Tag archives: roy lee
With winter approaching and a strong El Niño developing, Montecito residents packed Montecito Union School on September 14th for a community-wide conversation about creek conditions, flood protection, and storm preparedness. The meeting, organized in coordination with First District Supervisor Roy Lee, the Montecito Association, and local agencies, grew out of concerns raised by residents about […]
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 & […]
As forecasters continue warning of a potentially strong El Niño pattern this fall and winter, residents along La Vuelta Road are pressing Santa Barbara County to take additional steps to reduce flood risks before the rainy season begins. Roughly two dozen neighbors met July 24 with 1st District Supervisor Roy Lee and representatives from the […]
The Montecito Association Board met on June 9th and received updates on a wide range of community issues, projects, and upcoming events. Traffic Safety Concerns on Olive Mill Road: Residents raised concerns about speeding and recent accidents near the intersection of Olive Mill Road, Olive Mill Lane, and San Benito Way. The County is currently […]
It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since then Santa Barbara School Board Member Laura Capps threw her hat in the ring to challenge then 1st District County Supervisor Das Williams for his seat on the Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors. Laura didn’t win, but she came a lot closer to defeating her veteran […]
Over Thanksgiving, I noted that Manning Park’s new pickleball and tennis courts, begun earlier this year and slated to be completed November 30, are still under construction. On Monday, December 1, I contacted Supervisor Roy Lee for a timeline update and data points on what is delaying the progress. I also went to inspect it […]
Heal the Ocean’s Thank You celebration at the Santa Barbara FishHouse on November 13th turned into a memorable evening of gratitude and surprises. Despite heavy rain, supporters and dignitaries – including U.S. Congressman Salud Carbajal, Supervisor Roy Lee, former State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, and Councilmember Eric Friedman – filled the venue to honor sponsors of […]
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 […]
Cannabis odor drifting from Carpinteria’s greenhouses has been one of the most consistent concerns I heard on the campaign trail and I’ve continued to hear since taking office. As your First District Supervisor, I want to share the work that the Board of Supervisors has taken to address it – because for the first time, […]
First District Supervisor Roy Lee has been working with the Hot Springs Trail (HST) Stakeholders Group to resolve the ongoing concerns from all sides of the issue since last year. The formal update on the progress of the resolutions was provided to the Montecito Journal via his Deputy Chief Aida Thau. I reached out to […]
Over seven years and more than 4,000 complaints later, the pungent smell of pot in Carpinteria might finally be under control, thanks to the Santa Barbara County Supervisors who, on March 18th, unanimously voted to adopt amendments to the county’s cannabis ordinance. “Unanimously, the Board of Supervisors ushered in a new chapter of cannabis in […]
In the annals of Cinderella stories, this was a good one. When Roy Lee decided to throw his hat in the ring against (former) First District County Supervisor Das Williams, naysayers abounded. He lacks the experience, the political savvy, and the familiarity with the Montecito community – were just some of the charges leveled his […]
The Cannabis Ordinance is legally complex and so, as a long recovering attorney, I felt the need to clarify the overly rosy “things are about to change” reporting that I have read. Second District Supervisor Laura Capps and Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson are thoughtfully leading the way on Cannabis reform with a proposal that […]
Following the legalization of recreational cannabis in California in 2016 and the subsequent implementation of licensing regulations in 2018, the Carpinteria Valley witnessed a surge in cannabis cultivation operations. With this growth came an onslaught of resident complaints regarding the pungent odor emanating from these facilities. Since 2019, 3,900 complaints have been filed about the […]
I picked up the MJ this morning and read your [Gwyn Lurie] editorial, the transcript from last week’s BOS meeting. I loved it. It captures what I hold as the essence of the expectation – the hope, to borrow from you – of good governance. I also delighted in the eclectic choices of sources and […]
At last week’s Board meeting, there was an Honor Guard, the La Colina HS Jazz Band, and even a bit of soaring keynote rhetoric from Montecito’s own Gwyn Lurie. It was as Supervisor Steve Lavagnino described — a “celebration of democracy” — where Roy Lee took his place on the dais and Supervisor Laura Capps […]
In its first meeting of 2025, and its 125th convening, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors inducted into office three supervisors in an hour and half ceremony with much pomp and circumstance. Newly elected to the BOS is Roy Lee, First District, and taking their second and third terms respectively are Fourth District Supervisor […]
[Speech Transcript: Board of Supervisors’ Induction Ceremony, January 7, 2024] Good morning. It’s a true honor to be here today. I still believe that public service, when done right, is one of the loftier things a human being can do. And I have the utmost respect for what all of you here have chosen to […]
At noon on January 6, Roy Lee begins his term as Supervisor and while a variety of controversial District 1 issues were recently decided, we still face many challenges. Hoping for something fresh – a real change – is exciting. I, for one, am eager to see how Roy attacks his new role because, as […]
The Montecito Association November meeting was held in person at the Montecito Library community room and on Zoom, led by MA President Doug Black and Executive Director Houghton Hyatt. Rock Rockenbach updated on the path built by the Bucket Brigade near his house on Barker Pass, which had multiple issues. He said SBC Public Works […]



