the dedication and daily efforts of staff and team members.