Tag archives: Riven Rock

Art at Riven Rock
By Richard Mineards   |   November 5, 2024

Peripatetic Montecito accountant and Art Foundation of Santa Barbara president Frank McGinity opened the gates of his historic Riven Rock estate – just a tiara’s toss from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – for the third year for 80 guests at the fun fête, An Artful Affair, organized by the Art Foundation of Santa […]

Got Montecito?! The Many Neighborhoods of Montecito
By Mark Ashton Hunt   |   July 9, 2024

When we say “Montecito” nowadays, that word carries a lot more weight to those outside our realm than it did five years ago. Before the Rosewood at Miramar caught the eye of L.A., and before we all knew the term “working remotely.” More than the perception of Montecito as it has long been, a land […]

Art Foundation of Santa Barbara Annual Exhibition Announced
By Joanne A Calitri   |   October 3, 2023

The Art Foundation of Santa Barbara (AFSB) has announced its annual art exhibition and sale titled, An Artful Affair at Riven Rock, on Sunday, October 8, from 3 to 5 pm, at the historic Riven Rock estate of Frank McGinity. Tickets are limited to 150 lucky guests and selling fast.  I met with McGinity and […]

The Many Neighborhoods of Montecito
By Mark Ashton Hunt   |   July 18, 2023

When you decide to move to Montecito or if you live here already, you are likely aware that there are many smaller neighborhoods within the greater 93108, each offering their own charm, advantages, and distinct personality. From the Hedgerows to Eucalyptus Hill, to Toro Canyon, the beach area, and the Golden Quadrangle, it’s all good […]

Debris Flow in Riven Rock: A Personal Journey Through a Sea of Mud
By Frank McGinity   |   January 10, 2023

I’m reluctant to report on our experiences with the January 9th flood. It was difficult because 45% of our home was damaged. We couldn’t even get into our property for a month to view the damage. Yet the final result turned out to be very successful.  But we mourn the 23 people who died as […]

Ins and Outs: Montecito and Her Many Special Neighborhoods
By Mark Ashton Hunt   |   August 9, 2022

Montecito is a small town with a big presence, and it’s not just our famous residents… it’s this place. Just a mile or few from the ocean to the highest home on the hill. Nature all around. Creeks and hiking trails, small chic shops, and amazing restaurants, a reputation warranted and earned over the last […]

Neighbors Sue County Over Trail Parking
By Kelly Mahan Herrick   |   May 3, 2022

Earlier this month, we reported that there was pending litigation between several neighbors on East Mountain Drive and the County of Santa Barbara, regarding parking issues at the Hot Springs Trailhead.  A preliminary hearing on the matter is scheduled next Friday, May 6. Petitioners Christopher Anderson, Ross Bagdasarian, Peter Barker, and James Morley, represented by […]

When a Beloved Natural Site Suffers From Over-Use: The Montecito Hot Springs Trail
By Sharon Byrne   |   May 3, 2022

A lawsuit has been filed against the County to halt them from making a parking lot out of Mountain Drive for the Hot Springs Trail. Neighbors are understandably upset. Stakes were driven deep into their yards in October, showing the County’s right-of-way. The implication: they could seize all of it for trailhead parking.  The Hot […]

A Response to Water and Sanitary Districts Consolidation
By Montecito Journal   |   April 26, 2022

Bob Hazard’s recent piece, “Should the Montecito Water and Sanitary Districts Consolidate?” needs a host of corrections, out of respect for the intelligence (and ratepayer costs) of the citizens of Montecito, particularly Water District customers. As part of the “Montecito Water Security Team,” Hazard praises a number of studies – MORE STUDIES – on studies […]

More Montecito Hot Springs
By Montecito Journal   |   March 8, 2022

Again, Mr. Emanuel in his latest letter (February 24, 2022) puts words in my mouth that I never said. Regarding a shuttle, he says “…where is the pickup parking lot to be? Bryan has suggested Mt. Carmel…” I never suggested the Mt. Carmel Church for a shuttle. He goes on to say, “What we are […]

Putting the Cart Before the Horse
By Montecito Journal   |   March 1, 2022

In a perfect universe there would be unlimited funds and proactive civil, charitable and political involvement on the Hot Springs Trail issue that seems to engender such considerable interest on the part of Bryan Rosen. No one can reasonably dispute that his desire to clean up the trail from potentially dangerous and unsightly impediments makes […]

Riven Rock Parking Solutions
By Montecito Journal   |   January 25, 2022

A few days after New Year’s Day, Riven Rock Road was a mess due to the large number of vehicles parked on it. Some were on the dirt, but quite a few were on the roadway protruding over the white line. It must have been a ticketing bonanza. People are coming from all over to […]

Clarification and Public Input Needed Over Riven Rock Parking Problem
By Montecito Journal   |   June 17, 2021

The public’s right to use and enjoy Los Padres National Park and a number of its trails has little meaning when the public has no practical means of accessing Hot Springs Trail and others. Conflicts arise between private landowners and the general public who wish to enjoy wilderness areas that are not accessible without parking […]

Threat of Vandalism Near Hot Springs Trailhead
By Montecito Journal   |   May 27, 2021

On May 17, 2021, a car was parked on Mountain Drive near the corner of East Mountain Drive and Hot Springs Road. It was barely sticking into the road, less than other hikers’ cars further west, near Ashley Road. A note was placed on it which said, “Park here again and you will be towed […]

Loss of Parking for Hot Springs Trail — How to Remedy the Situation
By Bryan Rosen   |   May 20, 2021

The process for removing parking on Riven Rock Road was disrespectful because there were no public hearings or solicitation for hiker input. Notices could have been placed on the Hot Springs trailhead but weren’t. Parking access for trails should not be limited in the future without notice given to hikers and the community, so all […]

Hundreds of SB Residents Tell Governor: No! on Das Williams for Coastal Commission
By Montecito Journal   |   April 16, 2021

We are deeply dismayed to learn that Das Williams is seeking an appointment to the California Coastal Commission for the Central Coast. A controversial supervisor synonymous with Santa Barbara’s much-contested cannabis ordinance, Williams was barely able to retain his position in 2020 (even with the political and financial muscle of the cannabis industry). Indeed, there […]

Loss of Parking for Hot Springs Trail
By Montecito Journal   |   April 15, 2021

On March 31, 2021, I rode my bicycle to Riven Rock Road. Signs were placed there saying “No Parking,” threatening tickets to those who did so. I asked Gary Smart of the road crew what was going on. He told me that white lines were going to be painted on both sides of the road […]

Making the Rounds
By Richard Mineards   |   March 14, 2019

The mad social whirl was at full throttle when UCSB Arts & Lectures hosted parties for guest speakers at the Granada and Campbell Hall. The first was held at the charming Montecito residence of Audrey and Tim Fisher, the former home of actor James Brolin, for global photographer James Balog, who spoke about his new […]

Riven Rock
By Lynda Millner   |   November 8, 2018

The Santa Barbara Historical Museum (SBHM) became a movie house for the evening with so many theater-goers that they had to have two showings. The film was a documentary about Riven Rock and the McCormick family. The producer was Frank McGinity, who lived for 27 years in the building that housed the movie theater for […]

Rock Solid
By Richard Mineards   |   July 12, 2018

A decade ago, Montecito asset manager Frank McGinity produced a film on Riven Rock and one of its more famous residents, Stanley McCormick, who was confined to the area for 40 years, and was the subject, in 1929, of the largest custodial lawsuit in America. McCormick, the son of Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the mechanical […]