Tag archives: Montecito Association

Help Preserve Montecito’s Voice in Planning Decisions
By Houghton Hyatt   |   October 19, 2026

Montecito’s semi-rural character did not happen by accident. It reflects decades of thoughtful planning, architectural review, and community participation. As Santa Barbara County considers changes to its permitting process, residents have an opportunity to speak up for the protections that have helped shape the community we call home. Following the October 7 hearing, the Montecito […]

Wildfire Readiness, Public Safety, and Community Initiatives
By Houghton Hyatt   |   September 22, 2026

Wildfire prevention, winter storm preparedness, and public safety led the discussion at the Montecito Association’s September Board meeting, alongside updates on local schools, community projects, and MA initiatives. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department reviewed several incidents reported during August, including vehicle theft, burglary, DUI arrests, and continuing mailbox theft. Residents were encouraged to install […]

Winter Preparation
By Houghton Hyatt   |   September 15, 2026

With winter approaching and forecasters now under an El Niño advisory for the season ahead, the Montecito Association, with First District Supervisor Roy Lee, is bringing residents, public agencies and elected officials together for a community-wide discussion about the condition of Montecito’s creeks, flood-control infrastructure and preparations for the months ahead. The Montecito Creek & […]

Your Various Village Verities
By Houghton Hyatt   |   September 1, 2026

Every week, the Montecito Association gathers information from local agencies, elected officials, community partners, and residents to help our members understand what is happening throughout Montecito. From public safety and emergency preparedness to traffic, land use, and neighborhood concerns, our goal is to keep the community informed, connected, and engaged. We look forward to sharing […]

August’s Meeting Spanned Firefighters, Flood Preparedness, and Podcasts
By Montecito Journal   |   August 25, 2026

Public safety, wildfire readiness, flood prevention and several new community initiatives took center stage at the Montecito Association’s August board meeting. Chief Brian Fallon of the Montecito Fire District reported that approximately 10% of district personnel are currently supporting mutual-aid assignments outside the community, while adequate staffing remains in place to protect Montecito. A new […]

May Meeting and Community Gathering
By Houghton Hyatt   |   May 26, 2026

At its recent monthly meeting, the Montecito Association welcomed community members and partners for a wide-ranging discussion focused on wildfire preparedness, public safety, advocacy efforts, and upcoming community events.  A major focus of the meeting was wildfire mitigation and emergency preparedness. Representatives from the Montecito Fire Protection District and the Santa Barbara County Fire Safe […]

April Board Meeting with Hands Across Montecito Update
By Houghton Hyatt   |   April 28, 2026

The Montecito Association Board of Directors held its April meeting with a featured annual update on Hands Across Montecito (HAM), the community’s coordinated homeless outreach initiative, alongside regular reports from local agencies and updates on key Association priorities. Representatives from CityNet and Earthcomb, core partners in the HAM program, presented a comprehensive look at the […]

Pickleball Court Opens, Final HWY 101 Construction & Other Updates
By Houghton Hyatt   |   March 24, 2026

The Montecito Association Board of Directors met in March to discuss a wide range of community issues, including public safety, infrastructure projects, and community initiatives. The meeting highlighted regional construction plans, wildfire preparedness efforts, ongoing work to strengthen community engagement, and the recognition of Fire Chief Neels as he prepares to retire at the end […]

Updates on Committees, Leaf Blower Ban, and More
By Houghton Hyatt   |   February 24, 2026

The Montecito Association Board of Directors convened February 10th, for its monthly meeting, following its annual board retreat in January, with discussions focusing on public safety and strengthening community engagement. During public comment, there was a presentation from two high school students, Jack Hyatt and Sebastian Fabio, who are leading a seven-week fundraising campaign for […]

New Board and More at January Meeting
By Houghton Hyatt   |   January 27, 2026

The Montecito Association held its Annual Meeting and January Board Meeting on January 13, 2026, welcoming community members, announcing election results, and hearing updates from key agencies and partners on issues impacting Montecito.  The meeting opened with the 2025 Montecito Association Annual Meeting, during which prior minutes were approved and board actions ratified. The president […]

Montecito Association Reflects on a Year of Action and Looks Ahead to 2026
By Houghton Hyatt   |   January 5, 2026

As 2025 comes to a close, the Montecito Association reflects on a year marked by active advocacy, community collaboration, and meaningful progress on issues that directly affect quality of life in Montecito. With strong support from its members, volunteers, and community partners, the Association continued to serve as an independent and consistent voice for the […]

Infrastructure, Safety, and Community Updates at December Board Meeting
By Houghton Hyatt   |   December 23, 2025

The Montecito Association Board met in December to receive updates on major regional infrastructure projects, public safety initiatives, school programs, and ongoing community outreach efforts, while also taking formal action on key policy matters affecting the community. The agenda was focused on the upcoming Highway 101 Santa Barbara North segment. Representatives from the Santa Barbara […]

Rain Reports, Beautification, and More at November Meeting
By Houghton Hyatt   |   November 25, 2025

The Montecito Association Board convened for its November meeting with a full agenda that ranged from storm preparedness and school updates to major community planning efforts and a celebration of the 40th Annual Beautification Day. With winter weather on the horizon and several long-term projects underway, local officials and agency partners offered timely insights and […]

Montecito Beautification Day and Other News Bytes
By Joanne A Calitri   |   November 11, 2025

Montecito’s 40th Annual Beautification Day takes place Saturday, November 8, from 9 am to 12 pm at Montecito Union School. Hosted by the Montecito Association and chaired by Mindy Denson, the event begins with breakfast from the Rosewood Miramar, followed by community cleanup projects, awards, and a celebratory lunch by San Ysidro Ranch – a […]

Zone Zero, Earthcomb, and the October Board Meeting
By Houghton Hyatt   |   October 28, 2025

The Montecito Association’s October Board Meeting brought together local leaders, agency partners, and community members for a comprehensive update on public safety, infrastructure, and upcoming events. From record-high state test scores to rainfall updates and Beautification Day plans, the meeting reflected the Association’s ongoing commitment to preserving Montecito’s character and supporting its residents. Montecito Fire […]

School Attendance, Groundwater Monitoring, and More at Board Meeting
By Houghton Hyatt   |   September 23, 2025

The September Board Meeting of the Montecito Association provided important updates on community priorities, featuring reports from law enforcement, local schools, the water district, Caltrans, and the fire department. The Sheriff’s Department began with an update on public safety, noting recent red flag days and continued enforcement of parking restrictions at Hot Springs Trail, where […]

Village 4th Takes off with Longer Parade Route
By Joanne A Calitri   |   July 15, 2025

The Montecito Association’s Village 4th went full on with a longer parade route that officially started at the intersection of San Ysidro Road (SYR) and East Valley Road, then proceeded down SYR to Lower Manning Park. The parade route was packed with kids of all ages and dogs donning their best July 4th-inspired fashion statements. […]

Montecito Association’s Annual Village 4th
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 24, 2025

The Montecito Association Annual Village 4th committee, led by MA Events Chair Mindy Denson, has been working for the past year to make the 2025 July 4th celebration one for the books. The event is being co-sponsored by the Montecito Community Foundation. This year’s Grand Marshalls are Cold Spring School Superintendent/Principal Amy Alzina and MUS […]

Sheriff’s Substation to be at Rosewood Miramar Beach
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 24, 2025

The Montecito Association June 2025 meeting was held on Tuesday, June 10. The Montecito Association [MA] June 2025 meeting was held on Tuesday, June 10. Present were MA President Doug Black; 1st VP Leslie Lundgren; Executive Director Houghton Hyatt; Rebecca Caraway News Reporter for Noozhawk; Philipp Posch Sr. V.P. of Hospitality for the Rosewood Miramar […]

101 Highway Updates, New Butterfly Beach Stairs and Swim Platforms
By Joanne A Calitri   |   June 17, 2025

The Montecito Association Land Use Committee (LUC) May meeting was held at the Montecito Library community room and on Zoom. The meeting was called to order by LUC Chair, Dorinne Lee Johnson.  Attendees were Steven Amerikaner,the newly appointedMontecito Planning Commission Chair; SBC Transportation Deputy Director Mostafa Estaji, Aida Thau representing First District SBC Supervisor Roy […]