Montecito 101 Freeway Updates – July 4th
By Montecito Journal   |   July 9, 2024

The Montecito 101 segment is located between Sheffield Drive and Olive Mill Road.  Plan summary: Highway 101 in Montecito adds a new peak-period carpool lane in each direction from the Romero Creek Bridge north to Olive Mill Road; new on- and off-ramps with northbound and southbound auxiliary lanes (lanes connecting on-ramps and off-ramps to improve […]

President Stone at the Rotary
By Montecito Journal   |   July 9, 2024

Local realtor, investor, and entrepreneur Kim Stone is the new president of the Montecito Rotary Club. A longtime Rotarian who has led multiple service projects for the organization, she succeeds Tony Morris, who has just completed a two-year term. Founded in 1953, club has developed projects and provided service to the community and the wider […]

Grand Theft on CVR
By Montecito Journal   |   July 2, 2024

After the reported break-in that occurred on Coast Village Road, we reached out to the Santa Barbara Police Department for a statement: “On June 12, 2024, around 1:20 pm, the Santa Barbara Police Department Combined Communications Center received a report about a grand theft that occurred from a local clothing store in the 1200 block […]

Carpinteria Beautiful Beach Clean Up and brewLAB Afterparty June 29
By Montecito Journal   |   July 2, 2024

Carpinteria, home to the world’s safest beach, is having its first annual beach and community clean-up day, Saturday, June 29, from 9 am to 12 pm.  All volunteers are requested to wear sun protection, closed toe shoes, and to bring their own protective gloves. Clean Up leaders will provide a map, materials and instructions. People […]

County of Santa Barbara Active Transportation Plan
By Montecito Journal   |   July 2, 2024

The County of Santa Barbara Active Transportation Plan (ATP) is worth a read, given the pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle issues Montecito residents are expressing, as well as in Summerland and along Toro Canyon.  The ATP was built upon the premise of public safety, and the increase in human-powered transportation, especially e-bikes. The plan includes SBC […]

Hike the Trails with CA Assemblymember Gregg Hart
By Montecito Journal   |   July 2, 2024

Assemblymember Gregg Hart, in conjunction with Santa Barbara County Trails Council, Healthy People Healthy Trails, and the UC Santa Barbara Cheadle Center for Biological and Ecological Restoration, is holding his regular hike ‘n’ talk on Saturday, June 29 from 12-2 pm.  The trail hike is free and open to everyone. Bring your thoughts, discussion items, […]

David Quincy, MD, Joins SB Cottage Primary Care 
By Montecito Journal   |   July 2, 2024

David R. Quincy, MD, has joined Cottage Primary Care Santa Barbara where he will practice primary care medicine alongside Yana Gristan, MD and Arielle Kanner, DO. Currently serving as Cottage Health’s Chief Ambulatory Medical Officer, Quincy is a family physician with over 30 years of experience. He is board-certified by the American Board of Family […]

Village Properties Expands with New Commercial Real Estate Division
By Montecito Journal   |   June 25, 2024

Village Properties, the largest independent real estate company in the Santa Barbara area, has launched a new division focused on commercial properties, the company recently announced. The Village Properties Commercial Group will provide specialized representation to clients looking to buy or sell multi-family dwellings, retail spaces, mixed-use buildings, and land for development or agriculture. “The […]

What’s Rosewood’s Plan?
By Montecito Journal   |   June 25, 2024

I am a lifetime, 8th generation South Coast resident. I have resided in Montecito most of my life. I have also lived in Santa Barbara, Carpinteria and today, Summerland. After attending SBHS, UCSB, and practicing Water & Land Use law locally for over 20 years I am now retired. In my retirement I served for […]

Residents Attempt to Destroy Montecito Hot Springs Pools
By Montecito Journal   |   June 18, 2024

On the early morning of May 27, 2024, a group of local homeowners/residents escorted a demolition crew carrying picks and shovels to destroy the Montecito Hot Springs pools. About eight people in all, dressed in black. This event was captured on a video taken by a hiker, a young man, who was en route to […]

Barbra Rudvall Schutte: November 6, 1926 – May 30, 2023
By Montecito Journal   |   June 11, 2024

Barbra Rudvall Schutte, born November 6, 1926, in Fresno California, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2023, in Montecito, California Robin had a very full life with many accomplishments. She was a woman ahead of her time, who was gifted in so many ways. Born in Fresno California, she moved after college to San Francisco […]

The Rosewood Plan
By Montecito Journal   |   June 11, 2024

As a nearby, full-time neighbor of the Rosewood Miramar Hotel, and directly affected by their construction and traffic, I feel very qualified to respond to their plan to commercialize and build up this part of Montecito with a high-end shopping mall, restaurant, and expensive apartments. This plan proposes the construction of 34,000 square feet of […]

Jerry Dean Springer: August 05, 1935 – May 12, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   June 4, 2024

Jerry Dean Springer, 88, beloved husband of Julia, father to Kurt, Jill, and Amy, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2024, at Serenity House in Santa Barbara.  Born in Reeve Township, Iowa, the fourth of six children, Jerry attended many different schools before finally settling in Carpinteria in middle school. After his itinerant childhood during […]

Good Neighbors
By Montecito Journal   |   May 28, 2024

I am pleased that the Miramar is proposing adding affordable workforce housing for their employees alongside apartments and shops. Workforce housing helps local residents build a stronger foundation in the neighborhood: it helps both community and business. As the retired Director of the All Saints by the Sea Parish School next door, I was continually […]

Sandra Nelle Ventress: October 30, 1962 – March 22, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   May 21, 2024

Sandra Nelle Ventress, 61, of Santa Barbara passed away peacefully on March 22, 2024, after a brief illness. She was a loving daughter, sister, and friend.  Sandy was born on October 30, 1962, to Kenneth and Geraldine Nelle in Oxnard, California. Sandy spent her younger years living in numerous locations throughout the states including Montana, […]

Celebrate Mothers in Style!
By Montecito Journal   |   May 14, 2024

Celebrate your mom, grandmother and woman in your life with a variety of amazing experiences from the area’s finest! On behalf of the Montecito Journal, we wish all mothers a wonderful weekend celebrating love! Start Mother’s Day early on Saturday, May 11, from 1:30-4:30 pm with Casa del Herrero’s first Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party […]

More Land Loss
By Montecito Journal   |   May 14, 2024

I thought you might be interested to know there has recently been more land loss on Butterfly Beach. Also, I have been reporting for years to various bodies about how undermined the pedestrian/bike path is. Well over a month ago they put out signs to warn people. It has been reported in local news that […]

Support Your Neighbors
By Montecito Journal   |   May 7, 2024

My family home is within walking distance of the Miramar. I am a seventh generation Santa Barbarian. My family and I, along with many neighbors both nearby and across Montecito, firmly support the plan to add affordable housing for the workers of the Miramar, which in part is funded by the addition of retail shops […]

Montecito Fire Department to Host Community Push-In Ceremony for New Engine 92
By Montecito Journal   |   May 7, 2024

The Montecito Fire Department is hosting a community event on Monday, May 6, at 4 pm to celebrate the arrival of their newest fire engine, Engine 92. The event will take place at Fire Station 92, located at 2300 Sycamore Canyon Road in Montecito, and will feature a traditional push-in ceremony where firefighters and community […]

Diana Basehart: May 29, 1934 – April 12, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   April 30, 2024

Our community mourns the passing of an icon…  Diana Basehart, longtime animal activist, actress, sculptor, and mother passed away on April 12 at Cottage Hospital surrounded by family and friends.  She was born May 29th, 1934, in London, England. Daughter of Edward and Gwenyth Lotery. In 1939 the family fled to New York to escape […]

Alfred Earl Hayward: September 2, 1936 — December 31, 2023
By Montecito Journal   |   April 30, 2024

A fourth generation Californian, Alfred “Fred” Earl Hayward was born on September 2, 1936, at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. He attended Laguna Blanca at the Hope Ranch campus and graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1954, ultimately matriculating from Claremont McKenna College (Business / Economics) in 1958. Significantly, Fred was elected class […]

Philip Glen Beaubien
By Montecito Journal   |   April 30, 2024

Philip Glen Beaubien safely departed this life March 24, 2024, in Santa Barbara, California surrounded by family and friends with his wife, Gillian Christie, at his side.  Phil was a classical intellect and philosopher, who read voraciously from Will Durant to Thomas Paine to Omar Khayyam, but it was this quote from Phil’s literary hero, […]

Lynda Lee Millner: August 13, 1936 – April 9, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   April 23, 2024

One of Montecito’s most elegant, fashion forward, socially dynamic woman has left us. Lynda Lee Millner passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, surrounded by her family and loved ones.  Lynda was born in 1936, in Washington state, to Aage and Zula Olesen. She grew up in Spokane, WA where she […]

Shock, Awe, and Support
By Montecito Journal   |   April 2, 2024

In these troubling times both domestically and abroad, it’s great to see, in the just-certified election of Carpinteria’s Roy Lee as the new Santa Barbara County 1st District Supervisor, a heartening example that our system of one-person, one-vote does actually on occasion work as it was intended, and to be reminded of the essential role […]

Toni V. Fox: 9/25/1947 – 8/20/2023
By Montecito Journal   |   April 2, 2024

Our beloved Toni passed away on August 20, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with melanoma. She is fondly remembered by family and friends for her warmth, contagious smile, and vivacious personality.  Toni V. Fox was born in Los Angeles to Vance and Carole Basler and was one of three children with an older […]

David A Morley: 12/31/1939 – 2/3/2024
By Montecito Journal   |   April 2, 2024

The dates above are merely the frame of Dave’s life on earth. It is what he invested in that small dash in-between that has had a lasting impact on the lives of those of us who knew him, and what we will remember about him. This brief recount of his life serves only as a […]

John “Jack” Kerr Wilson: August 29, 1937 – February 25, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   March 26, 2024

John “Jack” Kerr Wilson, born on August 29, 1937 in New Jersey to John and Elizabeth Wilson, passed away on February 25, 2024. He leaves a legacy filled with laughter, steadfastness, and a deep love for his Scottish heritage. Jack, known for his friendly demeanor, hospitality and exceptional humor, made a significant impact on many.  […]

Cynthia Impey Nolen : April 18, 1933 – February 27, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   March 19, 2024

Cynthia I. Nolen, a lover of dogs, birds, books, and gardens passed away peacefully at Casa Dorinda in Montecito, California on February 27, 2024. A self- proclaimed “collector” of plants, her gardens and landscape designs continue to inspire around the U.S. Anyone who knew Cynthia was aware that she never left the house without dog […]

What Does the Community Deserve?
By Montecito Journal   |   March 5, 2024

In 2019, Das Williams said he wouldn’t accept future contributions from the cannabis industry, but he hasn’t kept this promise. The largest contribution Williams has received from the cannabis industry is from CP1 Supply Systems, located near Carpinteria and described by the Better Business Bureau as a company that deals in “Marijuana Sales and Services.” […]

In Support of Measure A
By Montecito Journal   |   March 5, 2024

The Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation supports charter amendment (Measure A2024) featured on the March 5th ballot.  In partnership with the Santa Barbara Public Library and the City, the Foundation has been working to revitalize the Library Plaza since 2012. After many years of working through the City Hall approval process and completing a successful […]

Leo (Lee) Artman : January 1, 1947 – February 9, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   February 27, 2024

With a life lived fully, we bid farewell to Leo (Lee) Artman, a remarkable soul whose presence graced our lives in countless ways. Lee ascended peacefully on February 9, 2024, surrounded by his wife, Heidi, and family and friends, leaving a legacy of love, kindness, and joy that will continue to resonate with all those […]

Make Your Voice Heard on March 5
By Montecito Journal   |   February 27, 2024

Money in politics has been something we have seen for too long, and the results have been devastating. The 1st District Supervisor race pits incumbent Das Williams against challenger Roy Lee. Williams, with substantial campaign funds, has continued to accept financial contributions from the cannabis industry, despite the ethical concerns highlighted by the 2020 Santa […]

Miramar Beach Closed Near Montecito Due to Sewage Spill
By Montecito Journal   |   February 27, 2024

Health officials have closed Miramar Beach just west of Montecito on Tuesday due to a spill of approximately 1,025,000-gallons (initially estimated at 2,500 gallons), the largest sewage spill in recent local history. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued the closure for Miramar Beach from a quarter mile east to an eighth-mile west of […]

Re: Das Williams
By Montecito Journal   |   February 20, 2024

Your recent editorial describing Das Williams as ‘commitment to self rather than to public service’ surprised me. That is a term I have never associated with him. I have personally worked with Das over these last 20 years on issues that touched on his passion for improving our Environment – bike and pedestrian safety improvements, […]

Lillian Pierson Lovelace: September 9, 1927 – January 16, 2024
By Montecito Journal   |   February 13, 2024

Lillian Pierson Lovelace, 96, wife, mother, and gracious philanthropist, died at her home in Montecito on Tuesday, January 16, herfamily announced.  Born September 9, 1927, in Los Angeles, CA, Lillian Claire Pierson grew up in Santa Monica, the youngest child of George Mercer Pierson and Rena Waltz Pierson. She attended Antioch College in Yellow Springs, […]

What is to be Gained
By Montecito Journal   |   February 13, 2024

Dear Editor [Gwyn Lurie], You wrote, “And I say, what do we have to lose by giving him [Roy Lee] a chance to prove it? Seems not much.” (Montecito Journal, Feb. 1-8, 2024) It’s not a chance of losing anything. It’s a chance to gain a lot by electing Roy Lee 1st District County Supervisor! […]

Maryan Schall’s Celebration of Life
By Montecito Journal   |   February 6, 2024

Friends of Maryan Schall are invited to join her family in a celebration of her life on April 18th at 4:30 pm at Birnam Wood Country Club. Seating is limited, so please RSVP at: celebratemaryan@gmail.com.  

Brazen Burglars Hit Montecito
By Montecito Journal   |   February 6, 2024

Santa Barbara and the surrounding areas were rocked last week by a series of four burglaries, including one targeting an estate in our tight-knit community. The break-ins all occurred over the course of a single evening, Wednesday, Jan. 24, according to a statement from Raquel Zick of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.  The modus […]

New Directors Join Montecito Association Board
By Montecito Journal   |   January 30, 2024

The Montecito Association has announced several new directors joining its board this year. The new members are Joseph Pennino, Jacqueline Duran, Jillian Wittman, Melissa Miller, and Carol Monteil. Joseph Pennino brings over 31 years of experience in the fire service, having served in the Santa Monica Fire Department in positions ranging from firefighter to fire […]

Highway 101 Construction Continues through Montecito and Summerland
By Montecito Journal   |   January 30, 2024

Construction activities on Highway 101 are ongoing in the Montecito, Summerland, and Padaro segments. Work includes roadway, drainage, bridge, and sound wall improvements.  The recent rains have altered the closure schedule and subsequent scheduling of crews for the work at the southbound off-ramp at San Ysidro Road. The off-ramp closure will begin as early as […]