Montecito Garden Takes Top Honors in WaterWise Contest
Santa Barbara County has crowned its grand prize winner in the 2025 WaterWise Garden Recognition Contest: Teri and Pat Guillies of Montecito. Their vibrant, eco-conscious garden, dubbed a “pollinators’ dream,” captured top honors for its dazzling display of over 65% California native plants, including sagebrush, blue-eyed grass, island buckwheat, and more. Designed and maintained by Teri, a certified Master Gardener, the garden features hand-watering, drip irrigation, a rain barrel, and a recirculating fountain – all set along a descending flagstone path with sweeping coastal views. The annual contest, hosted by the Santa Barbara County Water Agency and local purveyors, aims to spotlight sustainable gardening practices across the region. In addition to engraved sandstone trophies, winners received garden supply kits and gift cards. The Guillies earned a $250 Lotusland gift card for their efforts. Organizers hope these water-wise landscapes inspire others to conserve and embrace native beauty – even in dry times.
Cassandria Blackmore Relocates Montecito Gallery
Renowned glass artist Cassandria Blackmore is relocating her gallery from 1275 Coast Village Road to a private, appointment-only space. There’s no word yet on what will replace the prominent storefront. Blackmore, celebrated for her innovative reverse painting techniques, has works housed in major museums including the Crocker and Portland Art museums, as well as high-profile corporate collections. Her move reflects a shift toward more intimate, curated art experiences as she continues her national and international commissions, including a recent installation for the Waldorf Astoria.
Ojai’s Rôtie Restaurant is Coming to Carp
Village Properties’ Casey Turpin announced that she has secured Rôtie Ojai Restaurant Founder and Chef, Lorenzo Nicola, as the new tenant to join “restaurant row” in Carpinteria. This second location will be named Rôtie-Deux.
We heard you breathe a sigh of relief as the abandoned eyesore that was Giovanni’s pizza at that location is in process of renovations. The area was formerly rumored to be another Gene Montesano restaurant that would bookend with Little Dom’s. It is no wonder that Ojai would want into this upscaling cuisine game in the now even-more-hip Carpinteria.
Elite peeps are flocking daily to Carp from Malibu through Montecito – including celeb Lady Gaga with kiddos very early at Lucky Llama’s java. Nicola has stated in another interview he will have the same menu as the Ojai incarnation, but a larger kitchen and perhaps a room for private events. Rôtie-Deux is scheduled to open January 2026. Here’s to “Peace, Love and Baklava!”
411: www.ojairotie.com
Nugget Bar & Grill Opens 3rd Location
A massive and historic staple in Summerland, especially for those on motorcycles craving a beefy burger, The Nugget Bar & Grill now has a third location down from Carp beach on Linden Avenue, and it is packed! The tiny spot, already a favorite, is trying again to stay in Carpinteria after closing its Carp Ave location in 2017.
The Nugget is open Sundays-Thursdays, 11 am – 9 pm; and Fridays-Saturdays, 11 am – 9:30 pm.
Explore Ecology Maker Space August Workshops
Explore Ecology announces their August workshops for ages 13 through adult. Due to an increased attendance this summer, they are asking people to sign up online early to avoid missing out! Coming up are: Printmaking, August 7; Sewing and Mending, August 13; Yarn Buddies, August 19; Tote Bag Making, August 20; and Junk Journaling, August 27. For kids ages 5 to 10 there is Crafternoons on Maracas, Cardboard Castanets and Ojo de Dios.
411: https://exploreecology.org
Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital 40th Annual Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp
Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital celebrated its 40th annual Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, July 21-25 at the UCSB Recreation Center. There were approximately 40 campers and more than 75 volunteers, all gathered to support and celebrate the power of inclusive recreation. Campers, volunteers, and staff reflected on the lasting impact of this one-of-a-kind program.
New VP & CIO for Cottage Health
Ganesh Persad, MSBI CHCIO (Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics and Certified Healthcare CIO), is to start in September as the new VP and CIO for Cottage Health. He brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare information management, with expertise in digital transformation, clinical systems, enterprise technology rollouts and initiatives aimed at improving patient and workforce experience. As CIO, he will serve as Cottage Health’s chief strategist and senior leader for all information systems and will participate in enterprise-wide strategic planning while overseeing IT strategy. He’ll lead Cottage Health’s development and execution of both strategic and tactical IT plans, while fostering a forward-thinking technology culture that champions innovation.
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