30 Years of Ghost Village Road, and More News Bytes

Coast Village Road is getting spooky as Ghost Village Road celebrates its 30th anniversary on Saturday, October 31. The beloved Montecito tradition brings more than 2,000 costumed children, parents, and pets to the Village for trick-or-treating, festive storefronts, and plenty of Halloween mischief. Local businesses will once again hand out candy, with favorites including Richie’s Barber Shop, known for its elaborate decorations, DJ, and photo opportunities.

For grown-up ghouls, San Ysidro Ranch will transform its Speakeasy into a Halloween haunt through the spooky season, offering specialty cocktails and “bites that bite.” On October 30, the Ranch will also celebrate Día de los Muertos with live music, mezcal, and traditional sugar skull face painting. Reservations are recommended.

Meanwhile, Montecito Country Mart will host its annual children’s costume contest, complete with balloons, trick-or-treat bags, and a pumpkin patch, adding another dose of Halloween spirit to the Village festivities.

New Trail Honors Carina Dee Velazquez

The Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade, Santa Barbara County Public Works, and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians celebrated the newest section of the Carina Dee Velazquez Memorial Path with a ribbon-cutting this Wednesday, October 28, outside Santa Ynez Valley Christian School.

The completed third phase connects Mission Drive to Homestead Lane along Refugio Road, improving access for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians.

The trail honors Carina Dee Velazquez, a 15-year-old student who was struck and killed by a vehicle in 2015. The ongoing restoration project aims to create safer connections throughout the Santa Ynez Valley.

Montecito Country Mart

Last of the free movie nights will be on October 30 at 6 pm with the film Coco

All good now to enter via the front door of Toy Crazy at the Montecito Country Mart. The front entrance glass has been replaced following the car crash incident on July 27, where it was boarded up for safety after the car was removed.

Firework Foundation Expands Its Reach

Katy Perry’s Firework Foundation wrapped up its 12th Camp Firework this summer, welcoming more than 85 students ages 10-13 from Lompoc, Goleta, and Santa Barbara. Co-founded by Perry and her sister Angela Lerche in 2019, the foundation has now served nearly 1,000 young people through its three-day camps.

Participants explored dance, music production, fashion design, kayaking, horseback riding, and other activities designed to build confidence and creativity. Beyond camp, the foundation’s Leaders in Training program now supports 38 high school students, while six former campers have advanced to college.

The foundation is also looking toward a permanent home with Gratitude Canyon, a proposed youth development campus in Goleta Valley. Inspired by longtime property owner Patricia Bragg, the project would preserve approximately 97% of the property as open landscape, providing space for outdoor recreation, arts education, and mentorship for future generations.

Unite to Light Anniversary

Unite to Light to hold its 15th Anniversary celebration during the November 5th First Thursday from 5 to 8 pm at San Marcos Courtyard. The organization’s mission is dedicated to bringing light to people living without electricity. The event features illuminated artwork by local artists, live music and creative activities. Megan Birney Rudert, president & CEO of Unite to Light shares in her press release, “The Power of Possibility is a celebration of what we can accomplish when we come together to bring light to people who need it most. Each solar light represents an opportunity for someone to learn, receive essential healthcare, or feel safer and more connected. We’re grateful to everyone who has helped make this milestone possible and look forward to continuing this work with our community.” The event is free and kid friendly. Tickets for a dinner, a VIP area, and more available on their website. 

411: https://unitetolight.org/thepowerofpossibility

State Street Trading Post

A new shopping destination is bringing independent makers, vintage finds, and a little old-fashioned mercantile charm to downtown Santa Barbara. State Street Trading Post, founded by a local family, brings together more than 30 small creative businesses under one roof, featuring everything from vintage apparel and furniture to handmade ceramics, leather goods, and housewares.

The collection includes Santa Barbara favorites Parker Clay, known for its sustainably crafted leather goods, Pyre Studio, a women-owned ceramics business, and Westward General, alongside brands from Los Angeles, Brooklyn, and Paris.

The Trading Post, 1105 State Street, occupies a historic State Street building dating to 1920, formerly home to C.M. Andera’s Department Store. Original brick, Santa Barbara sandstone, and redwood have been preserved, giving the space a century-old character.

The concept aims to support independent businesses while reviving State Street’s tradition as a place to shop, wander, and discover something unexpected. There will be a grand opening party on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 3-6 pm.

New Summerland Fire Station

The Summerland Citizens Association (SCA) reports that at the Oct. 20th town hall meeting, the Summerland residents were invited for a presentation by Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District Chief Dan Stefano (newly appointed February 2026), regarding the proposed location for a new fire station. As we go to press, reports from that meeting are not yet published.

Back in 2023, plans were discussed to assess the use of the 100/101 Innovation Place site in Summerland, right on the border of Montecito. That property was formerly the bluff-top QAD campus before being purchased by UC Investments via Regency Innovation Place LLC. Summerland’s current fire station #62 is located at 2375 Lillie Avenue.

Become a Courthouse Docent

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse Docent Council is recruiting volunteers for its 2027 training class, beginning in February. Led by former County Architect Robert L. Ooley and preservation specialist Rodney Baker, the program includes 10 Saturday morning sessions exploring the landmark’s history and architecture. For more than 50 years, docents have guided visitors through the courthouse and staffed its Information Booth. Interested residents can apply through the Council’s website or visit the Courthouse Information Booth. Early applicants will receive an invitation to a November informational meeting.

411: https://sbcourthouse.org/about/becomingadocent.html

Girls Inc. Carp Announces Emergency Relief

Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria (GIC) affirms this week that the organization is committed to emergency preparedness and community resilience as El Niño brings uncertainty about unpredictable and potentially dangerous weather. Collins, “Today, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria stands prepared to be activated as an emergency shelter in coordination with the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management, the City of Carpinteria, and the Red Cross – with a capacity to house up to 500 individuals when needed. GIC also offers training for families to make their own emergency preparedness plans and serves as a year-round resource for local girls and families. The Girls Inc. of Carpinteria campus, located at 5315 Foothill Rd. in Carpinteria, is well- equipped in the event of an emergency – with large indoor and outdoor spaces, an industrial-sized kitchen stocked with necessities, and basic supplies at the ready.”

SYBCI Honors Vets with Free Dental Services

The Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic (SYTHC) will salute veterans with free dental services at its fourth annual Veterans Smile Day event on Thursday, Nov. 5, at the clinic’s Dental Department, located at 90 Via Juana Lane on the Santa Ynez Reservation. The event will provide veterans with complimentary dental exams, professional dental cleanings and oral health assessments, as well as blood pressure and diabetes screenings. Appointments are required, and new patients are welcome.

Following their appointments, veterans will receive gift bags containing oral hygiene products and a military pin, along with complimentary pastries and refreshments. Call (805) 688-7070 to reserve an appointment.

2026 My SoCal Hospital Hero

SB Cottage Health has announced that Paula Gallucci, BSN, RN, CCRN, manager, Medical Intensive Care Unit, has been selected as a 2026 My SoCal Hospital Hero by the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC). The honor recognizes employees across Southern California hospitals who contribute to outstanding patient care through embodying excellence, compassion, and dedication in their work every day. Paula was chosen for her extraordinary impact on patients, colleagues, and the hospital community. She leads with a unique combination of clinical rigor, creative energy, and boundless compassion. In a high-stakes environment, she brings the steady, inspired leadership that transforms a critical care unit into a place where people want to work – and patients and families feel genuinely cared for.

Local Philanthropists Honored for Community Impact

The Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter has announced its 2026 National Philanthropy Honorees, recognizing individuals and organizations making a difference through charitable giving, volunteerism, and community leadership.

Laura and Geof Wyatt were named Santa Barbara Philanthropists of the Year for their contributions to education, healthcare, the arts, environmental causes, and housing and food insecurity. Steve J. Noll received Ventura County’s Philanthropist of the Year honor for his support of youth education and science programs.

Santa Barbara’s Volunteer of the Year is Lynn Cunningham Brown, whose service includes leadership roles with the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Pacific Pride Foundation, and Lotusland. Bank of the Sierra earned Ventura County’s volunteer honor.

Eder Gaona Macedo and Jacy Yu share Professional Fundraiser of the Year honors, while Julianna Madrigal received the Youth in Philanthropy award. Dr. Tammie Helmuth was recognized as Champion for Social Justice.