‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ with Montecito Bank & Trust
By Richard Mineards   |   January 5, 2026

Montecito Bank & Trust celebrated its 50th anniversary with customers at a reception and a special screening of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Riviera Theatre, with guests bringing canned-goods donations for Unity Shoppe. SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling welcomed the crowd, reflecting on the film’s message about how small actions can create lasting impact […]

Trés Chic: Coast 2 Coast Celebrates!
By Richard Mineards   |   December 2, 2025

By Maria McCall Bob and Holly Murphy hosted an elegant gathering to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their La Arcada boutique, Coast 2 Coast Collection, beautifully decked out in holiday splendor. Described by Richard Mineards as an “Aladdin’s cave,” this two-story boutique is renowned for offering luxury brands that are rare – or even impossible […]

 

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Bright Girls, Bold Futures 2025
By Richard Mineards   |   November 25, 2025

Written by Maria W. Long I was escorted into the celebration by a beautiful young girl with a sparkling smile, who said, “Welcome, I am so excited you’re here!” as I entered this heartwarming, yet powerful event. Over 200 passionate community leaders at the Santa Barbara Club where there for a joyful celebration of resilience, […]

Local Music Lovers Rally to Support Angels
By Richard Mineards   |   November 25, 2025

By Maria W. Long This fall, our vibrant city transformed into a haven for music lovers. Weekend after weekend, legendary performers filled local venues, offering residents an abundance of unforgettable concerts. Among the season’s standout events was an all-star tribute to the late Brian Wilson and the music of the Beach Boys, held at the […]

Santa Barbara Rallies to Honor Our Veterans
By Richard Mineards   |   November 25, 2025

By Maria McCall On Veterans Day, more than 1,000 families, friends, and grateful community members gathered at Santa Barbara Cemetery – where veterans from as far back as the Civil War are laid to rest – to honor the courageous men and women who have served with unwavering dedication and sacrifice. The Santa Barbara Choral […]

A Bewitching Debut at the Santa Barbara Club
By Richard Mineards   |   November 11, 2025

By Maria McCall Last Friday evening, the Santa Barbara Club hosted a magical inaugural Halloween party that would have enchanted even the ghosts of Montecito’s high society. Candlelight flickered off champagne flutes as members mingled, enjoying a decadent buffet of tenderloin with autumn vegetables, pumpkin bisque, an arugula and butternut squash salad, and desserts that […]

Witchfest at the Historic Alhecama Theatre
By Richard Mineards   |   November 11, 2025

by Robert F Adams A ghoulish spectacular was held at the historic Alhecama Theatre on Saturday, November 1. Organized by Teresa Kuskey and Rick Oshay, the event, La Boheme Presents: A Happy Halloween Dead Dance and Cabaret Show, welcomed spooked visitors to the front courtyard to mingle among costumed guests. The witchy crowd was able […]

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  • Sips and Nibbles: A Tasteful Evening  or a Worthy Cause
    By Richard Mineards   |   November 11, 2025

    By Maria McCall The old-world charm of El Paseo set the scene for a delightful evening as the Grassini Family Vineyards Tasting Room hosted Sips and Nibbles, a benefit for Food From The Heart. Guests enjoyed Grassini estate wines and Chef Aaron Casale’s sumptuous bites while singer/guitarist Kylie Butler’s smooth tunes set the mood. For […]

    FSA Celebrates Generosity and Service Since 1899
    By Richard Mineards   |   November 4, 2025

    By Maria McCall Longtime supporters Michael and Marni Cooney hosted a donor appreciation reception at the Valley Club to honor Family Service Agency (FSA) and its vital work. Marni highlighted that FSA has been serving those in need in our community since 1899, today reaching over 26,000 individuals with services like senior programs, family support, […]

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    Love Takes Center Stage: Symphony, Ballet & A Surprise Proposal!
    By Richard Mineards   |   October 28, 2025

    The Granada Theatre was filled with 2,650 eager fans this weekend as the Santa Barbara Symphony and State Street Ballet launched their 2025/26 seasons with a dazzling joint production. Santa Barbara Symphony President & CEO, Kathryn R. Martin, and State Street Ballet Executive Director, Cecily MacDougall, welcomed guests and outlined each of their exciting upcoming […]

    FSA Shines at the 34th Annual Santa Barbara Senior Expo
    By Richard Mineards   |   October 28, 2025

    The 34th Annual Santa Barbara Senior Expo, powered by Family Service Agency (FSA), lit up the Earl Warren Showgrounds with energy, services, and community spirit. More than 120 engaged exhibitors came together to offer support to over 1,000 local seniors. The event was a real celebration of aging well – providing in-home care solutions, flu […]

    Grace, Guitars & Good Vibes at La Lieff
    By Richard Mineards   |   October 28, 2025

    Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone came alive as the Grace Fisher Foundation hosted a vibrant fundraiser at La Lieff Tasting Room. Friends, family, and supporters gathered to celebrate the Foundation’s recent City of Santa Barbara Art Business Award and kick off ticket sales for the upcoming Winter Music Showcase. The evening buzzed with good wine, warm […]

    Bellosguardo Gets Its Groove On Doublewide!
    By Richard Mineards   |   October 21, 2025

    A coastal breeze, golden gloaming, and the sprawling splendor of Bellosguardo set the stage for an unforgettable evening as Santa Barbara’s own Doublewide Kings brought their signature swagger to one of California’s most storied estates. For this official Bellosguardo event, part of their notable programming, the estate’s historic charm was complemented by an unforgettable musical […]

    SBF Donors Respond
    By Richard Mineards   |   October 21, 2025

    Golden light set the atmosphere for the Santa Barbara Foundation’s annual Catalyst Reception, a special event to honor donors, partners, and supporters. The festive fall fête took place at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, where a benevolent crowd gathered in a courtyard nestled between two historic adobes. Sporting cowboy boots with spurs, we couldn’t resist […]

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