Celebrate the Fourth the Montecito Way and More News Bytes

By Montecito Journal   |   July 7, 2026
Come join in on the festivities for the 30th Village 4th celebration!

Montecito’s favorite Independence Day tradition returns on Saturday, July 4, as the 30th Annual Village 4th brings neighbors together for the beloved World’s Shortest Parade, followed by a community celebration in Lower Manning Park. The day gets an early start with the Montecito Firefighters’ Association Pancake Breakfast from 7–11 am at Fire Station 91 (595 San Ysidro Road), a longtime tradition benefiting the Montecito Firefighters Charitable Foundation. The Village 4th parade steps off at 11:30 am, with live music, a community picnic, pie-eating contests, tug-of-war, family games, and a beer and wine garden to follow.

Looking for an elegant way to end the day? San Ysidro Ranch will once again host its celebrated Fourth of July festivities, offering festive dining, live music, and the resort’s signature blend of luxury and Americana in one of Montecito’s most iconic settings.

As you celebrate, Montecito Fire Department is reminding residents that all fireworks – including “safe and sane” fireworks – and beach bonfires are illegal throughout Montecito due to heightened wildfire danger. Leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy the City of Santa Barbara’s display at West Beach while helping keep the community safe this holiday.

MCM’s Outdoor Sports Viewing

July 12, from 12-3 pm: The Mart is hosting a Wimbledon Viewing Party for the Men’s Singles Final game at the Mart in partnership with British brand, Sunspel. Watch the match in the courtyard on the full sun outdoor TV. There will be strawberries and cream at Sunspel and rosé for purchase in the courtyard.

SBMA-MAW Miniseries

July 30, 12pm: This mini-series of engaging afternoon concerts and conversation at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art features select Music Academy of the West fellows performing repertoire of their choosing, inspired by SBMA’s new exhibit, As if in a Dream: History, Fantasy, Future. Curated by James Glisson, chief curator & curator of Contemporary Art, the exhibit occupies two voluminous galleries and explores unconscious thoughts, dreams, and imagination. 

411: www.sbma.net/events/beyond-conversation-dialogues-music-through-art-2

Montecito Fire Expands Advanced Life Support Coverage

Effective June 22, the Montecito Fire Protection District reports it, “…has expanded Advanced Life Support (ALS) coverage by adding a continuously staffed firefighter/paramedic position to Medic Engine 92 at Station 92 that serves the western portion of the district. What does this mean for our community? Previously, medical emergencies in Station 92’s response area often required a two-person paramedic squad from Station 91 to respond alongside Engine 92 to provide advanced medical care. Now, residents who call 911 for a medical emergency can expect a four-person ALS-capable fire engine to respond, bringing advanced lifesaving care – including cardiac monitoring, IV medications, advanced airway management, and other critical interventions – directly to the scene. By enhancing paramedic coverage throughout the district, we’re improving response capabilities, strengthening firefighter safety, and delivering the highest level of pre-hospital emergency medical care to the Montecito community. We are proud to continue investing in the people, training, and equipment that help keep Montecito safe.”

MTF x LPFA Updates

The Montecito Trails Foundation in conjunction with the Los Padres Nation Forest Association reported this week trail updating work on the Hot Springs Trail. The team was led by MTF Board Member Chris Russo on May 1.His team consisted of 20 volunteers from the Google Quantum Lab AI, Goleta. This is the second such effort this year. Volunteer work continues all summer on SB backcountry, Ojai, 

411: https://lpforest.org/los-padres-volunteer-season

Reminder: LPF Stage 1 Fire Restrictions 

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Los Padres National Forest. That means no more backcountry campfires, but stoves are still OK with a fire permit. Campfires are still allowed in Designated Campfire Use Sites (i.e., car campgrounds) across the forest. 

411: https://lpforest.org

SY Chumash Museum Film Screenings

July 11, 6-8 pm: special presentation of the 2026 Sundance Institute Indigenous Film Tour at the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center. The evening’s program includes the documentary feature film, Aanikoobijigan [ancestor/great-grandparent/great-grandchild] and a second film, from Sundance Institute supported filmmaker, Isabella Madrigal, titled Menil and Her Heart. Light refreshments will be available, and a special moderated Q&A with filmmaker Isabella Madrigal will take place immediately following the screenings. FREE, reservations required.  

411: https://tinyurl.com/SYCM-Sundance-July

 

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