Panel on Black History Month and More News Bytes

SB Black Culture House will host this panel at The Hub (1219 State Street) on Sunday, February 15, at 1 pm titled, 100 Years of Black History Month: A Living Legacy, on the work of educator Carter G. Woodson’s efforts to institutionalize “Negro History Week” on February 7, 1926, later expanded to “Black History Month” in 1976. Panelists include “Coffee with A Black Guy” founder James Joyce III; former District Director for State Senator and one-time candidate for mayor of Santa Barbara, Hannah-Beth Jackson; and Aaron Jones, Director of the Educational Opportunity Program at UCSB. Darrell McNeill, co-founder of Santa Barbara Black Culture House will moderate. Topics focus on Woodson’s work, the importance of Black History Month, and what
Black History means in the context of open hostility against diversity, equity and inclusion.

Cottage Health Careers Academy 

Cottage Health and SB Unified School District formed the Cottage Health Careers Academy, currently located at San Marcos High School, open to students grades 10-12, with grade 9 commencing fall 2026. This partnership’s mission is to create a new educational pathway for students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. Scott Wester, President and CEO of Cottage Health, explained in a press statement, “By expanding access to educational pathways and engaging students early, we’re helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthening care across Santa Barbara.” Dare Holdren, principal at San Marcos added, “We couldn’t be more proud of this partnership with Cottage, the premier health organization in our community. The new facility will allow us to expand our program with new curriculum and internships, preparing even more students for healthcare careers in Santa Barbara. It sets the stage for students to build their lives and families right here in the community where they were raised.” With that, SMHS is working with Royal Pride Foundation to fund a dedicated building on campus for the academy with a target timeline of 2027. 

First Pediatric Support Center Near Cottage

Two Santa Barbara-based nonprofits have joined forces to establish the tri-county’s first comprehensive Pediatric Support Center just steps from Cottage Hospital. Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) has signed a partnership agreement with Hearts Aligned to share space at TBCF’s newly purchased property at 2323 De La Vina Street, expanding support for families facing childhood illness. The center will offer a safe, welcoming place for respite between treatments, for private conversations, and access to resources such as a no-cost food pantry. Planned renovations include caregiver rooms, a sibling recreation area, therapy spaces, and quiet areas for rest.

“Everyone benefits when nonprofit organizations pool their resources,” said Brittany Avila Wazny, TBCF’s executive director, noting the value of locating such a haven close to the hospital. Vivian Solodkin, executive director of Hearts Aligned, added that sharing the space will expand both organizations’ reach. Together, the partnership will serve families navigating both cancer and non-cancer pediatric critical care needs across Santa Barbara County.

NeuroField Appoints New Director

Santa Barbara-based NeuroField has named Meighann A. Helene as its new director of marketing and head of strategy & growth, bringing to the company Meighann’s more than 20 years of executive experience spanning technology, communications, and nonprofit leadership. A cognitive scientist by training, Helene previously worked at IBM, translating complex AI and data science concepts for global audiences, and most recently served as a producer with The Burning Man Project. In her new role, she will lead brand strategy, marketing communications, and growth initiatives across NeuroField’s hardware, software, education, and clinical platforms. CEO Dr. Tiff Thompson praised Helene’s rare blend of scientific fluency, creativity, and strategic vision as the company enters a new phase of expansion and visibility.

New Mammalogy Curator at SBMNH

The SB Museum of Natural History announced this week that Ally Coconis Ph.D.has been appointed the museum’s new curator of mammalogy. She will bring her expertise to the museum’s collections, artifacts, and documents, supported by her experience in museum work and specimen collection in the field. Her expertise is in woodrats, and she explains in her press release, “I’d like to help people understand the roles that mammals play in an ecosystem. Woodrat nests have been dubbed centers of biodiversity where microclimate conditions create great homes for many arthropods, lizards, other small mammals, and even snakes. Small mammals have fast reproduction and life cycles, and that constant turnover makes it easier to see the effects of rapid climate and land use change, which are ever more apparent in this century.” Dr. Coconis previously worked for the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City and completed her doctoral degree with research on woodrats at the University of Nevada in Reno. 

Free Senior Days at Botanic Garden

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is welcoming community members ages 60 and better with six Free Senior Days scheduled throughout 2026, offering complimentary admission and special programming during its Centennial year. The free-admission Wednesdays will take place on February 18, April 15, June 10, August 19, October 14, and December 9, and include a docent-led tour at 11 am highlighting California native plants and the garden’s history. Now in its 12th year, the popular program encourages seniors to connect with nature, celebrate special occasions, and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor exploration. The initiative is generously sponsored by Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels, whose ongoing support has sustained the program for more than a decade. “Our hope is that older members of our community feel welcomed, connected, and supported,” said Melissa Patrino, the Garden’s director of development. Advance reservations are required.

Historic First for SBTHP

The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation has elected Cody Makela as president, marking the first time a father and son have both served in the role. Makela follows his father, Craig Makela, continuing a family legacy deeply rooted in Santa Barbara history. Cody has volunteered with the Trust for a decade, joined the Board in 2018, and previously chaired the Audit and Development committees while serving as Secretary and First Vice President. “It’s a real honor to serve as president of the Trust, especially following in my dad’s footsteps,” Cody said. A partner at Arlington Financial Advisors and a Certified Financial Planner™, Makela brings financial expertise to the nonprofit’s stewardship work. Craig Makela, a longtime Trust supporter and lifetime director, is an eighth-generation Santa Barbaran, with Cody representing the ninth. The Trust preserves historic sites and stories through the Presidio Research Center and year-round programs celebrating the region’s diverse heritage. 

Rincon Surf Shop Slated to Reopen

In a surprise family purchase of the building at 650 Linden Avenue by Scott Smigel, the father-in-law of Rincon Designs owner Matt Moore,it has been announced that the locally owned surf shop is reopening in May of this year. The building was up for sale in 2024, and Moore closed the shop in 2025. Moore – alongside his son Ryan, Ryan’s wife and three kids – will keep the shop in the family going forward.