Sheriff’s Blotter — 93108
By Montecito Journal   |   August 4, 2026

Mail Theft / 600 block Olive Road — Sunday, July 12, at 10:01 hours The reporting party called to report possible stolen packages that she saw on her walk on Olive Road. The officer located the opened packages and returned them to their rightful owners. The victims of the stolen packages did not desire prosecution. […]

Fire Mosaic Seeks a New Permanent Home, and More News Bytes
By Montecito Journal   |   August 4, 2026

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 […]

Tails of Hope Returns
By Montecito Journal   |   August 4, 2026

Every dog has its day, and this one promises plenty of tail-wagging fun. Tails of Hope is back for its second year on Sunday, September 20, after last year’s sold-out debut proved that Santa Barbara County has a soft spot for four-legged friends. The fundraiser takes over Rancho La Patera Stow House in Goleta for […]

Sarah “Sally” McKinstry Hall:August 27, 1928 – June 28, 2026
By Montecito Journal   |   July 27, 2026

Among Sally Hall’s carefully organized papers, her family discovered a note she had written years before her health declined. It was tucked beside a stack of addressed and stamped envelopes, ready to be mailed. “Dear Friends, Our beloved mother, Sally Hall, has died very peacefully. Thank you for your long and happy friendships. Gratefully, The […]

Casa del Herrero Garden Party, and More News Bytes
By Montecito Journal   |   July 27, 2026

Casa del Herrero invites community to their fundraiser, Casa in Bloom, a garden party on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30-6 pm. Tickets are required. Event includes garden tours, house tours, and Chris Fossek on Spanish guitar. Refreshments.  411: www.casadelherrero.com Chabad of Montecito Events  Wednesday, July 29, 6 pm, Men’s Summer BBQ, hosted by Brian […]

Sheriff’s Blotter — 93108
By Montecito Journal   |   July 27, 2026

Camping / Butterfly Beach – Sunday, July 05, at 12:21 hours Deputies contacted the subject who was camped on the beach and found to be a public nuisance. He was issued a citation for the violation.  Camping / Butterfly Beach, — Sunday, July 05, at 12:49 hours Deputies contacted another subject who was camped on […]

Spotlight Coast Village
By Montecito Journal   |   July 21, 2026

Clark’s Montecito | Happy Hour: Every day from 3 to 5 pm | 1/2 off martinis, 1/2 off burgers, $5 Trumer Pilsner, $10 featured wine, $5 oyster shooters, $2 off oysters – Wine Wednesdays: 1/2 off bottles of wine all day • Lilac | Happy Hour: Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 5 pm | Featuring […]

Chabad of Montecito Events and More News Bytes
By Montecito Journal   |   July 21, 2026

– Saturday, July 18, 10:30 am, Shabbat, 450 Toro Canyon Road, Montecito – Wednesday, July 29, 6 pm, Men’s Summer BBQ, hosted by Brian Delshad. – Sunday, August 9, at 2 pm: Hachnasat Sefer Torah – “A joyful historic community celebration welcoming a new Torah scroll. There will be music, delicious food, a beautiful procession […]

Remembering Mayor Lodge and More Letters
By Montecito Journal   |   July 21, 2026

I have so much admiration for Mayor Sheila Lodge. I can’t imagine Santa Barbara without her. The impact she had was as deep as the love she shared for our community. In fact, the profound way she shaped our city, decade after decade, is unmatched.  Sheila was the first mayor I knew as a child, […]

Best in Show is Back!
By Montecito Journal   |   July 21, 2026

Dogs don’t spend much time worrying about trophies. They’re generally content with a tennis ball, a shady patch of grass, and convincing strangers they haven’t eaten in days. Yet once a year, Rosewood Miramar transforms into a canine version of Westminster, where every wag carries a little extra swagger and every good dog seems convinced […]

Monte Vista Dog Park & Pup Lit
By Montecito Journal   |   July 21, 2026

Dogs unite! You will soon be able to bring your furry loved ones to a dedicated park just for dogs, pending the Carp ARB approval on the design and development plans to make the Monte Vista Dog Park permanent at the Thursday, July 16, meeting. While waiting to hear, the park’s Temporary Use Permit has […]

Sheriff’s Blotter — 93108
By Montecito Journal   |   July 14, 2026

Restraining Order / 500 block El Bosque Road — Monday, June 22, at 17:48 hours The victim called to report that the legally restrained party had violated a civil harassment order when he started playing loud music from his residence, which was a term specifically listed in the restraining order. The victim also felt harassed […]

Friendship Center Marks 50 Years with Fourth of July Celebration, and More News Bytes
By Montecito Journal   |   July 14, 2026

Friendship Center celebrated two milestones during its annual Fourth of July Party, honoring both America’s 250th birthday and the nonprofit’s 50th anniversary of serving both older adults living with dementia and their families. Members, loved ones, caregivers, volunteers, and community friends gathered for a festive afternoon featuring a special lunch and plenty of dancing to […]

Sheriff’s Blotter — 93108
By Montecito Journal   |   July 7, 2026

Sexual Advances / 600 block Olive Mill Road — Monday, June 15, at 16:12 hours Victim had repeated unwanted sexual advances from a coworker, who also repeatedly touched his buttocks and told him he wanted to have sex with him. The victim was at a party with the suspect and went to sleep in a […]

Celebrate the Fourth the Montecito Way and More News Bytes
By Montecito Journal   |   July 7, 2026

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 […]

World Cup Unites! And More Letters
By Montecito Journal   |   July 7, 2026

Montecito resident Keith Yeager traded FIFA gear during an exchange with FIFA/Qatar football club staff, one local example of promoting international friendship and cooperation, at the Rosewood Miramar on June 25th. The Qatar team was well hosted by Montecito, staying at the Rosewood Miramar hotel as their base camp, and training on Westmont’s Thorrington Field. […]

Spotlight Coast Village
By Montecito Journal   |   July 7, 2026

•Clark’s Montecito | Happy Hour: Every day from 3 to 5 pm | 1/2 off martinis, 1/2 off burgers, $5 Trumer Pilsner, $10 featured wine, $5 oyster shooters, $2 off oysters  – Wine Wednesdays: 1/2 off bottles of wine all day • Lilac | Happy Hour: Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 5 pm | […]

Sheriff’s Blotter — 93108
By Montecito Journal   |   June 30, 2026

Rolling Stop/No Driver’s License / Ortega Hill Road — Monday, June 08, at 20:56 hours A vehicle was stopped for rolling through a stop sign (22450(a) VC). The driver of the vehicle was unlicensed, in violation of 12500(a) VC. The driver was issued a citation for both violations, and he had someone come to collect […]

Spotlight Coast Village: The Insider’s Guide to What’s Good
By Montecito Journal   |   June 30, 2026

Clark’s Montecito | Happy Hour: Every day from 3 to 5 pm | 1/2 off martinis, 1/2 off burgers, $5 Trumer Pilsner, $10 featured wine, $5 oyster shooters, $2 off oysters  – Wine Wednesdays: 1/2 off bottles of wine all day • Lilac | Happy Hour: Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 5 pm | […]

Gleaning the Story Behind the Veggie Rescue Cover
By Montecito Journal   |   June 30, 2026

About a month ago I enjoyed the surprise of having my photo on the cover of the Montecito Journal (May 14-21, 2026). The feature article highlighted an important, but perhaps little-known nonprofit in our community called Veggie Rescue. I had no business being the face of the article. In case you didn’t read the article, […]

MOXI@Night Returns and More News Bytes
By Montecito Journal   |   June 30, 2026

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, is turning up the fun this fall with MOXI@Night: Play It Forward, its signature annual fundraiser set for September 26. Inspired by the glamour and energy of the Studio 54 era, the event will transform MOXI into a disco-themed celebration of music, creativity, and community impact. Honorary […]

Welcome to Pup Culture!
By Montecito Journal   |   June 23, 2026

Let’s face it: in Santa Barbara, dogs aren’t just pets – they’re part of the pack. They join us on morning beach walks, accompany us to café patios, hike our favorite trails, and somehow manage to become the unofficial mayors of every neighborhood they visit. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce Pup Culture, Montecito Journal’s […]

Rescue Relief at La Lieff
By Montecito Journal   |   June 23, 2026

On Saturday afternoon the patio at La Lieff Tasting Room was alive with puppy energy. What some participants have called the happiest happy hour in town was actually a heartwarming adoption event featuring Aussie Mix puppies and hosted by Aussie Rescue Networking Group (rescuenetworkinggroup.com), a local rescue known for turning puppy love into forever families. […]

Strike a Paw-se: Your Pet Could Be Calendar Famous
By Montecito Journal   |   June 23, 2026

Calling all photogenic pups, camera-ready cats, and even those feathered, scaled, or slightly mischievous companions who know how to work a lens. The Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation has officially unleashed its 2027 All-Stars Pet Calendar Photo Contest, and it’s time for your furry friend to have their moment in the spotlight. For just […]

Sheriff’s Blotter — 93108
By Montecito Journal   |   June 23, 2026

Prowler / 200 block Middle Road — Sunday, May 31, at 19:20 hours Deputies responded to report by residents in the area of a suspect seen entering private property and prowling. Upon arrival, deputies contacted the subject, who fled from deputies into neighboring backyards. When finally confronted, subject resisted arrest, refusing to present his hands […]

Connie Lindberg: February 16, 1954 – May 12, 2026
By Montecito Journal   |   June 16, 2026

Connie Lindberg, 72, of Santa Barbara passed away peacefully on May 12th, holding the hand of Carl, her beloved husband of 39 years. Connie was born on February 16, 1954, in Chicago, IL. Before beginning school, her family moved west to Alamo, CA, where she spent her childhood. She graduated from San Ramon High School […]

Sheriff’s Blotter — 93108
By Montecito Journal   |   June 16, 2026

Suspicious Sidewalk Drawing / 2325 Lillie Ave — Tuesday, May 26, at 13:59 hours The Reporting Party (RP) stated that there was a stick figure drawn on the sidewalk of a person with what appeared to be a gun in its hand.  Stolen Check / 1200 block Coast Village Road — Wednesday, May 27, at 08:52 […]

Spotlight Coast Village
By Montecito Journal   |   June 9, 2026

The insider’s guide to what’s good •Veronica Beard Montecito | June 12-13 from 12 to 6 pm | Trunk Show featuring Thatch Jewelry– New Collaboration | Thursday, June 18 from 4 to 6 pm | Celebrate the launch of VB x Pauline de Roussy de Sales collaboration. Exclusively in Montecito, this collection captures the art […]

Sheriff’s Blotter — 93108
By Montecito Journal   |   June 9, 2026

Injured Female / 385 San Ysidro Road, Montecito — Sunday, May 17, at 06:24 hours A passerby reported a female sitting on the steps of Montecito Union School who looked like she had been the victim of some type of violence. Deputies contacted the subject, and it initially looked like she was the victim of […]

Doris Stitz “Dodie” Medved: May 13, 1937 – May 19, 2026
By Montecito Journal   |   June 2, 2026

Doris Stitz “Dodie” Medved of Montecito, CA, passed away on the morning of May 19, 2026, at her home by the side of her son, Lyle. She was 89 years old. Doris was born on May 13th, 1937, in Preeceville, Saskatchewan, Canada to Jewish Eastern European immigrant parents Louis David Ari and Sophie Stitz. She […]

Sheriff’s Blotter — 93108
By Montecito Journal   |   June 2, 2026

Retail Theft / 500 block San Ysidro Road — Wednesday, May 13, at 16:53 hours The general manager of a women’s retail store in Montecito called to report a 459 PC (Burglary) that occurred at the store during normal business hours. The Reporting Party (RP) believed a male customer, who had entered the store on […]

Vote Greene and Other Letters to the Editor
By Montecito Journal   |   May 26, 2026

Most people don’t know how important the office of Clerk-Recorder-Assessor is. We vote for that person because they oversee our records, property taxes, and perhaps most importantly, our elections. That’s why we need someone who shows up and knows the work. That person is Melinda Greene. Melinda has been the Chief Deputy Clerk-Recorder-Assessor for 12 […]

Sheriff’s Blotter – 93108
By Montecito Journal   |   May 26, 2026

Meth / 1000 block Coast Village Road — Monday, April 27, at 00:37 hours Subject was stopped for several traffic violations observed on HWY 101 northbound. On contact with suspect it was determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance and he was arrested. The passenger was also determined to be H&S 11550 […]

June 2nd California Election Important Information
By Montecito Journal   |   May 26, 2026

In December 2024, the USPS changed the rules about how mail-in ballots will get collected, postmarked, and eventually counted. This had a profound effect on the number of ballots that can be rejected. Statewide, the number of mail-in ballots disqualified due to these changes increased by 400% between 2024 and the 2025 special election (Prop […]

MOXI Brunch, and Other News Bytes
By Montecito Journal   |   May 26, 2026

More than 140 supporters gathered at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, for the annual Power of MOXI Brunch, raising $55,000 to support the museum’s educational outreach programs. Funds from the April 28 event will help provide free field-trip admissions for Title I schools, afterschool programs, summer camp scholarships, and expanded community partnerships. […]

Summer Solstice Soirée
By Montecito Journal   |   May 26, 2026

The Summer Solstice Celebration will bring its signature spirit of creativity and community to Montecito on Friday, May 23, with the return of the Summer Solstice Soirée, an elegant afternoon fundraiser supporting Santa Barbara’s iconic arts festival. Held at a private Montecito estate, the event will combine art, music, performances, and philanthropy in a festive […]

Ty Warner’s Four Seasons Biltmore Opening Still Pending
By Montecito Journal   |   May 26, 2026

From here to the San Francisco Gate news and high-profile global travel magazines, updates on the proposed 2026 reopening of Ty Warner’s Four Season’s Biltmore remain a mystery with many speculating. Just take a drive past the resort and one clearly notes that construction continues, although many are hoping it will be open for the […]

Spotlight Coast Village
By Montecito Journal   |   May 18, 2026

Belrose Estate Jewelers | Spring Treat: $750 off your purchase of $3,000 | Offer valid on full price items only (excluding watches and handbags). Valid until May 31, 2026! •Daniel Gibbings | May 13 to June 4| Booking Consultation appointments for Custom Design jewelry with Daniel. Please call or email or secure your appointment time.  […]

Chabad Montecito and More News Bytes
By Montecito Journal   |   May 18, 2026

Rabbi Chaim and Mushkie Loschak invite community to ongoing monthly events, from Men’s Night, Women’s baking and crafts, Bagels and Lox, to Torah and bimonthly Shabbos experiences.  May 13: Corned beef and Cocktails 411: www.jewishmontecito.org Bonsai Club of Santa Barbara at MUS The Bonsai Club of Santa Barbara will host its 49th Annual Bonsai Show […]

American Riviera Classic Pickleball and More News Bytes
By Montecito Journal   |   May 11, 2026

The 9th Annual American Riviera Classic returns to Santa Barbara May 15-17, drawing players from across the country for a weekend of spirited competition and community fun. Athletes from 10 states will compete in one of the region’s premier pickleball events, known as much for its lively atmosphere as its on-court action. Beyond the matches, […]