Fire Mosaic Seeks a New Permanent Home, and More News Bytes

A mosaic honoring the courage of Santa Barbara County firefighters and the resilience of wildfire survivors is looking for a new place to call home. Created by local mosaic artist Betsy Gallery following the devastating Tea and Jesusita fires, the 4-by-8-foot mural incorporates ceramic shards, melted metal, glass, and other fire-scarred artifacts collected from the burn areas, along with donated firefighting equipment including helmets, badges, patches, a hose, and an ax. The work was commissioned through a City of Santa Barbara Community Arts Grant as a tribute to both first responders and the community’s recovery.

For years, the mosaic greeted visitors in the lobby of Santa Barbara County Fire Headquarters on Cathedral Oaks Road. Following a lobby remodel, it was placed into temporary storage while officials searched for a permanent public display location. Those with ideas for a suitable home are encouraged to contact Santa Barbara County Fire at (805) 896-6334.

Casa del Herrero Expands Tours

Natalie Sanderson, executive director & head of curation for Casa del Herrero, announced that starting July 31, Casa del Herrero will be hosting public docent-led tours of the Main House and Workshop now on Fridays, in addition to their regular Saturday times at 10 am and 2 pm. And starting on August 6, every Thursday forward they will host a docent-led tour of the gardens and the recently restored south exedra in the lower acres of the property. All visitors must register via their website.

411: www.casadelherrero.com/visit

ShelterBox Expands Earthquake Relief Effort in Venezuela

As humanitarian needs continue to mount following a devastating earthquake in Venezuela, ShelterBox USA has deployed Senior Response Manager Brian Glenn to help coordinate relief efforts and assess the needs of displaced families. Traveling across some of the country’s hardest-hit communities, Glenn reports widespread destruction, with countless homes deemed unsafe and many residents forced to shelter under worn tarps or in makeshift camps while aftershocks continue.

ShelterBox is working alongside Rotary clubs throughout Venezuela to deliver emergency supplies and establish 1,000 temporary shelters. The response includes UN-specification emergency tents, shelter kits, mosquito nets, blankets, sleeping mats, solar lights, kitchen sets, and the tools needed to construct safe temporary housing. Glenn noted that even obtaining basic construction supplies has been challenging, with the cost of common tools far exceeding U.S. prices.

The scale of the disaster has transformed everyday gathering places into refugee settlements. Glenn described visiting a neighborhood baseball field now occupied by roughly 100 families, where an elderly woman oversees the informal camp from a shipping container. Families share a single working toilet, walk several blocks to reach a shower, prepare meals in communal cooking areas, and use damaged vehicles covered with tarps to protect their remaining belongings from the elements.

A veteran of 10 international disaster responses, Glenn joined ShelterBox full time in 2025 after serving for 33 years with the Denton, Texas, Fire Department. He praised Venezuela’s Rotary network for providing critical logistical support, from securing visas and transportation to coordinating assessments and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid where it is needed most.

Mindy Denson on Hospice SB Board

Hospice of Santa Barbara has appointed longtime volunteer and community advocate Mindy Denson to its Board of Directors, recognizing her decades of service to the organization and her extensive professional background. A Santa Barbara resident for more than 30 years, Denson began her career as a substance abuse counselor before moving into retail leadership with CHANEL, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Louis Vuitton.

Denson has supported Hospice of Santa Barbara since 2005, serving as an ambassador alongside her husband, Chris, helping organize fundraising events, contributing to the Heroes of Hospice auction, and volunteering with the nonprofit’s Light Up a Life committee. She said her years as a counselor reinforced the importance of compassionate care for people facing grief and serious illness, making board service a natural extension of her commitment to the organization.

Melody Ellison on OSB Board

Opera Santa Barbara has welcomed longtime arts advocate and Public Relations Executive Melody Ellison to its Board of Directors. Ellison has spent more than three decades supporting Santa Barbara’s cultural community through leadership, volunteerism, fundraising, and community engagement. She is the founder and principal of The Halo Group, a boutique public relations and special events firm specializing in lifestyle brands, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations.

Ellison has already played a significant role with Opera Santa Barbara, most recently serving as chair of the company’s annual gala, which became the best-attended and highest-grossing fundraiser in the organization’s history. She will return as gala chair for the upcoming season while also serving on the board, where she hopes to strengthen philanthropic support, expand educational opportunities, and further the company’s mission.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Welcomes Three New Board Members

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has appointed Das Williams, Ashley Smith Fraser, and Danielle Bordenave to its Board of Directors, effective July 2026. Executive Director Jamie Collins announced the additions, highlighting the diverse experience each brings to the organization.

A Girls Inc. parent and Carpinteria resident, Das Williams offers a background in public service and clean energy, along with firsthand insight into the impact of the organization’s programs. Ashley Smith Fraser, a pediatric dermatology nurse practitioner serving Ventura and Oxnard, also serves on the board of the Society of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners and brings healthcare expertise to the nonprofit. Danielle Bordenave, owner of SPARK45 Physical Therapy, has long supported Girls Inc.’s Eureka! college and career readiness program by hosting student externships. Her experience in fitness, wellness, and community engagement further strengthens the board.

MCM Lemonade Stand

Saturday & Sunday, August 8 & 9: Legends Futbol Academy U14 girls team and their families in raising money for equipment and more for their team

Saturday, August 15, Montecito youth and friends raising funds for the Dream Foundation

Saturday/Sunday August 22 & 23: Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation

To sign up your organization, visit www.montecitocountrymart.com

Montecito Country Mart Announces Friday Movie Nights

With the success of their outdoor large-scale monitor in the center courtyard, the Montecito Country Mart announced that they will start Friday movie nights again this year. Start time is 6 pm.

September 4: Toy Story; September 11: Finding Nemo; September 18: Up; September 25: Lucca